Beltane 2024

Beltane celebrated on the first of May, marks the beginning of summer in the Celtic calendar, when the Earth is fertile and full of life. This ancient festival is deeply rooted in the theme of fertility and the celebration of life, fire, and abundance. It's a time when the veil between worlds is thin, similar … Continue reading Beltane 2024

Beltane 2021

The word Beltane corresponds to the modern Irish Gaelic word Bealtaine, the name of the month of May, and to the Scottish Gaelic word Bealtuinn meaning May Day. Other names For the Day and the celebrations are: May 1: Rudemas/Roodmas, Rood Day (the Christian term for Rood Day), St. Walburga's Day; Beltane, May Day, Cetsamhain … Continue reading Beltane 2021

Beltane/Beltaine/May Day

Brief History of Beltane Beltane has been translated in many ways. One translation is "Bel-fire" or "Bel's fire." Bel, Beli, Belenos, Balar, or Belinus is the ancient Celtic god of light and fire. This god's actual name may not have been Bel, as Bel could well have been a title, a term of respect, as … Continue reading Beltane/Beltaine/May Day

Beltane: History

Beltane is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature, and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology. It marked the beginning of summer and was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops, and people, and to encourage growth. The word Beltane corresponds to the … Continue reading Beltane: History