Usually celebrated on the May 1st, Beltane - or Bealtaine in Gaelic, pronounced as “Bee-ol-tin-ae” - marks the start of summer for us in the Northern hemisphere.
Beltane was traditionally the time when cattle were led out to their summer pastures, and large protective fires were lit to ward off potential predators, harmful spirits or fae, to bring abundance and to protect the crops and the people.
The revellers would douse all of the other fires in their homes, and relight them from the Beltane fires. This was usually followed by a time of feasting and merriment.
All parts of the fire were considered to be of a magickal protective nature, from the flames, to the smoke to the ash.
The smoke was wafted over the crops to protect them from insects and harmful fae.
The flames were used as sources of light and warmth, as well as symbols of the heat of summer, symbolising bringing back the warmth and light after the long cold and dark winter.
The fire is also a powerful symbol of transformation and transitions.
People would jump over the flames as it was believed they would be given vigor and good health.
The ashes were often used to spread over the crops to ensure a bountiful growth season, as a symbol of regeneration and rebirth - a “rising once again from the ashes”.
Beltane is one of the four main pagan sabbats and one with many layers of deep and very ancient meaning.
However you decide to spend yours, light a fire or candles and welcome back the warmth and light into your home, hearth and heart.
For more musings, why not join the Facebook group Beneath The Canopy?
And to listen to Silvercrow discussing Beltane on his Twitter/X channel 'The Crow's Nest', click here