Beltane (May Eve)

Beltane is named after the early Irish Bealtaine of 1 May. The tenth-century Sanas Cormaic records that cattle were driven between two fires at this season as a protection against disease, and Scottish and Irish folk custom long kept Beltane fires. In England May Day brought maypoles, garlands and the gathering of greenery at dawn. Gardner's coven kept May Eve as one of its four great sabbats; in many Wiccan rites a fire is lit in the cauldron and leapt over in pairs, and the circle dance celebrates fertility and the coming summer. The festival's combination of fire, flowers and sexual symbolism made it one of the most public of the modern Wiccan sabbats, often celebrated outdoors.

Purpose

Beltane celebrates the full arrival of summer and the fertility of the land, in Wiccan myth the union of the Goddess and God.

Timing

Season / time

The sabbat of Beltane

Traditionally the night of 30 April into 1 May; some reckon the astronomical cross-quarter. Wiccan festivals are commonly reckoned from sunset on the eve.

Materials

• candles
• salt and water
• incense
• cakes and wine (or ale)
• flowers and greenery
• ribbons

Tools

• athame (black-handled knife)
• white-handled knife
• wand
• pentacle
• censer
• cauldron

Leaping fires is dangerous; keep fires small and attended.