Growing up, May Day was one of my favourite festivals and not because the bank holiday meant an extra day off school! There was something deliciously magical about the day and this was long before I learned that pagans celebrated it as Beltane, bringing a whole extra layer to the day.

Over the decades, I’ve found it interesting to watch May Day traditions coming and going as they fall in and out of favour. I was never able to dance round a maypole as a child, but my children have been to quite a few events now where they’ve been able to weave the ribbons in and out, the patterns creating an omen of what to expect from the coming season. Morris dancing seems to be coming back into fashion too, and there’s a lot of fun to be had watching your local troupe dance in the magic of a successful harvest.

There are plenty of myths and legends surrounding this very special time. While the Queen of the Fairies can be a capricious ruler and one to be feared during the darker months, at Beltane, she seems to be as affected by the sap rising as everyone else and young girls wishing to find their future husband could petition for her help. (Although as always with the Fey, any dealings with the Little Folk should be very much handled with care – caveat emptor!)

If you’d like to do something special to connect with the Beltane energies this year, here’s a few ideas to give you inspiration.

1. Do some spring cleaning

This is the perfect time of year to give your home a spruce up. Clear out anything you don’t need, get rid of the junk you’ve allowed to accumulate and scrub those hidden out of the way corners to give every inch of your home a breath of fresh air. Mindful cleaning can be a very meditative practice and getting rid of the grime accumulated over the past year creates space for new, positive energies to enter.

2. Decorate your altar with flowers

It is said that Beltane doesn’t start until the May blossom is out, which means that Beltane could potentially start at different times, depending on where you are. This time of year sees the first flush of blooms, so why not go out and collect a few to decorate your home and altar?

Now can also be a time to reconnect with any seeds you’ve sown, both literally and metaphorically, offering energy to help them grow and flourish.

3. Dance around the Maypole

It’s worth checking to see if there is any Maypole dancing in your areas. The custom is still practised in many village fetes and fayres and it’s just as much fun to watch as it is to participate.

If you’d like to set up your own Maypole for you and your friends to dance around, it’s much easier than you’d think. You may already have a lamppost or pole in your garden you could use; alternatively, a long length of wood or even a piece of PVC piping can serve as the foundation. Attach ribbons to the top and away you go!

The most basic of Maypole dances involve the dancers alternating going in and out of each other, half dancing clockwise, the other half going anticlockwise, but there are more complicated dances you might like to learn if you want to take things to the next level. A quick hunt around YouTube should give you plenty of inspiration.

4. Go watch Morris Dancers

It may be that as well as Maypole dancing, you’ll be able to see some Morris dancing, but if not, see if you can find a performance to go to. There’s something particularly magical about Morris at sunrise, the dancers performing ancient choreographies designed to help the seeds sprout and the harvests grow.

5. Crown the Queen of the May

Traditionally, villages would crown a King and Queen of the May and if you’re celebrating Beltane with some friends, it can be fun to choose a royal couple to oversee the festivities. Frequently, these are chosen at random after displaying some kind of skill, e.g. making the most beautiful May crown or seeing who can toss a horseshoe the furthest, but if you know you’re going to have children present or a lot of people who don’t know each other, you might want to exercise some discretion to ensure you don’t have any inappropriate pairings or perhaps have a Prince and Princess for the younger ones.

6. Light the Beltane fires

Beltane bonfires used to feature heavily as part of ancient celebrations. Cattle were driven between fires to purify them of parasites and disease, as well as protect them from the Little Folk, who might otherwise sour their milk.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to have a Beltane bonfire, wait until the flames have died down and invite those who wish to jump over the fire to cleanse themselves and bring luck for the coming season. If you can’t have a bonfire for whatever reason, you can still light a candle and enjoy the power of Beltane fire.

7. Leave an offering for the Queen of the Fairies

Beltane is a time when the veil between the worlds thins and the Fey court is on the move. Now is the time when you may catch a glimpse of the Queen of the Fey and her court. Be warned – even when you meet her at her most benevolent, the Fey can be cruel and while they may be generous with their gifts, these frequently come with major strings attached.

However, if you’d still like to ask for the Queen to look kindly upon your household, look for a local fairy ring (a dark circle of grass or mushrooms) and leave some May flowers for her. At this time of year, you can also ask her to help you find love if you’re single or strengthen your relationship if you’re with a partner.

8. Bless yourself with May dew

According to folklore, washing your face in the May Day dew would grant you health, luck and beauty. Now is also a time to visit sacred springs and wells to scry in the water for messages about the coming months.

Go out just before sunrise and collect dew. Use it to anoint your head and hair, asking for blessings as you do so.

9. Go outside and watch the stars

The weather is getting warmer and the skies clearer, so sitting outside while you stargaze is a beautiful way to connect with what’s going on around you. Wrap up warm and take time to watch the night sky and the progress of the constellations. Stay up until dawn and give thanks for this new season.

Beltane truly is one of the most magical times of the year. How will you be celebrating? Let us know in the comments!