#maypole dance

[alexsgrimoire]

Beltane & May New Moon Ritual Script - 2024

Here's the script I put together for my coven's combined Beltane and New Moon ritual that I'm leading this weekend! There were some scheduling issues with the UU Church we meet at and this date was the only one that really worked, so we decided to combine both into one since they're both close to the date and have similar correspondences! If you're using the script, please tag me in it!

DO NOT INTERACT: TE/RFS, TE/HMS, SW/ERFS, TRAN/SMEDS, TRUS/CUM, TRANSPHOBIC, HOMOPHOBIC, EXCLUSIONISTS, CONSERVATIVE, NAZI, TRADWIVES, ANTI-BLM, ANTI-ASIAN, XENOPHOBIC, ABLEIST, ANTI-POP CULTURE PAGANISM

Meditation

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Feel the air come in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take a moment to center yourself.

It’s a warm spring afternoon. The sky is cloudless as the Sun shines above, illuminating the prairie you stand in. The earth feels warm and tender underneath your bare feet. Wiggle your toes in the grass and feel the wildflowers in various colors tickle your toes and ankles. The fresh breeze smells of roses and honeysuckle, and birds chirp in nearby shrubs.

You spot a circle of people partaking in a dance before you. Colorful dresses and tunics flow in the wind, and flower crowns of daisies and daffodils sit on their heads. They cheer and sing, their voices floating on the wind. As you approach, those nearest you smile kindly and open their arms to allow you to join in. You enter and hold their hands, quickly feeling joy and warmth. You turn with them, the energy transferring from hand to hand.

Your hands release at the height of the energy, and you each dance independently. You use all the power you gathered to dance. Shaking your arms and legs, headbanging, spinning around, whatever brings you the most joy. You dance and dance until you’re worn out, then lie down in the grass and stare at the sky.

You regain your breath, breathing in and out deeply. As the Sun begins to set, the sky has turned from bright blue to shades of pink, purple, and orange. The Sun God starts to depart, taking the youthful energy of the day with Him. The Moon Goddess now enters, bringing the serenity of the night sky and stars. The people you danced with under the Sun lie on the ground with you, softly humming a hymn to welcome Her presence.

The Moon in Her New phase doesn’t shine as brightly as She does during her Full phase. Instead, she offers just a slice of light, letting the constellations and other celestial bodies take their time in the spotlight. Despite Her hidden figure, you can still feel Her energy, a soft feeling of abundance, protection, and love.

As you lie in the grass, think about what you wish to achieve in the coming weeks. What will be the best way to reach them, and what reward will lie in the end? The Moon will grant your wish as long as you put in the effort to achieve it. Don’t forget that you have the power to succeed, and She offers her assistance.

You gently close your eyes as you lie in the grass after setting your intentions. It is time for rest and recovery after a long day with the God and Goddess. You are safe from all danger, protected by those Above and Below. You drift off into a reverie, awaiting what the next day brings.

As we end this meditation, center yourself and take another deep breath. Feel your feet ground you as you return to this plane. Once you are ready, slowly open your eyes.

Chant & Calling the Quarters

We’ll sing “We Are a Circle” now. Feel free to stand, but don’t feel pressured to.

ALL: We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending. (x3)

Form a circle deosil around the group with a wand (x1) to the pace of the chant.

Now, to call the quarters.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the red candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the blue candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the green candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, we call upon you to watch over the rights of our Kindred. Powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we ask that you keep watch over us tonight within this circle. Let all who enter the circle under your guidance do so in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Hail and welcome!

Light the white candle.

ALL: Hail and welcome.

The Story of Beltane & the May New Moon

Beltane, also known as May Day, Walpurgis Night, and Floralia, marks the halfway point between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. The name and festival Beltane are Gaelic in origin, which comes from the words “Bel,” meaning “bright,” and “Tene,” meaning fire, along with the God Belenus, who represents Fire. Beltane is considered the oldest holiday in Gaelic tradition, dating back to at least the 10th century. 

