TheTempestuous1
April 15th, 2003, 02:21 PM
This is a great newletter... just thought I'd share with anyone who doesn't subscribe to it, this one is all about Beltane.. Good stuff! Read it..... :colorful:
The Cauldron
Beltane 2003
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Editor
About Beltane
Celebrating Beltane
The May Pole
Beltane Recipes and Potions
Flowers, Herbs, and the Faeries of May
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter From the Editor
Merry Meet and Happy Beltane! This issue is packed with history, lore, recipes, potions and great ideas for traditional Beltane celebrations.
Study Groups and Workshops
The study groups continue to be a great success. If you have recently joined the Cauldron family, please take some time and visit our webpages at:
http://thepaganweb.com/workshops.html.
At this time we have one workshop open for registration and we're planning to open a section of Craft 101 in the next couple of weeks.
The Candle Power workshop has only a few seats left. Please register promptly, if you're planning to take this workshop.
Enjoy this issue and Many Blessings to you and yours!
Pandora
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Beltane (May Day) LoreCompiled by StormWing
Beltane (most commonly pronounced "BELL-tayn", but also can be "BEEL-teen", "BEEL-tawn-uh", or "B'YAL-tinn") is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on May 1st, but can be on the night of April 30th, depending on your tradition or - if you are solitary - simply your personal choice. In the Celtic tradition it is celebrated on May 1st or the first Full Moon in Taurus. The Scottish tradition of PectiWita celebrate their Sabbat on May 15th.
Other names used for this Sabbat are Bealtaine (Irish Wittan), Whitsun or Old Bhealltainn (Scottish PectiWita), Bealtinne (Caledonii or the Druids), Samhradh and La Baal Tinne (Faery Wicca), Roodmas, Rudemas (Mexican Craft), Walburga (Teutonic), Walpurgisnacht (German), Walpurgis Eve, Celtic Summer, Giamonios, Tana's Day - La Giornata di Tana (Aridian Strega), Floralia, The Great Rite, May Day, and May Eve. It is also known as Cetshamain in Ireland, and is one of the few specifically Irish festivals.
This Sabbat is primarily a fertility festival, with Nature enchantments and offerings to wildlings and Elementals. The return of full-blown fertility is now very evident. The powers of elves and fairies are growing and will reach their height at Summer Solstice. Celebrants sometimes jump over broomsticks or dance around May Poles, both as symbols of fertility. Bonfire leaping and horn blowing are other forms of traditional celebration. Weaving and plaiting are traditional arts at this time of year, for the joining together of two substances to form a third is in keeping with the spirit of Beltane. This Sabbat represents the Union of the God and Goddess, the Sacred Marriage, all new life, and fertility for all living things.
Most Wiccans consider this Sabbat to be the start of the Light Half of the Year - the Summer - as opposed to the Dark Half of the Year - Winter - which begins on Samhain. Most Wiccans view this as the half of the year which is ruled by the Goddess, while the dark half is ruled by the God. As I stated above - this is a fertility Sabbat - and traditionally is considered to be the time that the God and Goddess are wed. It is also considered to be the time that He impregnates Her as they are "sexually connected" on this day. This is represented symbolically by the wrapping of the May Pole. In the olden days, the May Pole was made from a communal pine tree which had been decorated at Yule, with most of its branches removed at this time. A few of the uppermost branches could remain if desired. Traditionally, the ribbons attached around the top of the May Pole are red and white... this is to represent either one of these: the red as the Sun God and the white as the Virgin Goddess, or the white for the Maiden and the red for the Mother. The participants dance around the May Pole carrying the ribbons - the males holding the red and the females holding the white. As they dance, they weave and intertwine the ribbons to form a symbolic birth canal wrapped around the phallic pole, representing the union of the Goddess and God. Many Wiccans choose this time to perform their own Handfastings or Weddings. Another great choice would be the next Sabbat at the Summer Solstice.
Symbolically, many Pagans choose to represent Beltane with fresh flowers all around and the cauldron which is filled with flowers. All of the following flowers are symbolic of Beltane: roses, bluebells, marigolds, daisies, primroses and lilac. Mirrors are also appropriate. Altar decorations may also include a small May pole and/or a phallic-shaped candle (to represent fertility), and a daisy chain. Plaiting and weaving straw, wicker, baskets and fabrics are traditional arts for this turn in the Wheel of the Year, as the joining together of two substances to form a single third is in keeping with the spirit of Beltane. Other symbols used to represent Beltane are the May Pole (the traditional full-size one is about 10 feet tall), May baskets, crossroads, eggs, butterchurns, and chalices.
