The Magickal Herbs of Beltane
Beltaine is a time of blossoming, fervent growth, and lengthening days. A Celtic holiday that celebrates the onset of the agricultural year Beltane-time is steeped in thousands of years of lore about the seasonal plants of the temperate North.
Traditionally, magical herbs associated with Beltane are Hawthorn, mugwort, nettle, rose, and willow. Each plant has a sacred and special significance and myriad stories surrounding its role in everyday life. Plants were seen not just as things to observe or harvest, but as vibrantly alive with powers of their own.
Expanding our view of how each plant is potently unique and alive is the first step to becoming a green witch. Let’s begin, shall we?
Hawthorn - Crataegus spp.
The blossoms of Hawthorn herald in the season. This plant is so central to Beltaine that in ancient times, the Druids would watch for the blooming of the Hawthorn to signal the onset of Beltaine celebrations, as the bloom indicated the frost was past and planting could begin.
Maidens would rise before dawn, and as the sun peeked over the horizon, gathered the dew from the Hawthorn flower to call in beauty, grace, and good fortune. This dew was bottled and kept as a talisman.
On Beltane eve, amorous young men would sneak in blossoming Hawthorn branches into the bedroom of their love interest, in hopes that she would spend Beltane with him. As this was a common time to disappear into the woods and return a little mussed with sticks in one’s hair, this invitation was oftentimes playfully erotic.
Hawthorn is a protective plant that heals the heart. When in bloom, it invokes romance, fertility, and faithfulness. The plant serves as a gatekeeper and boundary-maker, and is sacred to the fairies of the land.
2. Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris, A. douglasiana
This plant begins to pop up her silver-green head near the rivers, creeks, and lakes of the temperate North this time of year. The smell of Spring mugwort is intoxicating, and the early leaves can be eaten in moderation or gathered for spellwork, burning bundles, and herbal vinegars.
Mugwort is for the dreamers, and can enhance psychic dreams, prophetic dreams, and lucid dreaming. It is a wonderful ally for those seeking guidance & insight in the dream world. Mugwort is traditionally stuffed into a dream satchet and placed under one’s pillow. I like to sip it as a tea to invoke relaxation and aid afternoon meditations.
Potently protective, infusions of mugwort are used to wash sacred tools, such as crystals, mirrors, athames, and wands. It is carried as a talisman against harm from poison, wild beasts, and evil beings that may wish you harm.
Being that Beltaine was a time of fertility and sexual playfulness, mugwort’s uses as a fertility herb and aphrodisiac make it a fitting magical addition to your Beltaine celebrations.
3. Nettle - Urtica dioica
All at once playful and sharp, Nettle can present herself as a spry young energy or a wise old grandmother. How she presents depends entirely on how she is approached. Walking carelessly and stomping on her? Ouch! She is quick to make her presence known with a sharp sting. Gathering her with gratitude and attention? You can do an entire harvest with bare hands and leave with only a delicious tingle on your fingertips.
A vibrant, energizing plant, Nettle captures the humming and buzzing of verdant energy that Beltane brings. Use Nettle to nourish yourself, increase your energy naturally, and get in touch with your inner wild one.
Nettle is used in curanderismo as a potent purification herb to perform high-octane limpias. The fresh plant is whacked over the body of the seeker in a powerful ritual of release and transcendence.
Nettle is protective, and can help give us the energy to be brave, speak up, and is wonderful talisman for the weary, the downtrodden, and the timid.
4. Rose - Rosa spp.
Ah, sweet rose. What potent medicine she offers us. The most well-known magickal use of rose is of course to invite love in. Heart-healing, beautiful, fragrant, and pleasing, Rose offers us the power of acceptance, both of self and others.
Rose is also thought to bring luck, and is used to enhance psychic protection. The tea of rosebuds sipped before bedtime can bring on prophetic dreams. It is especially potent for discovering one’s romantic future.
Petals can be sprinkled throughout the home to induce calm and heal rifts. The thorns serve as potent protection, and can be woven into yarn braids and hung over the doorways and windows to keep all ill intentions out of the home.
Around this time, we may see the beginning whispers of wild roses blooming. Gather the petals and take a luxurious bath, or in the least be sure to stop and smell them.
5. Willow - Salix spp.
Wood of the harp, singer of windsong, keeper of ancient secrets. Willow was a primary plant in Druidic learning, and featured heavily in the sacred poetic traditions of the Celts. Sitting inside the “cave” of the willow’s weeping branches is said to incubate a song or prophetic poetry.
Willow loves the water, and underground sources can be found where the willows grow. In tune with the moon, willow potentiates lunar & water magic. It was considered good luck to bring a bit of willow into the home on May Day, offering protection against those who might wish to harm the inhabitants.
The gentle soul with a healing touch will find willow to be a kindred & ally. Cranes are a companion guide to those connected to willow, as the two are often seen together in the marsh, river, creek, or lakeside.
Beltane is one of the most potent times to work with the magical properties of willow. Meditating under a willow tree at this time opens one up to the presence of the fairies. Keep your head about you!
Queen of the waters, sing your songs with willow.
What Grows Near You?
It is important to remember that the most sacred plants are the ones that grow near you – your everyday companions. Since Beltane lore originated in Europe and the Pretani (British) Isles, the plants traditionally associated with the holiday are endemic to this region. However, consider this an invitation to work with your local plants in your own herbal & magical practices.
I encourage you to take a look around: what is blooming outside of your doorstep? These are the sacred allies for you. Honor the land by offering these plants something precious to you – a song, a biodegradable token, your breath.
Merry Beltane, may the goddess bless you.
