Beltane at Twin Oaks

The organizers made a deal with the forces which control the weather.  “If you dont really need it to rain, it would be great if you could hold off until after the celebration”. With this deal struck, the rain remained at bay until after the circle was open.

assemble in the courtyard

assemble in the courtyard

Willow and Hawina before the ritual begins

Willow and Hawina before the ritual begins

Acorners are part of the event

Acorners are part of the event

The procession begins

The procession begins

Dawn is the water elemental

Dawn is the water elemental

Cloud and Sapphyre smudge

Cloud and Sapphyre smudge

Kassia and fiddle

Kassia and fiddle

The circle assembles beside the may poll

The circle assembles beside the may poll

Inter-generational participants

Inter-generational participants

Hawina is a bird

Hawina welcomes air

Claire brings us fire

Claire brings us fire

Purl tends fire

Purl tends fire

Dance of the God and Goddess

Dance of the God and Goddess

May poll dancers

May poll dancers

i give willow back his wreath mid dance

i give willow back his wreath mid dance

River streaking

classic may day attire

Sapphyre and Gwen dance

Sapphyre and Gwen dance

Willow and Gwen hold ribbons

Willow and Gwen hold ribbons

One of the things which is significant to me personally is that my son chooses to come to these rituals.  Last year he played the role of the element of fire during the callings.  When i was a kid, there was nothing about the spiritual or religious experience of my parents that i would choose to do.

Shal and i help Gwen up the poll

Shal and i help Gwen up the poll

Gwen climbs alone

Gwen climbs alone

Part of what gives people confidence to try climbing the poll, is even if you dont make it the crowd cheers for you.  It is not about success, it is about being willing to take a chance and try.

including my son

including my son