Beltane

 

One of the most important Sabbats celebrated on May 1st (although I start my celebrations on April 30th – eve of Beltane).  It is a festival of fun and fertility and we celebrate the marriage of the Lord and the Goddess.  Handfastings are common at Beltane.  Dancing around the Maypole is a Pagan tradition at this time – the Maypole representing the God and the ribbons representing the web of life.  This is a time for fun and when sexuality and joy are celebrated.  The ‘Bel-fire’ was lit to herald the return of fertility to the land.  The colour of this festival is red and white, although I often incorporate blue into my altar decorations as the countryside is usually covered with bluebells at this time (when I see the bluebells I know that it is Beltane).  Hawthorne is the traditional May blossom – and to make a wish come true, burn three Hawthorne branches in the Beltane fire (be careful of what you wish for though!).

This is also the season for Faery magic and you could include it as part of your Beltane celebrations.  Remember to bring offerings for the faery folk – honey and milk will be well received.

A typical Beltane feast might include fruits, lemon cakes and elderberry wine; Spring Oak Leaf wine is appropriate for this Sabbat.  As this is a festival of fertility, it is a good time to work on plans and projects and the achievement of goals or business success.