Hi allJust had to share this photo – a pot my friend Annette has mosaic tiled and looks fab in my kitchen – I love it and can’t wait to see the basil and coriander I’ve sow in it start to grow! Very apt to sow seeds at this time of year and possible even if you only have a window sill, it is such a rewarding, nurturing and calming activity.
For our Celtic ancestors, as it is still for us, this is a time of fertility, a time to sow seeds, to send the livestock with their young to summer and higher pastures. A time to plan, to cleanse, to renew commitments (by jumping through fires) and to celebrate the summer coming in.
The Celtic Year is based on lunar and solar cycles and so it is possible that Beltane was celebrated on the full moon nearest the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice – the 28th April but the calendar Beltane is 1st May – May Day.
Beltane, like its opposite point on the Celtic Calendar, Samhain, is a time when the veil between the material and spiritual worlds is said to be at its thinnest, particularly at dawn and at dusk, a great time to reflect and to remember our ancestors.
On May Day I’m off with my pottery group to have a look at the Baltic and Shipley Galleries in Newcastle and am hoping for some early ceramics that match the “evidently home-made” look that mine has!
Whether this is Beltane or Samhain for you and whatever you are doing enjoy the fires, the colours, the feasting, music and company of friends. Send in your pictures, thoughts and other diversely recorded observations, emotions and communications about Beltane!
Beltane blessings
LIndsey
P.S. If you’re in need of inspiration have a look at this site for ten ways to celebrate Beltane and for a beautiful horse and rider line drawing! http://www.sunion.warwick.ac.uk/pagan/beltanesteps.htm
For more information try these varied and interesting links.
http://www.feritradition.org/witcheye/andrada.html
Celtic Festival of Beltane or Beltain: May Day Sabbat Brings Light, Life and Fertility
http://paganismwicca.suite101.com/article.cfm/celtic_festival_of_beltane_or_beltain#ixzz0m6lYgZPH B
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