Walking through The Meadows in Edinburgh on a drizzly day in April, you will probably experience myriad weather wobbles in one afternoon.  Sun, hail and wind are all participants in this epic show of light and movement.  The cherry blossoms are coming to life, the buds bursting into a pink splendour all across The Meadows.  Rising sap, clamorous birdsong and amorous bees – you can see life surging all around you.  We are approaching the halfway point between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the Summer Solstice; marking the transition from Spring to Summer.

Beltane or Beltaine, is almost upon us.

What is Beltane?

Beltane is the ancient Celtic festival of fertility and union.  Celebrating fertility and the return of the light back to the land, Beltane is thought to mean ‘bright fire’, named after the Celtic God of Fire – Belenus.  Beltane honours sexuality, vitality and the union of the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine – represented in ritual as the May Queen and Green Man.  The May Queen is the embodiment of purity, strength and potential in nature; the Green Man represents the lushness, action and potency of Summer, together bringing forth new life.

Our Silver Green Man Pendant is a strong symbol of action and movement forward.  Our Sterling Silver Goddess Moon Ring and Silver Goddess Pendant are beautiful mementos to mark this powerful time of transformation.

When is Beltane 2024?

Usually celebrated on the 1st May (though the true half way point between Ostara and the Summer Solstice is now on or around 5^th May),  Beltane celebrates potency and the beginning of Summer.  This is the most active part of the year – the build up, the courting, the raising crescendo of energy, the true expression of one’s nature.  

The Celtic pagans believed that potent energy could be harnessed using spirals.  The Triple Spiral is a ubiquitous symbol in the Celtic world, used to either build momentum or clear stagnant energy.  Our Silver Triple Spiral jewellery can offer an emblem of movement when you want to keep energy flowing and growing.

How to Celebrate Beltane

Beltane is a time of creativity and prosperity, bringing fertility to projects as well as the land.  Now is the time to act on your planted seeds of intention from Ostara.  Make use of this raw energy and fertile force for initiating plans.  Make a fire to honour the coming of the sun closer to the earth. Jump over the Beltane fire and let go of that which is holding you back. Fire is the element of transformation, vitality, energy and movement.

Beltane Fire Festival

Another very fun and tangible way to celebrate Beltane in Edinburgh is to be part of the truly awe-inspiring Beltane Fire Festival.  A big part of our creative history, many of our staff past and present, have made deep connections here.  Part ritual, part performance and totally transformative, being part of Beltane fosters a strong sense of community where life-long friendships are made.

Chandra, Founder and Director of Royal Mile Silver, will tend the fire ‘on the hill’ on Beltane night.  Sharing her beautiful melodies and folk music, she continues the cycle of new performers being held by old.  

Celebrated on the 30^th of April every year on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Beltane Fire Festival is the biggest festival of its kind.

What are some common rituals or customs associated with Beltane in Edinburgh?

The Celtic pagans believed that the veil between this world and the spirit world was at its thinnest on the nights of Beltane and Samhuinn (Hallowe’en), especially at dawn and dusk.  A custom in Edinburgh is to stay up all night and then wash ‘yer face in the dew’ up Arthur’s Seat (at St Anthony’s Well), at dawn.  As water was seen as a conduit to the spirit world, wells and springs were sacred sites for Celtic pagans.  Washing your face in the morning dew is said to bring you back to your true nature, to bring you abundance and longevity.  Will you be able to stay awake long enough to wash your face in the May morning dew?  Perhaps a bottle of Mead will help you on your way!  

6mm 8mm 925 Silver Rings Anniversary Present Bridesmaid Gifts Celtic Earrings Celtic Knot Celtic Knot Earrings Celtic Pendant Celtic Silver Chunky Rings Couples Rings Engagement Rings Father's Day Gifts Gift for Her Gift for Him Gold and silver Gold Jewellery Handmade Rings High Grade Silver His and Hers Rings Matching Rings Mens Mens Rings Mother's Day Gift Ideas Music Nature Rose Gold Jewellery Scottish Flower Simple Silver Rings Stacker Rings Statement Piece Stud Earrings Summer Jewellery Thumb Rings Tree of Life Tribal Art Tribal Earrings Tribal Silver Rings Triquetra Tungsten Carbide Rings Unique Rings Unisex Valentine's Day Gifts Viking Wedding Bands wedding jewellery Wedding Ring Whisky Barrel Wood Rings