Beltane is another of the ancient fire festivles in Europe. The name derives from the Celtic god Belenus. The Beltane fires and the Maypole celebrate fertility and the earth's ripe abundance. Persephone comes of age and is ready to experience her sexuality. In ancient times, lovers would sleep outdoors and celebrate the 'Great Rite' (use your imagination) in the fields to ensure the fertility of the crops. Dances were (and still are) done around the Maypole during the day, and at night lovers jump over the Beltane fires and declare their intention to marry or handfast at the Midsummer Solstice. Beltane is the time of the sacred marriage; the Goddess and God were known as the Queen and King of the May. All these rites were performed to insure the fertility of nature, just as the fires were believed to purify and protect against pestilence, plague, and epidemics.

May,1996 - StarDancer (Solitary Celebration)

May,1995 - Rowan Fairgrove/Lady Ariel

May,1998 - Velvet of BuxMont UU Fellowship

May 1,1999 - Eustacia Blackstar, Circle of the Sun

Beltane / Handfast Ritual - Eustacia Blackstar - May 1, 1999

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