Yule
Imbolg
Ostara
Beltaine
Litha
Lammas
Mabon
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Beltaine (May 1) |
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At Beltaine, the God and Goddess are united through handfasting. They come together to hasten the growth of the new crops. The God and Goddess conceive a child at Beltaine, to be born at Yule as the wheel of the year continues to turn. Beltaine happens on or around May 1, at the time when the Sun enters Taurus. This day also marks the second time of the year when the veil between this world and the other side is at its thinnest.
Traditionally, all hearth fires were extinguished at Beltaine. They were reignited from the sacred Bel fires, which were lit by the high priest of the druids. These fires were kindled using the nine sacred woods. The fires were said to offer protection, and symbolize the sun. In ancient rituals, pagans would often jump over the fires or drive their cattle between them to bring prosperity.Beltaine Traditions
- Dancing around the Maypole. This rite is generally practiced to bring fertility and prosperity. In some communities, an entire tree is used to make a maypole which then stands for the whole year. In other rites, the maypole is often much smaller. The maypole is a phallic symbol, representing the male seed in fertilization. Baskets of flowers and wreaths are placed around the maypole to symbolize the female womb. At a maypole rite, those that dance around the maypole are said to become more fertile and also direct energy to hasten the growth of the crops that summer.
- Bringing flowers door to door. Flowers are an important part of any Beltaine celebration. If there are fresh flowers available in your area, pick some and share them with others. With them, you share the joy of the season. For those that live in colder areas where the flowers have not yet ventured out in early May, procure some from your local flower shop and bring them to a friend. A smile is a magickal thing indeed!
Beltaine Correspondences
| Colours | Green, Red, White, Purple |
| Stones | Emerald, Sapphire, Rose Quartz, Carnelian, Bloodstone |
| Plants | Rose, Lilac, Lavender, Lily of the Valley |
| Herbs | Frankincense,Yarrow, Ylang Ylang, Basil |
| Incense and Oil | Basil, Cedar, Hyssop, Marigold, Juniper |