Thoughts on Beltane/May Day

The May Queen by *Debs*

I love the Pagan holidays, but I admit to not really observing them like many people with Pagan beliefs (the Western European traditions) do. I used to when I was younger, but nowdays I’m usually too busy or I forget. This year I’ve started to get back into my spirituality a little more, so I’m going to figure out how to observe my favorites in a way that I can handle.

My favorites are Samhain (aka Halloween), which was the beginning of Winter to the ancient Celts and Beltane (aka May Day, May 1st), the beginning of Summer. Of course, these are reversed if you live in the southern hemisphere. The one that makes me happiest of these two is Beltane. According to this article–

“It is the time when the sun is fully released from his bondage of winter and able to rule over summer and life once again.”

Fertility, cleaning/purifying, getting ready for the hot months, flowers, being happy that winter is over. ♥ Like the other Pagan holidays, the celebration doesn’t have to be confined to one day, it can go on for a few weeks or even observe it up until the next holiday, which is Midsummer (summer solstice). It’s also funny how all of these ancient holidays made it to modern times with new names and new ways to party, but the basic symbolism and traditions stayed with them. The human race has always loved any reason to party!

It definitely seems like it finally gets warmer at the beginning of May. No more chill hanging in the air. The woods are dark and green again and a lot of the flowers are already in full bloom. The atmosphere feels more glowy and magical.

Two years ago around this time, I actually remembered that it was Beltane and celebrated in my own way. Jess had gone with some friends to see a movie (Transformers 2 I think) and I stayed home, listened to music and had a few beers when Aiden went to bed. I stayed up late and sat outside inhaling the night air, which smells so good in the springtime.

I started on my new spiritual awakening when I was 18 and thankfully my parents didn’t give me a hard time about it. My Dad was kinda uneasy when he saw one of my books on Wicca, but he didn’t hassle me about it. Mom just asked questions because she was curious. I’ve also been kinda apprehensive about talking about this online, but I’m ready to share a little more. Since I’m easing my way back into being more active again, I’ll probably be talking about it a lot more.