On Beltane

Beltane translates as “shining fire.”

Great bonfires, decorated Rowan branches (May Bush), decorated eggs, flowers and ribbons marked this celebration in ancient times and today.  A cross-quarter day, Beltane marks the midpoint between the vernal equinox (Ostara) and the summer solstice (Litha), and falls opposite of the pagan new year (Samhain).

A time for purification, transition, protection and divination, great bonfires once illuminated the hilltops and their smoke cleansed as it sent wishes across the veil.

Also known as a time for Handfastings (“marriages” intended to last for a year and a day at which time the couple could part or cement their vows), Beltane remains a time of great feasting, family gatherings, magickal energies, dancing around the Maypole, sexual empowerment and celebration with the fairy-folk and other elemental beings.

A time for balance, passion, beauty and vitality, this is a celebration of love, union and fertility!  It is a time of male and female harmony, and the energies of duality.

As “modern thinkers,” we often quickly dismiss the celebrations and magick that exists all around us.  Ancient pagans felt the energy of the land and the season, honoring the beauty and potential of the world.

In the business of life we often overlook the natural world and turn to technology for comfort and wisdom.  Even now, as I type these words on a computer, I am grateful for these advances, and at the same time, long for the smells of the old inks and charcoal pens.

Yet there is magick in all that is.

Magick is the act of creation.  With each breath, thought, word and action we create the world in which we live.  We create our relationships and our visions.

All magick requires balance, focus and passion so that its execution truly reflects our desires.  The great fires of Beltane need not be flaming on hilltops to illuminate our visions!  Ignited within, these fires burn at the core of our being.

As our ancestors once did, let us choose this day, supported by the stars, planets, seasons and gods and goddesses, to ignite our passion, restore our balance and fertilize our visions!

Your “Shining Fire” is the Light you bring to the world with the Magick that you are!

Blessed Be!