Sabbats
Beltane
May 1st
The word Beltane simply means “Fire of Bel.” Bel is the bright and shining one. In modern Irish, Beltane means May. On the eve of May 1st, the ancient Celts built bonfires using nine of the sacred woods and would ritually drive their animal herds between them to purify and protect them from disease and harm. On Beltane, Witches celebrate the great fruitfulness of the Earth. We light our Beltane fires symbolically in a cauldron from the nine sacred woods, and if possible and (space permitting), will safely burn a bonfire as more in keeping the tradition. We celebrate the union of the Great Mother and the young Horned God. Their coupling brings fresh new life on Earth, which we experience in the exuberance of Spring. Love is in the air, and handfastings are common. Dancing and frolicking about the maypole have become the norm at Beltane gatherings, as we weave our futures with one another and while wearing crowns of flowers.
