| Spirits of Nature The Newsletter of the University of Bristol Earth Religions Society |
| Hello all…. it’s the most stressful part of the year again, so before you dash back to your books let me just introduce the new committee. We’re all very nice and will talk to anyone about anything, from earwax to tarot to giant squids. We are, in order of sensibleness: Andrew, who looks after all our money and so is Treasurer Jade, who is Secretary and fond of glitter Ed, who can argue any topic with anyone (and is Vice-President) And Hanna who is easily confused and for some reason is President. Come and say hello, we don’t bite (much). |
| Events this term… Tuesday 23rd April-7pm at the Union- Meeting and a talk by our very own Nick! Tuesday 30th April-7pm at the Union- Video: The Wicker Man. “Horror” film about a pagan island- A brilliant film, with incredibly inaccurate portrayal of pagan practices! Tuesday 7th May-7pm at the Union- Meeting and speaker – contact us for details. Tuesday 14th May-7pm at the Union- Video: The Craft. Another inaccurate portrayal of pagan practice, but we liked it anyway. Tuesday 21st May-7pm at the Union- At the beginning of the exam season, relax and focus with a guided meditation. Tuesday 28th May-7pm at the Union- Give your brain a rest from revision and get creative with our storytelling workshop. Thursday 6th June-7pm at the Union- another guided meditation to relax and invigorate those tired brain cells. Tuesday 11th June-7pm at the Union- Video: Excalibur, one of the better and more Pagan Arthurian films. Tuesday 18th June-7pm- Barbecue to celebrate the end of term, contact us for details, bring a bottle and some food! |
| Beltane, the May festival. Named after the Roman Goddess Maia the beginning of the month of May was celebrated with offerings of flowers and garlands. The word Beltane means ‘bright fire’ and comes from the bonfires lit at this Celtic festival. Herds of cattle were driven between two bonfires as an act of protection and purification, the fires represent the sun and its power to return life and fertility to the soil. The Celtic God Belenus is linked with this festival; Belenus is a solar god who has much in common with the Roman God Apollo. Mythologically, Beltane is the time of the union of the God and Goddess, when the next year’s God (to be born at Yule) is conceived. The Maypole is often considered to be a symbol of fertility as it is thought to resemble a phallus, however traditionally the Maypole would be dressed with garlands of greenery and flowers and may have represented the world tree/tree of life/Yggdrasil. Ancient may festivals involved a parade through the villages. A young man would be dressed in greenery to represent the spirit of the plant kingdom, he was known as Jack in the Green of the Green Man. A young woman was elected Queen of May and led the parade. To modern pagans Beltane is one of the bigger festivals and is merrily celebrated in many ways. In London, the Beltane bash commences with a parade through central London including Jack in the Green and led by a giant effigy of The Morrigan a Celtic Goddess (although peculiarly one usually associated with battle) she is surrounded by her Valkyries, a group of men dressed as ravens. The following two days is a whirlwind of entertainment, drinking, dancing and also Pagan speakers and workshops. Participants generally dress in green, some wear masks of green leaves and many women wear flowers in their hair. Next: Litha, the Summer Solstice. June 21st |
| Contact us at uobers@hotmail.com or visit Membership is open to all and costs £1. |