Celebrating Beltane

Beltane, the basis of May Day, is the traditional celebration that marks the beginning of summer and the abundance associated with the warmer months.

Beltane is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It is called a “cross quarter” and is also a fire festival, celebrated around 1 May. The origins of the name are not clear, although “fire of Bel”, the bright or shining one, or simply “good fire” are reasonable suppositions.

Abundance of Spring

Beltane is at the peak of spring and the first hint of summer. What was set in motion at the Spring Equinox in the form of buds and shoots, as well as the seeds of ideas, is manifesting itself. Nature is abundant with flowers, the hawthorn tree drips with May blossom and everything is vibrant. At Beltane, male and female come together in unabashed sexuality. Young people would spend…