The Yew and Fairy Realm

 

A tradition is current in Mathavarn, in the parish of Llanwrin, and the Cantref  of Cyfeillioc, concerning a certain wood called Ffridd yr Ywen or the Forest of the Yew.  It is so called on account of the so called magical yew tree that grows exactly in the middle of the forest.  Under the tree there is a fairy circle called The Dancing Place of the Goblin.  There are several fairy circles in the Forest of the Yew, but the one under the yew tree in the middle has the legend connected with it. 

Many years ago two farm hands with the names of Twm and Iago journeyed to do a days work in the Forest of the Yew.  It was early in the afternoon when the forest began to fill with a thick mist.  The mist was so thick and blocked the sun to the point the young men thought that the sun was beginning to set, thus they prepared to journey home.  When they came to yew tree in the center of the forest, the mist was no longer there and the light of the sun had once again returned. 

Believing it was now too early too venture home they decided to lie beneath the great Yew tree and take a nap.  In time, Twm woke to find that Iago was no longer slumbering with him beneath the great yew.  Concluding that Iago had probably awaken before him and started his way home, Twm did likewise, having no reason to think different. 

 

As morning came and Twm went to fetch Iago for the next days work, he was perplexed to find that he was not there.  In fact he had not been seen since the previous day.  Being asked by several on the whereabouts of Iago, Twm finally admitted to their adventure the day before and how they had fallen asleep inside the fairy circle which lie beneath the great yew in the center of the forest.  They searched for days throughout the forest and the country side yet no sign of Iago could be found. 

 

Still wondering on the whereabouts of his friend as well as the stories that circled about the odd happenings in the forest, Twm decided to seek the advice of gwr cyfarwydd (a conjuror).  The man gave to Twm this advice and stressed that he follow it exactly.

 

Go to the same place where you and Iago had napped.  Return exactly one year from the time that he was last seen.  Make sure that it is the same day of the year and the same time of the day, yet do not step foot inside the fairy ring.  Stand on the border of the fairy ring and he will return with the fae to dance around the circle.  When he is close enough, grab hold of his hand and snatch him from the circle.

 

Twm did just this and rightfully so, Iago and the fairies came out and began to dance around the fairy ring.  As he circled near Twm, his hand was grabbed and Twm pulled him out. When questioned about his whereabouts and his slimmer look, Iago gave no information.  He only remembered his nap beneath the tree the year before.

'Plucked from the Fairy Circle' from

British Goblins – Wirt Sikes

Sunday Poetry Quote

"Come fairies,

take me out of this dull world,

for I would ride with you upon the wind

 and dance upon the mountainslike a flame.”

  W.B. Yeats

A Blessed Samhain and New Year To All

Halloween

by Arthur Peterson

Out I went into the meadow, 
Where the moon was shining brightly, 
And the oak-tree's lengthening shadows 
On the sloping sward did lean; 
For I longed to see the goblins, 
And the dainty-footed fairies, 
And the gnomes, who dwell in caverns, 
But come forth on Halloween. 

"All the spirits, good and evil, 
Fay and pixie, witch and wizard, 
On this night will sure be stirring," 
Thought I, as I walked along; 
"And if Puck, the merry wanderer, 
Or her majesty, Titania, 
Or that Mab who teases housewives 
If their housewifery be wrong, 

Should but condescend to meet me"— 
But my thoughts took sudden parting, 
For I saw, a few feet from me, 
Standing in the moonlight there, 
A quaint, roguish little figure, 
And I knew 'twas Puck, the trickster, 
By the twinkle of his bright eyes 
Underneath his shaggy hair. 

Yet I felt no fear of Robin, 
Salutation brief he uttered, 
Laughed and touched me on the shoulder, 
And we lightly walked away; 
And I found that I was smaller, 
For the grasses brushed my elbows, 
And the asters seemed like oak-trees, 
With their trunks so tall and gray. 

Swiftly as the wind we traveled, 
Till we came unto a garden, 
Bright within a gloomy forest, 
Like a gem within the mine; 
And I saw, as we grew nearer, 
That the flowers so blue and golden 
Were but little men and women, 
Who amongst the green did shine. 

