"In Irish mythology the beginning of summer and the bright half of the year started with the Fire Festival at Bealtaine. Great bonfires would mark a time of purification and transition, heralding in the season in the hope of a good harvest later in the year, and were accompanied with rituals to protect the people from any harm by otherworldly spirits.
At Bealtaine the veil between this world and the Otherworld is said to be at its thinnest. Both worlds intermingle and when they unite magic abounds. This is a night when witches, fairies and ghosts wander freely. The Fairies or the Sidhe move from their Winter homes to their Summer abodes carefree, full of fairy mischief and fairy delight.
As the story goes, on the eve of Bealtaine the May Queen arises from her Winter's sleep. The May Queen is Flora, goddess of the flowers, Princess of the Fae. She must marry the May King to ensure the close of Winter, sending the Queen of Winter away for another 6 months. This ensures that the earth can be abundant once more. As the summer rolls on the May Queen gives forth her bounty, moving into the Mother phase. The earth blossoms and blooms with crops and flowers and trees."
Bealtaine is 8.5” x 6 “ (22 x 15 cm) in size. It is painted on heavy Fabriano Artistico. It is ready to frame in a standard 10" x 8" frame.
The above story is included with Bealtaine and both will be packaged carefully to ensure that they arrive safely to you.
All images are copyright © Eimear Brennan
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