Beltane
Beltane is a celebration of the return of life and fertility to the world which takes place on the first of May. The word "Beltane" means "brilliant fire," and refers to the bonfire lit in honor of the Celtic god known as Bel, the god of light, fire and healing, another form of Cernunnos. Beltane marks the start of summer, and is a time for feasting, merry-making, celebration, and joy. It is a time to look outward and forward to the future, and to prepare for the warm summer months ahead. It is also a time for love and union, representing the Divine Union of the Goddess and the God. The bonfires were the "tein-eigin", fire made from the friction of two pieces of sacred wood. In ancient Ireland, no one could light a Bel-fire until the Ard Ri, High King, had lit the first on Tara Hill. Cattle would be driven between these two fires to protect them from disease, ensuring a high milk yield. A May Pole fertility dance also took place. Usually made from a Yule tree, its branches were stripped and red & white ribbons were attached to its top-men and women danced around the pole, holding onto the ribbons and interweaving them as they went round. Dancing around the Maypole may be a part of the festivities. It was strung with white ribbons (symbolizing the Goddess) and red ribbons (symbolizing the God). Beltane is thought by Wiccans to be derived from a word meaning "balefire". It is traditional to take home a smoldering piece of the Beltane bonfire to bring blessings to your home during the coming summer months. It is also believed that the smoke from a Beltane bonfire is the best to use for ritual purification of tools, jewelry, etc.
Beltane is a time of fertility and is also an excellent time for Handfastings, the couple enacting the HeirosýÓgamos, or sacred marriage. The Hawthorn tree (also called the May tree) blossoms at this time, and we are in the Hawthorn month. The blossoms can be gathered, and a delicious wine made from them, to be drunk the following Beltane. Celebrate Beltane by taking pleasure in life and enjoying the gifts of the Goddess.
Decoration: all spring and early summer blossoms.
Food: pork, beef, any edible blossom, all veggies, dairy foods, wine and tea.
Herbs: violet, vanilla, all spring flowers.
Colors: green, red, pink, orange and white.
Stones: sapphire and bloodstone.
Taboos: giving away fire and food.
Activities: wrapping the may pole, gathering flowers.
Other things to try: Erect a maypole. Collect morning dew for ritual. Hang a branch of rowan tied with red thread above your door for protection. Bless your garden or nearest field.
Recipes
Beltane cream pie
1 c whole milk 3 T corn starch
1 c rich cream 1 1/2 c sugar
1/2 c real butter 1 1/4 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 pie crust
Melt butter in saucepan. In bowl, mix milk and corn starch slowly. When fully blended, add this and everything except vanilla to saucepan. Stir till it becomes thick, remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into pie crust and sprinkle with nutmeg. Chill.
