Beltane is well known as a fertility festival, but it can also be seen as a celebration of pleasure. And contrary to popular (media) opinion, pleasure and sensuality do not equal sex. As a perfect example, when looking for a picture for this blog, I tried searching for sensuality as a tag...and got almost exclusively highly sexual images. If you think about sensuality as something being pleasing to your senses, it gives you a whole lot of ways to engage with this Sabbat...even if you do not wish to have it be sexual.
I think this time of year is a great time to really tune into our senses and appreciate not only all the wondrous things that are going on in the world outside, but also to appreciate all the things in our regular life that bring joy to our senses.
In nature, we have just left the grayness of winter and spring is showing her colors. I think because of the often dreary nature of winter, we are hungry for color and spring is more than happy to feed us. Of course there are flowers blooming, but even the green grass feels brighter and more vibrant in spring. We are starting to get new produce in season, and I always feel like I want to eat more vegetables in spring (as many aren't as available in winter).
If you are thinking of ways to honor Beltane, without things turning x-rated, why not consider a feast for your senses! Gather foods that you enjoy, especially any that are seasonal. Make yourself a special drink, something that delights your taste buds. Play music that makes you want to dance. Wear clothing that feels great (maybe you want luxurious or maybe you need to feel comfortable...whatever your body craves, embrace it!). You can also have things out that are fun to touch (I love soft fuzzy things, but also smooth things and even some textures that are just neat to feel). For scent you can put a simmer pot on or burn incense or have fresh flowers...or even use a scented spray. Consider swapping up a few decorations, to give you something new to enjoy visually, or watching something visually stimulating..or just stepping out and watching nature.
You can do all of these things on your own, but you can also do them with a group. Maybe your group decides that everyone is going to bring one thing that they adore for each sense, and then you can share your sensual delights with the group. You could take turns, with each person sharing all of their offerings, or you could go by sense, where everyone shares something to taste and then everyone shares something to touch. If people are comfortable with it, you could give each other massages or paint each other's nails or draw symbols on their skin.
This could be as formal and ritualistic as you like...or it could be super casual. You could have a movie night with your friends, and have everyone come in their pj's (or other comfy clothes), and you could have wonderful snacks and light candles and make it a whole cozy night in. You could do a big party, with dance music and drinks. You could cast circle by holding hands or lighting a ring of candles.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with sex, or celebrating your sexuality as part of Beltane, but for many people sex is a private thing and for some it isn't something they care about at all, so having non-sexual options is always a good thing (you could very easily make these sense-centric activities kid friendly too!).
One of the things I love about individual path spirituality is that we can make it what works for us. So if you are down for a sexy Beltane, go for it! But if you prefer to not have your Beltane be sex-focused, why not lean into your senses instead. Make the day dedicated to doing what feels right, eating what tastes good, listening to things that make you feel amazing and touching things that you want to touch.
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