Blessed Beltane
Today, on May Day, or Beltane as it is known in the old Celtic tradition, we celebrate the end of winter and the coming of summer.
Traditionally, it is celebrated by lighting fires and celebrating the fertility of the fields, the home and the hearth.
In the old days, people started the celebration onĀ Beltane eve.
Right in the spirit of the old ways, I went for a trip with with my good friend Gayle yesterday.
We visited a local ancient site.
Less than 10 miles from my home, Copt Hill, or Seven Sisters, looms above the countryside. An ancient burial ground dating back to the mesolithic period, the place is full of wonder and vibrant energies.
As soon as you enter the field, you cannot but notice the potent energies that this place commands.
It's like walking straight into the ancient days. When standing on top of the mound, you can see the local countryside for miles, almost all the way to Sunderland.
And if you let your imagination wander, and clear your mind to channel all these energies, you can almost see a chink in the veil. When I was standing there in the center of the energy vortex, I could almost see the old days.
It was almost like a time slip. You can sense that the other dimensions are not far away in this spot. The veil is thin here. I can sense that there is an important reason why the ancient people built a burial mount in this exact place.
Mother Earth seems very, very close here.
When we did a spot of dowsing, the dowsing rods confirmed what we could already feel. There is a powerful energy field around the mound. It is almost like walking into a solid wall of energy.
And in the very centre of the mound, the dowsing rods started to spin like a windmill, showing clearly that the energy is circling like a vortex.
The local people have used this sacred spot for worship for millennia. And it was beautiful to see that this tradition continues to this day.
We found flower offerings left at the bases of the trees. They were clWeearly placed north, east, south and west. Somebody had been here before us and calling the quarters. It made my heart sing that others are still in tune with Mother Earth like myself.
After exploring this wonderful site, we went for a walk through the neighbouring countryside. There is a beautiful dene that is almost as magical as the hill itself.
And even though rather muddy, steep, and difficult to navigate at points, we had a blast and enjoyed ourselves exploring this little gem.
It just shows that you don't have to go far to find adventure and wonder. Sometimes it is hiding in plain side right in your own neighborhood.
We finished our little adventure happy that we had finally gone to investigate this place after talking about it for quite some time.
Back home in Seaham, I rounded off the day with some good old fish and chips by the seaside. I hadn't eaten this in quite a long time and it tasted absolutely delicious. And Frunza thought so too!
By the end, we were both knackerd but happy. A cheeky wee cider later, watching my favourite film Rocknrolla in bed, with the pup passed out peacefully next to me, I looked forward to today.
Today, on Beltane, there will be more shenanigans, this time in my local dene. There will be some simple celebration and tonight, I will light the Beltane fire in my yard.
Leaving behind the dark times of winter, I will jump the Beltane fire into the new lighter season of summer.
For me that is quite literal and metaphorical. The dark times are over. Even though I remember daily and I remember fondly and with deep sadness in my heart, I have now reached the turning point where the only way is forward.
So here I am welcoming my bright, happy future with open arms.
I will keep you updated on how my continued Beltane celebrations go.
So love, peace, and good fortune to all of you my friends. May the new season bless you with abundance, joy and happiness.
Blessed be.
š¼ In the coming days. I will write a piece about Copt Hill and the Seven Sisters. It will be the official start of a new series of articles for my travel blog that will be all about adventures in your local area. Stay tuned. š¼