Saturday, 30 April 2011
Beltaine, May Day, and the Blessed Virgin's Day
As we approach the 1st of May, the northern hemisphere is celebrating Beltaine, the full onset of Spring, the fertility of the season, the bringing of new life. Those of you in the USA who watched the series 'Mists of Avalon' (never shown in the UK) will have an idea of what Beltaine is.
It was mainly celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/p/Beltane_History.htm
Beltaine is considered a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun's progress between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
The word Beltaine basically means 'bright fire' and the ceremonies which are still observed today, observe this ritual by burning a bonfire through the night of April 30th through the next day the 1st May. Gaelic folklore has it that Beltaine is a time of purification and transition, similar to Samhain, in this way.
It has been celebrated for years by Maypole dancing in the United Kingdom, and indeed in many parts of the USA. I still have a photo of me as a May Princess when I was five years old!! It was a long, long time ago!
In Roman Catholicism, May is the month of Mary, and May 1st is the day of celebration of the Blessed Virgin.
Whatever our beliefs, it is essential that we appreciate our mother earth, and care for her (for she is in turmoil). To take care of one another, and view each new day as an opportunity to live better and practice our faith with love and respect for all others.
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| Beltaine bonfire |
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| The Green Man |
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| Brigid |
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| Maypole dancer |
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| Maypole dancers |
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| The May Queen and the Green Man |
Beltaine is considered a cross-quarter day, marking the midpoint in the Sun's progress between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
The word Beltaine basically means 'bright fire' and the ceremonies which are still observed today, observe this ritual by burning a bonfire through the night of April 30th through the next day the 1st May. Gaelic folklore has it that Beltaine is a time of purification and transition, similar to Samhain, in this way.
It has been celebrated for years by Maypole dancing in the United Kingdom, and indeed in many parts of the USA. I still have a photo of me as a May Princess when I was five years old!! It was a long, long time ago!
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| The blessed Virgin in Sorrow |
Whatever our beliefs, it is essential that we appreciate our mother earth, and care for her (for she is in turmoil). To take care of one another, and view each new day as an opportunity to live better and practice our faith with love and respect for all others.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Good Friday
Today is Good Friday. The most important day of the Christian calendar, not only does it commemorate the death of Jesus, but gives us the opportunity to be mindful of the importance of forgiveness in our lives.
Love and Forgiveness ripple out affecting both the loved and the lover, the forgiven and the forgiver, and
continues outwards and onwards to other people like a butterfly on the wing.
Do not meditate on the crucifixion, but rather meditate on the risen Christ - this is Hope and not Fear
Tenzin Gyatso
May I become at all times, both now and forever,
A protector for those without protection,
A guide for those who have lost their way,
A ship for those with oceans to cross,
A sanctuary for those in danger,
A lamp for those in the dark,
And a servant to all those in need.
As long as living beings exist,
and suffering afflicts them,
May I too abide to dispel the misery of the world.
A protector for those without protection,
A guide for those who have lost their way,
A ship for those with oceans to cross,
A sanctuary for those in danger,
A lamp for those in the dark,
And a servant to all those in need.
As long as living beings exist,
and suffering afflicts them,
May I too abide to dispel the misery of the world.
Tenzin Gyatso
14th Dalai Lama of Tibet
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Beautiful paintings of Women and Flowers
Sir Lawrence (Laurens) Alma-Tadema, a Dutch born English classical painter, ( married to another artist Laura Alma-Tadema) painted enviably beautiful paintings of, in particular, women with flowers, either in the picture, or worn around the hair. They are thrillingly romantic pictures, I share with you some of them here, please enjoy......
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| ah, Spring!!! |
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Cherokee Blessing
HAPPY TRACKS
May the warm winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit
Bless all who enter there.
May your Mocassins
Make happy tracks in many snows
and may the Rainbow
Always touch your shoulder.
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