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Beltane falls directly opposite of Samahin on the Wheel of the Year. Such a place is fitting since both Sabbats mark a time
when the veil between the worlds are at their thinnest.
The traditional bonfire on May Eve was started from a bundle of wood from 9 different types of trees (Birch, Oak, Rowan(Ash),
Willow, Hawthorn, Hazel, Apple, Vine, and Fir). The bundle was wrapped in ribbons and adorned with flowers. A small piece
of the smoldering fire was even carried to each person's home to ensure summer blessings.
The most widespread, known, and enduring tratition of Beltane is the dance around the maypole. The tree for the pole was usually
a type of fir with only the top branches left intact.
Beltane is a celebration of the union of the God and Goddess, fertility, new life, and resurrection. At this time of the yearthe
Goddess's mother aspect is in youthful bloom, the red and white ribbons are the symbolic representation of this aspect. While
the phallic symbol of the pole represents the Green Man.
May is strongly associated with other worlds. The Faerie folk a particularly active durring this month. Watch for faerie rings
of toadstools or flowers, and leave offerings in the woods to make friends.
May is also a good time to leave offerings at wells and springs. Durring this time healing powers of water from sacred wells
is amplified. The water of life is especially important at this time of year when crops are just begining to grow.
Keep in mind that a ritual can be changed from solitary to group with a simple arrangement of who says what. Changes from
group to solitary can be just as simple, except in cases where a reenactment is done. The type of ritual(solo/group) is listed
at the top of the ritual page and anything in italics is what is said or chanted in the ritual. With that in mind Blessed
be and happy rituals!
Beltane Ritual 1
Beltane Ritual 2
Beltane Ritual 3
Beltane Ritual 4
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