Traditional activities include the already mentioned wrapping of the May Pole, the Great Rite, jumping the balefire, blowing horns, and gathering flowers. Solitary Practitioners might consider the weaving together of ribbons as an alternative to creating and dancing around the May Pole. It is considered taboo to give away fire or food on this day.
Appropriate Deities for Beltane include all Virgin-Mother Goddesses, all Young Father Gods, all Gods and Goddesses of the Hunt, of Love, and of Fertility. Some Beltane Goddesses to mention by name here include Aphrodite, Arianrhod, Artemis, Astarte, Venus, Diana, Ariel, Var, Skadi, Shiela-na-gig, Cybele, Xochiquetzal, Freya, and Rhiannon. Beltane Gods include Apollo, Bacchus, Bel/Belanos, Cernunnos, Pan, Herne, Faunus, Cupid/Eros, Odin, Orion, Frey, Robin Goodfellow, Puck, and The Great Horned God.
One key action to keep in mind during this time in the Wheel of the Year is to take action on the activities and projects you had planned and started on Ostara. Spellwork to consider include those for fertility, love, spiritual communion andcloseness with deity, safety, prosperity, and conservation. This being a time of great magick, is a good time for divinations of all types, and for establishing a woodland or garden shrine. The household guardians should be honored at this time.
The most common colors associated with Beltane are white and dark green, but also appropriate are all the colors of the rainbow spectrum itself. Stones to use during the Beltane celebration include sapphires, bloodstones, emeralds, orange carnelians, and rose quartz. Animals associated with Beltane are goats, rabbits, and honey bees. Mythical beasts associated with Beltane include faeries, Pegasus, satyrs, and giants.
Plants and herbs associated with Beltane are primrose, yellow cowslip, hawthorn, roses, birch trees, rosemary, and lilac. Also included are almond, angelica, ash trees, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisies, frankincense, ivy, marigolds, satyrion root, and woodruff. For Beltane incense, you could make a blend from any of the following scents or simply choose one... frankincense, lilac, passion flower, rose, or vanilla.
Foods in tune with this day (linking your meals with the seasons is a fine way of attuning with Nature) traditionally come from the dairy, and dishes such as marigold custard (see Scott Cunningham's recipe below) and vanilla ice cream are fine. Sweets of all kinds, honey, and oats are fine fare for Beltane. Additional foods to include are all red fruits such cherries and strawberries, green herbal salads, and red or pink wine punch. Oatmeal or barley cakes, sometimes known as "Beltane Cakes", are also appropriate.
May the Lord and Lady bless you all with abundance and success!
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Celebrating Beltane
By Jill Yarnall
Beltane marks the beginning of Summer and care-free living. Try incorporating some the ideas listed below to help create a meaningful Beltane celebration.
• Maypole Dance: The Maypole dance, long a focal-point for Beltane celebrations, can continue to be an important element to modern ceremonies. Slender dead or cut trees may be used. Simply sink the bottom into soft dirt or sand. A Yule tree stand can also be used. The easiest method is to use a tall staff held in place by two people. Curling ribbon found in the wrapping paper section of any store works well for the pole ribbons. Tie as many ribbons onto the pole as participants in the dance (for the dance to work correctly, there must be an even number). Make sure each ribbon is several feet longer than the pole. When it is time for the dance, separate the dancers into sets of two, facing each other and holding a ribbon. Those dancing clockwise will begin by lifting their ribbon over the facing dancer, while those dancing clockwise will begin by lifting their ribbon under the facing dancer. Each dancer must then alternate going over or under as they meet the next dancer: over, under, over, under, etc. Continue the process under the Maypole is braided.
• Bel Fires: It is customary to light a bonfire on Beltane. It is thought to bring good luck and prosperity to anyone who can jump over the fire. Couples who jump the fire holding hands are granted fertility. The Bel Fire holds one other purpose: the corn dollies made at Lammas and dressed as brides at Imbolc are now cast into the flames.
