Everything you need to know about Beltane 💐

How to make cross-quarter-day magic. [CHANI]( How to make Beltane magic [How to make Beltane magic—rabbits with wings and flower crowns among spring florals and gold stars.]( If you’ve been reading our content for a while, you probably know a few things about the solstices and equinoxes. These are the four “quarter days,” when the amount of light is either at its most extreme (the solstices) or equal to the darkness (the equinoxes). But historically, there have also been festivals that mark the midpoints between quarter days. The technical term for these? Cross-quarter days. And one of them is Beltane. Beltane is a Pagan holiday that takes place around April 30th or May 1st. In the Northern Hemisphere, where this festival originated, it falls halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. This is peak green season — the moment when nature is at its most fertile and the earth is lush with life. For reference, the other cross-quarter days are: - Lughnasadh, or Lammas, marking the start of the harvest in the Northern Hemisphere (around August 1st or 2nd) - Samhain, or Halloween, marking the end of the harvest in the Northern Hemisphere (around October 31st or November 1st) - Imbolc, or Candlemas, marking the start of the sowing season in the Northern Hemisphere (around February 1st or 2nd) Purification by fire Beltane is a Celtic word that translates as “the fires of Bel” — a reference to Belenus, the Celtic god of the Sun. Historically, igniting ritualistic bonfires was the primary way to communicate to Bel and petition him for protection from catastrophe, disease, and supernatural affliction in the coming year. Jumping over flames was also considered a method of spiritual purification. Over the centuries, revelers across the globe — from Europe to the Caribbean — began stripping trees of their bark, adorning them with flowers and garlands, and dancing around these “maypoles” to welcome spring. In modern times, these celebrations tend to orbit around expressing joy for the return of warmth, comfort, and abundant natural beauty... [READ THE FULL POST]( [This Mercury retrograde we’re giving you CHANI premium free for 30 days. Use code MERCURYRX30.]( [View this email in your browser](. [Instagram]( [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( Copyright © 2024 Chani Nicholas, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at my website. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.