Happy Beltane!
Beltane (also spelled Beltaine) is one of our favorite times in the year here (and also for many Neo-Pagans). The Sabbat is general celebrated on May 1st…though some traditions celebrate it when the Sun transits 15 degrees Taurus, which is May 5th this year.) It signifies the end of Winter in many Celtic traditions and the return of Summer. The Union of Goddess and God is a common theme and fertility rituals abound. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t note that there are many kinds and levels of “fertility” and Unions in Nature…and also within the psyche of human beings…it isn’t only about procreation in the usual sense, but about the creativity, that exists in every person and every being, surging forth at this time…Underlying all of this frolic is Love and Desire, which take many forms in reality and which manifests in so many diverse ways…and it is all beautiful and good.
The name in Scottish Gaelic, Bealteinne, Bealtaine and other variations, means “Bel Fire”…Bel is a Celtic God of fire and light, though not specifically the Sun apparently. It was considered lucky to jump over one of these sacred fires. In such communities, herds of animals were driven between two of these fires to grant them Fertility.
The Bel Fire (need fire) was often kindled with wood on wood friction and was kindled with the 9 sacred woods:
Alder,
Ash,
Birch,
Hawthorn,
Hazel,
Holly,
Oak,
Rowen,
And Willow.
The flames of the Bel fire were thought to have particular magic(k)al properties…it was believed that they would drive away sickness and illness and bless those who interacted with it in particular ways, with abundance and prosperity for the coming times.
One custom that is associated with Beltane is the dancing of the Maypole…something we see more and more of here in America. It originates in the Pagan veneration of the Phallic principle which fecundates the Earth.
This is also an excellent time for a handfasting ritual.
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Beltane (like Samhain, which is observed in the Southern Hemisphere at this time), is believed to be a time when the veil between the worlds is thin and is associated with the Fey…a time when communication with Them is more readily achievable. I like to leave them special offerings at this time…usually homemade biscuits with butter and honey. We have a special place in the Garden for honoring Them. We are planning on putting some fairy houses and fairy doors there…which They seem to think is an excellent idea.
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The Fey can be such a tremendous help to us if we approach them in reverence and a sense of play…always be respectful. They are powerful beings who are close the elemental currents of Nature…and frightful if crossed…so don’t.
We love and honor our Fairy Allies.
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Beltane Ritual Suggestions
(I think I got some of this ritual from Reclaiming sources, ie Starhawk…I think some of it was inspired by the published writings of the Farrars…but I don’t remember and I wasn’t diligent with retaining sources along the way…if you recognize any of this please let me know…ty)
Items need for this ceremony: candle for the Bel Fire, photo or effigy of beloved animal companions.
Sabbat Colors:Red and Green
(Altar is decorated in reds and greens, two white candles are on the altar))
“This is the time when sweet desire weds wild delight. The Maiden of Spring and the Lord of the Waxing Year meet in the greening fields and rejoice under the warm Sun. The shaft of Life is twined in the spiral web and all of nature is renewed. We meet in the time of flowering, to dance the dance of Life.”
”This is the night of Beltane, the night when we celebrate the beginning of Summer. On this night, we celebrate the Union of our Lord and our Lady…They are One in perfect Love. We celebrate the power of the Earth to bring forth new forms, for we know that the Earth is a living beings and that all of Her creatures are a part of Her body. Each has a place, a purpose, a special part in the great dance of Life. We celebrate the joys of being alive and we give thanks for all the different kinds of pleasure our bodies can give us. When we give each other Love and Pleasure, the whole Earth is pleased. The flowers bloom brighter and the birds sing louder.
———Bel Candle is lit…I usually place mine in the cauldron———
“O do not tel the priests of our art
for they would call it sin;
But we will be in the woods all night,
A-conjuring Summer in.
And we bring you good news by word of mouth,
for women, cattle and corn,
For the Sun is coming up from the South
With Oak and Ash and Thorn.”
At this point in the ceremony we perform a blessing upon our Animal loved ones using sympathetic magic(k)…by passing a picture or effigy of them thru the flame (quickly so that it doesn’t catch fire…always practice safety in rituals.) This is tapping into the principle that the Bel fire has magic(k)al properties and bestows the blessings of Light, Warmth and Security…similar to how the herds were driven between two Bel fires to ensure fertility at this time in some cultures.
———-Holding picture or effigy of animal loved one(s)———
“Great Goddess and Great God, please bless and protect ________N________ with Your divine and perfect Love, Health, Happiness and Joy…Now and Forever. So Mote it Be!”
“Thus we mark this Holy Day…Thus we crown the Queen of May!”