A post about my Bealtaine celebrations.
(Image description: A photo of my Bealtaine altar. In the back are three images of Brighid the Smith, Brighid the Poet, and Brighid the Healer by Mask Illustrations. To the left of them is a black LED lantern. A copper sunburst dish and a brass-colored bowl are in front of the Brighid the Smith picture. A couple Brighid’s crosses are on each side of a handmade Brighid doll. A small canvas of fire in water is next to a large acorn. The glass hearth candle holder, an incense burner, and a jar candle illuminate the space. The bell branch is in the far right corner of the altar space.) Credit: My work.
Happy Bealtaine! I hope that your festival celebrations went well, if you celebrated over the weekend.
As mentioned before, my most recent flamekeeping shift started on the sunset of April 29th and ended on the 30th. However, I like to do flamekeeping shifts during the fire festivals, so it blended seamlessly into the start of Bealtaine.
In the previous couple posts, I talked about the planning of a couple art projects, a new bell branch and a flower crown. I successfully completed them, and it certainly feel like writing those goals out helped me ensure that they would be finished in time. Working on them was definitely a push, but doing so turned out to be well worth it.
The bell branch has a lovely ringing sound, and the flower crown fits comfortably on my head. I have included a photo of them together to show off my handiwork.
(Image description: A photo of a flower crown and a bell branch. The flower crown is made of light and dark purple flowers with large green leaves. To its right is the bell branch made of light-colored driftwood with silver ribbon and nine gold bells wrapped around it. They are on an altar cloth featuring Celtic knotwork in two shades of blue. A copper sun dish, two Brighid’s crosses, a small fire in water picture, and a large acorn can be seen above the flower crown and bell branch.) Credit: My work
As I’ve done past years, I rededicated myself to Brighid with the dedication ritual found in the Clann Bhríde Book of Hours. While the idea of renewing spiritual oaths might seem redundant to some, I think that repeating the ritual every year reminds me of my bond with Her and reinvigorates it at a time of high growth.
After that part of the ritual, I offered Her some incense, water, and a poem. The poem is relatively short, but it reflects the meaning behind the ritual I did.
Reflections
Every year the fires of Bealtaine are reignited,
and so my inner flame is rekindled.
Your sacred flame reflects in Your primordial waters,
as it reflects in my soul.
Another part of me is strengthened,
another part shaped.
I do not know what lies ahead,
but I know You are my Lantern and my Guide and my Friend.
Thank You, Blessed Lady.
After that, I pulled a Brighid’s Cross card from my oracle deck, which indicated protection. I also drew a fid on the Oghamantis app. (My main set only includes the twenty feda, so I used the app to have all of the letters present.) I received Ór. This letter is part of the Forfeda and has the general meaning of an item or trait of great value. Given that I specified on the period to go from Bealtaine to Lúnasa, this letter’s characteristics will be my focus for the next few months. I imagine it can relate to valuing family, creative projects, and other things. Given the events of recent months, this fid feels very relevant and I’ll do my best to maintain my focus on it.
May the season of Bealtaine be filled with warmth and blessings for you!
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