Beltane Is the Promise of Better Days to Come

So it's Beltane, one of the sabbats Pagan love the most. It's all about joy, fertility, dance and--gasp!--sex! Situated right between Ostara (Spring Equinox) and Litha (Summer Solstice), the sabbat celebrates new life, abundance, creation, and the birds & the bees. But with a deadly virus raging around the world, it's hard to get in the mood. Celebrating Beltane locked up in your house or alone in your backyard isn't very much fun. And yet, I think there is a powerful positive message here for all of us.

As part of a workshop on grief that I'm offering online tomorrow, I was meditating on what kind of message Beltane could offer. Beltane seems the opposite of grief, after all. But that's the point--even in the depths of grief, we must remember that it is temporary. Yes, it can linger for a long time, and yet, we can also move forward with new life. And new life is what Beltane is all about. New life is symbolized by the colorful maypole bedecked in flowers and ribbons. Beltane shows us that life will carry on--in spite of a virus or any grief we may be experiencing. So if you're grieving for any reason--loss of a job, loss of freedom or routine, loss of a love one--it's ok to feel unimpressed by Beltane this year. Just know that life will carry on. Beltane offers a promise that there can still be a brighter tomorrow. And I know from experience. Blessings to you all!