As the year nears its close, all spirits are high, literally and figuratively, and looking forward to the approaching festive season. Unbeknownst to some, the festive season is already upon some and is being celebrated with gusto and passion.
The naturalists and followers of olde are getting all the items in place to celebrate the New Year, which is right on your doorstep. Is it not time that some step up and let the community know that it is the festival of Beltane that will be held at the end of this month?
Beltane is the heralding in of the Summer Solstice. This is the season in which pagans give thanks for making it through the winter and give thanks for the crops to come and celebrate the bounty of the summer months. One could say that it is the same as the American ‘Thanksgiving’. Traditionally, pagans would jump over or between two bonfires, while decorated with flowers. Cattle – that bring cheese, milk, meat and skins – would also be decorated with flowers and put out to pasture at this time.
We are situated in the southern hemisphere and thus our Beltane falls on November 7 at 4.07pm this year, but is usually celebrated around October 31 to November 1. Those who have an idea of what happens look forward to hearty meals, rich ales, ripe meat, and many tales of the upcoming Summer Solstice and the beginning of summer.
The ‘Old Wives Tales’ of Halloween and All Hallows Eve are just that, old wives tales. There have been so many incidences in history where it is common knowledge that holy days have coincided with other religions and belief structures. As your friend ‘Groovy Ghoul’ noted in a previous publication, it is important to remember that this is a time of celebration and thanksgiving, not persecution and judgement. Let us stand together, brothers and sisters, and change the face of our religion to those who stand on the sidelines and point their fingers.
As a seasoned practitioner, I would like to wish all my friends, family and followers a Blessed and Bright Beltane. My greatest wish is that the fellowship of all practitioners will grow and that the camaraderie between those who are solitary and those who are in followings be strengthened and we build together for a greater community here in our town of Ladysmith. As a personal request, I ask the community not to look down on us as yet another sect and condemn us for being who we are, but I ask for a little understanding and acceptance for the betterment of all in this wonderful town.
Bright Blessings…
