A Pagan Paths Beltane Gathering

A small gathering of friends with a shared common bond, to celebrate the time of Beltane and to explore working, playing and relaxing together in community. Everyone participated and contributed to the event. A programme of events was put together and included; shamanic drum circles, storytelling, djembe rhythms, fire circles, meditations, beltane celebration, maypole dancing, childrens activities - make the Green Man, poi, music and singing, chainsaw carving demo, medieval dancing, communal feasting, healing and therapies, nature exploration walk.

Thanks Harry for retelling the weekend in such an eloquent way .........

Beltane

Dawn awakens the stirring inside
For today is Beltane camp, the prize
Where Pagans meet to celebrate
The coming of summer, 1st May the date

Greetings all around, the gathering found me
Welcome with Peace and Blessed Be
Hugs and kisses given to all around
Upon what will be Sacred Ground

We gather around the circle to start
A ritual ancient to impart
Calling the quarters, North, South, East and West
Hail and Welcome, Spirits to rest

Upon the heads of those who ask
At West Curry - Shippens' land at last
May Queen and King already chosen
The High Priestess invokes the ceremony, open

Long flowing gowns, colourful and bright
Headress horned, erect, upright
Jewels bright and gleaming clear
On the close friends we hold so dear

With womb and phallus clearly seen
To God and Goddess we bow serene
Sex is in the air, all around
Fertilising the universe from stars to ground

Bel fire burning Oh! so bright
To jump and bring our wishes light
That it may grow within the fire
It is our first and utmost desire

Now may the fruits of asking be met
By a humble person on knees and yet
I stand proud to God and Goddess
Follower of their rightousness

We close the circle, giving they come
The Spirits of the compass as of one
To join us in our earthly rite
To beckon and commune it is our right

With joy and with sorrow
We bade our farewell
To the spirits of long past
That suit us so well

We make our way over at Maypole to dance
Is there a aprtner for me perchance
That male and female can come together
Holding on to ribbon tether

At end of day around the camp fire
Mixed feelings of merriment, fun and laughter
Singing and talking, at peace with the world
How else could this special day be told

Harry Perkin 1st May 2009