We celebrate Beltaine on Monday 1 November, which is essentially the
beginning of Summer. If you lived in the Northern Hemisphere, this would be
known as May Day, and part of the celebration is therefore dancing around
the May Pole.
The following is taken out of Donna Darkwolf Vos book: Dancing Under An
African Moon
This is the sacred union of the God and Goddess, the traditional fertility
festival.
Almost every tradition at this time symbolises this union. Customs
include filling baskets with symbols of fertility such as eggs or nuts, and
the weaving of the maypole (the pole representing the phallus, and the
strands of red and white coloured ribbons symbolising the birth canal of the
Goddess). The weaving enacts the sperm heading towards their
destination. It is traditionally the time of year when handfastings
(marriages) are pledged.
Story telling Chair
Seats to celebrate that create an impressive and dramatic effect.
Made from reclaimed, sustainable wood.
Perfect for weddings, ceremonies and school story telling.
They are totally hand made, using no screws or nails only dowls. (the old
fashion way of making furniture) each piece is totally unique and is a one
off no two master pieces are the same.
Large bale fires were made from the dross or waste of the Winter fields. It
was a form of purification. This is where leaping the bonfire comes from.
It was an act of cleansing(remember bathing was a rarity).
Leaping the bonfire was also taken by a couple as a sign that they would be
married before the next Beltaine, or if already married, that a child was on
the way. (Our son James was co-incidentally conceived over Beltaine 2 years
ago)
In current times, the idea of fertility is conceptualised as a time of
planting thoughts, ideas and plans but it is also the celebration of all
the fertility within Nature. It is a time to rejoice in the new growth
around us and to focus on bright new beginnings.
There is a big Beltaine Festival on the Hamilton Rugby Field this Saturday,
entrance is Free. Take a Picnic basket and celebrate.
Finger Labyrinths are a great way to
relax in your own time and space.
The
image is a finger labyrinth. You can "walk" with your finger. Tracing the
path in the labyrinth can be relaxing as it quiets the mind.
It
also can be balancing as you journey back and forth to the center. Repeat
several times in succession to get the most benefit.
Try it with your non-dominant hand for more of a challenge.
It
will help you to give up control and break out of your routine response
pattern.
Coasters in sets of 4 are available in the following
finishes;
Ostrich
Mirror
Red
Orange
Lime
green
Glitter Red
Glitter Lime
Glitter Turquiose
Glitter
Pink
Glitter
Purple
These are a great gift for any occasion.
This
heart tea light candle holder is beautiful, capturing reflections of the
candle flame as it dances over the mirrored surface of the candle holder.