In modern Pagan practices, Beltane represents the Sacred Union between the Mother Goddess and Horned God, conceiving the Harvest Child. The phallic maypole and yonic wreath of flowers and ribbons represent their Rite. As such, Beltane has become a time for fertility and sexuality, and it’s also associated with creativity and love. Bonfires represent fertility, protection, and the longer days of summer, and crops, beauty, and creativity continue to grow.

Beltane is also associated with fairies of Gaelic lore, specifically the aos sí. The veil is thinnest at this time, much like at Samhain, allowing them to pass through. The aos sí were appeased with offerings of food and drink to prevent their troublesome natures and in hopes that they would grant wishes.

Along with Beltane, we also celebrate the New Moon of May tonight. The New Moon is a time for setting intentions, manifestations, and new beginnings. It’s the beginning of the lunar cycle, where the moon is absent from the sky, and the stars shine brighter. The Moon’s energy is at one of Her highest, and it’s the perfect time for spellwork.

The May New Moon is in Taurus, representing creativity, sensuality, and abundance. These values align perfectly with Beltane, creating the perfect storm for intentions in these realms. It’s time to focus on achieving long-lasting results, especially those concerning money. However, the Earth element of Taurus reminds us to stay grounded and practical.

With Beltane and the Taurus New Moon coinciding near each other, the energy is high, promoting growth both in nature and within you. Take this time to focus on the pleasures in life and the abundance around you.

Cone of Power

Now, for the Cone of Power. Stand if you’re able, with hands linked. Left hand under, right hand over. As we chant, visualize the energy swirling around us and channeling into the sky.

ALL: Goddess and God

Moon and Sun

We link hands

And become One

Repeat louder & faster until the energy is built, then call release.

The Maypole Dance

((AUTHOR'S NOTE: I specifically wrote this section to accompany the song "Bard Dance" from the Baldur's Gate 3 soundtrack and this dance pattern. You do not have to use this same source material, and I encourage you to give the ritual your own spin! I'm simply copying/pasting exactly how my script is written.))

As I mentioned earlier, dancing around the Maypole is a Beltane tradition that dates back to before the Middle Ages in Europe, and we’ll be bringing that tradition to life today! Everyone grab a ribbon from the Maypole, and I’ll get my metronome set up.

Set the metronome app for 112 BPM and wait until everyone has a ribbon.

We’re going to split into two groups, 1 and 2.

Count out groups 1 and 2 (every other person) and start the metronome.

This is the tempo we’ll be using for the dance, in counts of four: four beats per measure and four measures for each dance phase. I’ll count it out like this as we dance.

Count "1 2 3 4 / 2 2 3 4 / 3 2 3 4 / 4 2 3 4" along to the tempo.

For the dancing, group 1 will walk to the pole for two measures and then walk back out for two measures.

Give an example with measure counting.

Group 2 will now do the same.

Give an example with measure counting.

Then, we turn clockwise for four measures and counterclockwise for four. And then the dance repeats! Do we want to try it without music and then start with the music?

(IF TRYING WITHOUT MUSIC FIRST: Walk the group through one cycle of the dance, then play Bard Dance on Spotify for the full run time. Count out the measures during the dance.)

(IF STARTING WITH MUSIC: Set Bard Dance on Spotify and play/dance for the full run time. Count out the measures during the dance.)

Simple Feast

Take a moment to ground yourself after dancing, and take the time to think about how you engaged with your fellow dancers. Now is also a perfect time for refreshments, our cakes and ale! We have unleaded, ________________ provided by ________________, and leaded, ________________  provided by ________________. We also have ________________ for cakes, provided by ________________.

Pass around wafers, cups, and drinks.

May you never hunger.

ALL: May you never hunger.

May you never thirst.

ALL: May you never thirst.

Intentions & Bonfire

As this is the New Moon, we’ll set intentions, but this time on ribbons for a Beltane twist! If anyone would like a copy, I have a guide to ribbon colors and their meanings. Cut yourself a ribbon that connects to your intention for the coming weeks. ((AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ribbon color guide can be found here!))

