Happy Beltane!

Happy Beltane! If you are like me, work, kids and life do not always slow down enough to celebrate sabbats the way that you would like to. I thought I'd share a few simple ways to celebrate. Some might sound like things you'd do with younger kids....but isn't today of all days one to feel young at heart?

• Grab a bottle of bubbles (or make some youself) and head outside. There are two different bubble spells I've used in the past on Beltane: wish bubbles, and grow bubbles. For wish bubbles, simple murmber your wish and then blow your bubble with intent. The grow bubbles are much the same, but you whisper the things that you would like to grow about yourself this Beltane season. I'll be trying to grow more patience (as usual, lol!), and strength to keep dealing with the issues of Middle Guy's school, among other things.
• Tie pieces of yarn on a tree and make a wish with every piece. You usually read to do this with ribbon (more Beltaney), but I think yarn is way better. Birds are out looking for things to build nests with this time of year, and they can pick pieces of the yarn off to use. What isn't picked off seems to break down faster than yarn as well, which is better for the trees, as the small branches you reach are usually still growing. You don't want ribbon knots cutting into the tree as it grows bigger.
• "Plant" some things that you want to grow. If you have any seeds or starter plants that need potted, do them today. Take scraps of paper, write down what you want to "grow" or manifest in yourself this season, and plant them in the dirt with your plants.
• Make May Pole cupcakes with pretzel rods and strips of long fruit leather cut into "ribbons"!
• Get jiggy in your garden (but only if you have a private garden, of course! I'm not suggesting anyone break the law here, lol! Alternately, bring inside your starter plants or the packets of seeds that you intend to plant and let them soak up the Beltane excitement (assuming, of course that you are of age and in a happy, committed relationship, because I don't want anyone yelling at me for this suggestion, lol).
• Do some spring cleaning, then cleanse your house with sage or in your favorite manner.
• Have a Beltane feast: eat foods that are traditional or things that are in season in your area.
• Have a simple candle ceremony, saying a few words to honor the season.

Remember, the sabbat doesn't have to be a huge celebration with all the trimmings. If that's how you like to do it, and you have the time, that's great. You can also do it in a way that fits into your lifestyle and your life. It's the intent behind it, not what you wrap it in.
What will you be doing for Beltane?