The ashes then can be spread into gardens or fields to complete the cycle and renew the plants for another year of growth. If a bonfire isn’t a logical solution in your situation, you can make a small Bel Fire in a cast-iron cauldron using equal parts rubbing alcohol and salt. Light carefully. This fire will burn for several minutes.
• Sexual Unions: Beltane has long been recognized and celebrated as the day when the Maiden and the young God marry and first consummate their relationship which brings forth new life on Earth. It is because of this sacred sexuality and the human desire to imitate it that Beltane has become the sabbat for frivolity, sexuality, and sensuality. It is the most appropriate holiday for consenting adults to share sexual unions in honor of the God and Goddess. Be sure both partners are protected from disease and pregnancy. Worry-free sex is much more fun!
• Beltane Dew: It is thought that if women wash with dew gathered from grass, flowers, and tree buds on May 1, they will have a beautiful complexion. Go out early on Beltane, and gather dew in a washcloth and rinse your face with the dew. A refreshing way to start the day!
• May Flowers: Until the 1960s in the United States, people celebrated May Day with flowers. Children decorated small baskets or construction paper horns and filled them with flowers to take to neighbors and friends. Then, hanging the May basket on the door knob, the child would knock, run, and hide leaving the anonymous gift behind. I remember the great thrill of doing this in elementary school. Why not revive this lovely custom as a part of Beltane celebrations today? The traditional English chant to speak when handing out the baskets is: "Good morning, Mistress and Master, I wish you happy day. Please to smell my garland ‘cause it is the first of May. A branch of May I have brought you, and at your door I stand; it is but a sprout, but it’s well budded out...the work of our Lady’s hand." (Thanks to Jill Pederson-Myer for this information.)
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The Maypole
The Maypole, focal point of the traditional Beltane celebration, has a long and interesting history. It is believed that the original Maypoles were fir trees or small oak trees which had been stripped of their bark and branches. It was generally cut by young men and erected in the village square or in the consecrated ritual circle on May Eve. Some were left up permanently. The Maypole represented the erect phallus of the male principle in the Divine marriage. The women who danced around it, adorning it with ribbons and flowers, represented the female principle in the Divine marriage. Sometimes, men and women danced together to represent the balance of male and female in the natural world. This dance and other festivities of the May Day celebrations were an important part of European villages’ welcoming of Summer. Often the celebrations were beautiful, elaborate, and large: one Maypole erected in London in 1661 was 134 feet tall!
Today, Beltane holds many of the original festivities and meanings, but it has also taken on refreshed meanings as well. The Maypole may represent the World Tree (Axis Mundi) by which the Goddess descends during the dance to contact Her devotees. The clockwise and counterclockwise dance also represents the spiral of death and rebirth.
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Beltane Recipes and Potions
Try these tasty treats during your Beltane Celebration.
Beltane Bread
Recipe by Ann Moura
Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and combine:
4 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 cups sugar
1 tube almond paste
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5 eggs
When dough is worked to medium soft, shape into flattened balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool, ice with white Solar Cross. You could try this as a single loaf. I also like to make an almond biscuit with biscuit mix, almond extract, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs, but in smaller proportions. (A lot of my cooking is unmeasured, which doesn't help for making recipes.)
From Ann Moura (Aoumiel)'s book "Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft", page 218, Llewellyn Publications, 1996.
Short-Cut Meade (Pan-Celtic)
Recipe by Edain McCoy
This rich ale known as meade is a very old Celtic creation which was used for sacred rituals. It was thought to be a gift of the deities and was used to honor them, especially at Beltane. Many recipes exist, and most are jealously guarded. This short-cut method ignores the lengthy fermentation process.
1/2 gallon water
1-1/2 cups raw honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice, rounded
1/2 cup Everclear (R)
Slowly heat all ingredients together --- except the alcohol --- in a large stock pot. As the honey melts, an oily crust will form on the top of the meade. You can leave it there, for some feel this adds to the full-bodied texture of the meade, while others will tell you to skim it off. Do not allow the meade to come to a roiling boil. When it is well blended, remove from the heat, stirring occasionally until it settles. When it has cooled, add the Everclear (R) and serve.
