Beltane
Beltane
Tis the season that exudes fertility. Beltane honours Life representing the peak of Spring and the beginning of Summer. Earth energies are at their strongest and most active encouraging new life to grow. Beltane begins on May 1st and soon we will be heading into the Summer Solstice.
Beltane is also referred to as May Day. Protection rituals were performed on cattle, crops and people in hopes to encourage growth. Flames, smoke and ashes of sacred bonfires were sought to hold protective powers. Household fires would be put out and then re-lit from the Beltane fire. People who gathered around the fires would celebrate with feasts. Some food and drinks would also become offerings to the Beltane fire.
Beltane Traditions:
🔥 Lighting bonfires
🔥Walk around or between the bonfires
🔥 Feasting
🔥White or Yellow flowers adorned doors, windows, and livestock
🔥Sacred Holy Wells are visited as Beltane dew is thought to maintain youthfulness
Dates: Northern Hemisphere May 1st. Southern Hemisphere November 1st.
Sabbats
Each festival is referred to as a Sabbat.
The Greater Sabbats include:
Imbolc
Beltane
Lughnasadh
Samhain
The Lesser Sabbats known as the "Quarter Days" include:
Ostara - Spring Equinox
Litha - Summer Solstice
Mabon - Autumn / Fall Equinox
Yule - Winter Solstice