Menu

Holidays

beltane pole

Beltane: The Fire Festival of Fertility

Beltane: The Fire Festival of Fertility by Penelope Davis

beltane pole


Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May 1st, marking the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Beltane heralds the beginning of the warm half of the year. It is a time when the earth’s energies are thought to be at their peak, overflowing with life, passion, and potential.


Origins and Historical Significance
Beltane originates from the Gaelic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The name is believed to derive from the Old Irish Bel Taine, meaning “bright fire” or “Bel’s fire”, referencing the Celtic god Belenus—a deity associated with the sun, healing, and fertility.
Historically, Beltane was one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain (October 31), Imbolc (February 1), and Lughnasadh (August 1). It marked when pastoral communities would move their herds to summer pastures. Bonfires were lit to honor the sun and encourage its warmth for crops and animals. Cattle were driven between two fires as a ritual of purification and protection.

 

A Celebration of Fire and Fertility
Central to Beltane is the theme of fire. Bonfires were believed to have protective and cleansing powers. Participants would leap over the flames or embers to bring fertility, good fortune, or to ward off illness. The fire also symbolized the sun’s growing power to call the seeds to sprout.
Fertility rites are a common part of Beltane and was a time of sexual freedom and the symbolic marriage of the May Queen and the Green Man, representing the sacred union of earth and sky. Young couples would spend the night in the woods or fields, invoking the fertile power of the land.

The maypole dance—a later addition from Germanic and British traditions—became a prominent feature of Beltane in some areas. Dancers would weave ribbons around a pole, symbolizing the spiral of life and the interconnectedness of community and nature.

 

Modern Revivals and Neo-Pagan Celebrations
In recent decades, Beltane has been revived by modern Pagan and Wiccan
communities as a joyful celebration of life, sexuality, and the earth’s abundance.

Contemporary rituals may include:
-Lighting a ceremonial fire or candle: Bonfires are a major part of this celebration and sharing one with friends and family can be an easy and accessible way to participate.

-Dancing around a maypole

-Handfasting ceremonies (pagan weddings)

-Outdoor feasts and music: This can be as simple as having a picnic in a park or as lavash as hosting a dinner for a group of friends.

-Nature walks: Spending time in nature and soaking in the sun.

-Making flower garlands: Daisy, dandelion, and other flowers can be used to make crowns or be braided into hair.

-Personal or group rites honoring fertility, creativity, and love

 

The Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, held annually since 1988, is one of the most prominent modern celebrations. It blends Celtic traditions with theatrical performance, dance, and symbolic rituals, attracting thousands of attendees each year.

 

beltane fire

Citations:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2025, February 7). Beltane. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane

Swanner, R. (2025, April 24). 15 beltane rituals to try this year. The Pagan Grimoire. https://www.pagangrimoire.com/beltane-rituals/Text content

45987606_2183155275036852_8211908771950100480_n

Penelope Davis (they/them) is a resident in counseling in Phases Therapy’s Richmond office. 

To learn more about Penelope and inquire about booking, head over to 

https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/penelope-davis/

Screen Shot 2025-03-01 at 12.27.52 PM

March 8th: International Women’s Day

Celebrating International Women's Day: Honoring the Divine Feminine Energy by Victoria Powell

March 8th is a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible strength, resilience, and wisdom of women around the globe—International Women’s Day. This annual observance invites us to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality, while recognizing the ongoing work still needed to create a more inclusive world for women.

At our metaphysical and holistic therapy practice, we deeply honor the divine feminine energy that resides within each of us, regardless of gender. This energy, characterized by intuition, nurturing, creativity, and emotional depth, is essential for fostering balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

International Women’s Day serves as an opportunity to reconnect with this powerful energy. It’s a time to celebrate not just the women in our lives, but also the unique strengths and qualities we each carry within us. It’s about nurturing self-care, embracing the practice of healing, and honoring the journey of growth that allows us to step into our full potential.

As we reflect on the significance of this day, we encourage you to take time for yourself—whether through meditation, energy healing, journaling, or simply pausing to appreciate your own personal power. Recognizing the divine feminine within allows us to embrace both our light and shadow, fostering a deeper connection to our authentic selves.

