Beltane
(October 31st)

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Beltane the season of fertility, conception, passion & the most primal of energies.
This a great time to discuss healthy relationships & sexual passions.
This time is very much about sexual energies & procreation.
The God prepares to fertilize the ground (Goddess), here the God is in his prime.
The Goddess is the Maiden ready & welcoming for the God.
​This is the traditional time of the Great Rite using a Chalice & Athame

The Beltane Altar

  • ​Decorate with the colours present in nature at this time
  • Keep this simple & elegant
  • A God & Goddess statue or Candles to represent them​
  • A Cauldron for fire
  • Flowers, a floral crown
  • Chalice
  • Honey, oats &/or milk
  • Shed antlers
  • Fruit
  • ​Bread
  • ​​Any other items you would normally use if you want

Incense

  • Rosemary
  • Catnip
  • Lavender
  • Benzoin Resin

     Mix all dried plant parts together and burn small amounts on coal tablets.  Be warned that plant material smells very different when burnt and is sometimes not as pleasant as you might expect.  If you don't want to burn them place them in a small wooden bowl and use as an altar or table decoration.  
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Family Activities

  • Watch the sun rise & sun set.
  • Traditionally the time of Bonfires however here we often have fire ban days so a symbolic one made out of sticks & cellophane (yellow, orange, red).
  • Everyone jumps the bonfire & makes a wish
  • Explore your natural environment (garden or local park)
  • Spot baby animals
  • Leave food out for birds & other animals
  • Make ribbon wind catches (sticks, tacky glue/glue gun, ribbon)
  • Make fruit or jam tarts

Essential Oils

     Always use true essential oils and essential oil mixes when working with energies as these carry the right vibration for the purpose.  Fragrant oils won't work as well & can be very harsh.
     To make a simple Beltane mix put two drops each of the following in 10ml of carrier oil (Jojoba, grapeseed, olive oil) then shake well.

  • Rosewood
  • Rosemary
  • Geranium
  • Rose Absolute​

Ritual

Tools & Items You Will Need

  • Dark Green Candle
  • God & Goddess Statues or Candles to Represent Them
  • A Bell
  • May Pole
  • Goblet of Wine/Juice
  • Seasonal Foods
  • 2 x Pieces of Raffia ​

When You Are Ready to Begin

     The following steps are only a short version of the festival, it is the way our household celebrates Beltane, there are many more formal & longer versions of rituals that can be performed for this festival.   Check out the Helpful Links for books that might be helpful.
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  • We usually hold our ritual after the children arrive home from school, during the mid afternoon.  
  • We prepare a feast (as with all festivals food is an integral part).  
  • When this is done have everyone gather round the altar or the feast table.  
  • Make your craft projects.
  • Clear the table & set the feast.

Steps

  1. ​Perform the ritual of casting the circle.
  2. Have the incense burning in the background.
  3. Place the Candles, May Pole, goblet, seasonal foods & representations of the God & Goddess on the altar/table.
  4. Ring a bell.
  5. Recite: Welcome to the season of Beltane, the time of joyous union between the God & Goddess.
  6. Light the candles & spread flowers around the circle perimeter or scatter them across the altar/table.
  7. Move the God & Goddess closer on the Altar/Table.
  8. Take two pieces of raffia and join them symbolic of the God & Goddess joining.
  9. Recite: Fruitful is the land & all the seas, Fruitful as the busy bees.  Blessed is the union of the God & Goddess. May abundance & bounty bless the coming seasons.  
  10. Close the circle with the closing part of the casting circle ritual.
  11. Begin the feast
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