The onset of Summer: Beltane

The festival of Beltane marks the onset of summer; the Hawthorn is in blossom , as are many other plants; wild animals and birds are busy raising their young.

All around us we can see the life of the land. This is the time to welcome the Mother Goddess in all her bounty, and the God her Consort as they come to bring fertility to the land and the crops.

Take a little wine or fruit juice, honey and fruit out into the woods. Find a well grown, mature tree and make your offering under its branches. Then sit down, resting your back on the tree, and take several deep breaths to center yourself. Look slowly and carefully all around you and observe all the signs of the season. Now close your eyes and visualize the Mother Goddess walking toward you. As you watch her approaching you become aware that walking towards you from the other direction is the God, a young man in the prime of life. Watch as they greet each other an then turn to smile at you. If you have a question for them you may ask it now. Wait until they say farewell and walk away together. Once they have gone, you can open your eyes. Once again look all around you and take in all the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Look carefully to see if there is anything special which catches you eye; a piece of wood, stone or whatever. If there is, you may take it with you as a reminder of the festival.

“History is always written by the winner.”

From The Real Witches’ Year by Kate West