Allow time for people to get/cut ribbons and grab pens.

Feel the ribbon in your hands. Think of what the color means to you and your goals for this lunar cycle phase. Imagine the ribbon tightly wound around a physical representation of your intention, a present of joy and success ready to be opened. When you're ready, write your intention on the ribbon and hold onto it for now.

Light the bonfire.

Bonfires are another Beltane tradition used as a method of protection and purification. Historically, Gaelic people walked livestock between two bonfires and sprinkled ashes over crops. The Fire element is also associated with new beginnings and transformation, which makes it the perfect method to activate intentions! As you toss your ribbon into the fire, visualize its Sacred power bringing your intention to life!

Let everyone toss ribbons into the bonfire.

Dismissing the Quarters & Farewell

Now, to wrap up and thank the quarters.

North/Earth Quarter Caller: Guardians of the North, powers of endurance and strength, guided by Earth, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the green candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

West/Water Quarter Caller: Guardians of the West, powers of passion and emotion, guided by Water, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the blue candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

South/Fire Quarter Caller: Guardians of the South, powers of energy and will, guided by Fire, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the red candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

East/Air Quarter Caller: Guardians of the East, powers of knowledge and wisdom, guided by Air, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the yellow candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

Center/Spirit Quarter Caller: Guardians of Above and Below, powers of grounding and balance, guided by Spirit, we thank you for watching over the rights of our Kindred. May you be forever blessed. Hail and farewell!

Extinguish the white candle.

ALL: Hail and farewell.

The Circle is open, yet the Circle remains as its magical power is drawn back into us. 

ALL: Merry meet, and Merry part and Merry meet again! So mote it be.

Bibliography

Amanda. Beltane. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/10696117858758902/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Amanda. “New Moon Rituals for 2024: Anticipate New Spiritual Beginnings.” Thepeculiarbrunette.Com, 21 Mar. 2024, www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/new-moon/.

Arina. Ribbon Colors to Make Wishes at Beltane. 30 Apr. 2021. Tumblr, https://swm-grimoire.tumblr.com/post/649920725689466880/beltane-blessings-to-you-all-and-happy-midspring. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Bard Dance.” Spotify, Larian Studios, https://open.spotify.com/track/4RyPvJk0n6DLCptEoe6PE7?si=164e9e8f768d41cf. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane Correspondences. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/31666003614457079/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. 26 Apr. 2024. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/p/C6PA1mtrXD8/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Beltane. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AVkyPjJ1KAjMZ2BVc5oVO1WzroMTbntG-SAaAezJAzJLiPyQxGAUb-E/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Beltane. Accessed 4 May 2024.

“Beltane.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane.

“Best Crystals for New Moon.” Village Rock Shop, www.villagerockshop.com/blog/crystals-for-new-moon/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Cass. “May 2024 Witch Guide.” Tumblr, 29 Apr. 2024, greenwitchcrafts.tumblr.com/post/749095783179206656/may-flower-moon.

Cunningfolk, Alexis J. “Grounded Strength : The New Moon in Taurus - Worts + Cunning Apothecary: Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts.” Worts + Cunning Apothecary | Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts, Worts + Cunning Apothecary | Intersectional Herbalism + Magickal Arts, 24 May 2017, www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/grounded-strength-the-new-moon-in-taurus.

“A Detailed History of Beltane.” Beltane Fire Society, 25 Mar. 2015, beltane.org/a-detailed-history-of-beltane/.

Gladheart, Friday. The Practical Witch’s Almanac 2024. Microcosm Publishing, 2023.

Grant, Ember. The Second Book of Crystal Spells: More Magical Uses for Stones, Crystals, Minerals ... and Even Salt. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd, 2016.

Hadas, Julia Halina. The Modern Witchcraft Book of Moon Magick: Your Complete Guide to Enhancing Your Magick with the Power of the Moon. Adams Media, 2024.

