
Beltane is here!
It is a time when the earth is fertile and full. Can you feel it?
Wonderful Beltane is the Celtic start of summer.
Beltane has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is the time of blossoming in nature, of rapid growth, of nesting birds and animals choosing mates.
We had an amazing time in Glastonbury. A big community celebration takes place every year, and everyone is welcome to attend. People gather at the market cross for poetry, singing and music, then there is a procession up the High Street to the bottom of the Tor where the maypole is erected. Maypole dancing comes from a far more ancient custom: the maypole represents the God, it being a phallic symbol.
Come and join us next year if you can; it’s such a great day.
Many years ago, during Beltane rights the Priestesses and Druids would get together to possibly make a sacred child. It is also a traditional time of handfastings (pagan wedding ceremonies).
The earth’s energy is on the increase – and there is the promise of more to come!
The Beltane bonfire is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years. The fire was more than a big pile of logs and some flame. It was a place where the entire community gathered – a place of music and magic and dancing and lovemaking.
It was customary to light the fire on May Eve (the last night of April) and allow it to burn until the sun went down on May 1st. The bonfire was lit with a bundle made from nine different types of wood and wrapped with colorful ribbons. Once the fire was blazing, a piece of smoldering wood was taken to each home in the village, to ensure fertility throughout the summer.
Beltane Altar
Dress your altar in red and pink to symbolise vitality, passion and love. Decorate with spring blossoms, hearts and rose quartz.
Her is a wonderful chant to the Goddess:
Goddess of Love, sing to me
Open my heart and set me free
Take my body and make me whole
Goddess of Love, fill my soul