The cycle of life comes to life in the spring. The Celts celebrated Imbolc (lambing) followed by the spring equinox Eostre (eggs and bunnies) and then Beltane (livestock driven through fire to cleanse and increase fertility). They were not only celebrating Nature bursting forth in new life but trying to assure that it be bountiful.

From the most ancient of cultures, the ritual of heiros gamos, the sacred marriage, has been performed in the spring to heighten fertility and encourage conception. There are a multitude of myths and legends about the potency of these rituals. Just within Celtic lore, the symbolic union has had many names for the Feminine and Masculine: The Goddess/Godhead, May Queen/May King, Goddess/Green Man, Maiden/Oak King, Lady of the Lake/Knight of the Round Table.

One theory suggests that the complex of stone circles at Avebury was laid out to accommodate a fertility dance ritual whereby a procession of women entered from one direction and a similar procession of men from another. The snake dance pattern they weaved was to bring fertility to the land. The pageant was orchestrated from Silbury Hill, a mound built expressly for that purpose.

We know for certain that later generations approached spring with excitement and enthusiasm as they prepared for the traditions of Beltane. Hawthorne was gathered, a Maypole was erected, crowns of wildflowers for the women and Oak leaves for the men were made. And, of course, wood for a great bonfire was collected.

Mating rituals were designed literally for consummation on Beltane. Young people were encouraged to participate in a dance of fertility that led to them pairing up and disappearing into the privacy of the woods for coupling. Whether or not marriage followed, children conceived at Beltane were received with a special welcome.

As they say, spring has sprung…. Enjoy.