Beltane Blessing

BELTANE: (May Eve, April 30th-May 1st)

Beltane is the great Fertility rite of life, starting at dusk on the 30th and continuing until the dawn of the 1st. The union of the God and Goddess to conceive the sun-child to be takes place upon this holiday, no matter which tradition of paganism is involved. Beltane is the one holiday most discouraged by the Christians, who didn’t even use it as a point for a holiday of their own because the power and nature of the day involved. Still, even in Christianized Ireland the May day dance of the Maypole remained, as did the giving of flowers to those you loved or cared for as friends. The Maypole is a symbol of the union of the God and Goddess to create life, the pole itself a phallic symbol while the dancers and their streamers or vines of flowers represent the fertile womb of the goddess as it takes in the Phallus of the god and takes in his seed. Besides the Maypole often a bonfire is present, and members of the group are encouraged to jump the flames for luck and their own fertility. Food, drink and love are the order of the evening. In most sects the celebration of unions of love are enacted between couples. Beltane is the time of many marriages/hand fastings in the Pagan community (in some it is the point where one chooses to begin and end relationships of a physical nature). It is said that a child conceived on this day will grow up to wield great power and knowledge and to be healthier than upon any other.

For this swap, you will send one partner ONE piece of art representing what you have just read about Beltane celebrations. You can use any medium you want, as long as your piece of art is at least 5x7in. No ATC's and no reproductions. This is your interpretation of Beltane celebrations. Think food, drink, love, intimacy, dance, marriage, fertility and flowers.

On the back of your art, write a Beltane blessing for your partner, along with the swap name and your SB ID. I intend to place my partner's piece of art on my altar and read the blessing on May Eve.

This doesn't have to be a masterpiece, but please put effort into this blessed piece of art. You will have about 2 weeks from the time you sign up until it needs sent. You can start making your art before partners are assigned...

Be kind when rating~ this is a piece of art your partner has conceived and produced for YOU. Whether you like it or not is not the point; You are being sent a blessing for this special sabbat, so show your appreciation by way of a heart or at least a comment that extends farther than "thank you".

You must have a 4.9 to join this swap, that means that everyone in the group can join, as I have removed those under a 4.9. If you join and have a lower rating, you will be removed from the swap and temporarily removed from the group until you can bring your rating back up to a 4.9. Please communicate with your partner if you are sending late. Flaking will result in your automatic removal from the group, as well as your name being posted in a flakers public forums post. Contact the group founder @Tiffaknee with any questions or concerns.

Have fun & let the Beltane fires burn!