Beltaine ~ May 1st.
(A Victorian Grimoire ~ Patricia Telesco ~ Llewellyn Publications 1996 PPS 45 ~47)
Now is the time of the sacred marriage, fire festivals, maypoles, and the dance of life. This is when we celebrate the return of life and fertility to the world. The sap in the trees has started to run, and with it new energy is brought to our magick. In the days of old, May dew was believed to beautify the skin, and the smoke of the Beltaine fire brought protection, especially to animals.
Feathered winds come dance with me
Lift me from the ground.
Join my waltz, my spirit, freed
As we are upward bound.
Tongues of flames come jump with me
Ye purifying fires,
Join my joy, my playful glee,
As we move much higher
Tears from seas come sing with me
Roll out from the caves,
Join my verse, my body cleansed
In your healing waves.
Mother Earth come laugh with me
Set aside your toils,
Join my chant of forests green
Secure me rich in soil.
Earth and Air, Fire and Sea
I call you all, come dance with me!
Grant me now a sacred space.
While working magick in this place.
In this invocation, each verse is designed for a cardinal point of the altar. At each of these four directions a candle of the appropriate color should be lit, and a symbol of the element blessed as indicated in each verse. This is meant to be a celebration of life, so dance and sing around your circle. Do not be afraid to get inspired!
Activities
During the maypole dance, think about what you wish to weave into, or out of, your spirit. The maypole is an ancient symbol of the male aspect of the Divine, while the ribbons are the strands of life. Have a small basket of goodies around the room to symbolize the coming abundance and to enjoy after the circle. Magick is hungry work.
Small pieces of jade should be blessed, taken home and planted to bring flourishing gardens. Topaz may be passed around the circle to help bring everyone into harmony with the radiant sun energy.
Tools and Ritual Components
Incense |
Frankincense, rose and bluebells make a lovely scent to appease the fey and to bring trust and purification to your gathering. |
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Ritual Soap |
Thyme and rose for balance and beauty, to tempt the faerie folk into joining your celebration |
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Anointing Oil |
Lily of the valley, a traditional mayday flowers. |
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Ritual Cup |
Woodruff wine to banish negativity, or red clover tea, a Victorian favorite for spring. |
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Altar Decorations |
Ivy, rose, and hawthorn. Adorn the altar, while fresh marigold petals form the outer circle. Garnet is a symbol of union and may be placed central to the altar for fidelity, and friendship. |
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Clothing |
Crown yourself with a wreath of ivy. Wear bright lively colors, especially the green of the forest to honor life and vitality. |
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Cakes |
By may, strawberries have come into season. Why not enjoy them with Victorian popovers and a little cream? It is one way of thanking the Earth for her bounty. Candied violets are also a traditional Victorian treat for this holiday |
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