Beltane, which is celebrated on April 30th moving into May 1st (May 1st traditionally being the first day of summer for the Celts), was a celebration of the return of fertility to the land. It is also a time when the veil between our realm and the realm of fairy is thin. As a lover of all things fairy, I was determined to find my own creative ways of celebrating Beltane this year.
When people think of Beltane they probably think about colorful ribbons being strewn around may poles, or cattle being walked in between lit Bonfires. But I, having neither a may pole or bonfire (I’ve been thinking of setting one up I just haven’t gotten around to it) had to find a different way to celebrate.
I ended up setting up a ‘May Wishing Tree’, which is another Beltane tradition. A May tree is traditionally a Hawthorn tree, which are said to be portals between our realm and the realm of fairy. You are meant to speak your wishes to the fairies who guard this tree, while tying ribbons onto it. Each ribbon represents a specific wish. Many people use multicolored ribbons. I felt compelled to use a beige jute ribbon because I wanted to use a natural material. I figured regardless of the color my wishes would be heard.
I also sprinkled a mixture of Jasmine Green Tea, Elderflower, and Nettle around the base of the tree (meant to exemplify protection, purification, and divine hope) and then left out an offering of milk in a small bowl. I positioned a large quartz geode on a moss covered rock, facing the tree, hoping it may amplify energy in the area along with the power of my wishes.
That night, in place of a bonfire I lit a lantern. I did a few twirls, jumps, and dances around the lantern while restating the wishes I had asked my May Wishing Tree. Then… I just listened. I soaked in the beauty and stillness of the night. It was a full moon. I heard nothing. It was a still, quiet, night. Although they say if you hear music in the distance on Beltane, it could be the music of the fairies. Later on, I did hear something that sounded like rain dropping on a snare drum. It had rained, but that was many hours ago. Was it rain? Or was it the light drumming of fairies in the distance?
“Vert” from Harmonium’s 1975 album “Les Cinq Saisons”
