THE CELTIC FESTIVAL OF BEALTAINE (BELTANE)

Join SSP Board Member Dr. Karen Ward and John Cantwell of Ireland for our new Cross-Quarter Celtic Holidays Ceremonies. The next one is Bealtaine (Beltane) May 1st, 2023 at 3 PM Mountain Time.

Our Ancestors would have looked to the skies in their observation for a season’s dawning. They also would have looked to the earth, observing the signs of growth and colour. Halfway between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice is the cross quarter time of Bealtaine (pronounced Bee-awl-tan-eh or Beltane as Bell-tayn), the celestial announcement of the Summer season. The communal celebration of Bealtaine is usually May 1st or the first Saturday in May, the very word coming from the Irish Béal-tine meaning ‘Mouth of Fire’. For some was also informed by Bal-Tine, after a Celtic Sun God Bal who dies and resurrects. The sun is the mouth of fire literally – a time of growing illumination of our planet and asks us to embrace the phenomenon, personally and collectively, with celebration, reflection and ultimately synchronous alignment.

Unsurprisingly, Bealtaine is one of the great fire festivals that ask us to be intimate with the energy of the sun, the power of light, heat, but also of transformation and transmutation. We are delighted to offer you a unique opportunity to join us live online from your home for ceremony to lift you into harmony with the rising heat with some of the many wonderful rituals associated with Sovereignty Goddess Ériu and her site of Uisneach at the centre of Ireland – the great Bealtaine sacred site and the arrival of Summertime.

HOW TO PREPARE

Create sacred ceremonial space in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed by other people or loud noises. Make a small altar, light a candle and have your drum, and rattle available, as well as paper and pen. Darken your room if possible and allow yourself to be fully present.

More info at https://shamanicpractice.org/events/cross-quarter-celtic-holiday-ceremonies/