The Maiden Goddess now comes of age at Beltane, and the fertility of the earth is at its height. This is the time of the sacred marriage, the union of the male and female principle, and can be a time to unify and balance our inner polarities as well, integrating the solar/lunar energies within.

During the most joyous of holidays, rituals for love and fertility are accompanied by music, feasting and celebration; even the trees are decorated with many colored ribbons and bouquets of new spring blooms are on every table and altar!

Planetary Themes

(Chart data: May 1, 1999, 12:00 AM EDT, Washington, DC . . . although the ritual can be done at any time during the first few days of the month.)

A strong alignment exists between four points, creating a need for balance between personal needs and career demands, and integrating personal resources with those of another. The alignment is called a Grand Cross, with the Sun, Moon, Uranus, and Vesta at the four points of the cross.

The Sun is in Taurus in the fourth house next to Saturn, meaning we may be able to utilize this stabilizing energy to initiate improvements in our homes that will add lasting value and beauty, as well as utilizing a grounded discipline to maintain our inner harmony through meditation and regular spiritual practices.

The Moon represents our emotional needs and desires, and is in the tenth house of authority, in the sign of Scorpio. We may be in tune now to see how we can best use our personal power most effectively. Uranus in Aquarius opposite Vesta may signify creative ways to work with others, and finding common ground to pool resources and meet the collective need.

Beltane Herbal Lore

Almond: Symbolic of true love transcending death.
Angelica: Ritual bath; "Bringer of Light"; Protection, self-blessing.
Cinquefoil: Contains needed energy to manifest one's ideas.
Clover: Animals, good luck, strength
Frankincense: Consecration, magic, purification, success, psychic ability
Hawthorn: Classic flower used to decorate maypole. Fertility.
Ivy: Wear wreaths of ivy at Beltane, decorate altar; fidelity and valor
Juniper: Used as incense to purify the home in preparation for Beltane.
Marigold: Ritual bath; prophetic dreams, favorable court verdict, attracts respect.
Orchid (Orris root): Burn powdered root for love and passion.
Roses: Love and joy; multi-colored roses on Beltane altar
Woodruff: Attracts wealth; victory for athletes; protection.

Ritual Bath: Rose petals, Angelica, Clover, Marigold. Place any or all herbs in cheesecloth and tie well; run under tap. You can also make a strong tea from the herbs, strain, and pour into the bath. Light pink candles annointed with rose oil to represent the potential growth and fertility of this holiday, and give thanks for the joy that life brings. Bathe yourself in the herbs and the springtime energy, clearing away anything that no longer needs to go with you. After your bath, bring your candles with you to the circle, and place them on or around your altar.

The Altar: Use a large flat stone as your altar, and place it in your garden, or by an eastern-facing window. A bowl of nuts and spring flowers in many colors enhance the setting, and are symbolic of the potentiality of life within.

You will need four candles: green, white, pale blue and orange.

Ritual: Cast the circle by visualizing white light circling clockwise around you, and call in the four directions: East for the Air element, South for Fire, West for Water and North for the Earth element.

Prepare incense by bringing the ingredients into your ritual circle, and add each herb one at a time, while grinding by hand with a mortar and pestle and focusing on your goal as well as the properties of each herb as it is added. Consecrate your incense by dedicating it to Venus, Goddess of Love and Fertility. Use any of the following: Rose Petals, Benzoin, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Sandalwood oil. Light incense.

Candles: The green candle represents the nourishing aspect of Taurus. How can you add lasting value or beauty to your environment? Focus clearly on your intent as you light the candle.

The white candle represents our emotional needs. Write down what needs are in conflict with duties, and what you'd like to do to resolve them. Repeat as before.

The pale blue candle represents Uranus in Aquarius. Where do you need to revolutionize the way you utilize your resources? Write down ways you think you could approach your goals from an unconventional angle.

The orange candle represents Vesta in Leo. Write down what you are willing to dedicate yourself to throughout this growing season.

When you feel the ritual is complete, burn each paper as you focus once again on the intention of the goal, releasing the energy to the wind and elemental helpers.

Ground the energies by burying the ashes and candle wax, affirming the energy inherent within will soon be reborn anew. Blessed Be.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beyerl, Paul. A Compendium of Herbal Magick. Custer, WA: Phoenix Publishing, Inc., 1998.
Budapest, Zsuzsanna. The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries. Oakland, CA: Wingbow Press, 1989.
Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 1985.
Farrar, Janet & Stewart. The Witches' Goddess. Custer, WA: Phoenix Publishing, Inc., 1987.
George, Demetra. Asteroid Goddesses. San Diego, CA: ACS Publications, 1986.
Hopman, Ellen Evert. A Druid's Herbal. Rochester, VT: Destiny Books, 1995.
Smith, Steven R. Wylundt's Book of Incense. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996.
Walker, Barbara G. The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 1988.
Zalewski, C.L. Herbs In Magic and Alchemy. Dorset, UK: Prism Press, 1990.

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Sarolta G. DeFaltay is an astrologer and tarot consultant, and teaches classes in Solitary Magic in Chicago. She works with clients to create personal rituals based on individual needs and astrological cycles. She is a regular contributor to SageWoman magazine. Check out the New Moon Magic Ritual for your sign at her website, http://www.enteract.com/~deepsky/