A Lazy Witch's Beltane Tips

    As a single mom, a generally lazy witch, and someone who prefers to be more subtle with witchcraft overall, I tend to want something less overt and time-consuming when it comes to celebrating Sabbats. Beltane is a holy evening which marks the center-point between the Spring and Summer Solstice. The days are finally noticeably longer and we are sure now of the return of summer after the long winter. We can sew seeds without fear of frost, and the fertile soil is already bursting with life. It is easy, when you look at nature this time of year, to see how ancient peoples would have strongly associated this festival with fire and fertility.
    Fire and fertility, though, are not the most subtle or family-friendly things to celebrate. So, the following are a few things that I have found work for me as I quietly embrace my inner witch. I hope they help you feel a smidge more witchy as well.

1. Listen to your favorite music and dance it out. Find something that makes you feel filled with fiery energy and passion, something that you can’t resist moving to. If you are doing this with family or friends you can each make your own playlist or everyone can choose songs to add to a community playlist which is then used for a dance party. This one is especially fun and helpful if you have young children. Mix your songs in with their favorites and take the sound system outside with you. Dance under the sunshine or around a bonfire (obviously this one may not be child-friendly), or in your living room, just focus on feeling joy and warmth as you move.
2. Indulge in something yummy. Beltane is about enjoying the pleasurable things that exist for all of our senses in this world. Why not take a single meal to appreciate your favorite foods? Especially the foods that you don’t usually allow yourself, which makes them a special treat. Take your time savoring the flavors and appreciating all of the components that had to come together for that meal to be created. Even saying a prayer of your choice (or making) can help enhance the action and direct your intentions.
3. Pick wildflowers and put them in a special bowl or cup. The mere act of placing wildflowers into a vessel with intention transforms this simple thing into an offering for the Goddess. The vessel represents the womb, and the flowers are the growing life within. This can be placed on an altar or on a kitchen table, and the flowers can be picked with friends, with children, or by yourself. When the flowers dry you can burn them, bury them near your home, or leave just them somewhere in nature to feed the earth.
4. Toss some breadcrumbs or birdseed in your yard. You could go out and purchase birdseed at almost any store that sells animal supplies, or you can take those bread-butts that you know you never eat and let them dry on the counter. Then crumble them into a bowl and toss it out where some birds can enjoy the snack. You can also use whole peanuts as long as they dont have sugar or salt on them, as well as dried corn and other dry whole grains (ex: oatmeal). Envision that the birds who eat the food are spirits of the earth accepting your offering, who will carry your wishes to those who may fulfill them. Again, this activity is easy and often fun to do with children.
5. Go for a walk. I know this one sounds kinda hard, but trust me, it’s worth it. If you can walk in nature, do that. If not, just go for a walk in your neighborhood and try to spot elements of nature around you. Use all of your senses as you stroll. Feel the sun, smell the air, observe the animals that have made a home near yours, appreciate that everything in nature lives and shares the planet alongside you. Ruminate on the cycles of nature, on the beauty of spring, on the rebirth of the world. Talk about the things you observe with your child, or with a friend, and remember to also appreciate that person as you share space and words with them.

As you can see witchcraft doesn’t have to be walking naked in the moonlight, or rooms filled with candles. Your intentions alone can make any simple action magickal. As a bonus activity you can explore your own actions and ask yourself this Beltane: “How can I change my intentions so that I grow and blossom with the earth?”

Merry and Blessed Be, My Friends!

​Author: Aviva Tamar of Silfren Circle

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