Beltane marks the half way point between the Spring equinox and the Summer Solstice, marking one of the 8 key points in the solar cycle in the wheel of the year. Celebrated on the first of May, Beltane is a time of fire, fertility, and festivity. From the Gaelic “Bealtaine,” likely translating to “Bright Fire,” it’s one of four yearly fire festivals reminding us of the ever changing cycles of the Earth and her seasons.
Due to it most commonly being celebrated on May 1st, it is often referred to as May Day around the world. Historically, the bonfires kindled during Beltane were believed to have protective powers, and people would leap over the flames for luck, ignite the fireplaces in their homes and towns for protection and run their livestock through corridors of flames in order to purify and cleanse them from disease before moving them to summer pastures.
As the wheel of the year turns, we find ourselves at the threshold of summer. The Celts feasted and commemorated this day in reflection of the life giving force in all things. The flowers are blooming, the fields are sown or being sown and will also bring about new life for the harvest.
Beltane is a fertility festival for all things and a celebration of the pleasures in life. It’s no wonder it falls in Taurus season. Dancing around the maypole is a common tradition now…
