Setting up a Beltane Altar Beltane on May 1st in the Northern hemisphere is the time when the earth is greening once again -- as new life returns, flowers are abundant everywhere. Add a collection of early spring flowers to your altar or consider making a floral crown to wear yourself. You may even want to pot up some flowers or herbs as part of your Sabbat ritual. Decorate your altar with bright spring colours in your altar cloths, candles, or colored ribbons. In some cultures, Beltane is sacred to the Fae. If you follow a tradition that honors the Faerie realm, leave offerings on your altar for your household helpers. Also leave little things out for the fairies in the garden, they love sweet things. The Beltane Sabbat is the time when, in some traditions, the male energy of the god is at its most potent. He is often portrayed with a large and erect phallus, and other symbols of his fertility include antlers, sticks, acorns, and seeds. You can include any of these on your altar. Consider adding a small Maypole centerpiece-- there are few things more phallic than a pole sticking up out of the ground! In addition to the lusty attributes of the god, the fertile womb of the goddess is honored at Beltane as well. She is the earth, warm and inviting, waiting for seeds to grow within her. Add a goddess symbol, such as a statue, cauldron, cup, or other feminine items. Any circular item, such as a wreath or ring, can be used to represent the goddess as well. Because Beltane is one of the four fire festivals in modern Pagan traditions, find a way to incorporate fire into your altar setup. Although one popular custom is to hold a bonfire outside, that may not be practical for everyone, so instead it can be in the form of candles (the more the better), or a table-top brazier of some sort. A small cast-iron cauldron placed on a heat-resistant tile makes a great place to build an indoor fire. If you wish to include crystal to your Beltane altar The Crystals that are associated with Beltane are Sapphires, Bloodstones, Emeralds, Orange Carnelians, Rose Quartz, Malachite, Garnet, and Tourmine. Other Symbols of Beltane you could include are: • May baskets • Chalices • Honey, oats, milk • Antlers or horns • Fruit such as cherries, mangos, pomegranates, peaches • Swords, lances, arrows Adapted from an article by Monique with thanks Moonflower )O(
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 07:00:00 +0000
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