A Public Service Announcement

For everyone in the Northern Hemisphere this pertains to…

Weekly Horoscope Sunday, November 1 to Saturday, November 7, 2020

All Signs

On Nov. 3, the day of the US election, Mercury retrograde will end becoming what astrologers call “stationary direct.” This means it hovers in the same degree for two days before moving forward again. (Note: in reality a planet never slows down or goes backwards, this is an illusion relative to planet Earth.) The last time that Mercury stationed direct on a US presidential election was in 2000, when Al Gore won the popular vote but George W. Bush took office. Fortunately, Mercury will be in the sign of Libra, which promotes balanced fair play. Nevertheless, expect delays and confusion perhaps due to uncounted mail-in ballots and demands for recounts? (Personally, I wonder if it’s time we got rid of democracy? All in favour raise your hand.)

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your ruler Mars has been retrograde in your sign since Sept. causing confusion, indecision and self-doubt. Fear not however, because it will go “direct” on Friday the 13th. (Would I make this up?) After that, things will improve! And when Mars catches up to where it was when it first went retrograde (28 degrees) at the end of Dec., your life will improve even more! After that, you will move forward with strong energy. Meanwhile, this week, Mercury retrograde will end, sitting directly opposite your sign, which will make conversations with partners and close friends eventful. Expect meaty discussions, probably about shared property and inheritances. Fortunately, Venus will keep things friendly.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Mercury retrograde has attracted ex-partners and old friends back into your world; plus, it has created delays and goofy errors in your work, your job and possibly with something that is health-related or related to a pet. This part has been a drag. But hey, you’ll be happy to know that this is over as of this week. Yay! Almost immediately, you will see these delays and goofy errors reduce back to a normal level. Meanwhile, you will still need more sleep. (You cannot ignore this.) Venus will promote your relations with work colleagues. It will also nicely boost your health, although it will increase temptations to fattening, sweet foods. Avoid thirds on desert.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This continues to be a productive time for you because you’re determined to be more efficient than usual, which is why you are putting a lot of effort to get better organized in your world, especially your job. Many of you will have to work on behalf of others more than usual – to perform a service of some sort. (It’s a joy to labour for those you love.) When Mercury stops being retrograde this week, this will encourage you to go forward with creative ideas, especially working with kids and activities related to sports and the arts! New romance might flourish for some of you because it’s easy to get along with loved ones now. (There’s no need to pretend to be what you are not.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

This is a lighthearted, fun-loving time! Relationships are lighter, especially with children. Basically, you want to do what you want to do and set your own priorities. It’s a good time to be yourself and also to be conscious of who you are. Family discussions and home repairs, as well as chances to redecorate or make where you live more attractive are also on the menu. Marriages and partnerships have truly been tested this year, and those that have outlived their usefulness have ended. Having said that, you are a sign that is loath to let go of anything (including people), which means you often stay in the wrong relationship too long. (You know who you are.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Home and family continue to be your priority; and many of you will be involved with a parent more than usual. Mercury retrograde has created delays and goofy errors in your daily schedule, which means you’ll be happy to know that Mercury retrograde ends this week. (Note: Its shadow continues until Nov. 10. If you are making a big purchase like a car or computer, wait until after that date.) This means silly errors will reduce and that’s a relief! (Less frustration.) Because Venus has now moved into your House of Communications, you will see how much love there is in your daily life. In addition, you will also be grateful for the beauty of your daily surroundings more than usual. Sweet!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Your fast pace continues with appointments, time with siblings and relatives, short trips plus increased reading, writing and studying. You are keen to communicate to others because you want to enlighten them about something. Financial matters look solid. You might attract money or financial advantages to you. Mercury retrograde will end in your House of Earnings, which might cause you to focus on something related to your assets. Many of you had had challenges wrapping up issues related to shared property and inheritances. This delay will cease in a few weeks. This is a good week to tell someone how you feel about something.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You will be philosophical this week because not only are you focused on your assets – you’re also thinking your values. What really matters in life? It’s good to know what really matters because this is how you distinguish how to make wise decisions. Obviously, you do not want to be looking in the mirror in later life with regrets. Because your ruler fair Venus is in your sign this week, you will have a stronger desire to relate to others. Venus will also help you to make peace and have fun schmoozing because Venus always ranks pleasure above work. Be patient with partners and close friends while Mars stays opposite your sign. (The last time it was retrograde opposite you was 1988.)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

