Beltane Festival

Beltane is the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. It is the peak of Spring. As life is bursting with color, buds, blossoms, and bees, Mother Earth displays her magical ability to create life once again in the cycle of the seasons. The celebration of Betane is the honoring of conception, fertility, sexuality, passion, vitality, and love. Mythologies have portrayed Beltane as the union of earth and sky - the Goddess of Spring, the May Queen, with the Young Oak King/Green Man. This event is the culmination of growth, renewal, and the peak of love. As we look forward to the fruits of the harvest, it is at Beltane we experience the inception of the pregnancy and abundance to come. This is the sacred marriage. As we continue to move toward the sun and away from the Winter's quiet reflection and dreaming, this is a season of action.

Bel(Bright)-tane(Fire) has traditionally been celebrated with fire and dancing. Bonfires have been seen as a way to support the sun and encourage the nourishment of the harvest. The community building of a large fire was a way of "winning over" the sun god to provide a productive growing season. During this time, families would put out their fires and use the special community Beltane fire to rekindle their homes for the season. Sometimes, couples would jump over the fire as a display of their bond and commitment. Betane was a common time for weddings and celebrations of love. The smoke was seen as a way to purify cattle and animals as a protection from disease.

Event Details:

Please join us as we celebrate the fertility of life, growth, and love!

Location:

We will be celebrating Beltane at Jillian's house and would be so grateful if you would bless us with your presence.

What to bring:

Please bring a dish to share and if you feel particularly creative, make it a traditional celtic or Beltane specific dish. Beltane foods include oatcakes, honey cakes, fresh fruits, strawberries, cherries, and cheese.

*Please respect the time and energy it takes to host these events. Do not register for this event unless you are committed to attending. Thank you for your consideration.*

What to expect:

- We will share food and laughter together.

- We will have a short time to reflect on the history of this festival and the meaning of Beltane.

- We will share a time of reflection about love, sexuality, and creation, which may include writing, lighting candles, and prayers.

- We will enjoy a fire together, as we embrace the mid-Spring evening with a cup of tea and conversation. If desired, we may include a drum circle or draw meaningful messages for one another.

*This is a substance-free event*

*This is an Atheopagan event. All faith backgrounds are welcomed.*

Also check out other Festivals in New Castle.