From Edain McCoy's book "Celtic Myth & Magick: Harnessing the Power of the Gods and Goddesses", page 390, Llewellyn Publications, 1995
Beltaine Cream Pie
Recipe by Edain McCoy
Prepare and pre-bake a pie shell and have it ready in the pie dish. The pie filling will be warmed but not baked.
1 cup whole milk
1 cup rich cream
1/2 cup or one stick of butter (don't use margarine)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/14 teaspoon vanilla
ground nutmeg
Melt the butter in a wide cooking pan. (The mixture heats more evenly in this than in a taller more narrow pan. Traditionalists will use a heavy cast iron pan.)
In a separate bowl slowly add the milk to the cornstarch making sure it is fully dissolved and absorbed before adding more milk. When the cornstarch is fully blended add this and all the other ingredients, except the vanilla, to the cooking pan.
Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick like a pudding. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Pour the mixture into the waiting pie shell and sprinkle with nutmeg. the pie may be eaten while it is still warm as long as it has cooled just enough to set. Or the pie may be chilled and eaten later.
From Edain McCoy's book "Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition", page 187, Llewellyn Publications, 1993/1994
Beltane Marigold Custard
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
(Editor’s Note: This is simply the most delicious custard I’ve ever had.)
2 cups milk
1 cup unsprayed marigold petals
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 to 2-inch piece vanilla bean
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. rose water
whipped cream
Using a clean mortar and pestle reserved for cooking purposes, pound marigold petals. Or, crush with a spoon. Mix the salt, sugar and spices together. Scald milk with the marigolds and the vanilla bean. Remove the vanilla bean and add the slightly beaten yolks and dry ingredients. Cook on low heat. When the mixture coats the spoon, add rose water and cool.
Top with whipped cream, garnish with fresh marigold petals.
From Scott Cunningham's book "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner", page 153, Llewellyn Publications, 1988/1990.
Beltane Ritual Potpourri
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
45 drops frankincense oil
1 cup oak moss
1 cup dried bluebells
1 cup dried lilac
1 cup dried marigold
1 cup dried meadowsweet
1 cup dried rosebuds and petals
1 cup dried yellow cowslips
Mix the frankincense oil with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
From Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995
Beltane Incense
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandal wood
1 part Woodruff
1 part Rose petals
a few drops Jasmine oil
a few drops Neroli oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Beltane (April 30th) or on May Day for fortune and favors and to attune with the changing of the seasons.
From Scott Cunningham's book "The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews", page 60, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.
Flowers, Herbs, and the Faeries of May
From Beltaine to Midsummer, the Faery Kingdom celebrates the newborn spring. Throughout the centuries, Europeans made note of which vernal foliage was attractive to the wee folk and, by contrast, which plants would offer protection. Those plants marked with an asterisk (*) are poisonous and should be cultivated only with great caution, and should never be grown wherever children or pets are present.
· Bluebell --- If bluebells ring in your garden, an evil faery is near.
· Carnation --- The red ones draw faeries who enjoy healing animals.
· Clover --- Wildly attractive to faery life.
· Cowslip --- The best choice for attracting faeries to your yard.
· Dandelion --- Believed to be used by faeries to make beverages.
· Dill --- The fresh plant has a scent faeries dislike.
· Foxglove* --- A favorite of earth elementals.
· Hawthorne --- Sacred to faeries, as well as to May Queen.
· Heliotrope* --- Enjoyed by fire elementals.
· Gorse --- Repels virtually all faery life.
· Hollyhock* --- A faery favorite, particularly the pink variety.
· Lilac --- The gentle scent draws faery life.
· Lobelia* --- Will help attract winged faeries.
· Mistletoe* --- Can also attract unpleasant tree faeries.
· Morning Glory* --- Repels unwanted night faeries
· Mushrooms* --- Often used by faeries to mark the boundaries of their sacred circles or portals to their world.
· Pansy --- Known to attract parades of trooping faeries.
· Primrose --- Believed to give faeries their power of invisibility.
· Rosemary --- The fresh plant protects from baneful faeries.
· Sassafras --- Enjoyed by air elementals.
· Shamrock --- A form of clover Celtic faeries adore.
Fom Edain McCoy's book: "The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", pages 117-118, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.