Howell, Aden. “Bard Dance – Borislav Slavov Baldur’s Gate 3 - Bard Dance, Flute Duet.” Musescore.Com, 18 Jan. 2024, musescore.com/user/37316127/scores/13632847.

Jordan, Krystle. “Beltane Celebration: Fires, Faeries, & Love.” The Wholesome Witch, 10 Apr. 2021, www.thewholesomewitch.com/beltane-correspondence-guide/.

Kiernan, Anjou. The Ultimate Guide to the Witch’s Wheel of the Year: Rituals, Spells & Practices for Magical Sabbats, Holidays & Celebrations. Fair Winds, 2021.

Lowery, Heather. “Maypole Dance 1-Dance Steps-All the Way to Galway (Level 1).” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=K54KrDlbwSU.

Luna, Bri. “New Moon in Taurus.” The Hoodwitch, The Hoodwitch, 24 May 2015, www.thehoodwitch.com/blog/2015/5/16/newmoon-in-taurus.

Mitchell, Krista. “Taurus New Moon Crystals.” Krista Mitchell, Krista Mitchell, 25 Oct. 2023, www.krista-mitchell.com/blog/taurusnewmooncrystals2018.

“New Moon in Taurus Set: Indulge Your Senses.” Sage Goddess, 8 June 2022, www.sagegoddess.com/product/new-moon-in-taurus-set/.

Russell, Davy. “The New Moon in Taurus.” DavyandTracy, 3 May 2024, davyandtracy.com/spirituality/new-moon-in-taurus/.

Shadow, Forest. Beltane Correspondences. 1 May 2023. Book of Shadows by Cybercat Designs, https://cybercatdesigns.com/blog/beltane-correspondences/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Valkyrie. Beltane Correspondences. Pinterest, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/951385490022713178/. Accessed 4 May 2024.

Wigington, Patti. “The Origins of the Maypole Dance.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 25 June 2019, www.learnreligions.com/history-of-the-maypole-2561629.

Willow. “Beltane Correspondences.” Flying the Hedge, 25 Apr. 2019, www.flyingthehedge.com/2019/04/beltane-correspondences.html.

Willow. “Elemental Magic: A Complete Guide to Fire Folklore & Correspondences.” Flying the Hedge, 18 June 2020, www.flyingthehedge.com/2020/06/fire-folklore-correspondences.html.

Wright, Jennifer. “Beltane Correspondences.” PaganPages.Org, 1 May 2021, paganpages.org/emagazine/2021/05/01/beltane-correspondences-12/. 

[annaofthenorthernlights]

@fluffbruary

Day 23 - rural

[lifewithaview]

Leonie Elliott and Zephryn Taitte in Call the Midwife (2012) S12E2

It is May 1968, and the Nonnatus team are faced with challenging cases, one of which is much closer to home as Lucille struggles with her own health. At a coffee morning for expectant mothers, Sister Julienne meets heavily pregnant Lilian Reynolds, who is expecting her first child. However, after Lilian experiences some breast discomfort, she receives a devastating diagnosis.

*Sister Monica Joan says that she came to see the Maypole dance, not the Battle of Agincourt. The Battle of Agincourt was an English victory in the Hundred Years' War. It took place on 25 October 1415 (Saint Crispin's Day) near Azincourt, in northern France.

[danskjavlarna]

Source details and larger version.

My collection of vintage Shakespeare imagery is dramatic.

[nymphpriestessvalkyrie]

Eluciens are very excited about the idea of a future Winter Solstice where Elain and Lucien actually speak and she actually accepts a gift from him with gratitude. And I get it, Winter Solstice has been an important holiday for these characters through multiple books.

But what if, hear me out here, what if the important holiday scene for Elucien is actually *Summer Solstice*?

Just a thought.

[hedwig221b]

Pls tell me you’re tabling the midsommar fic for later cuz I desperately need your take on that AU as an avid fan of all things A24 and Sterek it’s like the best of both worlds, you’re a godsend even for just that post I’m so deadass you’re wonderful 💖🫰🏼

referring to this post

I feel like I'm so late tho, if only the idea came to me in, I dunno, mid-summer. It's a nice image, I agree. Stiles with this face ☹ all in flowers. He tries to figure everything out with Derek trailing after him play-fighting and making Stiles win every time and wiping his tears away. That screaming scene but with howling???