But 'twas marvelous the resemblance 
Their bright figures bore to blossoms, 
As they smiled, and danced, and courtesied, 
Clad in yellow, pink and blue; 
That fair dame, my eyes were certain, 
Who among them moved so proudly, 
Was my moss-rose, while her ear-rings 
Sparkled like the morning dew. 

Here, too, danced my pinks and pansies, 
Smiling, gayly, as they used to 
When, like beaux bedecked and merry, 
They disported in the sun; 
There, with meek eyes, walked a lily, 
While the violets and snow-drops 
Tripped it with the lordly tulips: 
Truant blossoms, every one. 

Then spoke Robin to me, wondering: 
"These blithe fairies are the spirits 
Of the flowers which all the summer 
Bloom beneath its tender sky; 
When they feel the frosty fingers 
Of the autumn closing round them, 
They forsake their earthborn dwellings, 
Which to earth return and die, 

"As befits things which are mortal. 
But these spirits, who are deathless, 
Care not for the frosty autumn, 
Nor the winter long and keen; 
But, from field, and wood, and garden, 
When their summer's tasks are finished, 
Gather here for dance and music, 
As of old, on Halloween." 

Long, with Puck, I watched the revels, 
Till the gray light of the morning 
Dimmed the luster of Orion, 
Starry sentry overhead; 
And the fairies, at that warning, 
Ceased their riot, and the brightness 
Faded from the lonely forest, 
And I knew that they had fled. 

Ah, it ne'er can be forgotten, 
This strange night I learned the secret— 
That within each flower a busy 
Fairy lives and works unseen 
Seldom is 't to mortals granted 
To behold the elves and pixies, 
To behold the merry spirits, 
Who come forth on Halloween.

Rowan–The Protecting Dragon

For those of you who have followed my blog for a time you will remember previous post surrounding Celtic Tree Lore.  This is an area which is very dear to my heart as the willows which surround my home as well as the wee (which is not so wee anymore) oak which I nurtured from a twig have all help to show me the wonderful relationship that one can have with such creatures if they allow themselves to be open.  I have had much comment and question in regards to these post.  Therefore I am going to bring them back and try and probe a bit deeper than before into their attributes as well as the magic that each of them can give to us. 

 

With today being Chinese New Year as well as the beginning of the year of the Dragon, it seems only fitting that we start off with the Rowan tree.  January 21st, was the beginning of the Tree Month of Rowan. Associated with the dragon, the Rowan tree is a symbol of protection and defense. Believing that Rowan could ward off evil spirits the Celts often used it on a daily basis.  During the festivities of Beltane, garlands of Rowan would be fashioned and tied with string which had been dyed red using the Rowan berry.  These garlands were then put on livestock as well as the animals stalls to ward off evil.  One might even see a cow with springs of rowan hanging from her tail held only by the brightly red strings. 

 

Rowan trees intentionally were  planted in churchyards to protect and watch over the spirits of the dead. As the body was being carried to the churchyard for burial, it would be sat beneath a Rowan during any stops needing to be made.  This insured that the soul which had departed would not be taunted by any evil before it was finally laid to rest. 

 

Bracelets made of rowan berries were worn by the women as a means of protection.  As well as cross necklaces fashioned from rowan wood.  Such wooden crosses were also often placed at the head of a newborn’s cradle as a means of protection.  It was believed that a child who was born with exceptional beauty or charm was often sought out by the fairy folk.  The Rowan was believed to keep the fairy from doing such mischief.  

 

Many believe that Rowan has the power to protect one from the mischief of fairies.  As this may be true, the Rowan is also a tree which is most loved and cherished by the wee folk.  It is believed that anyone found harming a Rowan runs the risk of bringing upon themselves the wrath of the fairies. It is through the method of grave illness that the fairies are said to  get their revenge.  However I do not believe that anyone should harm any tree for no reason.  There is an old Irish legend  called the Forest of Dooros.  It was said that the fairies which lived in this forest loved the Rowan tree.  Even more so they loved to partake of the Rowan berry.  Nothing seemed to bring them more delight.  As they ventured from fairyland to mortal land they would bring the berry as nourishment.  Yet on one occasion one of the berries brought from fairyland fell to the ground without them knowing .  From this berry grew a great Rowan tree.  The berries which it bore tasted sweeter than honey itself.  It was said that if one ate just one it would render then drunk.  If one ate two berries they would live for a hundred years.  If they continued and ate three berries they would become as if they were thirty years old again, and thus stay that way for a hundred years.  They fairies knew that their magic needed protection.  They asked a great giant named Sharvan to watch over the tree for them.  Sharvan had a keen liking for the human kind, especially at meal time.    This being the case, very few who have ventured forth to partake of this treat have ever been heard of again. 

