Beltane: What's it to you?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	02 Apr 2003
For us in the Northern Hemisphere, we're getting ready to welcome in the Summer. Beltane (May 1st) is traditionally the time for doing that, and I'm busy planning the Beltane celebration for my Uni Pagan Society. I'd like some feedback as to what Beltane means to you, what you do at Beltane, etc...? Thanks in advance! Kiama

FantasyWorld	02 Apr 2003
My group leaves to celebrate Beltaine the last weekend in April. This will only be my 2nd Betaine celebration but if I recall we 1st have an open group ritual then later another at the fire (called something but???) the Elders and higher Coven members have a private ritual. They pick the right tree to cut down for the Maypole and the last day do the dance. Everyone brings something for a stew they make (Mulligan)such as certain herbs and things for health, clairity and such. I look forward to going again this year and learning more. Thre are lots of chants and rituals and people have classes. RJ Stewart was there last there. I new to Wicca so I'm still learning. This year I will be a Dedicate.

coldsuns	02 Apr 2003
In Celtic religion, a festival held on the first day of May, celebrating the beginning of summer and open pasturing. Beltane was one of two turning points in the year, the other being November 1 (Samhain), the start of winter. At both, the bounds between the human and supernatural worlds were erased. On May Eve, witches and fairies roamed freely, and measures had to be taken against their enchantments. As late as the 19th cent. in Ireland, cattle were driven between two bonfires on Beltane as a magical means of protecting them from disease. See also Halloween. Extracted from Yahoo! Referance I never heard of this festival. A new thing to me. Hope to know more about it. ^_^

divinerguy	02 Apr 2003
For Beltaine, I usually break out the sunblock, my fishing pole and baseball hat. While not a strict pagan, I nonetheless celebrate the seasons in my own way -- I immerse myself in them. I've taken up archery, which will allow me to further bask in the gentle warmth of the sun. I smell the air and watch the animals. Divinerwife and I celebrated spring by driving through the desert, watching wildflowers, and having wild and crazy sax. Life is good, and it gets better with each new gray hair. Happy Beltaine, Kiama.

Kiama	03 Apr 2003
Divinerguy: Good to see you back after so long! Where you been?! :D I think our group might have a May King and Queen competition. We need a King and Queen for the celebration maybe, but not necessarily. I was remembering last year's Aeclectic Beltane ritual... http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=2741&highlight=Beltane where Pollux and I were May King and Queen, and we got to jump the bale-fire first! :D I've never actually celebrated Beltane in a group before, and I don't quite know what to do, since its a festival which is primarily about.... well.... sex! I suppose we could have some activities such as a visualisation which is focussed on sexuality and accepting your sexuality and learning to love yourself... Well, whatever I work out, I'll be sure to post it here when its done! Kiama

The Beltane: What's it to you? thread was originally posted on 02 Apr 2003 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.