On Beltane

 

Beltane is commonly celebrated on the 1st of May. The Pleiades rises just before the sun at Beltane, whereas it rises just after sunset at Samhain.

 

2020 - Friday, 1-May-2020

2021 - Saturday, 1-May-2021

2022 - Sunday, 1-May-2022

2023 - Monday, 1-May-2023

 

From Wikipedia you will find the following of interest...

 

"Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth. Special bonfires were kindled, and their flames, smoke and ashes were deemed to have protective powers. The people and their cattle would walk around the bonfire, or between two bonfires, and sometimes leap over flames or embers. All household fires would be doused and then re-lit from the Beltane bonfire. Doors, windows, byres and the cattle themselves would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush; a thorn bush decorated with flowers, ribbons and bright shells. Holy wells were also visited, while Beltane dew was thought to bring beauty and maintain youthfulness. Many of these customs were part of May Day or Midsummer festivals in other parts of Great Britain and Europe."

 

"The first water drawn from a well on Beltane was seen as being especially potent, as was Beltane morning dew. At dawn on Beltane, maidens would roll in the dew or wash their faces with it. It would also be collected in a jar, left in the sunlight, and then filtered. The dew was thought to increase sexual attractiveness, maintain youthfulness, and help with skin ailments."

 

"People also took steps specifically to ward-off or allay the sí (who are often likened to fairies). This included turning one's clothing inside-out, carrying iron or salt, and leaving small offerings at the doorstep or at places associated with the sí. In Ireland, cattle would be brought to 'fairy forts' and bled. The owners would taste the blood and then pour it into the earth with prayers for the herd's safety. Sometimes the blood would be left to dry and then be burnt. It was thought that dairy products were especially at risk from the sí. To protect farm produce and encourage fertility, farmers would lead a procession around the boundaries of their farm. They would "carry with them seeds of grain, implements of husbandry, the first well water, and the herb vervain (or rowan as a substitute). The procession generally stopped at the four cardinal points of the compass, beginning in the east, and rituals were performed in each of the four directions".

 

In the Wiccan practice, it is very much focused on Fertility, and often is when the Great Rite, the union of the Lord and the Lady, the God and the Goddess - is ritually (either symbolically or functionally) celebrated.

 

It is said that just as at Samhain, the veils between the worlds are thin at Beltane. Magick is very strong at this time, and your most intimate rituals are certainly appropriate here. This is a time of rebirth, new life, and light.

 

In our order, we accept the Enlightenment of Lucifer at this time, and pledge ourselves to walk in his ways. We also recognize and welcome the aspects of sexuality and sensuality re-awakened at this time of year.

 

For your rituals, some candles you may want to have on hand would include green, white, red, as well as other colors associated with the coming flowers of this season (pink, purple, yellow, and even blue).

 

May your Beltane rituals bring you renewed energy, fertility, growth, and prosperity.


So mote it be.

 

Magus Luciferian

High Priest and Magus
The Liberated Of Lucifer

www.LiberatedOfLucifer.org