 

The Rowan tree is one of great power and much depth.  If you find yourself blessed to be a part of a Rowans life, do not take it lightly.  They bring with themselves great ability, as well as greater understanding of that which most do not know.   

I Have Been Bit by the Creative Bug

I have been in a bit of a crafty mood as of late. I think it all started with the workings with my willow twigs. They somewhat inspired me. Although the crafts that came forth from them were not necessarily spectacular, they had meaning to me and it was good to put the leftover twigs to some kind of use. I still have a basket full of the left over twigs and more still scatter the ground. I think the remaining twigs will go towards the building of my fairy village I have wanted to create for some time now.

Each day I walk my yard and the area under the tree house is quickly awakening to spring. The sweet Williams are pushing their head outs, reaching towards the sunlight as well as the lily bulbs that I planted last fall. They are cluttered with an abundance of dried leaves and such that have fallen and blown through the earlier fall and winter months. I think the weather is warm enough now that I can clear the debris out and allow the plants to spread abit.

I have gathered stones along with my sticks for the area. I think when all is said and done the fae will enjoy their renovations. I noticed that the primrose has sprouted as well as the foxglove. I also purchased three new rose bushes to plant and I have been thinking if there is any way I could plant one of them near this location. I am not sure if they will receive enough sunlight; yet the color and aroma is something I am sure the fae would enjoy.

I have also convinced Vincent to let me plant a small plot for vegetables and some additional herbs. Of course this means we will need to purchase a rototiller so that I can start working the ground. Goodness but I have sympathy for those in years before when such things were not available. I am also excited about the new piece of equipment as it will also allow me to till the perimeter of the bottom yard and plant the bachelor buttons I have been wanting to plant for some time now. It would be just my luck to get this place just the way I like it and then move…

Another craft I have been toying with is the making of sachets and/or charms. I have sent a couple of these out to friends and am still playing around with different ideas. I have missed sewing with my machine. I still have many projects that I need to work on.

I do not know where all this creativeness is coming from or really what I will do with it all. Even my runes have been calling me again and I am eager to work with creating some new sets. Quite possibly it is the coming of spring and the newness that it always seems to bring. This last winter was definitely one of hibernation for me. I became quiet and drawn into myself and it seemed that the creative juices stopped for a bit…

Yet finally that seems to be something that is slowly changing. So many of you have given me new ideas and suggestions as to what I could do.. I thank you all for that. Inspiration is the only word that best sums it up. And then of course there is always my craft of cooking and my kitchen. The area I seem to feel most at home with and my ability seems to flow most freely. I have been trying new recipes and ideas and I am hoping to be sharing many of them with you in the coming months as they all involve fresh items, from vegetables to fruit and herbs.

I am hoping that this is not merely a phase that I am going through but something of a new area for me as it has been nice to keep myself busy. What kind of things have you been working on as of late? Are there new crafts that you have created? Have you started your summer garden? Maybe it has not become quite warm enough and you are just browsing through those wonderful seed catalogs that grace our mail this time of year. Whatever it is I wish you joy with your new creations.

Blessings

My Love of the Wee Folk

Have you ever been in the garden on a spring day?  The warmth of the sun shining can be felt all around.  The birds sweetly sing their song and flutter about in merriment.  You feel the coolness of the earth in your hands as you work the ground cleaning the clutter from the past winter months allowing the young tender green sprouts more room to reach towards the sun as well as spread themselves to cover the ground.  You find yourself humming softly; then it happens.

