Growth
At this time, the Earth pulses with the energies of growth and vitality. Fertility and life are all around us. As the weather heats up and the plant world burgeons, an exuberant mood prevails. Riding the Earth’s passionate wave, tapping into this powerful surge of creative energy, joy, celebration and creativity are the hallmarks of Beltane, the creative imperative bursts forth into new forms and expression.
The name “May” comes from a Norse word meaning “to shoot out new growth”. The name “Beltaine” means “Bel’s Fires”; in Celtic lands, cattle were driven between bonfires to bless them, and people leaped the fires for luck.
The vitality and passion of Beltane expresses itself through the flowering and pollination of plants, the fertility of animals and the loving sexual embrace of human beings. Traditionally this was a time for blessing fields and animals for fertility and abundance.
Fertility rites such as leaping the fire and dancing the maypole, an ancient fertility symbol with the pole as phallus and the woven ribbons representing the embrace of the vulva, are still performed to honor this holiday. Through these rites the passion of the Earth is made manifest and the fertility of the Earth is stimulated.
It is not a time for deep contemplation or meditation, but rather a time to be immediately and passionately present 
in the moment as we dance with the energy and rhythms of the Earth, and celebrate life and growth in all its forms, within and without. At this time of year, we can energize our land and new life directions and honor the growing fullness of our lives and garden.
