The Maiden
goddess now comes of age at Beltaine [also spelled Beltane or
Bealtaine],
and the fertility of the earth is at its height. This is the
time of
the sacred marriage, the union of the male and female
principles,
and can be a time to unify and balance our inner polarities
as well,
integrating the solar/lunar energies within.
Beltaine
Herbal Lore
Almond:
symbolic of true love transcending death.
Angelica:
ritual bath; "Bringer of Light"; protection, self-blessing.
Cinquefoil:
contains needed energy to manifest one's ideas.
Clover:
animals, good luck, strength.
Frankincense:
consecration, magic, purification, success, psychic
ability.
Hawthorn:
classic flower used to decorate maypole; fertility.
Ivy: wear
wreaths of ivy at Beltaine, decorate altar; fidelity and valor
Juniper:
used as incense to purify the home in preparation for Beltaine
Marigold:
ritual bath; prophetic dreams, favorable court verdict,
attracts
respect.
Orchid
(Orris root): burn powdered root for love and passion
Roses:
love and joy; multi-colored roses on Beltaine altar
Rowan:
protection and healing; use berries in incense for psychic
powers.
Woodruff:
attracts wealth; victory for athletes; protection.
Ritual Bath:
Angelica, Clover, Marigold, Rose petals, pink or emerald
green altar
candles [for Venus]. Place any or all herbs in cheesecloth
and tie
well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea from the
herbs,
strain and pour into the bath. Bathe yourself in the herbs and
the springtime
energy, clearing away anything that no longer needs to go
with you.
After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle,
and place
them on or around your altar.
The Altar:
Use a large flat stone as your altar, and place it in your
garden,
or by an eastern facing window. A bowl of nuts and spring
flowers
in many colors enhance the setting.
You will need three candles: emerald green, red and brown.
Ritual:
cast the circle, and call in the quarters. Prepare incense
using:
benzoin, frankincense, cinnamon, rose petals, sandalwood oil.
Consecrate
to Venus. Light incense.
The emerald
green candle represents the Sun in Taurus, the sign ruled by
Venus,
the sign of growth, fertility and abundance. In what way would
you like
to see this energy manifest in your life? Be specific. Write
your intentions
down on a small piece of paper and place this slip of
paper underneath
the candle; anoint the candle with a Venusian or
Beltaine
oil, and focus on your intent as you light your candle.
The red
candle represents the Moon/Mars trine in fire signs [Leo,
Sagittarius
at 26 deg 30']; how can you best generate spiritual growth
and creative
energy in your life now? Create an affirmation to support
your intent;
write down your goals and repeat the process as before.
The brown
candle represents the Moon in Virgo, the sign of health,
details
and everyday habits and work ethic; what are you willing to do
now, in
order to create the abundance you need? What needs to be done to
achieve
optimal health? Create an affirmation to support your intent;
write down
your goals and repeat the process as before.
When you
feel the ritual is complete, burn each paper as you focus once
again on
the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and
elemental
helpers. Thank the nature spirits, Deities or elementals, and
close your
circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or
instead,
burn them for a little while for the next several days,
symbolizing
the energies of the waxing year.
©2001 Sarolta DeFaltay-Bell