From the corner of your eye you see the familiar flicker.  The sensation of their pressence can be felt as your skin tingles with excitement.  They have joined you in your afternoon activities.  You continue on as you had been yet now with the knowledge that you are not alone.  The wee folk have come to enjoy the day as well.  For the small bobbles and goodies you leave on occasion they in turn help to tend the garden as well as other things.

There are many things in life that one can not necessarily "see".  Yet I wonder, does this make their existance unreal.  I can speak from experience and say that there have been many times in my life where I have had encounters that can not fully be explained; at least not in the complete manner that some may wish to have in order to believe the story that I may try to tell them.

My daughter and I have long had the discussions on the existance of the wee folk.  She has the logical mind of an adult and does not take kindly to remembering or adhering to her child like ways or thoughts.  My grand daughter on the other hand has an immense love for the fae folk.  She believes in them with all her heart and all her soul.  Yes, I may have something to do with it, yet I believe also that she is a soul who will always keep her mind open to things, even as she grows older.  We are both gently working on her mother to remind her of what it was like when she was a child and anything was possible. 

I am sure many of you have noticed my button at the top in regards to February Fairies over at the Whimsical Cottage.  Danni has done a wonderful job of bringing a month full of information, stories, crafts, and experiences all in tune with the wee folk.  I will have a post featured today.  If you have not had a chance to go and check it out I would suggest you venture over there and see.  If you have any interest at all in fairies, I am sure you would find it wonderful. 

Subtle Signs

Last year at this time I was whining about the massive amounts of snow and/or ice we had been blessed with throughout the winter season.  It seemed like I was never ceasing to yearn for the warmth and signs of spring.  This year has thus far been the exact opposite.  While so many others are getting themselves covered with a white winter blanket and at times a little more, we have not had any moisture for the entire season. 

I do not miss the snow that much, as last year I did get my fill of it.  Yet a nice quiet snow fall would be nice as long as it happened on a weekend and I did not have to be anywhere else.  A nice pot of warm stew simmering in the stove with fresh bread in the oven.  A rich cup of dark Irish tea with honey.  Sounds sort of nice actually.

We have had some cold temperatures yet even there they have been few.  Today was 64 and tomorrow it is to be in the 70s.  With the dryness and the high winds, wildfires have been our biggest worry as of late. 

Even my birds seem to not need me as much as they usually do during this winter.  I have not bought near as much seed as I normally do.  I have even seen signs that make me think they may be thinking about pairing up for mating. 

While messing around in the yard today I stumbled across something I found quite different for the middle of winter.  A couple of small stands of mushroom.  Granted they were nestled in a nice bed of dry leaves as if to shelter them from the coldness if it did drop below a comfortable temperature. 

One group almost looked as if the fairies had been out enjoying them leaving odd almost rune like symbols carved into them.  A sign of an early spring perhaps?  I do not know.  It is only a little under 8 weeks away from officially starting.  The days are beginning to lengthen once again as well. 

Have you seen any signs that spring may be close at hand?  Or has old man winter decided to lengthen his visit with you just a bit longer. 

Early Morning Surprises - None Better

Every morning like clockwork, Winston comes and wakes me for our early morning jaunt around the back yard.  He is a morning person/dog like myself so I do not mind it too much.  It is unseasonably warm here for this time of year.  Although it was cloudy and a good south breeze blew the grey clouds northward, the temperture was only a mere 67.  I have to say it was rather enjoyable.

Although the wind blew somewhat, Sweetie and Sunny were more than ready to come out of their sleeping quarters which is a nice big garage/barn. Usually on windy days they prefer to stay inside.  I wandered the yard with Winston and my kitties enjoying the last bit of warm weather we are to have.  (They say it gets bitter cold on Wednesday). 

I was walking near my elm where I cleared out an area and over the last couple years have been working on a wooded fairy garden.  I could not believe my eyes when I spoted an iris attempting to bloom.  She stood tall and her bud was beginning to open up.  I could not believe that she was standing so tall as we have already had several days with below freezing tempertures and she sits facing the north.  Yet there she was in all her beauty.  I can only think that the little ones have been tending her.  I will bring her in today in hopes that she will continue to open herself for me inside.

