Reflections

Beltane

The first of May is the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, and in many European cultures marks the official start of the growing season. In Ireland, it’s known as Bealtaine (commonly Anglized as Beltane) and includes the burning of bonfires and sacred stone circles designed to protect livestock and people. In ancient Rome the celebration honored Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring, while Greeks honored Maya, the goddess of fertility. Bulgaria assoiates the spring festival with snakes and lizards, in France the lily is a sign of luck, and in Serbia a trip to the wilds outside of the city offers a way to get back in touch with nature. I think to novels I’ve read, and Beltrane always includes a nighttime ceremony.

I search for these signs,