On March 8th, let’s celebrate the women who have paved the way for progress, while also supporting the continued healing and empowerment of women everywhere. Together, we can create a balanced and harmonious world where all can thrive.

Happy International Women’s Day!

 

To learn more about International Women’s Day, visit the United Nations site at https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day

IMG_5693

Victoria Powell (she/her) is the Metaphysical Coordinator for Phases Therapy and a resident in counseling at our Richmond office.

To learn more about Victoria and inquire about booking, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/victoria-powell/

Screen Shot 2025-02-27 at 9.01.45 AM

Ostara: Blessings of Mean Earraigh!

Ostara: Blessings of Mean Earraigh! by Penelope Davis

Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, is one of the eight Sabbats in the Wheel of the Year, a central part of many Pagan, Wiccan, and Neo-pagan traditions. Celebrated around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, the equinoxes mark a time of balance and renewal as day and night are equal in length. Ostara is a joyous festival that invites reflection on new beginnings, growth, and the rebirth of nature. For many, Ostara marks the beginning of spring and the equinox is denoted this way on the Gregorian Calendar.

The Origins and Mythology of Ostara

Ostara’s origins are complicated and there are many contradictory beliefs about where the holiday originates. For some, Ostara’s name is derived from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. Ancient cultures, including the Anglo-Saxons and Norse, celebrated this time of year in honor of Eostre, who was associated with the rebirth of the land, renewal of life, and the blooming of flowers. While historical records on Eostre are scant, her legend has persisted in modern times through the imagery of springtime and fertility. For others the origin dates back to Babylon. Regardless, all over the world the Spring Equinox is a time of growth and celebrating spring. 

The Spring Equinox itself has a deep connection to the solar and lunar cycles, as the sun reaches a point where it is directly above the equator, creating equal amounts of day and night. This moment of equilibrium is seen as a powerful time for balance and harmony.

Key Themes of Ostara

  1. Balance and Harmony: Ostara falls at a time when day and night are in perfect balance. This symbolizes the equilibrium between light and dark, active and passive energies, and the yin and yang within us. It’s a reminder that in order to grow, we must find balance between work and rest, action and reflection.
  2. Renewal and Rebirth: Trees bud, flowers bloom, and the animal kingdom stirs with new life. This is a time of planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically. Just as the earth begins to renew itself, so too can we renew our intentions, goals, and dreams. Ostara is a time to plant the seeds of future growth and to nurture them with care and attention.
  3. Fertility and Growth: Ostara is often seen as a celebration of fertility, not only in the natural world but in our creative and personal lives. It encourages us to nurture our own potential, whether that be through the growth of a new project, a new relationship, or personal development. The fertility symbol is seen throughout the festival in the form of eggs, seeds, and rabbits — all symbols of new life and creation.
  4. Connection to Nature: With the Earth waking up from its winter slumber, Ostara encourages us to spend time outdoors, reconnecting with the natural world. It’s a wonderful time to observe the rebirth of the planet — to feel the warmth of the sun, hear the birds sing, and watch the plants and trees begin to grow once more.

Let's Celebrate!

There are many ways to celebrate Ostara, both through ritual and everyday practices. Some common traditions include:

