Each year on October 31 the Northern hemisphere celebrates Samhain, better known as Halloween. As Pagan festivals are earth based they look toward the seasons for their celebrations. Samhain is a time to prepare for the oncoming darkness of winter. It is a time of reflection and remembrance. Some say the separation between the physical and spiritual realms is narrow during this time, bringing forth the tales of Halloween.
In the Southern hemisphere we are embarking on the warming days of summer. Beltane tells the story of a youthful God becoming a man, stimulated by nature he desires the Goddess in his arms. They fall in love and the Goddess is fertilised by his seed.
Beltane is a time of love and celebration. The earth is once again fulfilled with vitality providing enthusiasm and anticipation. It is a time to be creative and embrace the abundance of nature.
Today I paid homage to the Gods and welcomed them to this day of Beltane. Myrrh resin welcomed the youthful God Adonis. The young God died from a boar wound and the flower of anemone grew from his blood. His beloved Aphrodite was so distressed that the Gods allowed Adonis to spend six months of every year on earth with her. And so we are graced with the revival of nature as Adonis returns.
Red rose petals were gently burnt for Eros, also known as Cupid – God of love and son of Aphrodite. Finally, sage greeted Jupiter, God of rain, storms, thunder and lightening. We give thanks to the Gods for the wealth and beauty that surrounds us.
Happy Beltane.
