Beltane
Beltane
Pronounced: bee-YAWL-tinnuh, BELL-tinnuh, ˈbeltān
Astrological Timing: 15* Taurus
Calendar Timing: May 1
Sun Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Sun Zodiac Sign Element: Earth
Sun Zodiac Sign Element Quality: Fixed
Moon Phase: Waxing Half
Themes: passion, mischief, sensuality, sexuality, beauty, romance, fertility, vitality, abundance [1]
Also known as: May Day, Walpurgisnacht, Floralia, Calan Mai [1]
History/Mythology:
By the time May 1st arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, spring is truly in full swing and the balance is tipping toward summer. The heat of the Sun increases with each day, and the Earth turns ever-deepening shades of green as buds and blossoms give way to the emerging new leaves. Flowers seem to explode along the roadsides while birds, bees, and other flying creatures fill the air. And even if a stray chill sneaks back in for a day or two around this time, there’s still no going back—winter is decidedly over. [1]
In fact, May 1st marked the official beginning of the light half of the year in pre-modern times, making this day the official beginning of summer for our Celtic ancestors. Indeed, Beltane—or May Day as it is also known—is a time for exuberant celebration, as the long, warm days and the lush abundance of the growing season are ramping up. The hopeful feeling that was kindled at Imbolc and built upon at Ostara now comes into full fruition. Wiccans recognize Beltane as a time to celebrate the return of passion, vitality, fun and frivolity, and the co-creative energies of Nature that are so evident at this time of year. By this point all living creatures have come out of hibernation and are enjoying the sunshine and the mild days. [1]
There are four great festivals of the Pagan Celtic year and the modern Witch's calendar, as well. The two greatest of these are Halloween (the beginning of winter) and May Day (the beginning of summer). Being opposite each other on the wheel of the year, they separate the year into halves. Halloween (also called Samhain) is the Celtic New Year and is generally considered the more important of the two, though May Day runs a close second. Indeed, in some areas -- notably Wales -- it is considered the great holiday. May Day ushers in the fifth month of the modern calendar year, the month of May. This month is named in honor of the goddess Maia, originally a Greek mountain nymph, later identified as the most beautiful of the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades. By Zeus, she is also the mother of Hermes, god of magic. Maia's parents were Atlas and Pleione, a sea nymph. [5]
Name Origins
The old Celtic name for May Day is Beltane (in its most popular Anglicized form), which is derived from the Irish Gaelic 'Bealtaine' or the Scottish Gaelic 'Bealtuinn', meaning 'Bel-fire', the fire of the Celtic god of light (Bel, Beli or Belinus). He, in turn, may be traced to the Middle Eastern god Baal. Other names for May Day include: Cetsamhain ('opposite Samhain'), Walpurgisnacht (in Germany), and Roodmas (the medieval Church's name). This last came from Church Fathers who were hoping to shift the common people's allegiance from the Maypole (Pagan lingham - symbol of life) to the Holy Rood (the Cross - Roman instrument of death). Incidentally, there is no historical justification for calling May 1st 'Lady Day'. For hundreds of years, that title has been proper to the Vernal Equinox (approx. March 21st), another holiday sacred to the Great Goddess. The nontraditional use of 'Lady Day' for May 1st
is quite recent (within the last 15 years), and seems to be confined to America, where it has gained widespread acceptance among certain segments of the Craft population. This rather startling departure from tradition would seem to indicate an unfamiliarity with European calendar customs, as well as a lax attitude toward scholarship among too many Pagans. A simple glance at a dictionary ('Webster's 3rd' or O.E.D.), encyclopedia ('Benet's'), or standard mythology reference (Jobe's 'Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore & Symbols') would confirm the correct date for Lady Day as the Vernal Equinox. [5]
Practices:
Today’s Beltane celebrations draw from various traditions across the pagan landscape of Europe. And while bonfires are definitely a big part of most rituals, Wiccan and other Pagan observances don’t necessarily borrow as heavily from Celtic lore at Beltane as they do at Imbolc or Samhain. More typically, the public celebrations incorporate traditions from Germanic cultures—especially dancing around the Maypole. This is the very tall, circular pole made ideally from wood that features in many May Day festivities, both Pagan and secular alike. At the top of the pole hang ribbons of various colors, and the participants each hold one ribbon as they circle the pole in an interweaving dance, until the length of it is decorated. [1]
In the words of Witchcraft writers Janet and Stewart Farrar, the Beltane celebration was principly a time of '...unashamed human sexuality and fertility.' Such associations include the obvious phallic symbolism of the Maypole and riding the hobby horse. Even a seemingly innocent children's nursery rhyme, 'Ride a cock horse to Banburry Cross...' retains such memories. And the next line '...to see a fine Lady on a white horse' is a reference to the annual ride of 'Lady Godiva' though Coventry. Every year for nearly three centuries, a sky-clad village maiden (elected Queen of the May) enacted this Pagan rite, until the Puritans put an end to the custom. [5]
