Beltane
May Eve
April 30th
Traditions of Beltane
The festival is derived from an ancient fire festival celebrating the union of the Goddess and the Horned God also as a fertility rite in order to produce more from the land.
Beltane marks the death of winter and the birth of spring and is one of the longest established festivals still surviving in Christian times. It is thought to have it's roots in a festival of Floralia, an old Roman festival dedicated to the Goddess Flora.
On May 1st Romans would burn Solomon's seal and frankincense, they would also hang wild flowers from the alter to honour the guardian spirits and ensure they watched over their families and homes.
Traditionally celebrated by some in forests or near a living tree, If a seed was planted a Yule this would be the perfect time to dedicate the tree before planting it outside. Decorate the tree or trees with small offerings such as flowers, beads, carvings ect.
Rites at Beltane
Fires are lit at Midnight on April 30th to mark the opening of the rite to the Goddess, the rite is usually followed by a celebration, feast and games until early into May day morning or until the dew forms in the grass. The dew and any wild flowers gathered on that morning can be particularly powerful in magical terms, especially for good luck.
Weaving is traditionally done for Beltane, the joining of two things to make a third and Beltane rush lights can be made and used if working a circle outside. Dark green candles can be used if the rite is indoors.
Feasts at Beltane
Dairy products are usually consumed at this festival as well as floral products such as wines and candied flowers.
Correspondence for Beltane
Herbs
African Violet, Angelica, Arbutus, Avocado, Bamboo, Betony-Wood, Blackberry, Bluebell, Bracken, Briony, Broom, Burdock, Camellia, Cardamom, Cassia, Catnip, Clover, Coconut, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Corn, Cowbine, Cowslip, Cuckoo-flower, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Dandelion, Dock, Edelweiss, Elderflower, Eyebright, Foxglove, Frankincense, Ginger, Gorse, Grain, Grass, Hemlock, Henbane, Hyacinth, Iris, Kalbs Cross, Lady's Slipper, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lilac, Lilly of the Valley, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Mugwort, Narcissus, Oats, Orchids, Pansy, Periwinkle, Pimpernel, Pineapple, Potato, Primrose, Purslane,
