Join us to celebrate BELTANE 2018.. with ceremony & Maypole Dance. We’ll drum, dance and choose a May King & May Queen. And feast and frolic! (sensibly!)
You will not want to miss this.. ! This year it’s bound to be more festive, more frolics.. and more magic!!
** Fee: £3 per person **
About Beltane:
`The veil between the world of men and fairy (or spirit) is said to thin twice a year, at Beltane and at Samhain, which are on opposite points of the year wheel. At Beltane (May eve) the land is at it’s most lush and green, and fertile. If Spring Equinox is the time of fertility and mating in the animal kingdom, then Beltane is one of courting couples making commitment to one another- and Handfastings! In the God-Goddess myths, this is when the playful God is said to commit to the Goddess – which is symbolised by the Sacred Marriage! The Maypole dance that is traditional at this time symbolises the fertile powers of the masculine, penetrating the land, and the ribbons danced and woven around it lock that power! A ring of flower at the tip of the Maypole signifies the feminine. Magical working with the Fay (Fairies) is an important feature at this time, in contrast to the magical work with the departed spirits at Samhain, the opposite point’ (taken from http://www.WitchcraftandMagic.uk )
RITUAL :
Out ritual *Team will conduct key aspects of the ceremony, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved in the actual ritual – ie with elements calling, chants, magical work and so on.
****Fee: £3 per person***
RITUAL items to bring:
– Ritual cloths/ robes/ cloaks / ground sheets / blankets
– Staff / wands / antlers / tribal masks / flower crowns (No athame!! .. No swords!)
– Drums & musical instruments
– Lanterns / candles / lighter (all candles in lanterns only please, unless it’s large pillar-candles. Strictly No tea-lights on ground or trees!!)
– Crystals / runes / divination tools
– Poetry / invocations (learnt or to read)
Handfasting / confirming Pagan marriage vows:
In the past, couples have asked organiser about this. Handfasting is a big event in itself, and we do not wish it to be included in a public ceremony as a `side-event’. However, after Blessings of Cakes & Wine (and while still within our magical circle/ sacred space), we may consider couples who are already bonded, to declare their vows / re-affirm their vows by our altar.
**(please message Mani- Wiccan High Priest- in private in advance to arrange this – or simply to arrange your own separate day for handfasting!)**
Adult themes :
As this is a fertility festival, there is bound to be jokes, flirtatious behaviour, adult humour throughout the event.. You are asked to be open minded about these. However do note that we expect all to show respect to one another. Any unwanted advances/ harassment will not be tolerated. Check our policy on these matters. (link below)
No Children:
We ask no children / babies in prams etc to be brought. This is strictly for ages 18+ only.
Behaviour / alcohol/ drugs policy
This is in a public woodland/ park. please BE on good behaviour. No drugs/ substances allowed.
Photos/ privacy:
Please do not take photos during set-up, run-through or ritual.. After ritual, with permission, you may take photos – for private use. If worries about your privacy / identity, please wear a ritual mask to safeguard your identity in photos. Check our policy (link below).
Woodland Witches Media Project:
We are starting to create our own features & documentaries about Paganism, wicca, ritual magic & related communities. This is a `not-for-profit’ project with strict educational purpose. We will film the ritual team during certain sections, and with permission, interview & film some of the willing attendees before & after event. *Unauthorised people are NOT permitted to film or record* (see below for link to our policies).
Meeting place (Woodman’s Pub):
Gather in the Woodman’s Pub from 2.00pm.. Get to `High Gate’ Tube station.. come up to main road. Turn right. Pub is just 30 seconds away.
-Mani Navasothy
Esoteric Author/ Teacher/ Wiccan High Priest
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Our policies (About us, Eco-statement, Safety, Media & filming) :
https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/about/).
Books by Mani Navasothy
QuantumPhoenix 