Beltane takes place on April 30th. In the agricultural cycle, this marks the point between the worries of planting and the beginnings of the harvest. In short, it is a time to celebrate; to enjoy the bounty of the earth and leave worries for another day. It is also a celebration of fertility, and as such, there is a strong sexual element to many Beltane rites. I've chosen not to focus on this aspect here, but rather on fertility and the renewal of life. I've also included some simple candle magic to symbolically tie in the notion of reincarnation.

Supplies: One candle for each of the quarters, a red taper for the candle ritual, and one small slip of paper for each of the participants, fortune cookie-sized, or thereabout. You'll also need a small cauldron, or something suitably fireproof.

Blessing: According to group custom

Casting the circle:

All should stand, facing each direction in turn.

Covener: (I'm a great fan of passing these around, but one person can certainly do them if you'd rather.) As each is read, the candle for the corresponding quarter may be lit.

Spirits of the east, spirits of air
Open our minds to the promise of summer
Fill our lungs, carry our thoughts
Help us to understand our place in the great circle
Even as we offer to you a place in our circle here

Spirits of the south, spirits of fire
Inspire us to seek out our own rebirth
Warm our blood, excite us to action
Help us to experience the passion of living
As we invite you here to remind us of your place in our lives

Spirits of the west, spirits of water
Guide our roots to the source of life
Nurture our compassion, bathe our wounds
Help us to heal the world by our love
As we ask you here to share in the healing of our hearts

Spirits of the north, spirits of earth
Keep us safe in the arms of our Mother
Be firm in our youth, and gentle in our aging
Help us to find the wisdom in nature
As we welcome you here to guide our steps on the path of the wise

Candles for God and Goddess may now be lit as each is invoked

Covener:

Goddess of the flowering earth
With you we feel the blooming within us
As the world once more is wrapped in warmth and light
We thank you for new birth
For a world awash in fertility and creation
Come into our circle, as we celebrate you
And greet you in all that lives.

God of the summer sun
With you we feel the light within us
As the world once more explodes with life
We thank you for your passion
For the glory of the lengthening day
Come into our circle, as we celebrate you
And greet you in all that lives.

Covener:

The circle is cast, the ritual begun
May the power of the Ancient One
Source of all creation
May the powers of the Goddess, bright Lady of the moon
And the God, horned hunter of the sun
May the powers of the Guardian Spirits
Rulers of the elemental realms
May the powers of the stars above and the Earth below
Bless this time, this place, and all who gather here.

Beltane is a time of creation, and rebirth. It is a fine time to get rid of baggage that you know is unhealthy in your life. That is the point of the candle ritual. Each person present is given a small slip of paper, and something to write with. What goes on the slip is whatever you know you can (and should) do without. Use one thing if there's an obvious one. Write a couple if you can't decide.

The celebrant should then proceed around the circle (counter-clockwise is best). Each person should light her or his paper in the flame of a red candle while saying, "That was then. This is now." Drop the lit slips into the cauldron to burn out. Each person should imagine life beginning anew from that moment, without the undesired aspects. Picture them evaporating, and picture yourself stronger without them.

Celebrant:

Goddess of re-creation
You who accept us as we are
We offer you our vision and our goal
Be with us in our struggles
As you are with us in our joy
Share in the strength that we draw from each other
And be near us when we are apart

All:

Blessed be!

The Simple Feast: Whatever you're used to. Eat, drink, be merry.

Enjoy your time together. This too is sacred. When you're ready, the opening of the circle can proceed according to custom.