Beltaine
May 1
Also called: May Eve (4-30), May Day, Walspurgisnacht (4-30)
Mythology: Sexual union and/or marriage of Goddess and God Colours: Rainbow spectrum, blue, green, pastels
Tools: Maypole & ribbons, flower crowns, fires, bowers, fields
Energy: Youthful play, exhuberance, sensuality, pleasure
Goddesses: May Queen, Flora
Gods: May King, Jack in the Green
Rituals: Love, romance, fertility, crop blessings, creativity endeavors
Customs: Dancing around the maypole, jumping bonfires, mating, flower baskets, may baskets
Beltaine is the beginning of summer. It's the most important Sabbat, after Samhain. Though Beltaine is a fertility holiday, it's mostly a celebration of joy and life. Named for the Celtic fire god Bel, bonfires are usually a part of Beltaine festivites. The association with fire also makes it a holiday of purification. The Light God has matured to the age of rulership and takes over from the Dark God, while the pregnant Goddess moves into her Mother aspect. Handfastings are traditionally held on or around Beltaine.
