Here’s a quick reference guide for you for the symbols, meanings, and correspondences often associated with Beltane.

What is Beltane?

Beltane is a day that’s deeply associated with renewal, fertility, passion, and the joyful energy of late spring as summer begins to unfold.

Use the detailed correspondences below to connect with the energy of Beltane and enrich your celebrations and rituals.

Date: May 1 (Often Celebrated April 30–May 2)

Beltane marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

Historically, celebrations began at sunset on April 30, continuing through the first day of May.

This period symbolizes a powerful energetic gateway, when nature reaches a peak of vitality and growth.

Element: Fire

Fire embodies Beltane’s transformative and passionate energy.

In ancient times, communities lit bonfires to purify, protect, and celebrate abundance.

Ritual fires represented the divine spark within and the life force energy (Chi or prana), fueling growth, inspiration, and passion.

Beltane fires were used symbolically to clear away old patterns and ignite intentions.

Colors: Red, White, Green, Gold, Floral Tones

• Red: Passion, vitality, desire, sacred life force
• White: Purity, spiritual awakening, new beginnings, peace
• Green: Fertility, prosperity, growth, nature’s abundance, plant medicine
• Gold: Solar energy, success, illumination, divine blessings
• Floral tones: Celebration of flowers in bloom, nature’s beauty, joy, love, and gentle renewal

Crystals: Carnelian, Rose Quartz, Emerald, Garnet, Fire Opal

• Carnelian: Ignites passion and creativity, supports courage, boosts fertility and vitality.
• Rose Quartz: Associated with love, compassion, emotional healing, heart-opening energies; ideal for fostering loving relationships.
• Emerald: Enhances fertility, brings harmony and growth; associated with nature’s abundance and prosperity.
• Garnet: Deeply energizing, promoting strength, passion, and manifestation of intentions.
• Fire Opal: Connects to the transformative fire element, inspiring spontaneity, creativity, and passionate expression.

Herbs: Hawthorn, Rose, Mugwort, Thyme, Marigold, Rosemary

• Hawthorn: Sacred in Celtic tradition, used for protection, love spells, fertility rituals, and blessing the heart chakra.
• Rose: Symbol of love, passion, beauty, healing, and emotional balance; commonly used in spells for harmony and attraction.
• Mugwort: Enhances psychic abilities, dream work, divination; sacred to lunar and visionary magic.
• Thyme: Used for courage, purification, attracting health, prosperity, and positive energy into one’s life.
• Marigold (Calendula): Symbolizes the sun, warmth, protection, success; traditionally used in rituals honoring solar deities.
• Rosemary: Purifying, protective, boosts memory and concentration, and used magically to strengthen love and devotion.

Deities: Belenus, Cernunnos, Pan, Aphrodite, Rhiannon, Flora, May Queen, Green Man

• Belenus (Celtic): Sun deity of healing, fertility, and warmth; celebrated at Beltane for his radiant blessings.
• Cernunnos (Celtic): Horned god of nature, animals, fertility, and the wild forest; embodies masculine vitality.
• Pan (Greek): God of wild nature, fertility, sensuality, and music; encourages freedom, playfulness, and passion.
• Aphrodite (Greek): Goddess of love, beauty, and passion; invoked for harmony, attraction, and romantic rituals.
• Rhiannon (Welsh): Goddess of fertility, rebirth, magic, and dreams; symbolizes the power of renewal and the cycles of life.
• Flora (Roman): Goddess of flowers and springtime; celebrated in ancient Roman Floralia, closely linked to Beltane.
• May Queen and Green Man: Symbolize the sacred union of feminine and masculine energies; central figures in Beltane rituals representing fertility, balance, and nature’s harmonious cycles.

Animals: Bees, Rabbits, Deer, Swans, Butterflies

• Bees: Community, abundance, hard work, joy; powerful symbols of cooperative growth and fertility.
• Rabbits: Fertility, rapid growth, playfulness, prosperity; embody Beltane’s abundant reproductive energies.
• Deer: Grace, gentleness, sensitivity; sacred to nature gods and goddesses, representing renewal and natural cycles.
• Swans: Symbolize divine love, soul mates, transformation, and spiritual awakening; associated with purity and elegance.
• Butterflies: Transformation, rebirth, joy; represent the ability to embrace change and evolve gracefully.

Symbols: Maypole, Bonfire, Blossoms, Antlers, Chalice and Blade, Wreaths

• Maypole: Phallic symbol representing fertility; ribbons woven around the pole symbolize union and the interconnectedness of life.
• Bonfire: Symbolizes purification, passion, and transformative power; used in rituals of renewal, cleansing, and celebration.
• Blossoms: Represent fertility, beauty, and renewal; flowers at Beltane invoke joy and nature’s abundance.
• Antlers: Symbolize masculine vitality, connection to nature, and regeneration; commonly used to honor gods like Cernunnos.
• Chalice and Blade (Athame): Represent feminine (chalice) and masculine (blade) energies; used to symbolize sacred union and creation.
• Wreaths: Circular shape symbolizes the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth; crafted from flowers and greenery, symbolizing unity, protection, and celebration.

What magic will you make?

Adding some of these correspondences into your Beltane rituals and celebrations can help deepen your spiritual connection and workings to create a meaningful, transformative experience.