A Celtic Celebration
Beltane is just around the bend. An old pagan traditional gathering held around the first of May, or about midway between the spring equinox (Ostara), and summer solstice, (Litha). Beltane falls exactly six months from All Hallow’s Eve, or Samhain.
Similar to Samhain, (pronounced sow-in) it is a threshold time, when the veil between realms is thin and witches and seers may experience extra sensitivity with their craft, communication, and loving spell work.
Beltane is the mark of summers start, and the time when cattle are ushered into green pasture. The name Beltane is linked to the Irish Sea region, with 'Bel' nodding to the celtic sun god, and 'teine' emblematic of fire. Beltane involves multi species, element, and spirit care and ceremonial practices. A notable ritual is the cleansing of cattle with a smoke bath. Two ceremonial bonfires are kindled; and the cattle are guided through the fire's smoke to be blessed with health, vitality, and fertility before entering into the pasture.
Of Bonfires and Fertility
Smoke has long been an avenue of communication and "nourishment" with, and for, the spiritual realm. In this ritual, fire and smoke honors the animals soul, and also calls upon benevolent deities, ancestors, and spirits for their support of the summer season's unfolding.
Holding a bonfire with loved ones, simply lighting a candle, or burning a plant wand with an intentional listening or offering of song, prayer, poem of gratitude for the spirit realm is a lovely way to tune into this time.
Herbs of Beltane
In celebratory herbal connection, Maibowle Wine, or May Wine, was made, sipped, and shared. Traditionally May Wine is infused with sweet woodruff, a small herb found in woodlands who is linked with May Day fertility magic. Sweet Woodruff is said to "bestow prosperity and make the heart merry with an enchanting scent of fresh hay, flowers, cream, vanilla, and almonds."
Another traditional herbal connection associated with the heart and Beltane is Hawthorn, known as the May Tree. Hawthorn; like Beltane, is a threshold carrier. The cream colored five petal flower perfumes a scent of both sex and death; secreted through the chemical Trimethylamine. Teaching of transformation; birth and death, compost and creation.
Hawthorn is the holder of the heart. In our timeline; the empire of white supremacy, patriarchy, colonialism, capitalism and social and environmental collapse is reaching a tipping point. We are in a time of great unraveling; and also, a great remembering and unfolding of life ways based in love.
Physiologically, Hawthorn nods to the need of heart care through nourishing the vascular system. Hawthorn is the life blood wisdom of integration and balance ensuring the health and vital longevity within the body, and guiding you toward your place of belonging.
Hawthorn reaches out and comforts, I will hold you through this transition. Not only from spring into summer, but from one way of life, to another.
This is a lovely time to intentionally practice plant communication and connection. It could look like sitting by Hawthorn, or another plant friend and listening openly for a plant message.
Bring a kind hearted presence, and an organic or ephemeral gift for the plant's generosity. This could be a song, drop of water, pour of tea, plant smoke, etc.
Joyful Spirit Tea Blend Featuring Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry by Remedy Garden.
An uplifting blend of herbs that supports the nervous system and the heart to bring comfort and cheer.
Another simple ritual would be to pour some Hawthorn tea, and/or connect with the Hawthorn flower essence and meditate on the heart's posture. Remedy Garden has a few touchstones of tea starring Hawthorn including, Love your Heart, Grief Relief and Joyful Spirit.