SEASONAL RITUALS eZINE SAMPLE PLANETARY RITUAL FOR BELTAINE traditional date: May 1st exact May 5th, 2006 at 10.31 am cdt an excerpt from "Magical Astrology Guide 2006" Š1997-2007 Sarolta G. DeFaltay A note on the Sabbats: Sabbat rituals are seasonal, so exact timing is not neccessary; it is possible to perform the ritual usually a week or so after the traditional date of the Sabbat. The cross-quarter holidays occur when the Sun is at the middle degree [15 degrees] of the fixed signs [Imbolc: Aquarius, Beltaine: Taurus, Lammas: Leo and Samhain: Scorpio] and are often exact many days after the traditional date, so many practitioners perform their rituals when the Sun is at 15 degrees of that sign [exact dates/times listed with each ritual after the traditional date]. Every planetary alignment holds an opportunity for growth and expanded awareness, and contains symbolism that can be universally shared and understood. By meditating on current planetary themes, we can tune in to the archetypal energy inherent therein, gaining a deeper understanding of our own personal myth, integrating the planetary energies experientially through personalized ritual. =========================================== BELTAINE RITUAL traditional date: May 1st exact May 5th, 2006 at 10.31 am cdt =========================================== The Maiden goddess now comes of age at Beltaine (also spelled Beltane and Bealtaine), 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. Beltaine Herbal Lore Almond: symbolic of true love transcending death. Angelica: ritual bath; "Bringer of Light"; protection, self- blessing. Cinquefoil: contains needed energy to manifest onešs 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: burn powdered root (Orris root) for love and passion Roses: love and joy; multi-colored roses on Beltane altar Rowan: protection and healing; use berries in incense for psychic powers. Woodruff: attracts wealth; victory for athletes; protection. Ritual Bath: Angelica, Clover, Marigold, Rose petals, pink altar candles (for Venus). 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. Bathe yourself in the herbs and the Venusian 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. You will need three candles: aqua, royal blue and red. Ritual: Cast the circle, and call in the quarters. see: "casting a circle" article at: http://www.moonspells.com/ie/articles/ART_Main.html Prepare incense: Benzoin, Frankincense, Cinnamon, Rose Petals, Sandalwood oil. Consecrate to Venus. Light incense. Candles: The aqua candle represents the Jupiter / Uranus trine in water signs, symbolizing dedication to creating change, higher learning and reform. How would you like to see thse energies manifest in your life? Focus on your intentions as you write them down on a small piece of paper; place the note under your candle and light it with dedication and conviction. The royal blue candle represents the planet Jupiter, symbolizing higher learning, philosophy and generosity. How would you like to see the blessings of Jupiter manifest in your life? Write down what you want to dedicate yourself to now, and focus clearly as you place your note under the candle and light its flame. The red candle represents the Venus / Saturn trine in FIRE signs, symbolizing creative energies manifesting through dedication and discipline... what would YOU like to create in your life to bring more stability as well as a deeper sense of joy? Write down ways you can transform your life in order to live your ideals more fully. Focus clearly with intent as you light the candle. 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. Thank the nature spirits, deities or elementals, and close your circle, allowing the candles to burn all the way down, or instead, burn them for a little while for the next several days, symbolizing the waxing energies. Blessed Be! Š 1997-2007 Sarolta G. DeFaltay. All rights reserved. DSAS, Inc. | Deep Skies Astrological Services http://www.planetaryalchemy.com