Origins:
Pronounced Bell-tayn or Be-el-ten-ah, it falls opposite Samhain on the Wheel of the Year. Also known as
Bealtaine, it is likely to come from the Irish word for balefire. It is of equal importance as Samhain
on the Wicca calender.
The young God now matures into manhood. Union and love between the Goddess and God is
marked by the Great Rite. Symbols of Beltane include the cauldron (Goddess) and May Pole (God).