  1. Decorating Eggs: Eggs are a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. Decorating them has become a beloved tradition for Ostara. Whether through painting, dyeing, or carving, these eggs can be placed on an altar, used in rituals, or given as gifts.
  2. Spring Cleaning: Just as the Earth is being renewed, so too can our spaces. Ostara is a great time for cleaning and clearing away the old to make way for the new. This practice can be both physical (cleaning your home) and spiritual (letting go of negative thoughts or habits). One way of doing this is to open the doors and windows and as you clean, allow the energy to move through the house. Bells, chimes, and music are great ways to help facilitate the movement of energy and this can help lift the energy of your household after the long, dark winter months. 
  3. Planting Seeds: Whether in your garden, in pots, or even in a small herb garden indoors, planting seeds during Ostara symbolizes the planting of intentions for the year ahead. As you plant, visualize your dreams and goals growing strong and healthy over the coming months. 
  4. Honoring the Sun: Ostara is a time when the power of the sun begins to increase, and rituals that honor the sun’s warmth and light are powerful during this time. You can light candles, meditate, or hold rituals that call on solar energy to bring warmth and growth to your life. Simply sitting outside in the sun or taking a walk in a park can be a great way to connect with the sun. Making sun water is another thing that you can do. This can be consumed, used to make sigils, used to clean and cleanse your home, or used to water plants. In a similar method to making moon water, take water in a chalice or other container and call on the solar energy and focus that into the water. You could passively leave a container of water under the sun to charge, but I recommend active engagement with charging waters. You could add stones to it, but make sure they are water safe. Anything ending in -ite or -tite is not safe to be used with water as it could damage the crystals. A great all-purpose stone for this is clear quartz. 
  5. Feasting on Spring Foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers are abundant in the spring, making Ostara a perfect time for feasting on foods that represent the earth’s rebirth. Fresh salads, spring greens, and dishes made with eggs or dairy are traditional choices for an Ostara feast. 
  6. Blessing fields and preparing for the planting season: Blood, ashes from fires, or handfuls of soil from mountain tops were once used to bless the fields. To celebrate this tradition, a bottle of wine or beer could be used in place of blood if one doesn’t have access to freshly butchered animals. Adding fertilizer to the soil could also be an alternative. Be sure to bless either the libation or the fertilizer and as you mix it into your soil visualize or pray for abundance to bless your home. This can also be done with potted plants if you are potting them up for the year. 

Rituals and Spellwork for Ostara

The energy of this Sabbat encourages personal growth, manifestation, and renewal. A few ritual ideas include:

  • Manifestation Ritual: Take a moment to meditate and reflect on the intentions you’d like to plant for the coming months. Write them down on a piece of paper or a bay leaf and bury them in the soil, symbolizing the planting of seeds for your dreams to grow. There are some amazing handmade papers available that contain seeds if that is more convenient. I also love to compost and find that adding those intentions to compost can be a great energetic addition that helps fuel my work all year long! 
  • Balance Ritual: Light two candles, one representing the sun and one representing the moon. Meditate on the idea of balance and reflect on how you can bring harmony into your life. As you watch the flames dance, feel the energies of both the sun and the moon supporting you.
  • Cleansing Bath Ritual: Take a bath with herbs like lavender, chamomile, or rose petals to cleanse both your body and spirit. As the water washes over you, envision yourself being renewed and healed. If you don’t have a bathtub, you can easily do this in a shower by adding herbs to a pot and then pouring the water over you. I recommend using a muslin bag or other strainer to collect the herbs, so they don’t damage the plumbing. 
 
 
 
45987606_2183155275036852_8211908771950100480_n

Penelope Davis (they/them) is a resident in counseling and metaphysical partner in Phases Therapy’s Richmond office. 

To learn more about Penelope and inquire about booking, head over to https://phases-therapy.com/outpatient/penelope-davis/

Triple Goddess as Maiden, Mother and Crone

Embracing the Goddess Within: A Celebration of Galentine’s Day

Embracing the Goddess Within A Celebration of Galentine's Day

Every year, on February 13th, we celebrate Galentine’s Day—a time to honor the women who make our lives richer, brighter, and more meaningful. Originating from Parks and Recreation, this fun holiday celebrates female friendships and empowerment, focusing on the joys of connection and shared experiences. 

galentines

But this year, we at Phases Therapy take the celebration a step further by infusing it with some deeper, metaphysical meaning. 

Galentine’s Day is not just a chance to share laughter and love with friends, but also an opportunity to reflect on the different stages of womanhood through the lens of the goddesses—the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Each of these archetypes reflects a unique aspect of feminine energy that we can honor within ourselves and in our friendships.

 

To celebrate Galentine’s Day with a spiritual twist, let’s explore the metaphysical theme of the goddesses and how they connect to the essence of this special day.

The Goddesses A Metaphysical Lens on Womanhood

Triple Goddess as Maiden, Mother and Crone

The Maiden (Youthful Beginnings)

The Maiden is the archetype of youthful energy, independence, and the excitement of new beginnings. She is playful, curious, and ready to embrace life with open arms. On Galentine’s Day, this energy manifests as joy, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to celebrate friendship in its purest, most carefree form.

