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FEEL THE MAGIC OF BELTANE

I thought I'd revisit my last Beltane Blog post, which I wrote in 2023, and add a few more insights for this years May 1st celebration.


April and May are two of my favourite months, mirroring September and October, my other favourites. Maybe I prefer the transitional seasons, the change, the possibility, the shifts, hope, magic and beauty of these months, they always seem to hold me gently.


So, I'd like to share some ideas of inspiration for Beltane, which happened on May 1st, a significant Gaelic May Day festival. Landing between The Spring Equinox and The Summer Solstice. Marking the first days of Summer.


Beauty springing from the pavement in Brighton
Beauty springing from the pavement in Brighton

During Beltane, we honour the God and Goddess of spring, traditionally represented by a handfasting, or marriage ceremony. The story goes that the lovers were separated all winter and are reunited in Springtime. Today, we celebrate their reunion during Beltane with food, drink, and multi-coloured maypoles.


A MOMENT OF PAUSE.


Quickly take a moment to think of all the new life you've witness in the last few weeks, Daffodils, bluebells, fresh leaves, bird song, sun... maybe take a moment to register this beauty and the fact that just 4 months ago we were in the depths of winter(don't think about that too much though!). But it's a wonderful practice to hold gratitude for nature and the turning of the wheel.


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BELTANE comes from the Gaelic word meaning “bright fire”. But many Earth-based cultures had Spring festivals they celebrated at this time, which were called many different things. For the Gaelic Celts (the people who inhabited Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man), Beltane was a fire festival celebrating the beginning of Summer.



Like Samhain, which lies directly opposite Beltane on the Wheel of the Year, this was seen as a time when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest. At Samhain the veil between the worlds of the living & the dead is thin enough that we can connect & convene with our beloved dead. Beltane it’s the veil between the human world, and the world of faeries & nature spirits that has grown thin. These spirits & faeries are thought to be especially active at this time of year. Offerings would be left at the ancient faerie forts, the wells and in other sacred places in an effort to appease these nature spirits to ensure a successful growing season.


Most of all Beltane was a time for great gatherings, for celebrations & for feasting.


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BELTANE THEMES


  • Fertility and Abundance:

    Beltane is strongly associated with the themes of fertility and abundance in both nature and human life. It's a time to celebrate the Earth's bounty and the potential for growth and creation. This might feel quite specific, but this can also be applied to creativity. Or a new start. Where has your focus been, what change might you want, or is there a creative project you've felt too scared or shy to start? Now is the time!

  • Divine Union:

    In some traditions, Beltane is seen as a time when the God and Goddess, representing the divine masculine and feminine, come together in a symbolic union, ensuring the continuation of life. Now this language could be read as exclusionary. Maybe we can replace these labels as modes of energies, all energy is divine, whether it is fluid, strong, soft, slow, fast. It's just a way for us to reflect and  think on balance, where are your energies going? Are you in go mode more often than not? Or are you feeling a little sluggish, it's not about judging yourself but tuning into where you might have more balance in your life.

  • Fire and Renewal:

    Fire is a central element of Beltane, symbolising purification, protection, and the power of transformation. Bonfires are often lit as part of the celebrations. What can you let go over? What might need burning away, a heavy thought, or past relationship, worry or fear?

  • Flowers and Spring:

    Flowers are a prominent symbol of Beltane, representing the beauty and vitality of spring and the awakening of nature. Flowers are simply a gift from the divine, how might you be able to start letting your wings unfold, grow, hold your inner beauty dearly in your heart, knowing you are enough?

  • Sensuality and Passion:

    Beltane is often associated with sensuality, love, and passion, reflecting the heightened energy of the season and the excitement of new beginnings. I don't think I have the credentials to write about this too much, but really this is self love. Is work getting in the way of connection? Maybe carve out some time for you.

  • Transition and Growth:

    Beltane marks the transition from spring to summer, a time of significant growth and change in both the natural world and human lives. CHANGE, oh it's a tricky one, some of us love it, others hate it. What needs to change? You could sit and journal on a few things that you'd love to change or things you dream of.

  • Celebrating the Cycle of Life:

    Beltane is a reminder of the ongoing cycle of life, death, and rebirth, with the festival representing the beginning of a new phase of growth and abundance. It's about holding the whole of life as one. In the teachings of yoga, it's also about holding life and death as one and not being afradi fo death(abhinivesa). We can stay connected to the earth, life and death, the joy and pain, and hold it gently.



HOW TO CELEBRATE

1. Set Up an Altar

Set up a Beltane altar and fill it with the symbols of this special season. Think springtime (with lots of greenery) and things that represent fertility, rebirth, and awakening.

Flowers, Candles — floral scents (like rose or lavender).

Colors — Red, green, yellow/gold are all good colors to use for your altar. and passion. Gold is symbolic of the sun—a central theme for this Sabbat.

2. Have a Bonfire

For centuries, people have gathered together to celebrate the festival of fire. What better way to celebrate than with a beautiful nighttime flame? You can also create a fun and festive atmosphere with your own bonfire.

3. Gather Flowers

For Beltane, the blossoms of spring have begun to fill the world with their scent. Decorate your home with fresh flowers and greenery, especially hawthorn, roses or rowan.

4. Wear a Flower Crown or Garland

Wear your favorite flowers and plants in a garland or wreath in your hair. This symbolizes your connection with nature and your own inner power, sexuality and abundance.

5. Dress in Green

It is a time to celebrate the renewal of life and the coming fertility of summer. The color green symbolizes growth and birth.

6. Perform a Goddess Ritual

One way to celebrate Beltane is to perform a goddess ritual. As you may have guessed, this ritual is focused on drawing in the powers of female energy. You can begin by performing a quick meditation. Light a candle and sit quietly with your eyes closed. Imagine your body filling up with light, then imagine that light spreading out until it encompasses your entire home or apartment.

While you’re meditating, think about the things in your life that bring you coming season and then burn it as an offering.


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Citations from The old farmers Almanac

 
 
 

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