A Beltane Evening

Join us in the Temple for an evening celebrating Beltane. Also known as May Day, Beltane is the midway point between the Spring Equinox (Ostara) and the Summer Solstice (Litha.) This is the day that marks the official beginning of summer! At this time the cattle were about to be taken out to the high pastures and the festivities were a way of asking for protection for the animals, the crops, and the people!

Beltane, also known as Cétshamhain (meaning first of summer) was a sight to behold! “Doors, windows, byres, and livestock would be decorated with yellow May flowers, perhaps because they evoked fire. In parts of Ireland, people would make a May Bush: typically a thorn bush or branch decorated with flowers, ribbons, bright shells, and rushlights. 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.”

During our gathering we will:

-Dine by candlelight with spring vegetables, a citrus Bundt Cake, and more!

-You are welcome to bring a side dish, dessert, and/or beverage. Coffee, water, and tea provided.

-Share stories in circle

-Light the fire of our manifestations with spell work

-Make Flower Crowns & Mini Maypoles

-Rebuild our seasonal altar in our shared altar room

Beltane is one of the four main celebrations according to the Celtic wheel of the year, along with Imbolc (Feb 1-2,) Lughnasadh (August 1-2,) and Samhain (October 31-November 2.)

This is anchored by the four cross-quarter seasonal celebrations of Ostara (February 1-2) Litha (June 19-22,) Mabon (September 19-22,) and Yule (December 19-22.) This is anchored by the main four seasonal celebrations of

Each festival is in honor of an important aspect of the season, and for Beltane it is the budding of summer. “Beltane rituals would often include courting: for example, young men and women collecting blossoms in the woods and lighting fires in the evening. These rituals would often lead to matches and marriages, either immediately in the coming summer or autumn. Other festivities involved fire which was thought to cleanse, purify and increase fertility. Cattle were often passed between two fires and the properties of the flame and the smoke were seen to ensure the fertility of the herd.”

Whether you are in or out of the Broom Closet, this gathering is for you!

Be on the lookout for each of these holiday celebrations at the Temple of the Rebel Goddess!