Beltane

As the wheel of the year turns, we now find ourselves at the threshold of Beltane, a vibrant and potent celebration marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Beltane, observed on May 1st in the Northern Hemisphere, heralds the arrival of warmer days and the blossoming of life in its fullest glory. Rooted in ancient traditions and steeped in astrological significance, Beltane offers us a profound opportunity to connect with the rhythms of nature and harness its transformative energies. This year, Venus, the traditional ruler of Beltane and of the sign of Taurus whose season we are now in, makes a powerful square aspect to Pluto on this day. To understand what this means for us, and how it will impact us, its important to first look at Beltane itself.

Beltane traces its origins back to ancient Celtic and Gaelic traditions, where it was celebrated with bonfires, feasting, and rituals to honour fertility, growth, and the union of the divine masculine and feminine energies. It marks a time of transition, where the earth is alive with the promise of abundance, and the veil between the mundane and the spiritual realms is believed to be thin, facilitating deeper connections with higher consciousness.

During this time, the sun is in the earthy and sensual sign of Taurus, symbolising fertility, stability, and the abundance of the earth. Taurus, ruled by Venus, encourages us to ground ourselves in the present moment, revel in the beauty of the natural world, and cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

Venus's rulership of Beltane highlights the celestial embodiment of love, beauty, and harmony. Venus's influence during this time invites us to explore our relationships, both romantic and platonic, with others and with ourselves, in order to find a deeper connection. Venus encourages us to embrace pleasure and sensuality, to luxuriate in the simple joys of life, and to celebrate the bonds that nourish our souls. Beltane is the time for frolicking around the maypole, for making wishes and sealing fate with blessings. Traditionally this fire festival is held to celebrate all that goes with the idea of fertility - it is about abundance, pleasure, union and light.

Venus and Pluto connecting in this Square aspect is suggestive of a challenge. Squares are the aspects which push us to grow - to develop our inner self and move from surviving to thriving. Wherever there is a square there is a push for action to be taken to resolve tension and this square between Venus, at home in Taurus, and Pluto now in the humanitarian air sign of Aquarius, has a stubborn quality to it due to the fixed nature of these signs.

Planets in fixed signs can dig in their heels and move slowly when it comes to shifting our perspective. The pull between what is safe and what is for our higher good may feel intensified under this connection.

How can we get what we want, and remain safe whilst honouring our need to change and grow? How can we pursue our own desires whilst being true to the calling of helping and supporting others?

How can we move forwards towards joy and fulfilment with the knowledge we have of just how precarious and precious life is?

These questions do not have to be answered all at once. This potent moment at Beltane is a point in the year to celebrate our connection with the Earth and to the heavens above us - and most importantly to trust in the wisdom of the universe to guide us towards what is right. If we stop and listen, the universe has much to teach us.

Follow your intuition freely and challenge yourself to let go - trusting the cosmos to lead you towards the course which is right for you. Pluto in Aquarius is drawing out anything putrid from the shadows and bringing it to the air and the light. Venus in the sign of Taurus wants to preserve the status quo, she is keen to leave apple carts as stable and as comfortable as possible which creates the tension for this square aspect.

When we are comfortable we are not growing and Pluto demands that for our own good we must continue to change and to heal. These planets can find harmony as long as we recognise their respective influences and choose to act in accordance. To make a promise to ourselves to do what is right and to reap the rewards of any upset on the way by using disruption to recharge our desire to live a life which fulfils us on a deeper level, to create a world in which we and our children can flourish.

Incorporating the astrological significance of Beltane into our lives can enrich our spiritual practices and deepen our connection with the natural world.When was the last time you connected with the natural world around you and took the time to listen to what was being whispered on the wind? When we make space in our lives to feel the breeze on our face, to spend time under blossoming trees and to simply breathe we often find that our worries are answered.

To make the most of this energy without the need for a maypole, or the inconvenience of finding a green man, you can create and follow your own ritual. Here are some suggestions you could incorporate into your celebration to help you harness the transformative energies of Beltane and channel positive energy into your life:

Perform a renewal ceremony. Light a candle, make a wish. Create a daisy chain or a crown of flowers and spend time outdoors saying thank you to Mother nature for her fertility and abundance.

Attune yourself to the whispers of nature. Soaking up the beauty of nature, attune yourself to the rhythms of the earth. Take a walk in the woods, tend to your garden, or simply bask in the warmth of the sun or the sensation of raindrops on your face.

Celebrate love and connection. Reach out to loved ones, express gratitude for their presence in your life, and celebrate the bonds of friendship and love that sustain you. Let go of hurt and light a fire to celebrate the freedom you find in honouring something you love about yourself.

Set intentions for anything in your life you wish to fertilise. Take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations for the coming months. Write them down, visualise them manifesting, and set your intentions for growth, abundance, and joy. You could set these free by releasing them into fire or keep them safe, sealing them with a May Day kiss.