The Lighting of the Balefire
The name “Beltane” has been traced back to an old Celtic word meaning “bright fire,” and is thought by some scholars to be related to the ancient Sun god Belenos, whose name has been translated as “bright shining one.” Belenos was worshipped throughout Celtic Europe and his feast day was on May 1st, so this connection seems logical, but is not universally accepted by historians. For one thing, Belenos (also known as Bel or Beil) doesn’t make significant appearances in the mythology of the areas where Beltane was historically celebrated: Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Mann. In fact, he was much more significant to the Gaulish Celts of the European continent, where the May 1st festivals are known by different names. Nonetheless, the ritual importance of fire was a central focus of Beltane for the ancient Celts of the western-most islands, where the first references to the holiday are found. [1]
May Pole
It was traditionally young people who did the dancing around the Maypole, and any woman who wanted to conceive a child was sure to be among them. In the earliest times, the dancing would have been a looser, simpler affair. The more intricately involved dance with the entwining ribbons came about relatively recently, in the 19th century. Wiccans and other Pagans recognize the pole itself as a supremely phallic symbol, representing the God at the height of his powers. The garlands and greenery symbolize the Goddess and her fertility. As the dancers come together, the ribbons gradually encircle the pole until it is symbolically wrapped in the womb of the Earth. In this way, the union between the divine pair is enacted by the whole community. This association with phallic symbolism is a somewhat recent development, however. Historians believe that the Maypole originated with fertility rituals of ancient Germanic tribes, who would at one time have been dancing around a young living tree as opposed to a cut pole. The tradition evolved over the centuries after being brought to England, where in the 17th century a mistaken association was made between the Maypole and the bawdier customs of ancient Rome. The phallic symbolism has been part of the lore of May Day ever since, especially among Witches. [1]
Beltane—Greater Sabbat
The outer edge of the Circle, and the altar, may be decorated with flowers. The altar cloth and candles should be dark green. A crown lies beside the altar. This may be a crown of flowers or it may be a silver crown decorated with silver crescent Moons or similar. In the north quarter stands a cauldron containing material for a fire (regular kindling, or a candle, or a Sterno burner). In the east quarter is a Maypole—the Circle may be drawn extra large to accommodate it. The Erecting the Temple is performed. This may be followed by Full Moon or New Moon Rite, if appropriate. [4]
Altar Decorations - Red and white candles, Seasonal Flowers and Garlands, Small Maypole, Goddess & God Statues, Faeries, Butterflies, Beads, Growing Plants, Plows, Cauldrons of Flowers, BroomsColors - Red & White (symbolizing the Goddess and God), Pink, Brown & Green [6]
Colors:
Red for Love and Passion.
Is a very powerful, warm and positive colour, and is a colour that can be associated with most of our physical needs, and our ability and will to survive. Red is a exceedingly masculine colour. Red is a motivating colour, it inspires ius to action. It is also a strong-willed colour can give those who are a little shy the confidence, it the colour that awakens our life force. Red is the solour of sexuality, passion and lust. It can stir deeper and intimate feelings such as love, but it is also a colour that can also indicate anger. It can be agitating, and if you are surrounded by too much red you may find you become easily irritated with this around you. [7]
White for Peace and Harmony.
Is an exceptional colour, and represents purity, unity and perfection. White is a colour of new beginnings, a clean slate, but at the same time represents wholeness and completion. White isn”t stimulating to the senses to say the least, but has a profound effect on the psyche, but it can create a state of creation, and what your mind can conceive, you can create. [7]
Green for Good Fortune and Wealth.
Is a colour of balance and harmony. Green works with the heart chakra and the emotions and helps to create equilibrium between your head and your heart. This is a colour of renewal, rebirth and growth, a colour that epitomises Spring. It is a powerfully positive colour, it is the mediator between parties, the peace maker. Furthermore, it possesses a strong sense of right and wrong. Green will look at all sides of situation and will take the moral path, and do what it best for most people. And yes, Green can be possessive and materialistic [7]
Purple for Spiritual growth.
Is a deeply spiritual colour and throughout history it has been associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, mystery and magic. While purple is a mixture of red and blue, however the violet ray is the highest vibration of the visible spectrum. It can assist in exploration of the “meaning of life stuff”. Both purple and violet can aid in dream recall, and psychic gifts and awareness [7]
Yellow for Joy.
