Beltane Magic

Beltane is a season of fertility and fire, and we often find this reflected in the magic of the season. Let's look at some of that spring magic, from ritual sex to fertility magic, along with the magic found in gardens and nature.

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Fertility Customs and Magic

PregnantSunset_1500 — Spring is a time of fertility for both the land and people. Image by Volanthevist/Moment/Getty Images

The Beltane season is a time of fertility, not only for people but for the land as well. If you plant a garden each summer, Beltane is a good time to do some fertility magic so that you will have an abundant crop by the time the harvest rolls around. There are many different methods of ensuring the fertility of the land, and you can incorporate any of these into your rituals and ceremonies.

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The Great Rite and Ritual Sex

The Great Rite is typically performed in private by a couple in an established relationship. Image by Karen Moskowitz/Image Bank/Getty Images

In some (although not all) traditions of Wicca and Paganism, sacred sex is part of spiritual practice. Wicca in its original form is a fertility religion, first and foremost, as are many other Pagan traditions, so it's understandable that at some point you may encounter some references to sexual acts, whether they be actual or implied. Let's take a look at what the Great Rite is, who participates in it, and why they would do so.

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Chocolate, the Magical Aphrodisiac

LoveChocolates_1500 — Image by sinopics/E+/Getty Images

How many time have you bitten into a piece of chocolate and found yourself moaning from the sheer pleasure of it? How often have you joked about why chocolate is as good as -- or better than -- sex? Believe it or not, there is a scientific link between chocolate and sexual arousal. Science or not, you can still incorporate chocolate into your magical workings, when it comes to love and lust.

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Making Magic in Your Garden

GardeningDadDaughter_1500 — A simple planting ceremony is an alternative to traditional Beltane rituals. Image by Ariel Skelley/Brand X/Getty Images

The garden can be one of the most magical places in your life. Be sure to read all about how to plan, create, and grow your magical garden, as well as ways to create specialty gardens, herb plots, and more!

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Graveyard Dirt in Magical Workings

Mention graveyard dirt in a magical context, and chances are good you'll get a lot of strange looks or questions. After all, it sounds a bit creepy, right? Who in their right mind goes around scooping up soil out of cemeteries? Well, believe it or not, a lot of people. The use of graveyard dirt isn't all that odd in many magical traditions. Let's take a look at some of the ways it can be used.

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Dandelion Magic

Dandelions_1500 — Dandelions are a popular springtime magical ingredient. Image by Tim Graham/Getty Images

Although many suburban homeowners see dandelions as the bane of their existence, and spend significant amounts of money trying to eradicate them from sight, the fact is that dandelions have a long and rich folkloric history, both from a magical and medicinal perspective. Let’s look at some of the ways people have utilized dandelions throughout the ages.

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Horse Magic and Mythology

RiverHorses_1500 — Horses appear in numerous myths and legends. Image by Arctic Images/Stone/Getty Images

The horse has been found in folklore and legend in a variety of cultures – from the horse gods of the Celtic lands to the pale horse found in Biblical prophecy, the horse features prominently in many myths and legends. How can you capture the magical energy of horses, and incorporate it into your magical workings?

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The Magic of Butterflies

Butterfly_1500 — Butterflies are full of magic!. Image by Dina Marie/Moment/Getty Images

The butterfly is one of nature’s most perfect examples of change, transformation, and growth. Because of this, it has long been the subject of magical folklore and legend in a variety of societies and cultures. Let’s look at some of the magical meanings behind butterflies.