Beltane Ritual: Anoint and Awaken

Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival occurring on the first day of May to celebrate the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, a time when the Earth’s vitality is at its peak and life bursts into full bloom. Traditionally marked with fire ceremonies, dancing, and rituals of fertility and protection, Beltane honors the fertile marriage of sun and earth that ensures the abundance of the seasons ahead. This is a sacred union of masculine and feminine forces in nature, which reflect the union of those same forces within ourselves.

Beltane is a threshold moment when energies of growth, passion, and creation overflow. It is a time to reconnect with the wild, sacred rhythm of life. Each ingredient in my Beltane Blend anointing oil carries a distinct energy to support this potent seasonal turning. Together, they weave fragrant intentions of renewal and celebration:

Lavender - Peace

As the Earth stirs with vibrant new life, lavender offers a deep breath of peace. Its soothing scent quiets the mind and softens the heart, creating the inner spaciousness needed to receive the abundance of this season. In the fertile rush of Beltane energy, lavender reminds us to stay rooted in calm and receptive to grace.

Bay Laurel (Laurus Nobilis) - Courage

Beltane invites us to boldly step into new beginnings. Claim desire! Pursue our visions! Bay laurel is sacred to ancient rites of triumph and clarity. It strengthens our inner fire. It calls forth the courage to live fully and brightly in alignment with our truest path.

Pine - Vitality

The steady, evergreen presence of pine infuses us with vitality. It is the essence of enduring life force. As the days lengthen and the world grows lush, pine reminds us that true strength is both wild and resilient. It anchors the expansiveness of Beltane, and helps ground our energy to body and earth.

Juniper - Protection

In ancient traditions, juniper was burned to clear spaces of unwanted energies and to protect sacred rites. As Beltane’s fires blaze to honor transformation, juniper stands as a guardian, helping us release what no longer serves and protecting the tender new life blossoming within and around us.

Tangerine - Joy

Above all, Beltane is a festival of joy, laughter, pleasure, dance, and celebration. Tangerine’s bright, sweet aroma captures the spirit of pure delight. It uplifts the heart and awakens a playful spirit, reminding us that joy is a sacred offering, and that to revel in life is a form of devotion.

Sesame - Abundance and Fertility

I chose sesame seed oil as the carrier for both its ancient symbolism and its earthy qualities. Sesame has been revered across cultures for thousands of years as a symbol of abundance and fertility, which are both central qualities of Beltane. The tiny seed, rich in oil, represents life's hidden potency, just as Beltane marks the season when hidden growth bursts into vibrant visible life. Sesame oil also carries a warming, energizing quality, long used in traditional healing practices to awaken circulation and ignite inner fire, making it a perfect ally for Beltane rituals. Anointing with sesame oil nourishes the skin and the deeper layers of spirit to align you with the energy of the season.

Beltane Anointing Ritual

1. Center: Find a quiet space. Take three slow, deep breaths. Connect to the energy of the Earth beneath you.

2. Light: If you have one, light a candle to honor the fire of Beltane and the spark of life within you. Or sit by a bonfire. Or simply visualize a fire burning bright.

3. Anoint: Roll a small amount of the Beltane Blend onto your wrists, heart center, neck, and behind your ears.

4. Seal: Place your hands over your heart. Breathe in deeply and inhale the aroma. Feel the peace, courage, vitality, protection, and joy weaving into your being. Close with a simple blessing: "By Beltane's fire my spirit is free, joy and courage awaken in me."

Beltane Blessings,

xoAshley Devon