Celebrating the Wheel of the Year
Modern Pagans often honour what they know of the old Celtic "8-fold Wheel of the Year", the festivals marking the turning of the seasons and the changes in Nature.
The Kith of the Earthen Star enjoy celebrating the turning year with their fellow Pagans near and far, in person or virtually, in solemnity and in jollity! Here are just a few of the many celebrations we have taken part in since the Kith's inception more than 20 years ago.
Beltane
The old Celtic festival of Beltane celebrates the joys of Spring, light and love, traditionally on May 1st. There are many Beltane festivals, large and small, public and private, throughout the modern Pagan community. But two big festivals are held in North Yorkshire each year on the Bank Holiday weekend closest to Beltane.
The ancient sacred site of Thornborough Henge ("the Stonehenge of the North") and the beautiful Sentry Circle, 19 miles away, welcome campers and day-trippers for weekend festivities which include music, maypoles, merriment, mead, market stalls, and more!
The Kith has contributed to the Beltane atmosphere at these festivals, with The Sacred Brigantia Players providing poetic, colourful and hilarious interpretations of ancient British myths and legends in a special series of Beltane Mystery Plays.
Theatrical, musical and spiritual and social activities can be guaranteed every Beltane, including hand-fastings if requested. People are also welcome to set up stalls to sell their wares.
For latest information about Thornborough's and Sentry's events (Beltane or other festivals), please see their websites and Facebook pages:
www.celebratebeltane.co.uk (for Thornborough Henge)
Or search on Facebook: Beltane at Thornborough
and : Beltane at Sentry
Here are some pictures of past Beltane merry mayhem!
Calling the Element of WaterIn the Opening Ceremony, the four Elements of Air, Fire, Water and Earth are invited to the Circle.
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Melwas TiswasThe Sacred Brigantia Myster Play performed at the 2012 Beltane Festival. The Music Group!
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