1st May – also known as May Day
SPRING CROSS QUARTER FESTIVAL Mid Taurus – Fixed Earth
Crystals – Carnelian – Fire Agate – Amber – Garnet – Rose Quartz – and Emerald
to name just a few.
Trees of Beltane
Hawthorn
Colours – Green, Silver and Red
Beltane is a lovely time of year. The peak of spring and the stirrings of summer create a vibrant, joyful energy. There is life all around us. Exciting, fertile energy.
The word ‘Beltane’ originates from the Celtic God ‘Bel’, meaning ‘the bright one’ and the Gaelic word ‘teine’ meaning fire. Together they make ‘Bright Fire’, or ‘Goodly Fire’ and traditionally bonfires were lit to honour the Sun. Traditionally all fires in the community were put out, and a special fire was kindled for Beltane. “This was the Tein-eigen, the need fire. People jumped the fire to purify, cleanse and to bring fertility. Couples jumped the fire together to pledge themselves to each other.
I’ve jumped many a Beltane fire. It’s a lovely thing to do with friends and loved ones. Make a pledge and jump together.
Your intentions back at Imbolc and your seed planting at Spring Equinox are now in full effect! Continue giving them attention by keeping your intention clear and your mind positive. Push them forward, in the direction you want them to grow. I liken it to teaching a plant which direction to grow by binding it gently.
Sometimes the energy at Beltane can carry you away. Lovely uplifting energy. However, it can cause us to be a little ungrounded, and it isn’t uncommon to lose focus. It is advisable to take some time out once in a while, to spend time focusing and being mindful of what’s important in your life. You can do this by learning to meditate (if you don’t already), spending quiet time outside in nature, sitting inside a grounding crystal grid or walking a Labyrinth.
Walking the Labyrinth is something I highly advise. It is one of the most calming, meditative practises I’ve ever done.
You can walk the Labyrinth with a clear intention or question in mind. Or you can walk the Labyrinth to help clear and release any stuck or buzzing energy within your mind/body.
As you start your journey walking the Labyrinth, you begin to release your thoughts and concerns. When you reach the centre, stop there for as long as you need to. Meditate and clear your mind. Feel the ground beneath your feet, breath deeply and ground yourself. And when you are ready, start the return. When you leave the Labyrinth, your energy will feel quite different.
Walking the Labyrinth can also be an opportunity of letting go and releasing pains of the past.
I like to make wishes all the time, but Beltane seems to be a time of year that brings good luck. Make a crystal wish by choosing a special crystal and as you would wish upon a star, wish upon your crystal. Keep the crystal somewhere you will see it daily.