Beltane is the pagan festival of fire and fertility. In the wheel of the year Beltane is also known as May Day when we dance around the omnipotent phallic symbol, the May Pole. The red and white ribbons woven around the May Pole represent blood and semen; the quintessential fusion of female and male energies that are the creative life force. It's Beltane tradition that new and established lovers celebrate with pleasures of the body. Here, in the Southern hemisphere, we turn the wheel because of the seasons to celebrate Beltane on 31 October.
Last Beltane was a most memorable one for me. Along with friend, we decided to attend an outdoor Beltane pagan ritual for the first time. Although we had read a great deal about raising group energy in a sacred circle, to experience it was quite moving. Wearing a long black velvet dress and burgundy hooded cape, I arrived by car at the secluded ritual site located out of town, just before sunset. I soon spotted my friend Jasmine, who was already chatting to some people.
The ritual organisers were preparing the sacred space. While we gathered in an area just outside the circle, a soothing, humming mantra further prepared us for entry into the circle. It was simple yet effective as this group humming forced us to stop our idle chatter and helped us focus on the ritual we were about to take part in. The time came for us to file into the circle through the opening created by two flames. Entering the circle was nothing short of awesome.
It was like stepping into another world, with multi-sensory experiences. The Beltane bonfire certainly met my expectations - it perfectly held court in the circle and lived up to its honour of our festival. The smell of the incense made only some hours earlier, together with the slow and deliberate drumming, created a surreal ambience. This was enhanced with the visual impact of the fire, the altar, and the people in their ceremonial attire.
It was across the circle, as we all held hands that I first saw him. He was looking at me. As the firelight danced shadows on his face, I studied his compelling looks. I'm not sure if it was the altered state of consciousness created at the ritual, or if he had indeed enchanted me with some sort of spell, but I was hooked. I had to have this man. In his robe and pony tailed hair, he looked splendidly medieval. In most circumstances, I would not maintain such intense eye contact. On this occasion, it was impossible to break away. After all, this was a fertility festival.
The High Priestess and High Priest concluded the ritual with the words:
"Our circle is open, but never broken"
Our circle broke up and people were hugging, wishing one another a Happy Beltane. My pagan admirer and spell-caster was now beside me; smiling at me, tantalising me with his eyes.
"Happy Beltane, my beautiful witchy woman," he whispered as he hugged me.
He wrapped the fabric of his cloak around me, warming me with his body, his robe and his breath, as he kissed me passionately on the lips.
"And how would you like to celebrate Beltane?" he asked me cheekily.
