April 30- May 1
Also known as May Day, this Sabbat represents fertility, vitality and passion as we celebrate the union of the Goddess and God. As the Sun God shines bright and warm onto the land, it becomes ripe and fertile, producing summer's first blossoms. Their intercourse ensures the fertility of the land and of nature.
We take this day to celebrate the passion, desire, and pleasures of love. This is a holiday of togetherness and is to be celebrated in groups. In old Celtic times, the young folk, either married or single, would disperse into the woods and celebrate this holiday through physical intimacy. This would proceed through the night, and end in the morning as the group gathered to dance around the Maypole.
The Maypole can be made from a small tree or straight branch, usually stripped of other small branches or flowers, giving it a phallic depiction as an offering to the Goddess and a gift of love and luck to all that dance around it. The Maypole is often painted and decorated with garlands and ribbons. Those who participate in the ritual usually bring ribbons to attach to the Maypole, and women may wear ribbons and flowers in their hair and dress. Men also decorate themselves in celebration.
Sexuality, love and fertility all combine on this glorious Sabbat. For this union of the Goddess and God, we offer a feast of sweets, such as cakes and cookies to celebrate. This matrimonial feast can also include dairy, grains, and breads. The most important representation of Beltaine is those you love and the display of love and affection you have towards them. Enjoy the outdoors today and enjoy each other!
Beltane Herbs:
All flowers, angelica, apple, ash, bluebell, calendula, cinquefoil, red clover, daisy, frankincense, hawthorn, honeysuckle, lilac, primrose, rose, rowan, St. John’s wort, strawberry, woodruff
Beltane Incense:
Frankincense, Lilac, Rose, Passion flower, Vanilla
Beltane Colors:
Green, Pink, Blue, Yellow, White
Beltane Foods:
Dairy, Oat, Oatmeal cakes, Bread, Fresh Fruit, Greens
Sacred Gemstones:
Emerald, Orange carnelian, Sapphire, Rose quartz
Spellwork for Beltane:
Spells for fertility, Love, Spiritual communion with deity, Safety, Prosperity, Conservation
~Lady Abigail~
Artwork by Lori Baratta~Available as Wiccan Greeting Cards