Menu

Bealtaine

This is the Feast of Bealtaine. The light of the sun in the Wheel of the Year stands in the south east. This is the time of spring flowering, this is the time of the 'shining fire' light. Our celebrations are in the light of day.

Bealtaine is the time of year when nature suddenly seems to burst forth from the winter grip. Flowers, leaves and buds erupt and proclaim the vibrancy of life. The underlying energies sponsor expasion, growth, fun, play, joy, bounty and invigoration.

The name itself refers to the ritual bright summer fires. This is the Druidic fire light on the Hill when all other fires are extinguished.

The Patriarchal energy of Patrick and the Matriarchal energy of Brigid have combined to produce the blessed 'leanbh na grian' who is full of life and brightness and promise.

May Pole

The young unwed men would go into the forest and return with a tree to shape into a pole. The first recorded evidence of maypole dancing in Britain dates back to 1350 when it appears that a tall birch pole was erected at Llanidloes in central Wales. Traditionally the pole was placed in the centre of the settlement and guarded through the night. Then the people would mark the day with ceremonies of celebration and respect, and dance around the maypole clockwise, to bring fertility and good luck. The pole would be decorated with leaves, flowers and ribbons.

Later, brightly coloured ribbons were woven around the pole by the dancers, as they wove around each other. This serves as an image of the balance of the masculine and feminine energies and the duality of life. The ribbons would then be removed, to be burnt in the Bealtaine fire next year. This symbolises the old dying each year and giving birth to the new.

The chorus of "Circle of Sun" written by Xenia in 2018

For around it turns the wheel of the year,
Spring flowers fall, when the summer is near,
Circle of life, beauty-rebirth comes clear,
Join the light, when the blossoms appear.

Quote from a verse written in 2012... Abundance of Bealtaine
The full poem is here - Written for 11th May 2012 - The Summer Phase - Bective

With this turning, life revives,

Difficult times pass away,

Learn from the tree that yet survives

Arduous winter's bleak decay.
Forget the loneliness, watch leaves unfurled,

Enlightened hours of colour excite.

Fullness and plenty, love your world,

Abundance blesses our souls tonight.