Wheel of the Year 101: Beltane

If you're wondering about the term, since I tossed it out earlier as well, sympathetic magic is magic that uses the idea that like attracts like. The May Pole could be considered a form of sympathetic magic. You dance around and raise energy, and as you're doing that the wreath at the top of the pole slides down. Doesn't take much imagination to see that this is symbolic of sex. One idea for using sympathetic magic to achieve your goals is to buy a small plant and charge it during ritual with your intent to reach your goal. As you nourish that plant, caring for it and watering it, the magic will encourage you to take the same care with your goals. By the end of the summer when harvest time is near, you'll have a healthy plant and a healthy goal. Simple, yet powerful.

A few obligatory links for more research:

http://www.witchvox.com/holidays/xbeltai... has an extensive list of Beltaine resources on the Witchvox site, including the site I mentioned earlier in the essay.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/72... is the Beltane section of Mike Nichols Wheel of the Year site. Mike's writings are always well-researched and interesting, and I highly recommend checking this page out for more Beltane background info.

Happy Beltane, everyone! Go out and enjoy Nature in all her spring finery on May 1.

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