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About Beltane

Beltane means Fire of Bel, Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. In old Celtic traditions it was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity but it is rarely observed in that manner in modern times. Young people would spend the entire night in the woods A-Maying, and dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning. Older married couples may remove their wedding rings (and the restrictions they imply) for this one night.

May morning is a magical time for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health. The Christian religion had only a poor substitute for the life-affirming Maypole -- namely, the death-affirming cross. Hence, in the Christian calendar this was celebrated as 'Roodmas '. In Germany, it was the feast of Saint Walpurga, or 'Walpurgisnacht '. An alternative date around May 5 (Old Beltane), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Taurus, is sometimes employed by Covens. Both 'Lady Day ' and 'Ostara ' are names incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern traditions of Wicca.

Dairy Product, Oatmeal Cookies and Cakes or Marigold Custard are traditional.

Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, St. John's Wort, Woodruff and all flowers.

Bayberry, Frankincense, Lilac, Rose.

Beltane Incense Recipe

3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandalwood
1 part Woodruff
1 part Rose Petals
a few drops Jasmine oil
a few drops Neroli oil

Sacred Gemstone

Agate

- Make paper baskets (use yarn as a handle) and place real or silk flowers in each basket. Hang them on door knobs of neighbors and family members.

- If you have children, make necklaces out of daises and place them around their necks for the day to bring protection to them.

- Begin planting for the season.

- Create a May Pole and dance around it with your family or friends.