Celebrating Beltane as a Solitary?

[floridawitch]

Hi everyone.

I recently began studying Wicca, and Beltane will be my first sabbat. I am a solitary practitioner. I do not have a coven or even know any other Wiccans or witches. So, my question is, is anyone else celebrating alone? If so, what are you doing?

I'm probably going to hold my main ritual on April 30th night, followed by a backyard fire pit and some wine. On the 1st, I am going to go and pick some blueberries at a blueberry festival with my boyfriend, so in a way, that is a celebration all of its own.

[crescent]

That sounds lovely! I prefer acknowledging events in my own ways, and by what it does and does not mean to me. At the last circle, I went through motions and my heart wasn't there (even for the sake of of fun). So that phase is probably over, but even though I prefer being solitary, it doesn't mean I feel on my own. I can celebrate with my husband, my pets, or my forest "family". I also start at sundown, so planning a bonfire on the 30th. The next day, spreading ashes for abundance and protection.

[floridawitch]

That's awesome. I like the idea of spreading the ashes the following day.

[WiccanWitch]

This is my first time for Beltane as well. I am sort of "understudy" of a Wiccan priestess (is that the correct term) who works in a coven. She won't tell me much about her coven as I'm too new, but she assigns homework. And for this she wanted me to read up on Beltane. I have had so much going on I have not done so, though I saw it was coming up. So I did some reading on it. I certainly have no means for a bonfire where I live. Most flowers mentioned as being significant do not grow here in the high desert. I wonder if I should look into planting something for future celebrations? I liked the idea of making meals symbolic of the holiday and using decorative ribbons and flowers. Probably all I can do this time.

[SnowCat]

Since the flowers mentioned don't grow in your area, I would try researching what could be used as alternative flowers. If the tradition you're following, had started in the high desert, flowers from the high desert would have been used. Part of the path, is adapting your practice to fit your situation.

Snow

[Becks]

I wholeheartedly agree with Snow. Being in tune with the seasons is about celebrating the life that is unique to where you live.

[WitchyWhitney]

I am celebrating by going to a friends, who is having a bonfire. I am new as well and I have been searching for a good ritual I can do before hand, at the fire, and tomorrow. I could not fall sleep last night till 3am and that is rare. I woke up early this morning tho and my heart was very happy. I am exited.

[floridawitch]

This is my first time for Beltane as well. I am sort of "understudy" of a Wiccan priestess (is that the correct term) who works in a coven. She won't tell me much about her coven as I'm too new, but she assigns homework. And for this she wanted me to read up on Beltane. I have had so much going on I have not done so, though I saw it was coming up. So I did some reading on it. I certainly have no means for a bonfire where I live. Most flowers mentioned as being significant do not grow here in the high desert. I wonder if I should look into planting something for future celebrations? I liked the idea of making meals symbolic of the holiday and using decorative ribbons and flowers. Probably all I can do this time.

I read, somewhere, that planting something for Beltane is good luck? Even better, if you're going to use it in future celebrations and rituals! I also like the idea of symbolic or special meals for holidays. I made some Beltane cookies, and have some fresh flowers on my altar.

I am celebrating by going to a friends, who is having a bonfire. I am new as well and I have been searching for a good ritual I can do before hand, at the fire, and tomorrow. I could not fall sleep last night till 3am and that is rare. I woke up early this morning tho and my heart was very happy. I am exited.

That's awesome! Are your friends pagan as well? I, too, am excited for tonight and tomorrow.

[SpiritTalker]

I'm also solitary, and like to make pop corn to share with the birds, and maybe imbibe a little bit of wine, with libations, although I usually share an apple. Weather forecast is for rain, so I'll wait and see. I meditate on the season.

[floridawitch]

SpiritTalker, that is a wonderful idea. Sharing popcorn with birds sounds lovely. Nice way to connect with nature and enjoy a tasty snack!

[floridawitch]

Some Beltane cookies I made.

[WiccanWitch]

Those are neat. Is today Beltane or tomorrow? I read it is may 1 but the celebration starts the night before?

[floridawitch]

Thanks! Tomorrow is Beltane, but I believe that, traditionally, celebrations start on the night of April 30th and go through sundown of May 1st. I'm not entirely positive, but that is just what the internet turned up during my searches.

[crescent]

As I understand, days begin at sundown, as is observed in some cultures. I agree with working with what you have and your location. There are usually downed trees to clean up, so for us it was more of a "scheduled" bonfire and practical since burn season will end soon. We worked all day cutting up trees and dragging them over to the fire, with just enough firelight at dark to have a small ritual at a stump-altar.

[floridawitch]

As I understand, days begin at sundown, as is observed in some cultures. I agree with working with what you have and your location. There are usually downed trees to clean up, so for us it was more of a "scheduled" bonfire and practical since burn season will end soon. We worked all day cutting up trees and dragging them over to the fire, with just enough firelight at dark to have a small ritual at a stump-altar.

That is how I understand it as well.

Your ritual and bonfire look lovely. It's nice that you were able to hold it out in nature. Beautiful!