Ember Grant
At Beltane we celebrate the fertility of the land—the lush trees and flowers, the abundance of new life. Scholars are not in complete agreement about the origin of the name—some say it’s associated with Belenos, a sun god. Others say the word “bel” means “brilliant” or that the name comes from “bel tene,” which means “lucky fire” (Freeman 2000, 135).
Garden Blessing
The month of May is a wonderful time to perform a garden blessing. You can do it at planting time or just after planting. If it’s still too early in your region for planting, save this spell for later in the season or use it to bless seeds or seedlings before planting them outside. You can also use it for an indoor garden—houseplants need blessing too!
Ideally for this spell you need a tall container or lantern for your candle—you’ll be carrying it around outside and you don’t want it to be blown out during the spell. But be careful not to burn yourself! The tops of some lanterns can get hot.
Since the spell requires you to allow the candle to burn out, you may wish to use a tea light since they only burn for a few hours. Or, if you prefer to use a larger candle, repeat the spell on successive days or nights, allowing the candle to burn for an hour or two each time until it’s spent. You could begin during the waxing moon and complete the spell on the full moon. Alternately, perform this spell on Beltane.
If you don’t have an outdoor garden, this spell can easily be adapted for any situation. If you have a balcony garden or even just a windowsill you can walk around containers or gesture around them.
If possible, perform this spell during a waxing or full moon phase. Prepare your candle by anointing it as desired, and place it inside the container.
Walk around the garden clockwise three times. The first time, chant these words and keep repeating if you have a large garden space:
Earth, air, fire, and water nourish,
help these plants grow strong and flourish.
The second time as you walk, say these words followed by the name of every plant in the garden.
By the power of this flame, I bless you as I call your name: (list the plants).
The third time, chant these words. Again, repeat the chant as many times as necessary:
Bless this garden safe and sound—
bless these plants, bless this ground.
After the third walk around the garden is complete, place the lantern or candleholder in a safe area either in the garden or near it and allow the candle to burn out. Say these words as you place the candle:
By this candle’s power, bless every leaf and bud and flower.
Don’t leave the candle unattended; be sure to stay nearby so you can keep an eye on it.
Optional: carry a clear quartz crystal point or cluster (or other stone of your choice) with you as you walk, and place it in the garden during your third walk around it.
Tree of Life Candle Spell
At Beltane, we celebrate the fertile earth—flowers are blooming and trees are green again (in most places). Trees are sacred in the myths of many different cultures—the idea of a world tree or tree of life is a popular symbol. In Norse mythology, the cosmos is viewed as a giant tree connecting the nine worlds that encompass all of existence. Druids are believed to have worshipped in oak groves.
The tree of life motif integrates the underworld, humanity, and the sky—a flow of energy through all levels. The motif of a cosmic tree is found throughout the world, from Europe to Africa, Australia, and China. In The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin uses the analogy of a “tree of life” to describe the process of evolution and the succession of species. The tree seems to be part of our human-nature connection in a variety of ways.
If you observe a tree and consider it carefully, they truly are amazing plants. Think of how long-lived some of them are—and there is such variety! And the fact they grow so big from something so small is remarkable, really. Use this spell to invoke the strength and power of trees—their longevity and stability.
Use a fairly large candle—a pillar or three-wick works best. Draw the tree of life on the candle with a branch, twig, or wooden skewer. Don’t worry about how it looks; it only matters what the symbol means to you. Just draw a simple tree branching upward, then draw roots reaching down. Curve the roots up and the branches down so they connect, making a circle around the trunk. This represents the connection of all life, nourishment, and sustainability. After you finish drawing, say, “As above, so below” and anoint the candle as desired.
Surround the candle with leaves and branches from trees—ones that have fallen on the ground are fine. You can also include nuts, pine cones, and more. If you wish, you can put the candle in a flowerpot or other container filled with dirt, potting soil, or mulch, and arrange the leaves and branches around the container.
Root and trunk, branch and leaves,
flower and fruit—sway with the breeze …
grant to me …
the strength and wisdom of the tree,
grounded yet still reaching high,
a link between the earth and sky.
This spell can be performed day or night, on Beltane or during any season—ideally during the waxing or full moon.
Allow the candle to burn out. You can snuff it out and relight it if you wish. When you feel the spell is complete, or the candle is spent, discard it and return the plant materials to nature—but keep one reminder on your altar of the greatness of the tree. This could be a branch, leaf, piece of bark, or a seed or nut.
Reference
Darwin, Charles. The Origin of Species. Vol 2. New York: P. F. Collier & Son, 1909.