Is the brightest colour on the spectrum, and in a psychological sense it is a very uplifting colour that often inspires hope, joy, happiness, fun, and is basically a very cheery colour all round. Yellow is a colour that is largely associated with the logical side of the brain, and because of it”s uplifting qualities it also helps to stimulate the mental faculties. It is a colour that inspires the curious nature and inquisitiveness. Moreover, yellow is such an enthusiastic colour that pulls out optimism and confidence from the dark parts of the psyche. [7]
Correspondences:
Sun Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, stable [2]
Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising [2]
Taurus likes: Gardening, cooking, music, romance, high quality clothes, working with hands [2]
Taurus dislikes: Sudden changes, complications, insecurity of any kind, synthetic fabrics [2]
Practical and well-grounded, Taurus is the sign that harvests the fruits of labor. They feel the need to always be surrounded by love and beauty, turned to the material world, hedonism, and physical pleasures. People born with their Sun in Taurus are sensual and tactile, considering touch and taste the most important of all senses. Stable and conservative, this is one of the most reliable signs of the zodiac, ready to endure and stick to their choices until they reach the point of personal satisfaction. [2]
Taurus is an Earth sign, just like Virgo and Capricorn, and has the ability to see things from a grounded, practical and realistic perspective. They find it easy to make money and stay on same projects for years, or until they are completed. What we often see as stubbornness can be interpreted as commitment, and their ability to complete tasks whatever it takes is uncanny. This makes them excellent employees, great long-term friends and partners, always being there for people they love. Earthly note makes them overprotective, conservative, or materialistic at times, with views of the world founded on their love of money and wealth. [2]
The ruler of Taurus is Venus, the planet of love, attraction, beauty, satisfaction, creativity and gratitude. This tender nature will make Taurus an excellent cook, gardener, lover, and artist. They are loyal and don't like sudden changes, criticism or the chase of guilt people are often prone to, being somewhat dependable on other people and emotions they seem to be unable to let go of. Still, no matter their potential emotional challenge, these individuals have the ability to bring a practical voice of reason in any chaotic and unhealthy situation. [2]
Taurus – the Wandering Bull Being the one who betrayed their best friend, goddess Hera herself, this is an unfortunate being that has to wander the Earth in order to find freedom. As if something was always poking them behind their back, reminding them of happiness that once was, stinging and pushing forwards, they close up in their own worlds, lonely and separated from their core. To find love, a Taurus has to travel the world, change perspective or make a shift in their entire belief system and their system of values. [2]
Sun Zodiac Sign Element: Earth
The element of Earth is the sole purpose of all elements, since it represents a basis for each of them, for our existence, and something we all want to accomplish – materialization of our desires. This is a somewhat complicated element because it is stiff and unmovable, especially when a person has a lot of planets in it, but not enough of them in the element of Air to balance it out. [3]
This is the element of our planet and got its name by it too. We should keep this in mind when we interpret anyone’s chart, for the lacking of Earth might point to big problems a person has finding grounding or connecting to the soil they were born to. [3]
Earth Signs
Signs ruled by the element of Earth are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. It is instantly obvious that these are all practical signs that value material things, work hard, and know how to make a plan and put it to action. All three of them have the ability to be specific and concrete, expecting everyone else to share their practical view on the world and their reasonable approach. [3]
Earth represents matter itself, our physical body, and with it our finances, the food we eat, and our daily routine. Strongly set in their ways, individuals with this element accented have a tendency to give in to an unchangeable routine for years, sometimes too scared to get out of it. In a challenging mode, they will stick to habits that don’t make them happy just because they are convinced they have to, or stay at a job because of financial security, while completely neglecting their intelligence and creativity. [3]
How Do We Balance Earth?
The biggest challenge Earth has to face is the recognition of something as fast, unstable and transparent as Air. Earthlings out of balance need to shake off their stiff habits, make changes to their life and their routine without regret, and stop questioning every decision they’ve already made. Their sense of purpose has to be clear and their contact with emotions strong and unshakeable, and this takes a special effort for someone like Virgo, taking Venus into fall. [3]
To get in touch with the element of Air, these individuals should read, have a coffee break, walk aimlessly and socialize as much as possible. They need spoken word rather than a written one, a new computer, people who change places and ambitions to teach them how to move, and a lot of relaxation and stretching to prepare their body for the change. The best exercise for anyone pressured by Earth is dance, spontaneous and carefree, with modern loud music and preferably a relaxed partner. [3]
Moon Phase: Waxing Half
Continuing its outward expansion, the Moon finishes out its first quarter and reaches the midpoint between New and Full. This phase corresponds to the late Spring / early Summer season celebrated at Beltane. There is a somewhat more fiery aspect to the energy here as the pace of growth quickens and activities are ramping up. The Beltane holiday takes the loving, co-creative relationship between the God and Goddess as its theme, and this energy can be harnessed not just for love or romance, but for any goals that involve people coming together to create something new or enhance an existing creation. Alternatively, if your goal does not include collaborating with others, you may find yourself in more consistent co-creation with the Universe itself, discovering your “groove” as you continue to allow new opportunities related to your goal to flow into your experience. [1]
References:
- Chamberlain, Lisa. Wicca Natural Magic Kit: The Sun, The Moon, and The Elements: Elemental Magic, Moon Magic, and Wheel of the Year Magic . Wicca Shorts (Chamberlain Publications). Kindle Edition.
- Buckland, Raymond. Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (Llewellyn's Practical Magick) (p. 102). Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.. Kindle Edition.
- Nichols, Mike. Eight Sabbats of Witchcraft. www.Abika.com
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