Happy Beltaine everyone! 
As Solitary Practioners, we may find ourselves a little less inspired than covens and groups to do formal rituals.  This is not at all uncommon when we are feeling low, worried about what is going on in our lives, or in poor health.  I have been a practicing Wiccan for over 30 years and I have had my  share of down times.  When I get that way I usually try to do some meditation to help me get over that rough spot.  That being said, this is an excellent time to work on healing yourself.  We all suffer from stress every day and even though we may think we are dealing with it well enough, our bodies are still affected by it because the effects of stress tend to be accumulative.  The obvious signs of this are insomnia, over-eating or under-eating, feeling "unwell" (like you might be coming down with something, but it doesn't manifest into an actual illness), feeling "so old" even though you know you aren't, a generalized ache throughout your body,(but most especially in the neck and shoulders), and of course the low grade headache that just never seems to go away.  A good period of meditation to help ourselves get grounded and centered, followed by a self-healing ritual can go a long way to helping us overcome those accumulative effects. 

I personally like to take a long hot tub soak before doing this kind of healing work (I make my own special bath salts for this).  If you decide to do this, visualize yourself as being cleansed of all negative energy just before you pull the drain plug. 

This is the season of growth and regeneration and we can use those energies provided to us by nature to help ourselves.  If you do nothing else for this Sabbat, do some healing work on yourself. 

If you have any questions just send me an email, or post it in the comments section here and I will respond.

Blessed Be!

In keeping with Beltaine activities, how about doing this Seed Blessing Ritual on Beltaine?

Germination Ritual for Seeds

This ritual can be used for any seeds you are going to germinate indoors, but it is extremely beneficial for those plants that have been named for a specific goal. 
Listed below are the items you will need:

• a yellow votive candle
• a green votive candle
• seeds you wish to germinate
• a germination pot with fresh potting soil (Enough for all the seeds you will be germinating here. I like to use those ones that are made of peat moss because you do not need to remove the baby plants from these containers to plant them outside.)
• craft or Popsicle sticks to label the seed bed(s)
• water
• plastic wrap to cover the soil when done
• Newspaper or plastic to protect your altar from the mess (unless you are doing this on an outdoor altar)

Before you declare your sacred space assemble all the above and place them on your altar. Once you have done this go ahead and declare your sacred space then light the yellow and green votive candles. If you have chosen to dedicate some or all of the seeds to represent future goals do the following:

• Take up one of the peat pots and fill it with fresh potting soil. Bless the soil by saying similar words to this: " I ask you Earth Mother to bless this vessel and the soil contained within so that the seeds I place in them will grow into strong and healthy plants". Do this for every pot you will be using.

• You will have to name each seed for the goal it is to represent ( it is best to use a few seeds for this just in case some of the seeds do not germinate). Take the seeds in your strong hand and say something like this: " I name you for my goal of saving $200 by the end of June". Repeat this two more times charging the seeds with your own will power to achieve this goal. When you have done this, plant the seeds in the soil. Write the name of the plant and your goal on one of the craft sticks and place it in the pot. Water thoroughly and cover with plastic wrap.
• Repeat the above 2 steps for every seed you are germinating.

When all seeds have been potted and labeled you may then end this ritual or do additional work you may need done.

Beltaine is the celebration of fertility, that of the Earth and all life.  The energies of this Sabbat are focused on creation and nurturing.  If you are looking forward to accomplishing some creative endeavor, such as writing a book, planting a garden, becoming pregnant, etc. use the energies you generate to help you accomplish these things.   But please remember, after we plant the seed we must continue to nurture and work on our project in order to keep it growing and become successful.

Here are some suggestions for things to do for Beltaine:

1.       To make your own ritual oil for Beltaine, use equal amounts of these oils and add to 3 parts of base oil.  Allow to sit on your altar to absorb the energies of this Sabbat.

Ritual Oils: Passion Flower, Rose, Tuberose, and Vanilla

       Another great way to celebrate Beltaine is to create a "May Basket"  This is another powerful fertility symbol used in this Sabbat.  The basket is symbolic as the Goddess' womb and of the sacred marriage. It was filled with plants and flowers, and would seem that life "sprung forth" from it.      

      This can be easily done with one of those hanging baskets and you add the flowers to it.  Keep the basket and care for it as a symbol of  those things you are working to create during this season of growth.

2.  You can make yourself a wreath ( caplet) of either fresh or artificial flowers to wear during your ritual and in honor of the season.

3.      If you live in an area where you can have a bonfire (even a small one), sit around the bonfire and spend some time communicating with your ancestors or others who has crossed over.  Ask those on the other side to give you help and guidance during the growing season.  The next day, after the ashes are completely cool, sprinkle the ashes around the outside of your home to protect and bless your home and flower gardens.

4.      This is also a good time to do some fairie magic.  You can leave some oatmeal and honey outside to attract them and grant you some of their good luck. 

 tThe important thing to remember is to connect with the energies of this Sabbat and use them to bring about the changes and growth you want in your life.

  May the God and Goddess bless you and your endeavors and may you continue to grow spiritually.

Welcome to the Solitary Wiccan Blog

Welcome to all of you Solitary Wiccans.  I have started this blog as a way to connect with you, share information, and to get some feed back from you.
I would also like to welcome those who are new to the Craft, or would like to know more about it.
Since we have Beltane coming up soon, I thought I would like to share some ideas for celebrating this Sabbat with you.
Here's a link:   http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/p/Beltane_History.htm to give you some background on this holiday.  I will be posting more on this during the next few days.
Please feel free to leave your comments, ask questions, or just say "Blessed Be".