The Sun in your sign marks the beginning of your personal new year, which means it’s a good time to define goals for what you want for yourself. Goals keep you on track and give you a sense of purpose. Meanwhile, a private love affair might happen for some. (Not surprising because you are a passionate, secretive sign.) Many of you have been confused or questioning issues about your job or the work that you do, and this is because Mars has been retrograde since Sept. This has “hung you up!” It’s important to know that when Mars is no longer retrograde in mid Nov., you will feel more proactive about your job, and when Mars is finally clear of its retrograde shadow – at the end of December – you will be all systems go! Yeah!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The Sun is still hiding in your chart this week, which means similarly, you will feel comfortable taking a backseat or working alone or behind the scenes. (Not always your first choice.) This continues to be an excellent window of time for you to define some goals about what you want for your new year ahead (birthday to birthday). An important conversation with a friend or a member of a group might take place this week because Mercury retrograde turns direct in your House of Friendships. Fortunately, Venus will ameliorate any intense discussions. In fact, Venus will also encourage interactions with creative, artistic people. Cool!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Have you noticed that you often choose to socialize in a way that is supportive to society? You join committees or start raffles and initiate worthwhile events? This week, you will be involved with groups and perhaps a friend. Since, your interactions with others will be mutually beneficial, by all means, be friendly! Fair Venus is now at the top of your chart, which is useful. It creates favourable circumstances in your business life and makes people in authority look kindly on you. Regardless of what you do for a living, others will ask for your advice about artistic matters like design, layout, office redecorating or PR. You might also develop a crush on your boss.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Once again, this week, the Sun is still at the top of your chart, casting you in a flattering spotlight that makes you look good to bosses, parents and VIPs. Obviously, this is your time to act and to do what you can to promote your own agenda. Some of you will have an important interaction with a parent. Note: Don’t pretend you are something that you are not because you will be exposed. (That symbolic spotlight.) Travel for pleasure, especially a chance to return someplace you really liked before will resonate strongly within you this week. Maybe you can make plans for the future?

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

More than other signs, you sometimes “escape” from things you don’t like, even if it’s just daydreams and fantasies. This week, you want to escape by “getting away from all this.” This is why you will enjoy any chance to travel and have a change of scenery, even if you do this through books and film. This is a fortunate week for you because gifts, goodies and favours from others can come your way. Personally, your love life will be passionate and affectionate. Contact with a previous lover could be significant. For those of you who are suffering delays with earnings and finances – be assured that by the end of the year, these obstacles are gone. Great!

November 1 Northern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America

November 01, 2020
10:00 am GMT 6:00 AM EDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:09 Scorpio 26
Moon:18 Taurus 07
Mercury:26 Libra 25 Rx
Venus:05 Libra 17
Mars:16 Aries 18 Rx
Jupiter:21 Capricorn 06
Saturn:26 Capricorn 14
Uranus:08 Taurus 39 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 22 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 41

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 26 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 04 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 14

Chiron:05 Aries 48 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 10
Pallas:19 Capricorn 57
Juno:14 Scorpio 02
Vesta:03 Virgo 46

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link

For Your Local Time and Date  

1 November Northeastern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for this Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe 

01 November 2020
04:00 am GMT AM CET
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:09 Scorpio 11
Moon:15 Taurus 09
Mercury:26 Libra 32 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 58
Mars:16 Aries 20 Rx
Jupiter:21 Capricorn 04
Saturn:26 Capricorn 14
Uranus:08 Taurus 40 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 28 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 05 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 12

Chiron:05 Aries 48 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 09
Pallas:19 Capricorn 53
Juno:13 Scorpio 57
Vesta:03 Virgo 41

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link  

Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

November 1 Southwestern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America

01 November 2020
09:00 am GMT 6:00 AM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:09 Scorpio 24
Moon:17 Taurus 37
Mercury:26 Libra 26 Rx
Venus:05 Libra 13
Mars:16 Aries 18 Rx
Jupiter:21 Capricorn 06
Saturn:26 Capricorn 14
Uranus:08 Taurus 39 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 22 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 41

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 27 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 04 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 14

Chiron:05 Aries 48 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 10
Pallas:19 Capricorn 56
Juno:14 Scorpio 01
Vesta:03 Virgo 46

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4 

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

1 November Southeastern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Antsirabe, Madagascar, South Africa 

01 November 2020
03:00 am GMT 6:00 AM EAT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:09 Scorpio 09
Moon:14 Taurus 39
Mercury:26 Libra 33 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 55
Mars:16 Aries 21 Rx
Jupiter:21 Capricorn 04
Saturn:26 Capricorn 13
Uranus:08 Taurus 40 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 28 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 05 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 12