The Maiden invites us to reconnect with the playful side of our relationships, reminding us of the beauty of new beginnings and spontaneous joy. Perhaps you and your friends can celebrate by embracing your inner Maiden—whether it’s through fun activities like dancing, playing games, or simply indulging in silly conversations. This is the perfect time to tap into that vibrant, youthful energy and let go of any worries.

The Maiden encourages us to approach life with wonder and excitement. On Galentine’s Day, celebrate the thrill of your friendship and the adventure that comes with bonding, exploring, and creating memories together.

The Mother (Nurturing and Creation)

The Mother represents nurturing, creation, and protection. She is the embodiment of unconditional love and care, and she’s the one who nurtures not only children but also her relationships, her community, and herself. In the context of Galentine’s Day, the Mother archetype shows up in the bonds of deep care and protection that form between friends. These are the relationships that support, uplift, and encourage one another, providing a space for growth and empowerment.

Take a moment to recognize the Mother within yourself and your friendships. How do you nurture your loved ones? How do they nurture you? This Galentine’s Day, consider planning a gathering that encourages connection through nurturing activities—whether it’s cooking together, creating something beautiful, or simply offering support and love.

The Mother reminds us of the importance of giving love and receiving it. Galentine’s Day is an opportunity to honor the sacred energy of nurturing and building meaningful, lasting connections with our closest friends.

The Crone (Wisdom and Reflection)

The Crone represents wisdom, transformation, and reflection. She is the wise elder, someone who has lived through the cycles of life and emerged stronger and wiser. The Crone archetype encourages us to reflect on our past experiences, acknowledge the lessons learned, and embrace the beauty of transformation.

On Galentine’s Day, the Crone invites us to share our wisdom with each other. This could be a perfect opportunity to have deeper, reflective conversations with friends—about the journeys you’ve each taken and how those experiences have shaped who you are today. It’s a time to honor the growth that comes with age, the lessons learned from hardships, and the strength gained through transformation.

The Crone teaches us that true wisdom comes from embracing both our triumphs and our struggles. Galentine’s Day can be a time of honoring the wisdom of the women in our lives and sharing that knowledge with one another.

Galentine’s Day: a Sacred Celebration of Feminine Energy

While Galentine’s Day is often lighthearted and full of fun, it can also be a sacred celebration of the divine feminine—an opportunity to honor the Maiden, Mother, and Crone within each of us. This day allows us to acknowledge the different facets of womanhood, from youthful exuberance to nurturing care to wise reflection.

Practices for Celebrating with Your Inner Goddess:

  • Embrace the Maiden: Plan a lighthearted activity like a fun dance party, a game night, or an impromptu adventure with your friends. Let loose, laugh, and enjoy the playful spirit of this goddess.
  • Celebrate the Mother: Host a cozy gathering where you can cook a meal together, create something with your hands, or offer each other words of support and encouragement. This is a time for deepening connections and nurturing your friendships.
  • Honor the Crone: Take time to reflect together. Share stories from your past, offer advice, and celebrate the wisdom each of you has gathered along the way. Consider a calming activity like journaling, meditation, or a moonlit walk.

Rituals:

You might consider incorporating a few simple rituals to align with these energies. For example, lighting candles under the full moon to honor the Maiden’s light, sharing stories around a fire to connect with the Mother, or reflecting on past lessons to honor the Crone. Whatever feels right, make the celebration meaningful and connected to the divine feminine energy you wish to celebrate.

Galentine’s Day is more than just an excuse to hang out with your besties—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the different aspects of the goddess within all of us. Whether you’re embracing the playful Maiden, the nurturing Mother, or the wise Crone, take time to honor these energies in yourself and in the women around you.

As you celebrate with your friends this year, remember that the power of sisterhood is rooted in the divine feminine, which connects us to the moon, to the earth, and to each other. Take a moment to honor the goddess within and recognize the incredible strength, love, and wisdom that each of us brings to the world.

galentines-day-episode-617-pictured-amy-poehler-as-leslie-news-photo-1578077033