Sabbats are the affirmation of love, devotion and on a glorious day at the start of May – fertility. We see what grows, the green shoots of life that sprout from the ground, the living symbols that the fallow earth is once again producing life. Gardens replete with colorful blossoms remind us that from the cold, hard, and fallow ground, something new arises in during this light half of the year.
We celebrate with the sounds of laughing children playing outside in the sun, kicking soccer balls or running around with exclamations of joy. It is not quite warm enough to declare that we are in summer’s grasp, but winter’s grip with deep snow or cold Arctic blasts are behind us. The see-saw of rains mixed with days where the sun peeks beyond the clouds are the norm.
African Tulip tree
This time of the year embraces fire and rain, the thinning of the veils, and a return of the soul, the essence to the physical. We look at the unions in our lives, carnal, spiritual, and everything in between. Two George Benson pieces bring this to mind for me from the 1976 album, Breezin‘: the title track, “Breezin'” which begins with flutes and a quiet beat, and “Affirmation,” which begins with a guitar slowly picking a tune that lures the listener into the main portion where the melody is repeated with lush musical additions. The entire album reflects the essence of musical fertility. It is like driving up the Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur on a gorgeous sunny day with a light breeze and fantastic view of the ocean as a reminder of just how wonderful pleasure and life can be.
Passion inspires us at this time, which is why spring is when we feel like we can break out of our doldrums and winter routines to try new things, to re-visit what we know makes us feel good, and what we enjoy. We see the animal young born now take their first steps or fly away from the next under the guidance of watchful parents. Eagles in the nest are growing and we love watching them through the hidden Eaglecam. Flowers are in bloom, such as the Pella Tulip Cam and in our backyards.
This spring began in March with a severe winter storm, a slightly abnormal snow accumulation of 8-9 inches, and blizzard conditions the weekend before the official first day of spring. The actual weekend provided a beautiful apology with record breaking high temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The stark changes that remind us that change is not only inevitable, but should be expected is the hallmark of the sabbath.
The thinning of the veils now, as they do again during the fall Samhain celebrations are just another opportunity for ancestors to visit. We lose track of time in the pursuit of joy, pleasure, bliss. It is the start of wedding season for some, and the round of bridal showers, marriage celebrations, and honeymoons begins.
We seek what energizes us and what lights up the passion which lies within each of us. The fires of Beltane nourish our creative spark, allowing us ease to toss or burn what we no longer need. What I love about this time of the year is that we embrace the physical desires of our needs as humans.
Sex is not bad, nor is it shameful; yet, many of us have been raised within a society or by those who consider that sexual activity, lustful thoughts and libidinous behavior must be regulated by legal restrictions, cultural norms, or religious boundaries. It is no mistake that Beltane is one of the more recognizable holidays due to the freedom it represents upon first glance.
The human form, nude or clothed, is beautiful. The interaction of that form on Beltane or at any other time of the year should not be restricted. Having a holiday that encourages liberation of the body and soul in whatever form that takes, is not only a gift, but a true understanding of what being human means on all levels.
Tulips [courtesy]
Beltane is a fire festival. As an element, fire transforms and shapes us within and without. Romance is a fire of the heart and we celebrate when choosing to join with another or others for pleasure, interim or long-term commitment. As humans, we have the right to produce our fire, to share our fire, and to express our fire in our creative selves, such as with costumes during May Day parades. We join as one community during Workers’ Day parades where we express support for labor movements and workers’ rights. The passion behind the holiday is no less because it is for those whose work provides the foundation and basis for our overall culture and community.
This is the time to heal the wounds from those who have taught us that our thoughts, acts, and very beings are wanton, libidinous, anything other than being purely and beautifully human.
Fertility is more than just producing new life in a bodily sense. We are more than on-demand womb-bearers or inseminators: we are beings whose highest calling is to produce through our minds, our hearts, our hands, our hearts. Our bodies matter, but our essence matters more. “Smiles and Smiles to Go” as a tune does not first call to mind whether the composer has produced or contributed to children, but it does bring a warmth to my heart and yes, a smile to my face. Books that stick with us long after publication, such as Dune or The Handmaid’s Tale bring to mind ideas and potential changes as to how to view the world; moreover, as to how we can and should treat each other.
It is a mistake to embrace this holiday as just brief time for carnal indulgences and pleasure. In fact, it is a season, a time to embrace our fullest selves in every aspect of fertility, desires, and fulfillment.
We see what energizes us because that is what will continue to push us to our higher points. This is still the light half of the year and the time when our goals, our dreams can and are manifest outwardly. We peak in the summer, so we celebrate now.
Pause, have some pineapple, chocolate, or other delightful, sensual and delicious food to just enjoy the moment. Make love, because that is a part of life as well.
As Marvin Gaye notes, sexual healing is not only real, but very necessary.
Beltane reminds us of how much we, as human beings and human bodies – need connection. We need touch. We need connection. Sex allows us to release trauma built up in our cells and our bodies. When we allow ourselves to cuddle, hug, embrace others or for them to share their touch with us, we start the process of reclaiming who we are through our rights as human to have pleasure, to receive pleasure and to give pleasure.
Sexual healing is a way to take our life force and share it with others. Survivors of physical and sexual trauma of all ages and in all stages of life need to know that it is okay to reclaim themselves as adults.
So celebrate the sabbat by embracing pleasure, fertility, happiness with those you love, friends, and yourself.
If you haven’t done so in awhile, hug your family members, call a friend, enjoy the best that life has to offer – even in the doldrums.
Enjoy the beauty of life and happy Beltane!
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