As I returned to the house to pour my first cup of coffee, I spied a package that had been sitting on my table for some time now.  Back some time I agreed to participate in a mask swap that was being organized by faerwillow over at serindiptiy.  I thought many times: what am I thinking as although I love crafts a mask was something I had never attempted to do.  Yet it sounded fun and so I agreed.

I guess there were many others that felt like me because in the end only three of us had signed on to swap.  Yet in a way this made it all that more special. 



A circle of three, we gathered, and exchanged.

handmade masks to honor the frost queen  and the full November moon

Colors of silver and white

with hints of blue

tender twine with bells held each surprise in place

Handmade tags with sweet words were written

Attention given to the words placed carefully to wish the recipient a blessed birthday

And a gentle piece of drift wood with the simple word

 "believe"

Reminding us all that in doing so we are half way there.

A wonderful thank you to Faerwillow for her kindness and wonderful ways.  And also to Theresa of Faerie Moon Creations who added to the uniqueness of the swap. 

A Surprise In The Post

The other day I was welcomed home with a wonderful package in the post.  I could see that it came from across the pond and the first thing that came to mind was the arrival of my fairy crowns. 

I carefully opened the outside that was wrapped so securely as to not allow the turbulence of travel to damage it in any manner.  Underneath the carefully wrapped package I found yet another delicately wrapped package in a deep shade of purple.  Being my favorite color of course it brought a smile across my face.  Tied with a ribbon to match and one of black I carefully untied the bow and unwrapped the tissue paper that encircled it.

Another box lay beneath the wrappings and atop lay 3 note cards with prints of pictures that I have often admired of the artist.  Of course I could never use such note cards.  Although I would love to share their fancy with friends I intend to put these into a frame and hang in my special room along with other things that are dear to my heart. 

As I raised the cards from the box I saw what I had been waiting for, the set of fairy crowns for my granddaughter and myself. Both are a rich purple and a shade of Cinderella blue with mine being dominantly purple and hers blue.   The detail of the work amazed me.  They were simply beautifully done and I know that much love went into the creation of them.  Jo would email me consistently throughout their design and construction to give me updates on them as well as photos to show me. However I will say that photos do not do any justice to showing the true craftsmanship that is put into these. 

I am so taken by them that I am considering sewing a linen dress for my grand daughter to go with her crown so that when she comes and visits she can go down beneath my Elm where the fae like to play and dance with them.  Thank you Jo so much for your wonderful gift and wonderful creations.  You truly gave me a blessing one that I am sure will bless me for years to come. 

I invite you to visit Jo's shop of wares over at Tangle Frost.  She is quite the artist. 

Celtic Tree Lore - Legends of the Hazel

azel is known for its attributes of wisdom as well as the inspiration of creativity it gives. Such creativity can be seen in the tree itself because of its unusual branches that grow in curious shapes, such s the corkscrew hazel.

Its association with the heart chakra comes from the legend that the hazel stood at the heart of the faery realm. When a hazel is found growing with an apple and hawthorn tree it is said that these three mark the boundary of a magical place.

In mythology the Hazel is attributed to the god Mercury. Mercury was the messenger of the gods and also the god of commerce, cleverness, travel and thievery. He is often depicted with a staff or wand of Hazel and wearing a broad rimmed traveling hat and sandals. A Hermes (the greek version of Mercury) when he was only a few hours old he escaped from his cradle and went in search of adventure. Later feeling hugrey, he stole two oxen from Apollo and hid them in a cave where he killed them and ate them. When Apollo discovered what had happened, Hermes played to him on a lyre which he had made by stretching cords across a tortoise shell.

Apollo was so charmed by his music that he allowed him to go unpunished. In gratitude Hermes gave the lyre to Apollo. Apollo in return gave Hermes a magical Caduceus made of Hazel. It was said to bestow wisdom, wealth, and prosperity on its owner by turning everything it touched into gold.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Oak

eginning on the 10th of June and continuing through July 7th the Celtic Tree month of Oak will take place. Representing the 7th of the thirteen tree months; the Oak falls in the middle of all the others. It is said that the Celts viewed the oak as a “representation of divinity.” Druids are said to never meet unless under an Oak. The view of the Oak’s sacredness, it was at one time believed that the Oak was the first tree ever to be created by God and its fruit, the acorn, was the first food of mankind. It is said that the Oaks tree roots mirror its branches and stretch as far below the ground as the branches do above. Oak is also one of the nine sacred woods for a sabbat fire in which it represents the God. It is also the wood traditionally used in the Litha fire as this is the time when the Oak is said to reach the height of its power.

