Keltrian Wheel of theYear Mythology
Beltaine: Feast of Flowering
© Copyright 2000 by Baisteadh -
All rights reserved
The following myth is the first of the Keltrian Myths that combine our chosen deities into a myth that explains the meaning of each feast. I hope to incorporate these works into a book in the future. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. You can contact me through the Henge Office or at baisteadh@cableone.net
The warmth of the late afternoon sun shone upon the meadow. Boann sat by the edge of the river, looking at a white rose bud. The heat and reassurance of the sun had gently coaxed the rose until it was about to open. She thought to herself that by tomorrow morning it would be open. The rose had rested over Samhain. Then the rose had awakened at Imbolc and started to grow again. Now as Beltaine approached this evening, the rose prepared to flower.
She thought about how anxious, nervous and yet excited the rose must be to open itself up completely to the Sun and blossom into fertility. She, herself, had been chosen to be the Queen of the May for tonight’s Beltaine celebration. Only recently she too had reached puberty and the age of fertility. Her womb, which had been preparing for motherhood, was now ready to bear a child.
Boann began to comb her hair as she thought about the upcoming feast and the Gods who would be competing for her favor. She remembered how close she and Anghus Og had become. They had been friends since childhood. He was very smart for his age and knew well how to trick both Gods and Goddesses and people. His youthful exploits had filled many a night of good stories. But he also loved deeply with his heart. He was a loyal friend and true lover for a lucky Goddess.
Boann rested the comb in her lap and sighed gently as she reflected upon Bilé. He tended to the crops and animals. She often caught a glimpse of his muscular form as she passed by him. Only his kind eyes and soft lips outdid Bilé’s good looks. She often thought about what it would feel like to kiss him or to be held by those strong arms. She begun to braid her hair as she imagined his arms about her and those eyes staring into hers so tender and supportive.
Time seemed to stop and Boann was unsure of how much time had passed. She heard a voice from behind her. It was Bilé. He had brought her a bouquet of blooming red and white roses. Boann thanked him for the beautiful flowers. Bilé said, “You are welcome. I hope to see you again soon at the Feast.” Boann’s heart fluttered and she replied “Yes. I should probably get back so I can finish preparing.”
As they walked back to the rest of the tribe, Bilé looked at Boann. How soft her hair and skin were. He wanted to reach out and touch her. A gentle breeze blew past them and pressed her dress to her skin. Bilé gasped quietly at the beauty of her body. How much he longed to be nearer to it.
As they approached Anghus Og came to greet them. He took Boann’s hand and said, “The Feast will begin soon. May I escort you to your dwelling?” “Yes you may. I will see you later Bilé.” She said as she winked at Bilé.
At her dwelling she quickly got dressed in her best dress. She adjusted her hair a bit and headed to the center of the village where the Feast was to take place. The sun had begun to set and the crowds were gathering already.
She took her seat at the head of the booth, which overlooked the gaming field. Already the Gods had begun to line up to compete for her favor. Bilé was not among them. He was at the other end of the field holding the torch that would light the Beltaine Fire and signal that the Feast was to begin. He carefully observed the shadows as they begun to creep along the ground, until the time was upon him.
Suddenly he lifted the flame over his head in the pattern of the rising Sun. It streaked over his head as bright as if it were the Sun. He swiftly lit the Beltaine fire in the pit from the torch.
He walked across the field to join the other Gods in competition for Boann’s favor. His breath was focused, as he was, on winning the competition. He had been preparing for many days for the games. His desire to win drove him on, as did Boann’s smile as he passed by her.
Bilé knew his fiercest opponent would be Anghus Og. Anghus was a clever God who was also very close to Boann. Together Boann and Anghus had led the Spring Equinox festivities. They were close friends and had been for some time.
Bilé took his place and Boann signaled for the games to begin. The games continued late into the night and even through most of the next day. The Gods grew tired, but they kept up the work. Bilé and Anghus both had many victories, with their eyes upon Boann.
At last it was down to Anghus and Bilé. They choose to battle by swords. The sword fight was a carefully planned one. Anghus fought with the stealth and skill of a cat. Bilé fought with the force and direction of a hawk. They were well matched and the fight lasted for a long time. No one knew for how long, as time seemed to stand still as they danced the precise dance of a swordsman.
Suddenly, Bilé felt the strength inside him surge. Anghus tried one of his cunning moves, but Bilé avoided him and used his strength to further propel Anghus out of the designated fighting area. Bilé had won the favor of Boann. She smiled and stood to accept him as her consort for the Feast.
The sun set upon the second day of the Feast, all were happy and the Feasting begun again in full swing. Boann and Bilé exchanged the traditional kiss and settled into the seats at the head of the table. After a long evening full of food, song and story, they left the table to retire.
Boann made her way to the river to relax for awhile while her supper settled in her stomach. She found a quiet spot by the edge of the river with a Hazelnut tree above her. Bilé followed her to the river. He watched as she sat down and unbraided her hair. Her hair fell about her shoulders and the moonlight glistened upon her skin.
He nervously approached her. She noticed him, smiled and patted the ground for him to sit near her. Bilé sat down by her and commented “How lovely you look tonight”. She replied “How skillfully you fought for my favor”. They exchanged a long glance and without thinking they begun to exchange a long, slow, passionate kiss. How long they had waited for the moment. Bilé reached out and caressed Boann. She rubbed his shoulders and arms. They sat for a long time and exchanged many kisses.
Time lost meaning to them as they shared their passion for one another. As time passed, Boann became hungry. Bilé reached up into the hazelnut tree and picked several hazelnuts for her. He feed them to her as he gazed into her eyes. He smiled and felt a rush of happiness at being with her. Boann surrendered to his touch and allowed his hand to grace her lips as she ate the nuts. His touch made her tremble with delight. Suddenly, the sky burst open in a rain shower.
Bilé rested against the hazelnut tree and Boann rested against him. They fell asleep. As they awoke to the morning sun drying the land, Boann gazed at the white rose she had seen just two days ago. It had opened to the Sun and glistened brilliantly in the morning light. Bilé noticed her gaze and picked the rose and gave it to her.
Beltaine is now in full bloom. Celebrate the passion of the season!
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