“In ancient times, people extinguished all their fires on BEltane and then lit a single new fire. They relit all the extinguished fries from this “need fire.”

To create your own need fire ritual, you’ll need to gather the nine sacred woods: birch, rowan, ash, adler, willow, hawthron, oak, holly, and hazel. If you are unable to find all the different types, try to make sure you have at least three: oak, ash and hawthron.

If you don’t have any open fires to put out, use candles to symbolize your fires. Take either three or nine tapers and set them in a row. Light the candles and all them to burn for a little while, then put them out, thinking of those things you wish to put out of your life. Now prepare the need fire of nine woods in a fireplace, an outdoor fire ring or even in a grill on a balcony or patio. Make a wood bow (as described in the Boy Scout Handbook, for example) or get a magnifying glass to set fire to the tinder. THe fire should be allowed to spread to the oak wood first, then to the others. While you light the fire, and as you watch it burn, think of those things you wish to “catch fire” in your life.

Copyright 2003 Magenta Griffith Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2003 Page 67

Beltane Magic [Part 8]

8.  The Magic of Butterflies

The butterfly is one of nature’s most perfect examples of change, transformation, and growth. Because of this, it has long been the subject of magical folklore and legend in a variety of societies and cultures. Let’s look at some of the magical meanings behind butterflies. [Click on “The Magic of Butterflies” in blue on this post]

By Patti Wigington

“Prepare for Beltane by leaving tokens for the fairy folk in the woods or in your herb garden. Tie glitzy ribbons for the undines near a natural spring or river. Gather spring flowers at dawn to adorn your door, and prepare a traditional May bowl for your ritual.

First, harvest several stems of flowering sweet woodruff to steep in white wine or champagne, Then stir in a cup of brandy or strawberry wine, adding whole stawberries, rose petals, and floating red candles. EMpowerthe whole bowl for your ritual. Make a mini-Maypole for your altar. FInd small smooth egg-shaped stones and half bury in pots of herbs or directly in the soil to update the ancient tradition of Hermes seeding the soil for fertility. For this ritual, use red as the main color theme in circle as a nod to the red moonflow of ancient ceremonies.”

Copyright202 K. D. Spitzer Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2002

Beltane Magic [Part 6]

6.  Dandelion Magic

Although many suburban homeowners see dandelions as the bane of their existence, and spend significant amounts of money trying to eradicate them from sight, the fact is that dandelions have a long and rich folkloric history, both from a magical and medicinal perspective. Let’s look at some of the ways people have utilized dandelions throughout the ages.More »

By Patti Wigington

“Beltane honors the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess, whos union will produce the harvets to come. It also celebrates the start of summer in full bloom. For this ritual, gather or purchase wildflowers. With raffia, twine, or string, tie flowers together in long garlands; ten feet in length or longer is perfect. These don’t have to look professionally crafted. They only need to hold together for the purpose of your ritual. When you have completed the garlands, go out to a park or wooded area. Touch the land and its plants and trees with your hands, allowing yourself to connectwith the pulsing lifeforce of the area. Look around for items that are either feminine or masculine in their energy and begin linking them together with the flowery garlands to honor the union of the divine male and female energies. For example, you can link stones to oak trees, riverbanks to abandoned fire pits, or flowering plants to spikey ones.”

Copyright 2001 Edian McCoy LLewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 2001e

“When the Sun travels through Taurus, Spring has reached its fertile peak. Trees are lush and green, flowers bloom, and birds wrestle meals for their youngsters from the moist ground. The air smells fresh, clean and “green.” This is the time of year for all of us to take a moment to appreciate the gifts of the Earth-Mother, both for this richness of her bounty and the home she provides. As the most pleasure-loving sign of all, Taurus is expert at enjoying all those wonderful experiences that make life inside the human body so delightful. This sign loves to indulge in good food, listen to sweet strains of music, and sit in awed silence as yet anothe sunset slowly fills the sky with color. The ancients danced their fertility rites on this day, taking pleasure in the sensual, fruitful touch of each other’s bodies, another delight the union of the Goddess and God provides. Whether you dance around a Maypole or  simply partake of a divine feast with friends at this magical time, be sure to revel in your body, the divine instrument that allows you to sample the wonders of our planet.”

Copyright 2000 Kim Rogers-Gallagher Llewellyn’s Witches’ Datebook 200 Page 69