Beltane
The Symbolic​
Beltaine, the gate to Summer: in the days of our Celtic ancestors (here in Europe), Beltaine marked a time of prayer to the gods of Nature for a good summer season and consequent harvest, and presented yet another great opportunity to gather in community around a Fire, an element that was fully honored around May 1st (often at the nearest full moon). At that time, our ancestors gathered around Beltaine bonfires with music and palpable excitement from the first hot days of the year, jumping over the flames to attract the blessings of the Sun god Belenos, a practice which still exists today in the UK today. Cattle were also passed between the fires so that the smoke would bless them before going to graze on distant pastures. The famous Beltaine May pole was erected in the village squares, people bathed in the fresh morning dew... the celebration was filled with rituals that Sarah will happily share around a Fire at our next gathering.
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While Imbolc, the start of Spring, represents the archetype of the Virgin, and Ostara (the Spring equinox) the Young Bride, Beltaine represents the fully matured sacred Feminine and Masculine in their respective power and their point of union, which is often called the Sacred Union in Druidic and neo-pagan terms. Indeed, it is the time when the seeds have deep roots, are firmly anchored and give all their energy towards the leaves, flowers and fruits to come. By mirror effect, it is the time when we can put energy into our ideas matured over the Winter to manifest and concretise them into projects.
Is your curiosity tickled? Great. Come join us at a future gathering then to find out more...​
Next gathering
The Celebration
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We will celebrate Beltaine at La Ferme de Mamajah on Saturday May 3rd 2025, from 4 pm onwards.
If the weather forecast is rainy, we will celebrate the following Saturday, May 10th (stay up-to-date on the Celtic Celebrations Telegram group or by email at the bottom of the page).
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The Programme
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As announced on the Wheel of the Year celebrations page, the lunar ceremonies are self-organised on the day, using each person's energies, inspirations, and suggestions. The idea is to spend a wonderful time together in community, in communion with Nature around the Fire, to let our art and passions flow, inspired by the symbolism of the season.
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There will, however, be a little musical surprise planned... Three bards are joining forces to sing the hymns of the Celtic, Nordic and wild lands in a brand new group that will share its beginnings around the Fire!
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Then, around dusk, before or after the shared meal depending on the group's energy, Sarah will propose a Celtic ceremony with druidic tones inspired by her ongoing training with the OBOD as well as her readings, experiences and feelings. Everyone is free to participate: we will go to the willow forest a few steps from the Fire to leave the space around the hearth to those who prefer to stay in music. We will talk more in depth about the symbolism of this date, our ancestors' folk traditions, co-create one or more rituals (nothing is ever mandatory) and do a meditation or reading in the theme. All proposals for co-creating rituals are welcome as long as they are in the theme, in the atmosphere and agreed upon by the group. All forms of spirituality or non-spirituality are also welcome and strongly encouraged, as well as sharing on everyone's feelings related to the season.
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We will then continue with more music and poetry and pack things up by 10 pm so that the last ones can quietly enjoy the rest of the night around our sacred Fire...
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The Preparation
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Appropriate clothing: Summer still seems a bit far away and Sspring nights are still chilly, especially when we're outdoors. Bring something to keep you warm and dry (depending on the weather). Don't hesitate to dress up in your best seasonal attire (red, bright colors, full feminine or masculine power...)!
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Food: bring a meal and your dishes (if you want to eat and drink). Glasses, mugs, forks, knives, plates, spoons... to take and wash at home after the celebration (the kitchen on site is currently inaccessible to the public). We'll share a big meal together with all the wonders we'll bring. Remember to also bring your drinks, noting that alcohol is tolerated in reasonable quantities allowing us to stay connected to the same vibration (we call this sacred ivresse).
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Musical instruments: there are a few on site, though feel free to bring your own for even more variety! (Note that djembes and other noisy instruments must stop for neighbours after 10 pm.).
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Decorations for the altar: bring your own in the theme of Beltaine (see the symbolism above) of Fire, love for Summer, the sacred feminine and/or masculine... anything that can help you strengthen your connection to this special date (obviously, you will take it back home!).
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Let your imagination and inspiration shine: ideas for a ritual? Things to suggest? Bring something you'll enjoy that could add value to this celebration, for you and/or for others..
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Bookings
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No pressure, come as you please, though it would be great if you could let us know whether you'll be attending so we can best prepare to welcome everyone ;) (either via the Telegram group or the contact form at the bottom of the page).
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Contributions
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We do our best to ensure fairness in the quality of what is offered and received to thank our host, the participating artists, and the production, as well as to offset fixed costs (such as wood, thanks to the forests) while remaining accessible to all. A more detailed explanation of the impact of your donations will be provided on site.
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The ideal would be an average contribution of CHF 25.- per adult (children are welcome free of charge).
A minimum contribution of CHF 15.- is requested to cover venue costs, or an exchange of services or materials in return may be arranged (contact Sarah privately via the Telegram group).
Since some people won't be able to donate more than the minimum contribution, if you're able to donate more than CHF 25.- to ensure we can cover our costs, properly thank the venue and the artists collaborating on the project, and keep the project going, that would be wonderful.
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Our Host
La Ferme de Mamajah, Chem. des Blanchards 20, 1233 Bernex (Geneva)
We are fortunate to be hosted by La Ferme de Mamajah, our partner for these Celtic celebrations since Imbolc 2022. It is important that we honor the values ​​advocated by this wonderful project, both in its agroecological and eco-pedagogical dimensions. It is no coincidence that the Avalonia celebrations take place there... it is much more than a simple venue! Mamajah is also a project, a vision of the future, a commitment to the Earth and its inhabitants, a practice, and so many other things you can discover on their website.
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It is also important to honor the concept of regeneration in all its forms, including leaving the venue in an even more beautiful state than we found it. In order to continue offering prices that are accessible to all, we need volunteers to ensure that this venue remains spotless after our visit. Those unable to contribute within the suggested range can, for example, help this way!
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Sustainable mobility is strongly encouraged. There are designated spaces to secure your bicycles, and bus 43 stops at Loëx Hospital is a five-minute walk away. Parking spaces are extremely limited and reserved for artists and active contributors to the celebration. Please contact us via Telegram if you need a parking space (priority is given to full cars) or to suggest a ride.
Finally, it is important for the residents of Loëx, our neighbours which include the hospital, to avoid loud sounds after 10 pm. We will respect this schedule to respect our host and the neighbourhood (human or otherwise).
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Shared Responsibility
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This celebration is about mindfullness, which means that substances likely to significantly alter our consciousness are strictly banned, and that any harmful behavior will be excluded. Alcohol is tolerated within moderate and reasonable limits, whilst tobacco or other legal substances will be consumed far away from the Fire and the celebration site so as not to impact the participants. Everyone is given the right to call out individuals with such behavior deemed disruptive to the smooth running of their own experience. The Fire being considered sacred and ceremonial, no cigarettes nor other substances will be thrown into it.
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The joyful running of these gatherings depends entirely on the volunteer involvement of the participants. We will need help with setup, running, and packing up, and we are counting on our great community spirit to make it all run smoothly. THANK YOU to the dozens of volunteers who have made this project possible so far!
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Thank you for your understanding and to everyone for helping us to enforce these boundaries so that everyone can have a magical experience.
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Looking forward to gathering...​
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