Beltane marks the transition from spring into the summertime, when the fiery energies of life, kindled during the first months of the year, ignite as rural bonfires, bright blooms of flowers and bustling natural activity. Vitality has fully returned!
Sunday 5th May 2024, 10:30.
About Beltane
It is thought that the ancients only recognised two seasons, these being Summer and Winter. Beltane is the time when the Earth is literally buzzing with fertility. Life springs forth in all of its richness, and the land is covered with beautiful flowers; the freshly opened leaves of the trees are a quality of green that they only show at this time of year. (from the OBOD website)
Beltane celebrates the start of summer and the beginning of the crop and pasturing season. Its name can be translated as "bright fire" and may derive from the name of the solar god Bel or Belenus. It is a time when fires were lit on hillsides, and cattle passed through the smoke to be cleansed both literally and symbolically. Beltane is a festival of celebration, of long days, summer's warmth, and the blooming Hawthorn, or May Blossom. The Maypole dance, with its symbolic intertwining of male and female energies represents the power of sexuality and passion at this time.
Meeting place
Meet us at either:
The 'Meeting Location' at 10:30, outside the Cambridge Museum of Technology, facing the river. If you're new, you may wish to grab a coffee at the OtherSyde bar and meet me (the 'Herald') and any other newcomers.
OR
The 'Gathering Location' at 10:45/50 on Stourbridge Common itself.
Running late?
To join us if you are running late, walk straight into the Common with the river on your left, keep straight as you pass a children's playground to your right and as you enter the open fields down a wide dirt track, look to your left for a group of trees. Hopefully, you won't miss us!
First time with us?
If you have never attended or taken part in a pagan/druidic/OBOD ceremony, worry not! Our ceremonies are flexible, open to whatever you would like to contribute and are proudly inclusive of all identities. There are simple ceremony roles to have a go at, with pre-prepared lines to read out, but there is no obligation whatsoever to do so. Details of the roles will be sent out in advance of the ceremony. If you'd like to have an idea of what's involved, please get in touch with us.
Preparation for the day
All registered attendees will be sent a link to the ritual script booklet online as well as a preparation coversheet containing details of what to prepare/bring a week before the event. Key ritual items will be brought for the ceremony, though all are welcome to lay any personal items in the altar space we create.
Please do print your own booklet for the day, once you've registered and have received the ceremony pack nearer the date, especially if you have a speaking role in the ceremony or if you would like to read along with us. This is not essential as you are welcome to come and simply soak up the words and actions performed by others. As 'herald' at each ceremony, I will lead the ceremony and ensure everything runs smoothly.
We are mindful of the weather and dress appropriately, bringing water, a hat, suntan cream, coat, warm layers and/or waterproofs, etc. Come rain or shine, hail or snow, we meet!
Eisteddfod
In keeping with the practices of Welsh Druidry, we host a small eisteddfod after each ceremony, perhaps with some mead! This is a relaxing way to ground ourselves after working up energies in the rite and it gives us an opportunity to simply share social space with everyone.
'Eisteddfod' simply means 'to sit' in Welsh, or more accurately in this context, 'sitting and sharing together', to enjoy a festival of creativity. Those that wish to perform, talk or play for those gathered are warmly encouraged to do so and as bardistry forms such an integral part of practising Druidry, this is a great way to share your latest creative musings, on whatever journey you might be taking, with a very appreciative audience.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony has finished, we may head back to a pub for refreshment. You'd be most welcome to come with us or join us there later.
To register to attend this event and receive an online copy of the ritual 'script' booklet (when finalised) with details of what to prepare and bring on the day, please email us.
Subscribe to our mailing list to keep up to date with this and future events and please do get in contact if you have any questions.
We look forward to celebrating with you,
Corr réisc Grove.
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