Celebrating Beltane in Quarantine (Quaran-tane)
Aw, man! We're in the middle of a pandemic but a sabbat is approaching! What the heck are we gonna do??? Let's take this step by step...
Some traditional Beltane practices
Dancing around a May Pole
Jumping broomsticks (or fires but just promise me that you'll be careful)
Washing your face with morning dew
Colors, incense, flowers, and all that good stuff
Red, white, green, purple, yellow
Fertility symbols (eggs, antlers, seeds, things that look like ding-dongs)
Spring flowers - daffodils, hyacinths, forsythia, daisies, tulips
Summer/spring fruits - cherries, mangos, strawberries, etc
Incense - patchouli, jasmine, frankincense, rose, (one of my roommates last year got one that was just labeled "Sex incense" I don't remember what all was in it, but it was great for beltane!)
Crystals - Emerald, Malachite, Amber, Orange Carnelian, Sapphire, Rose Quartz
"I want to celebrate Beltane, but because of quarantine I don't have..."
The correct incense - Solution: Use whichever one is closest or whatever you're feeling that day. The universe will still recognize your efforts
Any incense - Solution: Look through your herb cabinet, research each one, & try burning some herbs either in a cauldron or another safe location.
Flowers - Solution: If it is safe/legal in your area, go for a nature walk & pick up any fallen petals or flowers you may find on the ground. If it is not safe for you to go outside right now, try your hand at drawing the desired flowers for your alter/decorations or just print out pictures from the internet. It's the thought that counts.
The traditional colors of candles or clothing or ribbons or ANYTHING - Solution: Just use white, it's all the colors & therefore can serve as a replacement for anything.
The right crystals - Solution: Clear quartz can work as a substitute for any other crystal. If you don't have that or if you don't have *any* crystals at all, it's okay. You don't have to work with crystals to be witch.
Any fruit - Solution: Try out an online shopping service (I use Imperfect Foods) you can also use canned or frozen fruit in a pinch.
Access to the outdoors - Solution: Set up your alter in a windowsill. Open all the windows of your space. Take some vitamin D. Practice fire-safety when lighting candles. Jump over a broomstick instead of a candle or bonfire.
Have a bonfire - Solution: Use a candle as a substitute. Extra small bonfire.
Have a May Pole - Solution: Hang ribbons on a tree or stick!
Have access to ribbons - Solution: You can use thread, yarn, or strips of fabric if you want!
And finally, a section I feel is important to add:
Quaran-tane for the Broom-Closet Witch
I understand this has to be an extremely difficult time for you and your practice. You know better than anyone what's safe for you to do and what isn't. You can implement as many of the above suggestions as you feel comfortable doing. You know what's best for you. I'm not going to sit here & give you tips on hiding your practice or sneaking outside or anything like that. You do whatever feels right for you. Instead, I'm gonna tell you some things I feel it's important for you to remember during this time:
Your safety & wellbeing need to come first.
You're still a witch even if you're in the broom closet.
You're still a witch even if you don't celebrate the sabbats
If all you feel safe doing is lighting a candle, then you light that candle & don't let anyone tell you that your celebration isn't "good enough."
You won't always have to hide who you are.
Thanks so much for reading all of this! Stay safe out there & have a blessed Beltane ❤💚💜💛
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