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The Cauldron
Beltane 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE:
http://www.thepaganweb.com/sub
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Letter from the Editor
About Beltane
Celebrating Beltane
The May Pole
Beltane Recipes and Potions
Flowers, Herbs, and the Faeries of May
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter From the Editor
Merry Meet and Happy Beltane! This issue is packed with history, lore, recipes, potions and great ideas for traditional Beltane celebrations.
Study Groups and Workshops
The study groups continue to be a great success. If you have recently joined the Cauldron family, please take some time and visit our webpages at:
http://thepaganweb.com/workshops.html.
At this time we have one workshop open for registration and we're planning to open a section of Craft 101 in the next couple of weeks.
The Candle Power workshop has only a few seats left. Please register promptly, if you're planning to take this workshop.
Enjoy this issue and Many Blessings to you and yours!
Pandora
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beltane (May Day) LoreCompiled by StormWing
Beltane (most commonly pronounced "BELL-tayn", but also can be "BEEL-teen", "BEEL-tawn-uh", or "B'YAL-tinn") is one of the Greater Wiccan Sabbats and is usually celebrated on May 1st, but can be on the night of April 30th, depending on your tradition or - if you are solitary - simply your personal choice. In the Celtic tradition it is celebrated on May 1st or the first Full Moon in Taurus. The Scottish tradition of PectiWita celebrate their Sabbat on May 15th.
Other names used for this Sabbat are Bealtaine (Irish Wittan), Whitsun or Old Bhealltainn (Scottish PectiWita), Bealtinne (Caledonii or the Druids), Samhradh and La Baal Tinne (Faery Wicca), Roodmas, Rudemas (Mexican Craft), Walburga (Teutonic), Walpurgisnacht (German), Walpurgis Eve, Celtic Summer, Giamonios, Tana's Day - La Giornata di Tana (Aridian Strega), Floralia, The Great Rite, May Day, and May Eve. It is also known as Cetshamain in Ireland, and is one of the few specifically Irish festivals.
This Sabbat is primarily a fertility festival, with Nature enchantments and offerings to wildlings and Elementals. The return of full-blown fertility is now very evident. The powers of elves and fairies are growing and will reach their height at Summer Solstice. Celebrants sometimes jump over broomsticks or dance around May Poles, both as symbols of fertility. Bonfire leaping and horn blowing are other forms of traditional celebration. Weaving and plaiting are traditional arts at this time of year, for the joining together of two substances to form a third is in keeping with the spirit of Beltane. This Sabbat represents the Union of the God and Goddess, the Sacred Marriage, all new life, and fertility for all living things.
Most Wiccans consider this Sabbat to be the start of the Light Half of the Year - the Summer - as opposed to the Dark Half of the Year - Winter - which begins on Samhain. Most Wiccans view this as the half of the year which is ruled by the Goddess, while the dark half is ruled by the God. As I stated above - this is a fertility Sabbat - and traditionally is considered to be the time that the God and Goddess are wed. It is also considered to be the time that He impregnates Her as they are "sexually connected" on this day. This is represented symbolically by the wrapping of the May Pole. In the olden days, the May Pole was made from a communal pine tree which had been decorated at Yule, with most of its branches removed at this time. A few of the uppermost branches could remain if desired. Traditionally, the ribbons attached around the top of the May Pole are red and white... this is to represent either one of these: the red as the Sun God and the white as the Virgin Goddess, or the white for the Maiden and the red for the Mother. The participants dance around the May Pole carrying the ribbons - the males holding the red and the females holding the white. As they dance, they weave and intertwine the ribbons to form a symbolic birth canal wrapped around the phallic pole, representing the union of the Goddess and God. Many Wiccans choose this time to perform their own Handfastings or Weddings. Another great choice would be the next Sabbat at the Summer Solstice.
Symbolically, many Pagans choose to represent Beltane with fresh flowers all around and the cauldron which is filled with flowers. All of the following flowers are symbolic of Beltane: roses, bluebells, marigolds, daisies, primroses and lilac. Mirrors are also appropriate. Altar decorations may also include a small May pole and/or a phallic-shaped candle (to represent fertility), and a daisy chain. Plaiting and weaving straw, wicker, baskets and fabrics are traditional arts for this turn in the Wheel of the Year, as the joining together of two substances to form a single third is in keeping with the spirit of Beltane. Other symbols used to represent Beltane are the May Pole (the traditional full-size one is about 10 feet tall), May baskets, crossroads, eggs, butterchurns, and chalices.