Chiron:05 Aries 48 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 08
Pallas:19 Capricorn 53
Juno:13 Scorpio 56
Vesta:03 Virgo 40

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com  To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link For Your Local Time and Date

1 November Southern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia  

1 November/October 31, 2020
08:00 pm GMT 6:00 AM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 51
Moon:11 Taurus 12
Mercury:26 Libra 43 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 34
Mars:16 Aries 24 Rx
Jupiter:21 Capricorn 01
Saturn:26 Capricorn 13
Uranus:08 Taurus 41 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 30 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 06 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 10

Chiron:05 Aries 49 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 07
Pallas:19 Capricorn 49
Juno:13 Scorpio 50
Vesta:03 Virgo 34

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

November 1 Moon Goddess’ Current Phase

Today the Moon will be in a Waning Gibbous Phase. This is the first phase after the Full Moon occurs. It lasts roughly 7 days with the Moon’s illumination growing smaller each day until the Moon becomes a Last Quarter Moon with a illumination of 50%. The average Moon rise for this phase is between 9am and Midnight depending on the age of the phase. The moon rises later and later each night setting after sunrise in the morning. During this phase the Moon can also be seen in the early morning daylight hours on the western horizon.

Visit the November 2020 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Waning Gibbous Phase

The Waning Gibbous on November 1 has an illumination of 99%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On November 1 the Moon is 15.54 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

From Moongiant.com

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.

A Samhain Blessing

“Blessed be the ancestors the ones whom life has fled.

Tonight we merry meet again, our own beloved dead.

The wheel of the year turns on, a new year in our sights.

The maiden has become the crone, we celebrate this night.

Author Unknown”

Halloween in Ireland

Terrifying tales and frightening facts from the home of Halloween

Halloween – a time for thrills, chills and scaring ourselves silly. But did you know that everyone’s favourite fright-filled holiday began in Ireland? Trace Halloween right back to its origins and you’ll find yourself in the mists of pagan Ireland over 3,000 years ago – a time when the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East to mark the beginning of winter.

It’s said that at Halloween the boundary between our world and the Otherworld is at its thinnest, allowing spirits and demons to easily pass between the two. So come with us on a strange and spooky journey as we experience Halloween in Ireland.

Halloween in Ireland

October 31 Northwestern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for this Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Los Angeles, California, United States of America 

October 31, 2020
01:00 pm GMT 6:00 AM PDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 34
Moon:07 Taurus 45
Mercury:26 Libra 53 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 13
Mars:16 Aries 27 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 59
Saturn:26 Capricorn 12
Uranus:08 Taurus 41 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 32 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 07 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 08

Chiron:05 Aries 49 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 06
Pallas:19 Capricorn 44
Juno:13 Scorpio 44
Vesta:03 Virgo 27

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link  

Currentplanetarypositions.com 

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

October 31 Northern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America 

October 31, 2020
10:00 am GMT 6:00 AM EDT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 26
Moon:06 Taurus 16
Mercury:26 Libra 57 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 04
Mars:16 Aries 28 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 58
Saturn:26 Capricorn 11
Uranus:08 Taurus 42 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 33 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 07 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 07

Chiron:05 Aries 50 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 05
Pallas:19 Capricorn 43
Juno:13 Scorpio 41
Vesta:03 Virgo 25

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link  

Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date   

31 October Southwestern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America 

31 October 2020
09:00 am GMT 6:00 AM BRT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 24
Moon:05 Taurus 46
Mercury:26 Libra 59 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 01
Mars:16 Aries 29 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 57
Saturn:26 Capricorn 11
Uranus:08 Taurus 42 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 33 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 07 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 07

Chiron:05 Aries 50 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 05
Pallas:19 Capricorn 42
Juno:13 Scorpio 40
Vesta:03 Virgo 24

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

31 October Northeastern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for this Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Frankfurt, Germany, Europe

31 October 2020
04:00 am GMT 6:00 AM CET
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 11
Moon:03 Taurus 18
Mercury:27 Libra 07 Rx
Venus:03 Libra 45
Mars:16 Aries 31 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 56
Saturn:26 Capricorn 10
Uranus:08 Taurus 42 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 24 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 34 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 08 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 06

Chiron:05 Aries 50 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 04
Pallas:19 Capricorn 39
Juno:13 Scorpio 36
Vesta:03 Virgo 19

Eris:23 Aries 52 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link

Currentplanetarypositions.com

To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link

For Your Local Time and Date

31 October Southeastern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Antsirabe, Madagascar, South Africa 

October 31, 2020
03:00 am GMT 6:00 AM EAT
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 09
Moon:02 Taurus 48
Mercury:27 Libra 09 Rx
Venus:03 Libra 42
Mars:16 Aries 31 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 55
Saturn:26 Capricorn 10
Uranus:08 Taurus 42 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 24 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 35 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 08 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 05

