Ah, another wonderfull Sabbat comes our way as the start of the month of May draws in. Beltaine also known as May Eve has been observed since ancient times. During this Sabbat one focuses on fertility, love heat, passion, cleansing and flame.
The Sabbat is named after Ba'al a Mesopotamian God of fire, and (as we still do today) is celebrated with a bonfire (or bale fire).
An activity that many people are familair with at Beltaine is the Maypole dance. A large pole is erected and covered in colorful ribbons. People grab a ribbon and dance around the pole in different directions. Women dance clockwise (deosil) and men counterclockwise (widdershins). They alternate as they pass, and may even kiss,
The maypole is a phallic representation of the God being thrust into the Earth (or the womb of the Goddess). The dance itself raises energy, spirits and magick ushering in the Summer to come.
Often times one would sing a song, or rhyme as they dance aroudn the maypole. This was called "Calling in the Summer."
If you don't have room in your yard for a large maypole, try a smaller one. A local craft store will sell the following materials you can use to craft your own small maypole.
Dowel Rod
Clay Pot
Colorful Ribbons
Flowers
Arrange some flowers in the pot and insert the pole. Attach the ribbons to the pole and begin to tie and weave the ribbons throughout, singing your chant as you go. if you ahve other people celebrating with you, they too can grab a ribbon and begin weaving.
It's a fun and lovely tradition that you just have to try at least once!
Happy Beltaine to everyone!
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