Traditional activities include the already mentioned wrapping of the May Pole, the Great Rite, jumping the balefire, blowing horns, and gathering flowers. Solitary Practitioners might consider the weaving together of ribbons as an alternative to creating and dancing around the May Pole. It is considered taboo to give away fire or food on this day.
Appropriate Deities for Beltane include all Virgin-Mother Goddesses, all Young Father Gods, all Gods and Goddesses of the Hunt, of Love, and of Fertility. Some Beltane Goddesses to mention by name here include Aphrodite, Arianrhod, Artemis, Astarte, Venus, Diana, Ariel, Var, Skadi, Shiela-na-gig, Cybele, Xochiquetzal, Freya, and Rhiannon. Beltane Gods include Apollo, Bacchus, Bel/Belanos, Cernunnos, Pan, Herne, Faunus, Cupid/Eros, Odin, Orion, Frey, Robin Goodfellow, Puck, and The Great Horned God.
One key action to keep in mind during this time in the Wheel of the Year is to take action on the activities and projects you had planned and started on Ostara. Spellwork to consider include those for fertility, love, spiritual communion andcloseness with deity, safety, prosperity, and conservation. This being a time of great magick, is a good time for divinations of all types, and for establishing a woodland or garden shrine. The household guardians should be honored at this time.
The most common colors associated with Beltane are white and dark green, but also appropriate are all the colors of the rainbow spectrum itself. Stones to use during the Beltane celebration include sapphires, bloodstones, emeralds, orange carnelians, and rose quartz. Animals associated with Beltane are goats, rabbits, and honey bees. Mythical beasts associated with Beltane include faeries, Pegasus, satyrs, and giants.
Plants and herbs associated with Beltane are primrose, yellow cowslip, hawthorn, roses, birch trees, rosemary, and lilac. Also included are almond, angelica, ash trees, bluebells, cinquefoil, daisies, frankincense, ivy, marigolds, satyrion root, and woodruff. For Beltane incense, you could make a blend from any of the following scents or simply choose one... frankincense, lilac, passion flower, rose, or vanilla.
Foods in tune with this day (linking your meals with the seasons is a fine way of attuning with Nature) traditionally come from the dairy, and dishes such as marigold custard (see Scott Cunningham's recipe below) and vanilla ice cream are fine. Sweets of all kinds, honey, and oats are fine fare for Beltane. Additional foods to include are all red fruits such cherries and strawberries, green herbal salads, and red or pink wine punch. Oatmeal or barley cakes, sometimes known as "Beltane Cakes", are also appropriate.
May the Lord and Lady bless you all with abundance and success!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Celebrating Beltane
By Jill Yarnall
Beltane marks the beginning of Summer and care-free living. Try incorporating some the ideas listed below to help create a meaningful Beltane celebration.
• Maypole Dance: The Maypole dance, long a focal-point for Beltane celebrations, can continue to be an important element to modern ceremonies. Slender dead or cut trees may be used. Simply sink the bottom into soft dirt or sand. A Yule tree stand can also be used. The easiest method is to use a tall staff held in place by two people. Curling ribbon found in the wrapping paper section of any store works well for the pole ribbons. Tie as many ribbons onto the pole as participants in the dance (for the dance to work correctly, there must be an even number). Make sure each ribbon is several feet longer than the pole. When it is time for the dance, separate the dancers into sets of two, facing each other and holding a ribbon. Those dancing clockwise will begin by lifting their ribbon over the facing dancer, while those dancing clockwise will begin by lifting their ribbon under the facing dancer. Each dancer must then alternate going over or under as they meet the next dancer: over, under, over, under, etc. Continue the process under the Maypole is braided.
• Bel Fires: It is customary to light a bonfire on Beltane. It is thought to bring good luck and prosperity to anyone who can jump over the fire. Couples who jump the fire holding hands are granted fertility. The Bel Fire holds one other purpose: the corn dollies made at Lammas and dressed as brides at Imbolc are now cast into the flames.
The ashes then can be spread into gardens or fields to complete the cycle and renew the plants for another year of growth. If a bonfire isn’t a logical solution in your situation, you can make a small Bel Fire in a cast-iron cauldron using equal parts rubbing alcohol and salt. Light carefully. This fire will burn for several minutes.
