Beltane Celebration

Beltane, also known as May Day, is celebrated on or around May 1. Beltane is a festival of Rebirth, a celebration of the reawakening of the earth, the opening of the flowers, the rebirth of all that had 'died' throughout the Winter's cold rule. It is traditionally a fertility festival, an encouragement for the crops to begin growing and the cattle to give birth to the next generation. Beltane is a time of community and opening ourselves to those around us, for the good of the Craft and the community in general. The name of the fertility festival of Beltane means "good fire", and bonfires were once used to mark the symbolic return of the summer sun and renewed life. The Celts have a God named Bel, meaning "Lord", who is known as "The Bright One" a God of light and fire. Beltane celebrates the return of the light and it's life giving force upon the Earth.

Beltane is a powerful holiday, filled with legend and tradition that goes back farther than most recorded history. One of the most famous is probably the Maypole, a tall pole of oak adorned with a hawthorne garland and many brightly colored ribbons. The ribbons would be held by the many participants who danced their way around the Maypole in opposing directions, weaving in and out until the people were almost arm in arm and the Maypole was woven with bright springtime colors from top to bottom. The Maypole is actually a symbol for fertility of the land, and the ribbons being wound represent the movement of energies between the Earth and the Sky (The Goddess and the God) that causes the plants to grow and the world to re-awaken.

Besides being a celebration of the fertility of the earth and the renewed growth of crops, what we must realize is that the cycle of planting and growth does not only pertain to physical plants, but also to our spirituality as a whole. Beltaine should be a time to plant the seeds of spiritual growth and development in us all, praising the God and Goddess for the great gifts they have given us all.

Beltane Spell for Health and Happiness:

Adorn the Altar or Work-area with Ivy, Rowan, Hawthorn, and fresh Sorrel (Shamrocks). Both a Silver candle representing the Goddess, and a Gold candle representing the God should be lit, as well as a red and/or light blue candle representing Health. Also, recite this Chant:

Oak is the Sun Lord, Maiden is the May,
Take away our woes and pains on this May Day.
Oak is the Sun Lord, He will give us strength
He will take away our fears for the Summer's length.
Hawthorn is the Maiden, She will give us Peace,
From the woes of aching heart, she will bring release.
Oak Lord and Maiden, married on this Day,
Bound in Light and Love and Hope, in the Beltane Way.

A General Beltane Blessing Chant

Oak and May,
On This Day,
Will both Heed
Those in Need.
Goddess Bright,
God of Sun,
Bless your Children
'Till our days are done.

This is a Beltane Rite I have used, in whole or in part, many times. It is from the Book 'Wicca: A guide for the solitary Practitioner' and I try to give credit where credit is due.

First, set up your Ritual space. Try to do the Beltane ritual in a forest, or at least incorporate a living Tree. Also, you should have a small charm or token, preferably made by your own hand, as an offering to the God and Goddess. Set up your ritual in your own traditional way, Calling the Corners, Invoking the Circle, wherever your path leads. When you have completed your preparations, stand before your altar, hands raised, and recite the following chant:

Oh Mother Goddess, Queen of the Night and of the Earth;
Oh Father God, King of the Day and of the Forests,
I celebrate Your union as nature rejoices in a riotous blaze
Of color and of Life. Accept my gift, Mother Goddess
and Father God, in honor of your Union.

Place your charm or offering onto the tree.

From your mating shall spring forth life anew;
a profusion of living creatures shall cover the lands,
and the winds will blow pure and sweet.
Oh Goddess, Oh God, I celebrate with you!

When complete in your ritual, release the circle and continue the Beltane celebrations!

This information comes to us from Chad A., a longtime Wiccan and active member of the Circle of Salgion, Church of Wicca. You can visit Chad's website at: www.wiccanmagic.com