Beltane Workshop
Beltane is considered to be a very important Sabbat that celebrates life, especially through the energies of physical, sexual union. This is a time of the Sacred Marriage, which is also known as the Sacred Union, of the Goddess and the God. It is believed that at this time, the Goddess becomes pregnant with the God and that this is the time when they consummate their marriage. The word Beltane means May or May Day and this Sabbat takes place on the first day of May. One of the most popular activities for Beltane is dancing around the Maypole. The Maypole is a phallic symbol that represents the God and it is believed as you dance around it and weave the ribbons around it, the group is bringing fertility to the Earth. A Maypole generally has a wreath at the top, which represents the vagina of the Goddess, and has bells and ribbons around it. There is a special dance done to weave the ribbons where one person goes over another's head and then goes underneath the next person. During Beltane, it is also traditional to set up Balefires in honor of the Celtic God Bel. These fires are made out of the Nine Sacred Woods, which are any of the following equaling nine: Oak, Apple, Hawthorn, Birch, Elder, Ash, Thorn, Grape Vine, Rowan, Holly, Willow, Cedar, Yew, or Hemlock. Once the Balefire burns down to embers, you should jump over it to promote fertility. Some correspondences are as follows:
Colors: Brights-especially purple, green and gold
Incense: Rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, musk, and vanilla
Herbs: Woodruff, fern, rose, chamomile, wormwood, galangal
Magick: sex magick, faerie magick
Making a May Wreath
You Need:
-grapevine wreath -variety of flowers -greenery-ivy, rosemary, myrtle, etc. -decorative items--ribbons, a figurine to sset in the middle of the wreath -scissors -glue or hot glue gun
- Assemble supplies
- The greenery goes on first. Weave, wrap, or tuck into the grapevine. Glue it in strategic places if necessary. Ivy, myrtle, rosemary, and moss are just a few of the choices. Use fresh or dried. The moss tucks nicely into the grapevine weave.
- Place a variety of flowers loosely around the greenery on the wreath before gluing them in place. If the flower has a stem, again it can be tucked into the grapevine and then glued at the base of the flower head. If the stems are brittle and break easily, just glue the flower head directly in place.
- After all the flowers are in place you can add the little extra items that will make it unique. Use your imagination--ribbons, a fairy figure, beads, crystals, etc.
Beltane Traditional Flower Charm
This flower charm is based on the old European Pagan practice of strewing petals in order to assure fecundity and a prosperous harvest. Use this charm to assure blessings and prosperity in your own life.
What you'll need:
-several handfuls of yellow flower petals (any variety) -a local bush or shrub
Stand over a bush or shrub that is close to either your home or place of business. Begin strewing the flower petals over the shrub, using your right hand. As you do so, say:
Gracious Goddess, mighty God,
Unite the cauldron and the rod,
You who rule the changing world,
Be your power in me unfurled.
Now close your eyes and imagine some desired outcome in your life or in the life of someone close to you. Leave the bush now. The charm is complete.
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