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Events : Mayday (Beltane) 2009
10am Friday 1st May 2009 we gathered at Stonehenge for the celebration of ‘Bright Fire’, the first day of summer and union of male and female energies that gift our sacred land with fertility strength and well being. This wasn’t open access and we have restrictions imposed, so our ceremony includes the traditional elements of flowers and drums, the activation of the Maypole and then the blessing back to the land.
We were joined this year by the amazing Pentacle Drummers.
We would like to thank Peter Carson from EH for granting us access, and we would like to thank all those who took part in the ‘Mayday project’, Mark, who’s belief in this project made it happen this year by reminding us that the preservation and renewal of this ancient celebration of the seasons is spiritually and culturally important to the people of this land.
The celebration started off with cloudy skies but as our celebration progressed the clouds parted and by the time we left the circle we were bathed in glorious sunshine.
Our procession was led by our ‘May queen / May faerie’ Jaz, who carried our Maypole through the tunnel that leads to Stonehenge from the visitor centre to the rumble of drums and the announcement of our approach by shouts of ‘AO’ and blasts from a horn.
We circled Stonehenge once clockwise in procession and made circle to the West so as to include members of the Public in our rites.
Frank explained Mayday and what we were doing there, and the celebration was begun by 10 minutes of thunderous Anglo-Celtic drumming and shimmering dance.
Next we opened the circle magically by calling to us the elements, ancestors and lords of light, and the Maypole was processed by the ladies only around Stonehenge, stopping at each quarter to ask the blessing of the land to our Maypole, upon return of which the Maypole was placed in centre position and May-queen helped the Druids to send the energy from the Maypole back out to our land of Albion.
We asked the spirit of of Mother land to defend her people from the new Flu that is frightening the world, and as ever to bless her people.
Jaz read a beautiful poem from her Grandmother (see below), Jim the Druid performed several powerful songs for spring,
Kelly read a poem in honour of her Grandmother who died this week, and John the Harpist was challenged to perform a ‘Master Piece’ on his harp, after which all agreed that he is a master harper and we initiated him as John the Bard.
John looked wonderful in the ancient robes of green signifying his bardic craft, and he in his wise and gentle ways and service of music, is a very welcome addition to Aes Dana and the Stonehenge Druids Clan.
There is no more favourable a day to celebrate ones love than on the day we celebrate the love between god and goddess.
Claire and Jason, a lovely couple, well matched to each other were hand fasted beneath the Maypole.
100 roses were given to the public who had joined our circle as we completed our celebrations with another thunderous performance from the drums and totally wild dancing from Kelly.
Happy Beltane !!!
As I sat forlorn, a faerie sat beside me
She whispered into my ear;
Be of good cheer,
You are not alone, all is well
Be of good heart,
The day is dawning when all will be aware to the glory of good and to spring
This is a time of change, don’t dispair
Hold yourself proud and walk tall, as the Goddess watches over you
Be steadfast on your pathway,
of the light there is nothing to fear
You are a chosen one,
Spread the word and awaken those who are sleeping
Be of good cheer
