Celebrate May Day My Friends
May Day is the time when nature has truly come alive. Our ancestors joyfully embraced the fertility of Mother Earth because plant growth and pollination was everywhere, providing abundant harvests in the fall. The Celtic name for this period is Beltane, which means bright or sacred fire. During the festival, great bonfires were lit and animals and fields were blessed in hopes for an abundant year. Traditionally May Day began on the eve of May 1st and lasted throughout the next day. It was often celebrated with feasting, dancing, and merriment all the way through May 15th.
Beltane was a time when lovers ran off to the fields and woods together to honor the Goddess with ecstatic lovemaking. The Maypole, symbolizing the phallic energy of the season, was festooned with ribbons; dancing around it celebrated the power of sexuality. The May Basket is actually a symbol of the womb and the fertile union of male and female. The ancient traditions show a frank appreciation for the enjoyment of our sexuality and also the understanding that sexual energy is Sacred Life Force. Lovers were very aware of its essential role in the abundance of all life.
Please tune into this incredible time of growth and energy around May Day. You might want to take walks in a nature preserve or anywhere there is a lot of plant life. Although it may be difficult to celebrate Beltane in a big community setting, you can gather with friends you know to hike with you or celebrate in any way that feels right. In addition, please consider this ritual suggested by Astrologer Pam Younghans.
“As lightworkers, our job is also to call in the higher frequencies, link to our own higher selves, and ask for assistance from beings of Light. We will also want to hold the intentions for peace and positive transmutation of the energies that are manifesting at this time.”
On May Day, tune out the media world and tune into the natural world.
Enjoy, Linda