• Sexual Unions: Beltane has long been recognized and celebrated as the day when the Maiden and the young God marry and first consummate their relationship which brings forth new life on Earth. It is because of this sacred sexuality and the human desire to imitate it that Beltane has become the sabbat for frivolity, sexuality, and sensuality. It is the most appropriate holiday for consenting adults to share sexual unions in honor of the God and Goddess. Be sure both partners are protected from disease and pregnancy. Worry-free sex is much more fun!
• Beltane Dew: It is thought that if women wash with dew gathered from grass, flowers, and tree buds on May 1, they will have a beautiful complexion. Go out early on Beltane, and gather dew in a washcloth and rinse your face with the dew. A refreshing way to start the day!
• May Flowers: Until the 1960s in the United States, people celebrated May Day with flowers. Children decorated small baskets or construction paper horns and filled them with flowers to take to neighbors and friends. Then, hanging the May basket on the door knob, the child would knock, run, and hide leaving the anonymous gift behind. I remember the great thrill of doing this in elementary school. Why not revive this lovely custom as a part of Beltane celebrations today? The traditional English chant to speak when handing out the baskets is: "Good morning, Mistress and Master, I wish you happy day. Please to smell my garland ‘cause it is the first of May. A branch of May I have brought you, and at your door I stand; it is but a sprout, but it’s well budded out...the work of our Lady’s hand." (Thanks to Jill Pederson-Myer for this information.)
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The Maypole
The Maypole, focal point of the traditional Beltane celebration, has a long and interesting history. It is believed that the original Maypoles were fir trees or small oak trees which had been stripped of their bark and branches. It was generally cut by young men and erected in the village square or in the consecrated ritual circle on May Eve. Some were left up permanently. The Maypole represented the erect phallus of the male principle in the Divine marriage. The women who danced around it, adorning it with ribbons and flowers, represented the female principle in the Divine marriage. Sometimes, men and women danced together to represent the balance of male and female in the natural world. This dance and other festivities of the May Day celebrations were an important part of European villages’ welcoming of Summer. Often the celebrations were beautiful, elaborate, and large: one Maypole erected in London in 1661 was 134 feet tall!
Today, Beltane holds many of the original festivities and meanings, but it has also taken on refreshed meanings as well. The Maypole may represent the World Tree (Axis Mundi) by which the Goddess descends during the dance to contact Her devotees. The clockwise and counterclockwise dance also represents the spiral of death and rebirth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beltane Recipes and Potions
Try these tasty treats during your Beltane Celebration.
Beltane Bread
Recipe by Ann Moura
Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and combine:
4 cups sifted flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 cups sugar
1 tube almond paste
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
5 eggs
When dough is worked to medium soft, shape into flattened balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool, ice with white Solar Cross. You could try this as a single loaf. I also like to make an almond biscuit with biscuit mix, almond extract, sugar, cinnamon, and eggs, but in smaller proportions. (A lot of my cooking is unmeasured, which doesn't help for making recipes.)
From Ann Moura (Aoumiel)'s book "Green Witchcraft: Folk Magic, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft", page 218, Llewellyn Publications, 1996.
Short-Cut Meade (Pan-Celtic)
Recipe by Edain McCoy
This rich ale known as meade is a very old Celtic creation which was used for sacred rituals. It was thought to be a gift of the deities and was used to honor them, especially at Beltane. Many recipes exist, and most are jealously guarded. This short-cut method ignores the lengthy fermentation process.
1/2 gallon water
1-1/2 cups raw honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice, rounded
1/2 cup Everclear (R)
Slowly heat all ingredients together --- except the alcohol --- in a large stock pot. As the honey melts, an oily crust will form on the top of the meade. You can leave it there, for some feel this adds to the full-bodied texture of the meade, while others will tell you to skim it off. Do not allow the meade to come to a roiling boil. When it is well blended, remove from the heat, stirring occasionally until it settles. When it has cooled, add the Everclear (R) and serve.
From Edain McCoy's book "Celtic Myth & Magick: Harnessing the Power of the Gods and Goddesses", page 390, Llewellyn Publications, 1995
Beltaine Cream Pie
Recipe by Edain McCoy
Prepare and pre-bake a pie shell and have it ready in the pie dish. The pie filling will be warmed but not baked.
