Beltane: Fire, Fertility & the Returning Bloom
Written by Bri Luna
April is gone, and now May begins to bloom, we arrive at Beltane a sacred fire festival rooted in Celtic tradition, and one of the eight sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. It marks the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice: a threshold of fertility, creativity, and sensual awakening.
Traditionally, Beltane was celebrated with bonfires, flower crowns, dancing around the maypole, and rituals to protect crops, livestock, and the household. Flames were leapt over for blessings, and lovers disappeared into the woods for rites of pleasure and renewal. It is a time of union between body and spirit, earth and sky, desire and devotion.
Whether you celebrate with a wild revel or a quiet altar, Beltane invites you to come alive.
A Beltane Blessing Ritual
Light a red or gold candle and whisper your desires into the flame.
Adorn your altar with fresh flowers, honey, rose quartz, and seasonal fruits.
Offer thanks to the Earth and ask what you can do to honor her return.
Dance. Touch. Let beauty move through your body without shame.
Beltane Strawberry Mint Lemonade
Ingredients
This strawberry mint lemonade only needs five ingredients and a bit of time to come together!
Water
Granulated sugar
Lemons – some juiced and some sliced
Fresh strawberries
Fresh mint leaves
For exact ingredient measurements and recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
How to make strawberry mint lemonade
Combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and mint leaves in a medium saucepan. Bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute.
Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes.
Pour the cooled simple syrup through a strainer into a mason jar or bottle. Discard the mint (or save for garnishing.)
In a blender, combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice with the fresh strawberries. Blend well, then pour the liquid into a pitcher though a strainer to remove the berry seeds (if desired – if you like texture, leave it all in!)
Add the remaining lemon juice and 2-3 cups of water to the pitcher and stir well. Add the minted simple syrup to taste, stir, then chill.
Serve over ice, and garnish with lemon slices, sliced strawberries, and sprigs of mint.
This recipe makes enough lemonade for about 4 glasses – perfect for an afternoon with your sweetie! If you’ve got a baby shower, birthday party, or family BBQ on the horizon, you can easily double or triple it!