How to Perform a Beltane Ritual

Beltane is one of the eight sacred sabbats celebrated in wicca. The ritual is performed on the evening of Beltane, April 30, in celebration of spring, growth and fertility. While you should personalize the evocations, prayers and blessings as you perform your personal ritual, a few tips can get you started.

Things You'll Need

• 5 candles (1 larger than the rest)
• Wooden dagger
• Chalice
• Multi-colored ribbons
• Small tree branch
• Simple feast items

Instructions

1. Cast a circle in any way you see fit for your Beltane ritual and then recite a calling to each of the four direction from the center of the circle. As you call to each direction, stand facing in that direction and light a candle, placing it just inside the border of your magic circle.

2. Light a large candle, the Beltane candle, in the center of the circle and invoke the God and Goddess. Again, write your own personal invocations and as well as a poem to recite after the invocation which includes your statement of purpose for the ritual. Remember as you perform your rites that Beltane is the symbolic matrimony of the God and Goddess and a celebration of fertility, birth and life.

3. Hold a wooden dagger in your right hand, a symbol of the God and a water-filled chalice in your left, a symbol of the Goddess. Imagine the union of the God and Goddess and your inseparability from them as you dip the dagger into the chalice. Set the sword and chalice in the center of your circle.

4. Gather multi-colored ribbons, each representing a wish for the future. Tie the ribbons onto a tree branch and then braid the ribbons around the branch as you meditate on each wish. As you move from wish to wish, pass the wand above the flame of the Beltane candle.

5. Enjoy a small feast of food and drink within the circle and then thank the God and Goddess for all of their blessings. Remain in meditation in the circle for as long as you like before extinguishing the candles and closing the circle.