I might, dear anon, I might 💗 thank you, love

[lamiue]

Amazon prime should do an apology dance for not giving us "fucking eyelashes." line. Because Taylor Zakhar Perez is the real embodiment of understanding of eyelashes.

[marzannafilia]

I wonder if I should just dive head first into learning about Dianic Wicca/Witchcraft b/c midsummer/the summer solstice is one of my favorite times of the year spiritually and yet whenever it or another time of year comes around it’s like. I have no idea what to do for it. This is part of the problem with a practice lead solely by intuition, I think lol

[starsarebleeding]

okay so. i binged what there is so far of lore olympus AND finally have encountered antis head on (my tumblr feed is heavily curated to avoid narrow-minded censorship advocates you see, but wow you really can't avoid it in this fandom huh)

the thing about everyone's vitriol towards LO and Rachel Smythe is like. it's not that the criticisms are entirely unwarranted. like for sure Persephone is the most annoying kind of Mary Sue; the myths are inconsistent (which....they are even in the source texts like i don't get this one); it's chronically online (although the hate is also chronically online lol everybody touch grass); the acephobia; etc.

but the problem is that most of the hate is so disproportionately egregious that it undermines all the points and conversation. like everyone has banded together around hating something instead of loving it (particularly on the reddit), and that's just such an absolutely boring way of consuming media. like guess what, nuance exists. guess what, you can enjoy pretty pictures of age gap couples and not advocate for power imbalances in real life. guess what, critiquing things doesn't have to be all or nothing -- you can notice things are flawed and still enjoy them. like it's a story! it means to you what you want it to mean! it's not that deep!!

there's also this undertone of jealousy that infuses sooo much of the critique -- so many people feel personally invested in the myths OR have their own version that isn't as popular, and it's just so transparent that they're picking apart something else bcs of their own insecurity. like do what you gotta do to make yrself feel better, but it's not Rachel Smythe's fault your own story isn't popular (and that shouldn't be yr metric of quality anyway!)

anyway tl;dr jill encountered antis firsthand and hopes they find peace one day. but until then stay mad babes

[dykecherylblossom]

Wicker Man (1973) references in the end of 6x01 "Welcome to Rivervale"

The Maypole Song

And on that tree there was a limb

And on that limb there was a branch

And on that branch there was a nest

And in that nest there was an egg

And in that egg there was a bird

And from that bird a feather came

And of that feather was

A bed …

And on that bed there was a girl

And on that girl there was a man

And from that man there was a seed

And from that seed there was a boy

And from that boy there was a man

And for that man there was a grave

From that grave there grew

A tree …

Cheryl:

"What she's saying is that

women can't be sacrifices.

Women must bear children.

But men...

Their blood is the seed.

Their blood is what nourishes

the ground and the furrows.

Their blood is what will bring

Rivervale back to its glory."

[scenicworlds]

May 1, 2024

Another lovely May Day party hosted by Emily. South Portland, ME.

[star-crossed-lizards]

Rainy maypole dance for Beltane

[nedison]

Dance 'Round The Maypole - Acid Gallery feat. Roy Wood (1969)

Hope you're all having a wonderful start to SPRING today. Here's a underheard Roy Wood production. Basically it sounds like a lost track by The Move.

[beeapocalypse]

shanny image for sizing. new funny spacebug idea for alamanni its dedicated to the preservation of the memory of every world it visits and roots itself down to take in every sensation of a location for a couple years b4 shifting to a new place to begin anew. the tubes are like mouths that can taste+smell and it subsists off of subterranean critters that get caught up in its '''roots'''

[waveofahand]

If you’re going to dance...

If you’re going to dance like the Von Trapps in The Sound of Music, Paul is always the Baron, and John is always Maria. Or Paul is always Rolf and John is always Liesl.