Beltane is the fire festival for celebrants of ancient earth spirituality. But does it arise from pre-Celtic times, when indigenous britons followed the stellar (star) and planetary movements? This idea comes by way of former Sunday Times (UK) journalist Ishtar, at Ishtarsgate.
Ishtar writes, "The word Beltane is the anglicised form of the Old Irish Beltain and Scottish Gaelic Bealltainn, and it is thought to be derived from the belo-te(p)niā, meaning "bright fire", or "bale fire", which means 'white and shining.'" She continues, "Beltane marks the time when the white and shining constellation of the Pleiades begins to rise above the horizon. It's sister fire festival in November, Samhain, takes place when the Pleiades begin to set." Her forum and blog Hanging Gardens of Babylon are an incredible resource for seekers of the ancient roots and star lore.
It's also catching my eye because of the upcoming Solar Eclipse (May 20th), with Sun-Moon conjunct Alcyone (at 0/26 Gemini), the central star of the Pleiades. If you have a view of the sky canopy (in the Northern Hemisphere), you could locate the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Marina Darkstar writes on the May 20th Eclipse and Pleiades, -- she notes they're Rainy Stars, sometimes bringing floods or tears, but also watering for Spring crops.
The eclipse in the mentally facile sign of Gemini and opening to this new (ancient) knowledge makes me think of a third Briton, the researcher David Icke. He recently said to keep your mental trainers on -- the British word for running shoes -- as the picture changes. To adapt in these times, as awareness is awakened -- this is the key to thriving in these awakening times! Enjoy your Monday!
Also see, All About Beltane from About.com guide to Pagan Wiccan traditions.
Beltane in Recent Years- The New Fire -- stoking primal fires at Beltane/May Day (2011)
- Women's Summit and May Day -- Dalai Lama's statement that "western women will save the world."
- All acts of pleasure are her (Mother Nature's) rituals, Beltane (2009)
- Welcome Maia (2008) the Hawthorn tree and aromas of attraction.
- May Day, Beltane Fire Festival the May pole, the May Queen, flowers in the hair (2007).
here some fire for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WExnFdCS3Y&feature=BFa&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DiRdn_QW03g1Q0eJyUfmYU
Thank you Red Skywalker, that would be a great track for a Beltane dance. Especially like the steel drum…
Er…perhaps the Dalai Lama has forgotten that it is a country of Eastern women – Indian women – that has been giving him shelter since the Chinese trashed Tibet and forced him into exile. I didn’t see any Western women helping him – or the world – with that one.