Beltane

(April 30)

If possible, celebrate Beltane in a forest or near a living tree. If this is impossible, bring a small tree within the circle, preferably potted; it can be of any type.

Create a small token or charm in honor of the wedding of the Goddess and God to hang upon the tree. You can make several if you desire. These tokens can be bags filled with fragrant flowers, strings of beads, carvings, flower garlands-whatever your talents and imagination can conjure.

Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast the Circle of Stones.

Recite the Blessing Chant.

Invoke the Goddess and God.

Stand before the altar and say, with wand upraised:

O Mother Goddess,

Queen of the night and of the Earth;

0 Father God,

King of the day and of the forests,

I celebrate Your union as nature rejoices in a riotous blaze of color and life.

Accept my gift, Mother Goddess and Father God, in honor of Your union.

Place the token(s) on the tree.

From Your mating shall spring forth life anew,

A profusion of living creatures shall cover the lands,

And the winds will blow pure and sweet.

0 Ancient Ones, I celebrate with You!

Works of magic, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast.

The Circle is released.

Beltane Lore

Weaving and plaiting are traditional arts at this time of year, for the joining together of two substances to form a third is in the spirit of Beltane. Foods traditionally come from the dairy, and dishes such as marigold custard (see Recipes-Food) and vanilla ice cream are fine. Oatmeal cakes are also appropriate.

by Scott Cunningham