Beltane

(x-posted to Wicked Whispers today–I had fun writing this one so I figured a cross post never hurt anyone)

I’m busily planning my own Beltane celebration, and let me tell you it isn’t as easy that it looks.

Beltane is a fertility holiday. According to some traditions, this is the time that the God and Goddess consort together, creating the world anew in anticipation of the full harvest in the fall. Celebrated on or around May 1st, Beltane is also the first fire festival of the summer months for Celts, and many traditions come from Germanic festivals too. We’re midway between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice–some traditions celebrate on the full moon nearest this time.

As the symbolism around Ostara is all about new life and babies, the symbolism of Beltane is all about…well…sex. You tell me how I’m going to explain the Beltane symbols of the Maypole (yeah, that’s a big penis being wrapped in a nice silky vagina), ripened fruits like figs and seasonings like cinnamon for heat and lust, the reenactment of the “Great Rite” that involves dipping the blade in the chalice, well you get the idea. It’s a pretty heady affair. I imagine my kids will get the, er, short version of the explanation this year!

Of course, we’re not the types to get naked and dance around in a circle (I live in the desert–the rocks would hurt my feet), but I’m all about a holiday that celebrates fertility and lushness. I’m well done having children myself, but I’m all about creating passion and fertile growth in other ways. My ritual will incorporate some things I’d like to bear fruit, some wishes I planted on Ostara need a check in and perhaps some encouragement and “labor” to come to fruition. My garden could use some encouragement to grow during the hot summer months (my summer has already started, people, bah!) And we always try to give back, too, to the Earth for the gifts we receive.

Will I enact my own version of the great rite? Mm…probably

In any case, the late spring is a good time to start putting into motion those plans you have been allowing to bud and seed during the spring. Summer is a time of labor and pushing through until the harvest can be sown in the fall. Consider what you can do to help your trees bear fruit this week.