Occurs: May 1st
Also called Mayday, Walburga, Bealtinne Beltane

Today marks the full reanimation of the Earth. We rave of the arrival of summer, at last. Beltane actually means "fire of Bel", or The Bright and Shining One. In ancient times, two bonfires were built from nine sacred woods, and the passage between the two fires would protect and purify. The fires also celebrated the return of life to the Earth in full force.

An incredible energy overtakes the world and all in it at this time of year. May is the month of sensuality and a reawakening of our sexuality and vitality. Basically, Nature's way of saying "Woohoo!" (And impotence is just Nature's way of saying "No hard feelings!") Today is the ultimate Friday before a long weekend.

Bright colors and aromatic scents and rapturous summer breezes tickle all our senses. Now it's time to truly awaken our own spirits. Today is when Male and Female unite to create it's most valued offspring, consciousness. Our thoughts spring forth blossoms just as the Earth does, and this sensation fills us with hopes of love, prosperity, friendship, and peace, so we tiptoe through the tulips, and feel truly blessed to bear witness to this remarkable turn in the Wheel of Time.