As the sun set last night we saw Walpurgis night begn. Walpurgis night or Hexennacht as it is also called is more commonly celebrated in Germany and is a night historically associated with spirits and witches. As Walpurgis falls on the eve of Beltane we see some aspects of both celebrations overlapping, most notably the huge balefires which are lit as the sun sets. Hexennacht was seen as a night when spirits wandered both bright and dark, so these fires were lit to mark both the coming of Beltane when the sun arrives the following morning as well as to drive back the night and offer protection from wandering shades of darker intent. As Walpurgis shares some aspects with Beltane it also in many ways is a perfect reflection of the many things Beltane and Samhain share in common as well.
As the sun rose this morning on May 1 we arrive at Beltane even as those in the southern hemisphere greet Samhain. Both are liminal times when spirits wander and with bonfires lit to both celebrate these magical times that are very different yet still sharing so many reflections of one another and to offer the protection of light and fire.
Today here in the northern hemisphere we come together to light the Bel fires outdoors as our ancestors once did or as candles are kindled on indoor altars. At Beltane we celebrate this bight and vibrant time when Nature and the Sun is moving towards its time of zenith and greatest strength as fragrant blooms all around give fragrance to the air; even as those in the southern hemisphere are celebrating also with light and fire to push back the dark and illuminate the way for wandering souls to return and find comfort with those who speak their names and honor their memory.
Here today we celebrate the quickening of the green as nature is renewing itself and May dances are done to honor this special time when the Great Goddess and Her Consort meet and unite. It was believed by our ancestors that from these celebrations the crops were quickened and harvests were blessed.
So whether we are celebrating the bright joy of Beltane or in another part of the world honoring the thin veil of Samhain and preparing to reach out with remembrance and love to those passed beyond hopefully this time will be a blessed and magical one for all. BB Aren