The Oak along with the birch and yew represent the three pillars of wisdom in the Roman culture. The Oak is also one third of the Triad of Faery trees along with Ash and Hawthorne. Sacred Oak groves have always been places of worship and learning. Each tribe would gather beneath what was considered their own Oak. It was called their Tree of Life and functioned as the tribes’ talisman.

The Oak is a slow growing tree. When one sees a great Oak of great size, one can be assured that it is also quite aged. It can reach heights of 110 feet (33 meters) and has a girth of anywhere from 30 to 40 feet (9-12 meters). A good example of this massive side is the Major Oak which is located in Sherwood Forest. It still stands yet is supported these days to help prevent it from collapsing. It measures 64 feet (20 meters) in its girth. This fact makes it easy to believe the tale from history that King Arthurs round table was made from a single slice of Oak. Although an Oak seems to grow a bit faster in its first century, after this point the growth increases by less than one year per year. This slow sense of growth is what matures the wood in a way to acquire the hardness and strength to give Oak its reputation of being close to indestructible.

The Oak is considered King of the woods. He is old and gnarled. Regardless of the abuse it receives it stands tall and survives over the years. He is a marker point, a cornerstone and a refuge in the forest.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Magical Attributes of the Hawthorne

any magical attributes are connected with the Hawthorne tree. Its connection and uses during Beltane were discussed earlier in regards to the Maypole as well as its connection with the faery folk. Medicinally parts of the Hawthorne can be used to treat such ailments as hypertension and heart problems. Such medicine is derived from the leaves and fruit of the tree. May blossom wine can also be created by the blossoms of the tree. This was more than likely a popular concoction during Beltane as the blossoms of the Hawthorne are said to be highly erotic to the male gender. 

Barwood.com

In regards to the performance of magic, it is said that a wand made from the wood of a Hawthorne will hold great power. The Hawthorne is said to be the tree from which magical powers enter the manifest world from beyond lending to the belief that such a wand would hold much power.  Such a wand is used for strengthening ones own magical powers as well as for protection and cleansing.

The Hawthorne is also considered a guardian which stands between the realms. It holds connection with the wee folk and is said to be a means of entry into the faery realm. Sprigs from a Hawthorn tree were often given to children as they slept as a means of protection. It was used as the wood for funeral pyres also. It was thought that as the wood burned the souls would escape through the thorns making their way to heaven. Likewise it is often used in spells regarding communication with those who have passed.

 

The Hawthorne is said to hold the power and attributes of cleansing, defensive protection, family, fertility, happiness, marriage, prosperity, purity, reconciliation, and wisdom. Thus it can be used in any spell with such holds such a theme. Its white or pink flowers which appear May through June as well as the red fruit which appears in Autumn can all be used. Other names for the Hawthorne are May, Maybush, Quickthorn, Whitethorn, or Haw bush.

Celtic Tree Lore - The Hawthorne

awthorne comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, haegthorn which means hedge thorn and the Old Saxon word haw which means hedge. Beginning May 13th and continuing through June 9th, the Celtic Tree Month of the Hawthorne takes place. For many years, the Hawthorne has lined the hedge groves of England. In the Middle Ages it was referred to as the May tree. It was called this because of the blooms that covered the tree during the month of May. Garlands of the blossoms were hung over doorways during the Beltane celebration.

The Hawthorne is part of the triad of faerie trees. Ash and Oak being the other two. They are said to represent the three realms of underworld, middle world, and upper world. All three trees are often used for the traditional Maypole which is an important part of the Beltane celebration. Hawthorne is also one of the nine sacred woods for a sabbat fire in which it represents purity.

