This evening is reckoned as the beginning of the high holiday of Beltaine by many. Some observe it on the first of May and others observe it on the astronomical cross quarter day. Still other people reckon it by the first full moon following the first of May. There are many variations.
My altar is aglow with candles. If I had the means, I'd have a bonfire and be celebrating the season with my pagan friends. Unfortunately, we can not have all that we wish. Beltaine has been a special holiday for me. It was the first of the high holidays that I celebrated with my husband after our handfasting near Mabon. (Familial obligations and other comittments made celebrating Yule, Imbolc, and Ostara not possible. It was a surprise visit from him when I was away that allowed us to celebrate Beltaine together.)
It was the fire festival that Rose had given me the goddess pendant that I treasure, as part of a fertility rite that I sincerely believe helped my husband and I conceive our children. It is one of the high holidays that I can feel the presence of the Sidhe most strongly about me. It was one of the high holidays that I was able to celebrate with Stargazer when we were at college. I am sure, even now, these two blessed women smile upon me from the otherside. With them, I am sure, is my aunt Shawn who helped guide me down this path.
Beltaine opens the door to the summer season and brings the blessings of fertility upon us, for which I am immensely grateful. I haven't any wondrous words of wisdom for you tonight. I exhort you, instead, to immerse yourself in the pulse of life that throbs about you. Eat food that delights you, drink beverages that you enjoy, and do that which makes you feel happy and alive. The Gods have blessed us with life and urge us to celebrate it.
May you be blessed this Beltaine.
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