•  
A+ A A-

Celebrate Beltane with Celtic Flair

Celebrate Beltane with Celtic Flair

Simple ways to celebrate the feast-days of the Celtic Year.

The Return of the Sun

Beltaine is an anglicization of the Irish "Bealtaine" or the Scottish "Bealtuinn." While "tene" clearly means "fire," nobody really knows whether Bel refers to Belenus, a pastoral god of the Gauls, or is from "bel," simply meaning "brilliant."

It might even derive from "bil tene" or "lucky fire" because to jump between two Beltane fires was sure to bring good fortune, health to your livestock, and prosperity.

When the Druids and their successors raised the Beltaine fires on hilltops throughout the British Isles on May Eve, they were performing a real act of magic, for the fires were lit in order to bring the sun’s light down to earth. In Scotland, every fire in the household was extinguished, and the great fires were lit from the need-fire which was kindled by 3 times 3 men using wood from the nine sacred trees. When the wood burst into flames, it proclaimed the triumph of the light over the dark half of the year.

Then the whole hillside came alive as people thrust brands into the newly roaring flames and whirled them about their heads in imitation of the circling of the sun. If any man there was planning a long journey or dangerous undertaking, he leaped backwards and forwards three times through the fire for luck. As the fire sunk low, the girls jumped across it to procure good husbands; pregnant women stepped through it to ensure an easy birth, and children were also carried across the smoldering ashes. When the fire died down, the embers were thrown among the sprouting crops to protect them, while each household carried some back to kindle a new fire in their hearth. When the sun rose that dawn, those who had stayed up to watch it might see it whirl three times upon the horizon before leaping up in all its summer glory.

The Rites of Spring

Beltaine was a time of fertility and unbridled merrymaking, when young and old would spend the night making love in the Greenwood. In the morning, they would return to the village bearing huge budding boughs of hawthorn (the may-tree) and other spring flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and their houses. They would process back home, stopping at each house to leave flowers, and enjoy the best of food and drink that the home had to offer. In every village, the maypole—usually a birch or ash pole—was raised, and dancing and feasting began. Festivities were led by the May Queen and her consort, the King who was sometimes Jack-in-the-Green, or the Green Man, the old god of the wildwood. They were borne in state through the village in a cart covered with flowers and enthroned in a leafy arbor as the divine couple whose unity symbolized the sacred marriage of earth and sun.

To Celebrate Beltaine Today

  • Arise at dawn and wash in the morning dew: the woman who washes her face in it will be beautiful; the man who washes his hands will be skilled with knots and nets.
  • If you live near water, make a garland or posy of spring flowers and cast it into stream, lake or river to bless the water spirits.
  • Prepare a May basket by filling it with flowers and goodwill, then give it to one in need of caring, such as an elderly friend.
  • Beltaine is one of the three "spirit-nights" of the year when the faeries can be seen. At dusk, twist a rowan sprig into a ring and look through it, and you may see them.
  • Make a wish as you jump a bonfire or candle flame for good luck—but make sure you tie up long skirts first!
  • Make a May bowl —wine or punch in which the flowers of sweet woodruff or other fragrant blossoms are soaked—and drink with the one you love.

© 2010-2024 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.

Pin It

Join the Conversation Now! Comment Below! arrow down small 11

CrystalWind.ca remains free to use thanks to generous donations from people like you. Help us spread spirituality and positivity! Support CrystalWind.ca with your donation today and be a part of this mission!
Every contribution makes a difference in continuing our work and sharing the light. Thank you for your support!

Follow this blog

Thank you for visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at . Let’s grow together!

crystal-wind-oracle-mobile-app
Break Free from Illusions and Embrace Clarity!
Available for Immediate Download On
Apple | Android | Amazon
NEW Expanded Version – 53 Cards for Deeper Insight!

Your generous donation keeps CrystalWind.ca accessible for everyone.
Donate Now and Support Us »

CrystalWind.ca Donation!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

 

Who is Online Now

We have 34893 guests and no members online

Featured This Month

Page:

Pisces Mythology

Pisces Mythology

The Mythology of Pisces By most accounts, the mythology of Pisces follows a... Read more

The Ash Tree - February 18 - March 17

The Ash Tree - February 18 - March 17

Celtic Symbol : The Trident Or Sea - Horse Zodiac Degrees : 28º00` Aquarius... Read more

Fluorite

Fluorite

The Focus And Study Stone Fluorite helps to assimilate ideas and informatio... Read more

Aquamarine

Aquamarine

The Stone of Truth Aquamarine can provide a significant boost to the immune... Read more

Candle Color Meanings

Candle Color Meanings

Candles, when combined with prayer and faith, can produce miracles. Read more

Pisces

Pisces

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 Spirit: Search for security Read more

Ostara: Spring Equinox Secrets Revealed!

Ostara: Spring Equinox Secrets Revealed!

Celebrated on the Spring Equinox, around March 20-21 each year. Ostara is a... Read more

Ostara Magic! Spring Equinox Rituals & T…

Ostara Magic! Spring Equinox Rituals & Traditions

Easter gets its name from the Teutonic goddess of spring and the dawn, whose n... Read more

Wolf Medicine

Wolf Medicine

Wolf is the pathfinder, the forerunner of new ideas who returns to the clan ... Read more

Spirit of Gray Wolf

Spirit of Gray Wolf

Spirit of Gray Wolf Role: The Teacher Lesson: Adaptation to Change Elemen... Read more

Sun in Pisces

Sun in Pisces

Sun in Pisces February 22 through March 20 An Overview of Sun Sign Characte... Read more

Plantain

Plantain

Plantain Helps you feel grounded Read more

How to Use a Pendulum

How to Use a Pendulum

Pendulums remain one of the simplest and fastest methods for divination. Read more

Big Winds Moon

Big Winds Moon

Cougar -  Turquoise -  Plantain -  Blue and Green February ... Read more

Birth Totem - Wolf

Birth Totem - Wolf

Birth Totem Wolf Birth dates: February 19 - March 20 Read more

 

 

X

Right Click

No right click