MORE ABOUT Celtic Seasons
Beltane
Beltane (corruption of the Gaelic ‘Beltaine/Bealtaine’)- An ancient fire festival marking the beginning of summer- May Day- Bel- meaning ‘bright’ and -taine meaning ‘light’- after Belenus, the God of protection of livestock. On Beltane, bonfires are lit on hills all over Ireland, to commemorate summer. It is a festive time of play, fun mischief, consummation of love, raw nature, sexuality, and the celebration of the abundance of nature. Represents our earthly origins. Represented by the constellation Cygnus (the Swan).
Summer Solstice
Summer Solstice- Midsummer’s Eve- June 21st- The longest day of the year. Represents our growth and ascension. Represented by the constellation Centaurus (the Centaur)
Lughnasadh
Lughnasadh- Harvest time- August 1st- Symbolizes the fruits of our labor and manifesting on the Earth. Named after Lugh of the Tuatha de Danann of ancient Irish mythology. Represented by the Pleiades star system (the seven sisters).
Fall Equinox
Fall Equinox- Mid-point of Fall-September 21st- balance of day and night. Balancing of the masculine and the feminine. Distinguishes our true nature, the rhyme and reason of our existence. Represented by the star Arcturu
Samhain
Samhain- Celtic New Year- November 1- End of the Harvest- Feasting- Veneration of the Dead. Time when the veil is thin to the spirit realm. Beginning of winter (the darker half of the year). Celebrating the light within us all. Represented by the constellation Corvus (black bird).
Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice- Mid-Winter- The shortest day of the year- The day the light begins to return to Earth. The time that light shines into the womb space at Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland, signifying the return to light. A day signifying what we love and what we feel passion about. Represented by the star Antares.
Imbolc
Imbolc- The Beginning of Spring- February 1st.-Imbolc means ‘in the belly’, the pregnant ewes ready to give birth to their lambs. St. Brigid’s day. Defined by new life and the end of winter. Time of Healing. Represented by the constellation Orion, the healer (not the hunter).
Ostara
Ostara- Spring Equinox- Mid-point of Spring- March 21st- balance of day and night- balance of masculine and feminine-symbolizes our cosmic origins. Represented by the Sirius star system (Sirius A, B, and C)..
