I have been reading through quite a few books, just looking for some new ideas for my Beltane Celebration. I found some "Old Ideas" that are new to me, and am planning on incorporating some of them this sabbat.
1.Beating the Bounds. This custom involves walking around the boundaries of one's property to invoke protection. In some places, the entire community would walk the boundaries of their village, proceeding deosil (clockwise) around the boundary. This would be an excellent time to walk around your house, yard, apartment building, or just your personal space. You can speak, chant, sing or silently appeal for protection.
2. Petitions for good health. Take ribbons or fabric strips and write requests for healing, then tie them to a tree. I have read that hawthorn, ash, thorn and sycamore are the magical trees of Beltane, but really any tree or shrub will do.
3. May Day Morning Dew. Long ago, young women would rise very early on May Day and collect the dew from leaves and grass. Washing their faces with dew, perhaps rolling in the dewy grass, was believed to make them beautiful, thereby becoming more attractive to the young fellows. I personally don't want to attract any young fellas, but it would be a sweet thing to walk through the morning dew, thinking about the beauty of the day and the love of my life.
Really, there are countless ways to mark this Beltane sabbat; imaginative, creative, fun ways. It is time to be merry and even frivolous. Good food, good friends, love and laughter. Enjoy. Celebrate the Season.
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| Morning Dew |
