| Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.  |
| Beltane Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland |
We used to be very close with a coven in PA that held open Sabbat celebrations at a local UU church in Media. My children and I couldn't wait for them- we held them in anticipation much like many do for Christmas. Beltane was our favorite of them all. The celebrations were large, open and loving, and people came there with the right spirit. They were... magical. There was ritual, drumming, dance (someone always had a digeridoo which makes everything special, in my opinion) and feasting afterward. We had a glorious time!
The years have gone by, and the coven underwent major changes, and as of today, they no longer hold those lovely open Sabbats anymore. We miss them, terribly. The children have grown up, at least one has moved out and has her own family, but the memories of those times are just delightful. As a natural introvert, people in large groups usually drain me. Not so with this lovely bunch. I think it had to do with the intention of every person there. Each of us knew how special these celebrations were. Each of us felt blessed/lucky to be able to attend, and we place great value on each person's right to be there and to feel welcome. These Sabbat celebrations showed what a group of us can do when we put our minds and hearts together in love.
Love is what Beltane is really all about. Love for the seeds we've sewn, the animals for which we care, the family bonds we have, the individual ties we have, the love of nature, the spirits, gods (however you choose to label them), etc... we connect in a way to all other creatures at that moment we send that kind of love out- and it's powerful.
We (as a species) just don't seem to know how or are unable to sustain it. We saw it recently in Boston. People ran to rather than from ground zero to help others, homes were opened, prayers in all forms and from all faiths went out, donations came pouring in, tips to catch those who did this flooded the desks of the authorities, and for that brief time, we were all one. We are all one.
We can do this easily during tragedies, but in every day life, we forget who we are and our connection to others and to the web of life itself. I don't say that to discourage you, rather to encourage you to enjoy those moments while they last, and perhaps by a group effort, we can sustain it longer.
For the next few days, there will be a lot of love poured out in spirit and intent- enough to kindle the bonfires. My wish for each of you is that you will draw from that bonfire and take it home with you to re-light your own heart and hearth, and that the blessings of Beltane's love will remain with you throughout the season.
Here is one of my favorite songs (Loreena McKennitt, The Mystic's Dream) that was played in the movie, "The Mists of Avalon", and puts me in a Beltane mood. Enjoy!