Beltane | The Wheel of the Year
Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is an ancient Celtic festival marking the beginning of summer and the height of spring’s fertility. As one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals, it traditionally honored the blossoming of life and the potency of the natural world. Central to Beltane were large bonfires, believed to purify and protect, with rituals such as driving cattle between the flames to safeguard livestock and ensure prosperity. Communities adorned their homes with May flowers and danced around the Maypole, symbolizing the intertwining of masculine and feminine energies. Today, Beltane continues to be celebrated by modern pagans and nature enthusiasts, serving as a vibrant reminder of our deep connection to the Earth’s cycles and the enduring spirit of renewal.