BELTANE

Beltane is on May Day and celebrates the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer.

Like all of the Wheel of Year sabbat celebrations, Beltane was a time for merry making and feasting. The word Beltane comes from celtic Baal or Bel which means Bright One. Beltane is a Fire Festival

As farmers prepared to move their livestock from winter pastures to summer grazing in the hills, they sought protection and abundance, by building fires and leading livestock through the flames on the way to the summer grazing lands. This was believed to ensure protection from harm and increase fertility of the herd.

In more practical terms these bonfires were most likely used to burn brush piles and make more room for planting and pastureland.

In the home, hearth fires were extinguished and relit with flames from the Beltane bonfires. People also walked the perimeter of their property or towns to invoke added protection over the coming year. Doorways, windows and even livestock were decorated with yellow flowers during Beltane.

Traditionally Beltane was a celebration of fertility. However, Beltane is a great time to focus on creativity and prosperity. With it’s promise of the coming harvest and fruitfulness, it is a time for inspired action and confidence.