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In this modern age of city living and science-ruled society,
many of us have lost touch with the ebb and flow of the seasons
and our place in the natural world. Here is where you're reminded
of your closeness to nature and can celebrate your connection
with all living things, inspired by the turning of the seasons
reflected on the changing face of the land. Some of these Celtic
festivals are still honoured today - although often without
recognising their true origins. |
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Beltane - Spring cross quarter festival, end of April/beginning of May
Beltane is a celebration of the full potency and wildness of the life force, illustrated by the blossoming and abundant growth of nature all around us. Unions, fertility and manifestation of all kinds are the heart of this festival.
For the Celts, May Eve was the night the horned god, Herne the Hunter, chased and united with the fertile goddess, the fruit of their love-making bringing fertility to the land. The opposing male and female forces were believed to blend together in an explosion of energy to transform them both physically and spiritually (the word lust in old German means religious joy)! This was a time for staying up all night, making love under the trees and wearing green to honour the spring and the faerie folk whose world was believed to be closer to ours at this time.
Old May Day celebrations included dancing around the Maypole, which symbolised the joining and interweaving of male and female energies, and tying ribbons and clothing to the May trees - especially those by sacred wells and springs which were particularly potent during this month. The name of the festival comes from the words 'bel-tene' which means a goodly fire. All other fires in the Celtic communities were put out, before a special fire was kindled. Couples jumped through it to purify themselves and ensure fertility, and cattle were driven through the smoke to ward off disease and bring abundance. At the end of the night, each family would take a little of the fire away to rekindle their hearths and homes with Beltane energy.
Beltane energy
This is the most potent time of year for earth energy when all of life is bursting with potential and growth. Now is a good time to explore the ancient ley lines and to look for the supernatural and otherworldly when dawn and dusk thin the veil between realities. This is the beginning of the most active waxing phase of the sun's cycle, a time to be sure of what you want and to go for it with the abundant energy you can tap into. Honour the raw power of sex, the union of opposites which brings life-changing forces of fertility to anything and everything.
How to celebrate
Choose a large, open area and arrange an outdoor party, asking everyone to bring some firewood beforehand so that the Beltane fire can be prepared in advance. Request that guests bring food and drink to share, and wear something green to honour the faery folk and the spring. Begin the festivities by lighting the fire with whatever words or ceremony are appropriate for your group. Play music it’s impossible to sit till to (live musicians would be wonderful) and dance to relax and release emotions and energy. Before you eat, form a circle around the fire and hold hands, feeling the connection, love and friendship flow between you. Thank the elements, nature spirits and helpers for their presence and bless the food you're about to share. Feast!
With thanks to Glennie Kindred for her excellent source book Sacred Celebrations.
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