Although the Hawthorne was highly celebrated during the month of May and Beltane, it was considered unlucky at any other time of the year. This was due largely to the early Christian church in its attempts to sway pagans away from their pagan ways. With the Hawthorne’s close ties to the faeries the priest would manipulate so called faerie pranks into evil misdeeds. Drawing the pagans away from the actual Beltane festivities was another thing, as it was a time to celebrate the sexual union of Goddess and God and sexuality in general. It was not as easy to convince the pagans to not participate.

May Eve - A Time to Celebrate

“It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Well not quite, the clocks are not striking thirteen, yet I did wake up to a bright cold day. They say it will warm up into the 80s by afternoon yet I am not sure if that will occur. The clouds seem to be lingering and the rain seems to want to come again for a bit. I do not mind that too much as it will help in the watering of my yard, which in turn will allow me more time to do other things. It is May eve you know.

For many this is a holiday that is highly celebrated although many may not admit to celebrating it in the manner in which it is truly accustomed to. Beltane as it is more commonly known is a celebrated on May eve (April 30th) and May 1st. The celebration is dedicated to fertility and the returning of the sun. It is a holiday that includes maypole dancing, leaping through fires (Bel-fires) to ensure fertility, feasting, drinking, dancing, as well as acting upon the urges that go along with such activities. By this I mean the act of physical union. In older times the Bel-fires were lit on May eve and the festivities would begin at this time. As the festivities carried on into the night, young men and women would wander into the woods or other places of seclusion before the sun rose on May Day; the girls with garlands of flowers in their hair and the men with branches of trees. It was a time when society’s view of sexuality and fertility was much carefree and not bound with the intense feelings of guilt and shame. It was rather a time to be joyous and allow ones passions to flow freely. There are still people today who likewise celebrate Beltane in a similar manner.

The Maypole is another symbol of that is highly associated with Beltane. A tall pole representing a phallic symbol (although many do not realize this) is placed in an open area. It is decorated with flowers, leaves and brightly colored ribbons which hang from top to bottom. When the dance is to begin each participant takes a ribbon in hand. Half dance to the left while the other half dance to the right. As they do so they wind the ribbon around the pole. It is thought that the pattern created by the dance of the maypole can be predictive of the yield of harvest from the seeds that have been planted.

In many areas a Queen of May is selected. She is chosen on May eve and wears a gold crown with a single gold leaf on it. Flowers are also woven into her crown. In some instances a May King is also chosen and they reign for the time that the festivities continue. Wedding gifts are sometimes made for the King and Queen such as strings of beads, potpourri bags, or garlands of flowers. Such gifts are hung in the trees which surround the festivities. Because of the emphasis on union, Beltane is said to be a good time to announce one’s wedding engagement. In fact in older times, there were trial unions which took place. The hand fasting ( or wedding) would be for a year and a day. Simply they were statements of intent between the couple participating which were not considered to be legally binding. If after such a period the two realized they were not as compatible as first thought, they were allowed to part and go their separate ways. It seems they understood the point that things do change once you start living together.

The wee folk or fairies are also thought to be quite active at this time. Much like is thought at Samhain or Halloween, the veil which falls between the two worlds of humans and fairies is said to be thinnest at this time. It is always a good idea to set out a treat for them on May Eve. A plate of something sweet is always welcomed. A piece of bread with fresh butter and honey is a favorite. Faeries can be a good friend if you welcome them into your home or garden. If you acknowledge them, they in turn will acknowledge you.

May is a month when the earth once again awakens. Bright vivid colors can be seen across the fields as the wild flowers turn their faces upward towards the sun. Their scent flows across the breeze and reminds us why we love this time of year so. The harvest begins from the vegetables and fruits that have been planted. Trips to the Farmer’s Markets are once again a weekly activity. The sun is once again with us. He stays longer than before allowing us to enjoy what he gives that much more. It is a time of excitement and beauty. It is a time when Spring fever reaches its peak, for we are all weary of the cold dampness of winter. As you enjoy today as well as your weekend, take a moment and enjoy all that is around you. Give thanks for all that you have. Remember to not forget your inner child. If only for a moment, release the adult sensibilities that bind you and take pleasure in May Day.

For further information: The Magic Of Beltane - another post of mine