~*~The Beltane Pages~*~

Beltane Names- Beltaine, Belltaine, Bealtaine, Beltain, Beltine, Bealteine, Bealtuinn, Boaldyn, May Day, Walpurgis Night The name "Beltane" means "Lucky Fire". Beltane is the Sabbat of youth and fertility. This day celebrates the growing season up in the colder regions of the world. Fires are lit to commemmorate the return of life and fertility to the world. Commonly, may poles are a major part of the celebration along with feasting at picnics and remembering why people fall in love. Incenses, Herbs and Woods- Incenses used for Beltane include rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, peach, musk and vanilla. Oak is the choice wood. Also included in the woods category include apple, hawthorn, birch, elder, ash, thorn (black), grape vine, rowwan, holly, willow, cedar, yew and hemlock. Some herbs often used include woodruff, fern, rose, chamomile, wormwood and galangal. Beltane Dew Ritual- One Beltane tradition includes waking up before sunrise on Beltane morning and washing you face in the dew from the grass and flowers. This promises that your beauty will grow strong during the coming year. The Maypole- The Maypole represents the phallus of the God. The wreath around the top represents the vagina of the Goddess. As the Maypole is danced, the ribbons wind around the pole and the wreath lowers, symbolizing the Divine Marriage. "Oak and Ash and Thorn" song- Oh, do not tell the priest of our Art For he would call it a sin But we shall be out in the woods all night A-conjuring summer in! And we bring you news by word of mouth For women, cattle and corn Now is the Sun come up from the South With Oak and Ash and Thorn Lemon Poundcake- 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons lemon flavoring 5 drops yellow food color 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest 2 1/2 cups flour 2 tablespoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, beating after every addition. Beat in milk, lemon flavoring, food color and lemon zest. Sift four, baking powder, salt and nutmeg Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture. Beat for two minutes on a medium speed. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Slice into think slices. Serves 12 Raspberry Glaze 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon nutgeg 2 cups raspberries, lightly crushed Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium heat. Add orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, water and sugar. Stir until sugar disolves. Add nutmeg and raspberries. Cook over low heat until slightly thickened. Chill. Pour over lemon poundcake. Background provided by baxsie.com Thanks also to The Enchanted Hollow, ~AngelFae's Chimera Dreams~, The Rising Sun Adoption Center