Beltane is tomorrow! This Sabbat isn’t one I’ve done much for in the past, but I’m so excited to celebrate this year. Beltane, also known as May Day, is a celebration of the spring and the return of the crops after a long cold spell. It’s also a festival of fertility and love, particularly the, er, physical kind. (It’s kind of a sex holiday, okay?)

I don’t know about you, but fertility is not something I’m really that concerned about at this point in my life and if you don’t have access to a Maypole, this Sabbat might fall a little flat for you. You can still celebrate in many ways, though, and I thought this would be a great day to share a recipe for a self-love bath that you can do!

Flowers are very much a symbol of Beltane and while you can really use any flowers you’d like for this bath. Roses are a good choice since they’re traditionally associated with love, but use whatever flowers are your favorite! Violets are growing like crazy in my yard this year – if you’re looking for a good way to use some of your backyard flowers, this is a great one. You can either just use the petals or gather whole flowers to float on the water – your method might depend on the type of flower that you pick.

(Note: please be sure to use flowers you’re not allergic to, and that haven’t been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals!)

You will also need:

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3-4 drops of essential oil of your choice, or enough to scent it to your liking (I like lavender in my baths for calming!)

Fill the bath with water, then add everything but the flowers and swish it around. The Epsom salts will help eliminate toxins, while the milk and baking soda will work together to soften your skin. Honey is a humectant, which means it helps to seal moisture into your skin.

After those ingredients have been combined in the bathwater, lightly float your flower petals on top of the water. With each flower or petal you add, say an affirmation out loud, such as “I am confident and strong” or “My inner beauty shines through.” You can say as many affirmations as you’d like!

Finally, hop in the tub and soak a while. You can play relaxing music and light some candles if you wish, but the point is to just disconnect from the stress and negativity of your day and really unwind. Envision the Epsom salts pulling out your negative thoughts while the other ingredients work to soothe your skin. For every flower floating in your bath, say one thing you love about yourself out loud. It’s okay if you don’t mean it yet – by saying it out loud, you make it more true.

Repeat these things over and over like a mantra until you’re ready to leave the bath. Pick the flower petals out before you drain the water so your pipes don’t get clogged, then watch the bathwater swirl down the drain, taking your negative self-talk with it. All you’re left with are the positives you instilled in yourself. Additionally, you can put on some nice lotion to finish things off.

And there you have it! I’m a big proponent of magickal baths, but especially for self-love purposes, as you sort of have to confront your nekkid self whether you like it or not.

How are you celebrating Beltane? Doing anything exciting this year? I’d love to hear all about it! ♥