Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. Beltane means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms, and the Earth puts forth new life. This is a time of joyous reveling and fertility as the first flowers of Summer are gathered in honor of the "young" Earth. Celebrate...Spring has come!!

Tips On How You Can Celebrate:

• Prepare a May basket by filling it with flowers and goodwill and then give it to someone in need of healing and caring.
• Dress in bright colors and make a wreath of freshly picked flowers, wear it in your hair, and feel yourself radiating joy and beauty.
• On Beltane Eve, bless your garden in the old way by making love with your lover in it.
• Welcome in the Beltane at dawn with singing.
• Create your own special and sacred traditions.

Sample Beltane Feast Focusing On the Colors of Spring!

• Appetizer: Fresh Fruit Salad
• Side 1: Braised Vegetable Medley
• Side 2: Garlic in Onion Mashed Potatoes
• Main Dish Option 1: Crab Cakes
• Main Dish Option 2: Chicken Breast with Salsa
• Dessert: Bourbon Truffles
• Beverage: Sweet Mead

Welcome joyous Beltaine! The May Queen dances in, and the beautiful May flowers, in the Lady's hair are pin'd. Welcome glorious May Day! which oft is called Beltaine, For the strong and virile Horned God, is a waiting in the grain. Welcome celebration! The wedding feast is set, for the bright and shining Lady, and her handsome Lord, here met! Welcome joyous Beltaine! Let all the world delight, for the Lord and Lady's union, is the greatest of the rites! Welcome glorious May Day! Merry Meet and Merry Part, until once again the cycle, brings us to each others heart! Kirsten Houseknecht copyright April 30, 2000 all rights reserved