Beltane in the Time of COVID

Introduction

Beltane is a pagan celebration, on of the eight sabbats on the Wheel of the Year. Celebrations often revolve around fires - Beltane means 'bright fire' or 'fire of Bel'. Bel, or Belanus, is a widely-worshipped god of Celtic tradition.

Beltane is a time for fire and fertility. Traditions include outdoor picnics, jumping the fire, and dancing around a maypole. Many couples choose to cement relationships with a handfasting ceremony during this time. Cinders from fires are used in rituals for the protection of crops and livestock as the summer is welcomed in.

The following poem was written on 1st May 2020 - Beltane in the northern hemisphere (the southern hemisphere celebrates opposite sabbats as they are connected with the seasons).

It is very rare that my poems get a title straight away. This one, however, is one of the few that did.

Poem - Beltane in the Time of COVID

Beltane blessings

Bring me peace

May the best of friendships

Never cease.

Fires, in the name of Bel

To bless and ask that all be well

We welcome summer

We hope and dream

That bright new horizons will soon be seen

No bonfires to celebrate

This year's a bit of a bummer

But we can still exchange blessings, cultivate what we can

As we welcome in the summer