Beltane

In the Otherworld, on the Eve of Beltane each year, a foal is stolen by a great claw from the stable of a man named Tiernon. One May Eve, Tiernon decides to chase the thief. He retrieves the foal and returns to the stable to find a baby boy swaddled in a blanket. He brings up the boy as his own, and the horses become the boy’s friends. As the boy matures, however, Tiernon realizes he is the Goddess Rhiannon’s abducted son and returns him to his mother. When her son was first discovered missing, Rhiannon was wrongly accused by the baby’s nursemaids of having eaten the boy. She is sentenced to stand for seven years in front of the great hall, offering to carry upon her back all who wish to enter.. She must also tell her story to anyone who will listen. When at last her son returns she names him Pryderi, which means trouble, and says, “Finally, my troubles are over.”

May Day is another name for the celebratory Beltane.

HERBS: Dogwood, daffodil, meadowsweet, rosemary, mint, rue, hawthorn, coriander, yarrow, almond, thistle, allheal, curry, dragon’s blood, fern, fireweed, nettle, flaxseed, marjoram, paprika, radish, snapdragon, mushroom, rose, satyrion root, woodruff, tansy, and elder leaves.

Oils and Incense: Dragon’s Blood 

BELTANE PHILTRE daffodil, coriander, nettle, flaxseed, mushroom, meadowsweet

BEL’S INCENSE marjoram, nettle, broom, woodruff, dana oil

DANA OIL 1 dram almond oil, 1 dram dragon's blood, ½ dram rose oil, dried rose petals, small clear crystal quartz inside. 

RHIANNON OIL 1 dram dragon’s blood, 1 dram rue oil, 1 pinch of paprika, rose quartz

Stones/Crystals: Malachite, Garnet, Rose Quartz, Emerald, Beryl, Tourmaline, Copper, and Gold. 

Foods: Oatmeal, spring flowers, early blooming herbs, strawberry, cheese, bread, wine, tea, crackers, honey, fruit salads, salads, and lemonade. 

Animals: Cows, Horses, Deer, Rabbits, Birds, Butterflies, Frogs, and Goats.

Colors: Green, light and pastel hues, pinks, red, white, and yellow.

Ancient Activities

• Go on a romantic A-maying picnic for two

• Create a flower wreath or broom.

• This is a day that is strong in fae magick: Many witches perform protection spells for their children during or right before this time. 

• Maypole dance: Traditionally it  was an oak tree, now it is most often a birch tree. After the offering and thanks of the tree the celebrators dance around the tree while holding and wrapping it with ribbons. While they wrap it they sing: 

Maiden May, heal the Earth

Make this day one of mirth.

Maiden May, heal the Earth, 

We return from death to birth.

Symbols and Decor

Flower crowns, floral decor, light hues, strong smells, bonfires, fairies, garlands, and may poles.

Are you celebrating this year?