Chiron:05 Aries 50 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 04
Pallas:19 Capricorn 38
Juno:13 Scorpio 35
Vesta:03 Virgo 18

Eris:23 Aries 52 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com  To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link For Your Local Time and Date

October 31 Moon Goddess’ Current Phase

Today the Moon will be in a Full Moon phase. During a Full Moon the moon is 100% illuminated as seen from Earth and is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. The Moon will be visible throughout the night sky rising at sunset in the east and setting with the sunrise the next morning. The point at which a Full Moon occurs can be measured down to a fraction of a second. The time it takes between full moons is known as a Synodic month and is 29.530587981 days long. Keep track of all the Full Moons throughout the year on the Full Moon Calendar >

Visit the October 2020 Moon Phases Calendar to see all the daily moon phase for this month.

Waxing Gibbous Phase

The Waxing Gibbous on October 31 has an illumination of 100%. This is the percentage of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The illumination is constantly changing and can vary up to 10% a day. On October 31 the Moon is 14.65 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last New Moon. It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 Moon phases.

From Moongiant.com

You can use this link to go forward or backward in time for Moon phase information. If you are curious you can even find out what phase the Moon was in when you or anyone else, you know was on the date the person was born.

October 31 Southern Hemisphere Custom Planetary Positions

The time for the Custom Planetary Positions is from the local time in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia  

31 October 2020
09:00 am GMT 6:00 AM AEST
Zodiac: Tropical (Standard Western)

Sun:08 Scorpio 24
Moon:05 Taurus 46
Mercury:26 Libra 59 Rx
Venus:04 Libra 01
Mars:16 Aries 29 Rx
Jupiter:20 Capricorn 57
Saturn:26 Capricorn 11
Uranus:08 Taurus 42 Rx
Neptune:18 Pisces 23 Rx
Pluto:22 Capricorn 40

True Lunar Node:20 Gemini 33 Rx
Mean Lunar Node:22 Gemini 07 Rx

Lilith (Black Moon):01 Taurus 07

Chiron:05 Aries 50 Rx
Ceres:29 Aquarius 05
Pallas:19 Capricorn 42
Juno:13 Scorpio 40
Vesta:03 Virgo 24

Eris:23 Aries 51 Rx

Fire:3
Earth:8
Air:5
Water:3
Cardinal:9
Fixed:6
Mutable:4

 

If you need to calculate the planetary positions for a specific use and time, click on this link Currentplanetarypositions.com 

 To figure out GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) to your local time use this link  

For Your Local Time and Date 

Happy and Blessed Beltane to Our Sisters, Brothers, and Guests in the Southern Hemisphere

Beltane – Bealtaine Traditions in Irish Folklore

Beltane is the anglicised version of our Irish word Bealtaine – still in use and meaning ‘the month of May’ in our own language. Bealtaine is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature, and it is associated with important events in Irish mythology.

Irish folklore still holds the legacy of the traditions and customs associated with this ancient festival. Bealtaine and Samhain are the original two turning points for the ‘wheel of the year’ in Ireland. That’s May Eve and Hallowe’en, in case you’re not familiar.

These major Irish Pagan Festivals were pivotal – literally – times of upheaval of change for our ancestors over 8,000 years ago when the Hunter Gatherer societies moved from their Summer to Winter camping grounds at these seasonal turning points, and they still resonate through the landscape and the Irish communities to this day.

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Beltane: (Bealtaine, Valpurgis)

Incense: Lilac, Frankincense
Decorations: Maypole, Flowers, Ribbons
Colours: Green

The Fire Festival of Beltane

This festival is also known as Beltane, the Celtic May Day. It officially begins at moonrise on May Day Eve, and marks the beginning of the third quarter or second half of the ancient Celtic year. It is celebrated as an early pastoral festival accompanying the first turning of the herds out to wild pasture. The rituals were held to promote fertility. The cattle were driven between the Belfires to protect them from ills. Contact with the fire was interpreted as symbolic contact with the sun. In early Celtic times, the druids kindled the Beltane fires with specific incantations. Later the Christian church took over the Beltane observances, a service was held in the church, followed by a procession to the fields or hills, where the priest kindled the fire. The rowan branch is hung over the house fire on May Day to preserve the fire itself from bewitchment (the house fire being symbolic of the luck of the house).

Just click here-To read the rest of this article