1 cup whole milk
1 cup rich cream
1/2 cup or one stick of butter (don't use margarine)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/14 teaspoon vanilla
ground nutmeg
Melt the butter in a wide cooking pan. (The mixture heats more evenly in this than in a taller more narrow pan. Traditionalists will use a heavy cast iron pan.)
In a separate bowl slowly add the milk to the cornstarch making sure it is fully dissolved and absorbed before adding more milk. When the cornstarch is fully blended add this and all the other ingredients, except the vanilla, to the cooking pan.
Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture becomes thick like a pudding. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Pour the mixture into the waiting pie shell and sprinkle with nutmeg. the pie may be eaten while it is still warm as long as it has cooled just enough to set. Or the pie may be chilled and eaten later.
From Edain McCoy's book "Witta: An Irish Pagan Tradition", page 187, Llewellyn Publications, 1993/1994
Beltane Marigold Custard
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
(Editor’s Note: This is simply the most delicious custard I’ve ever had.)
2 cups milk
1 cup unsprayed marigold petals
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 to 2-inch piece vanilla bean
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. rose water
whipped cream
Using a clean mortar and pestle reserved for cooking purposes, pound marigold petals. Or, crush with a spoon. Mix the salt, sugar and spices together. Scald milk with the marigolds and the vanilla bean. Remove the vanilla bean and add the slightly beaten yolks and dry ingredients. Cook on low heat. When the mixture coats the spoon, add rose water and cool.
Top with whipped cream, garnish with fresh marigold petals.
From Scott Cunningham's book "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner", page 153, Llewellyn Publications, 1988/1990.
Beltane Ritual Potpourri
Recipe by Gerina Dunwich
45 drops frankincense oil
1 cup oak moss
1 cup dried bluebells
1 cup dried lilac
1 cup dried marigold
1 cup dried meadowsweet
1 cup dried rosebuds and petals
1 cup dried yellow cowslips
Mix the frankincense oil with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.
From Gerina Dunwich's book "The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch's Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes", page 162, A Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994/1995
Beltane Incense
Recipe by Scott Cunningham
3 parts Frankincense
2 parts Sandal wood
1 part Woodruff
1 part Rose petals
a few drops Jasmine oil
a few drops Neroli oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Beltane (April 30th) or on May Day for fortune and favors and to attune with the changing of the seasons.
From Scott Cunningham's book "The Complete Book of Incenses, Oils & Brews", page 60, Llewellyn Publications, 1989/1992.
Flowers, Herbs, and the Faeries of May
From Beltaine to Midsummer, the Faery Kingdom celebrates the newborn spring. Throughout the centuries, Europeans made note of which vernal foliage was attractive to the wee folk and, by contrast, which plants would offer protection. Those plants marked with an asterisk (*) are poisonous and should be cultivated only with great caution, and should never be grown wherever children or pets are present.
· Bluebell --- If bluebells ring in your garden, an evil faery is near.
· Carnation --- The red ones draw faeries who enjoy healing animals.
· Clover --- Wildly attractive to faery life.
· Cowslip --- The best choice for attracting faeries to your yard.
· Dandelion --- Believed to be used by faeries to make beverages.
· Dill --- The fresh plant has a scent faeries dislike.
· Foxglove* --- A favorite of earth elementals.
· Hawthorne --- Sacred to faeries, as well as to May Queen.
· Heliotrope* --- Enjoyed by fire elementals.
· Gorse --- Repels virtually all faery life.
· Hollyhock* --- A faery favorite, particularly the pink variety.
· Lilac --- The gentle scent draws faery life.
· Lobelia* --- Will help attract winged faeries.
· Mistletoe* --- Can also attract unpleasant tree faeries.
· Morning Glory* --- Repels unwanted night faeries
· Mushrooms* --- Often used by faeries to mark the boundaries of their sacred circles or portals to their world.
· Pansy --- Known to attract parades of trooping faeries.
· Primrose --- Believed to give faeries their power of invisibility.
· Rosemary --- The fresh plant protects from baneful faeries.
· Sassafras --- Enjoyed by air elementals.
· Shamrock --- A form of clover Celtic faeries adore.
Fom Edain McCoy's book: "The Sabbats: A New Approach to Living the Old Ways", pages 117-118, Llewellyn Publications, 1994.
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