MAPS & TOOLS BEGIN ANEW - Longmont
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B E L T A N
B E G I N A N E W
MAPS & TOOLS
E
CONTENT
BOX CONTENTS | BELTAN
BELTANE | CHRONICLE, CELEBRATION
& ALTA
BUILDING A FAIRY HOM
RECIPE | FRESH FLOWER SALA
CAST YOUR CIRCL
BELTAN
QUESTION & AFFIRMATION
FIRESTARTING RITUA
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DBOX CONTENTS | BELTAN
BELTANE BATH SOAK with CARNELIAN STON
Soak and emerge with a fresh readiness for the days ahead. This cotton satchel
contains dried ower petals of rose, chrysanthemum, calendula, and corn ower.
Combined with Himalayan salt, and a gorgeous carnelian stone charged under
the full moon, it is your luxury blend for the perfect Beltane bath soak. Relax and
prepare the body by adding the contents to warm bathwater. Remove the stone
from the bath before draining and place it upon your altar
CATALYST GOAT’S MILK SOA
We can provoke change and continue to support our vital energies. The key is to
be anchored and focused. This is accomplished not through force, but instead
through a type of surrender. We become like the center of a wheel, very still and
aware, as all else spins around us. With this in mind, key notes in Catalyst goat’s
milk soap are geranium, cedar, and grapefruit. Utilize their properties to spark
delight and a focused energy as you wash and prepare your body for Beltane’s
blissful celebrations
FIRESTARTER BUNDLE —SAP WOOD, YELLOW ROSES,
BARK & BRANCHE
Locally sourced, Colorado bark and branches from pine and aspen trees, are
gathered together with a sap wood which ignites quickly with ease. Yellow roses,
a long-lived symbol of jubilation and the hue of an undying ame, adorn your
bundle to represent the tradition of gathering yellow owers for Beltane, while
contributing to your bundle’s protective nature. Every item may be lit together to
quickly set a Beltane re ablaze, no need to unbundle. Likewise, it can also be
used for the restarting ritual outlined in the following pages
BRASS BEL
Morris Dancing likely began in the 1400’s in the courts of kings where thousands
of bells strung on ribbons were spiraled around legs, strung across shoulders, and
looped over the hands of dancers dressed in lace, ribbons, owers, and colorful
jewels as they ushered in warmer days to come. Ring your brass bell with
abandon at the height of your celebration and feel a connection to revelers from
centuries before.
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flBEGIN ANEW | BELTANE SOY CANDL
Illuminate the night, honor the sacred, amplify rituals, enhance self care,
or light your candle just because you want to! You might like to recite
af rmations, write intentions, or meditate after lighting. Or maybe you just
want to sit, watch the ame, and enjoy its warmth and scent. When lit, your
candle creates a soy wax pool just three degrees above body temperature which
can be massaged into the skin to soothe and moisturize. Made with GMM-free
soy wax, it is a pure source of Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants which
essentially become skin food when used in this manner, so go ahead and dip into
that goodness and smooth it onto your skin! The bright blaze of a coming
summer season is enhanced by this candle’s key note of lemongrass
FAIRY ART CAR
The fairy is an important symbol to Magic Fairy Candles. Founder and
proprietress, Kim Sorden, placed a tiny pewter fairy charm strung on loops of
ribbon atop the rst candles she created for sale decades ago. According to
ancient lore, fairies are both helpers and tricksters. They are the wee folk who
dance among small ower buds and moss, befriending honeybees and snails.
They provide assistance to those with a reverence for the natural world, and trip
up those who dare try to destroy any aspect of ora or fauna. There’s no doubt
that we need more fairies today! Place your fairy art card where you can
contemplate and foster each day a new playfulness, sense of wonder, and awe
for the magical dazzling things of our natural world
INCENS
Warding off insects, honoring the sacred with pleasing aromas, cleansing or
blessing one another or a space—these and numerous other reasons for burning
incense have been practiced fo centuries. Herein you have been given a
selection of incense tested by time and the human heart. Utilize their aromas
and purifying natures to enhance rituals, or make the hours of any given day
more sacred
RITUA
Simple and straightforward ritual af rmations are provided for casting your
circle and performing rituals. Some contain questions which you can ask
yourself as a means of opening the heart to explore fresh awareness. Others
introduce activities for ritual celebration or meditation. Over time, you may
develop or add your own words and rites to personalize this practice. In fact,
the more you can add from your own experience, the more powerful the ritual
becomes
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.BELTAN
To remember to love
what we love and why
we love is at the very
center of a life’s
exuberant spirit
We are meant to be
animated, passionate,
and deeply kind.
With each ful lling
new joy we get to say
yes once more
A CHRONICL
Beltane’s celebration begins at moonrise on May Day Eve, or April 30th, with
main events occurring all day on May 1st. It is a cross-quarter holiday in the
Wheel of the Year, marking the halfway point between the Spring Equinox
and the Summer Solstice
Historically, Beltane marked the time of year when cattle were released from
winter quarters and herded out to pasture for the summer. The medieval
Ireland text, Cormac’s Glossary, records one of the rst written references to
the practice of building two large Beltane res, between which cattle were
herded. Some forced herds to leap over the ames. This was a protection
ritual which served a practical purpose, as the heat and smoke helped rid the
animals of eas and other pests
Likewise, villagers carried torches from the bon res throughout and around
their homes in protective ritual, smoking out pests and stagnant air. They
placed yellow owers in the home and draped garlands of yellow owers over
livestock. A May Bush, or May Bough was of Hawthorn or Rowan, decorated
with spring owers and ribbons and paraded through the village. Later this
evolved into the practice of dancing around a Maypole weaving ribbons under
a high bouquet while wearing crowns of braided owers
Illustration from La Bretagne, by Penguilly L’Haridon, Paris, 1859
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flA CELEBRATIO
After your re the last evening of April, Beltane’s daytime celebrations on
May 1st (May Day) are all about the Earth’s burgeoning life. It’s no
coincidence that many unions occur at this time of year. In the past, those with
little means for having a huge wedding simply jumped over a broomstick
while holding hands. Handfasting, the symbolic tying of a couple’s hands
together with ribbon and ower garlands, is a beautifully simple ritual of
commitment often held at Beltane too
Now’s the time for renewal of unifying commitments in love, life, and work.
The gathering together of community around a Maypole to dance and ring
bells while weaving colorful ribbons, symbolizes the continuity of supporting
one another through the year with the elation of summer on its way
Flowers have been the exuberant heart of Beltane celebrations for centuries.
Crowns made of linked blossoms, salads with fresh blooms, ower chains to
wear or use in decoration, fairy homes constructed in the garden and
decorated with buds and blooms, sugared owers to top sweet baked goods—
these are all beautiful places to start
THE BELTANE ALTA
An altar is an intimate expression of your experience with this celebration.
There are no rules, only suggestions based on those who have come before us
• A cloth of lush green contrasted with ery yellow and gold
• Items to represent all the elements—earth, air, re, water. Some soil, a
feather, your candle, & a small bowl of water are simple selections
• Flower bouquets or garlands. Hawthorn or Rowan branches
• Beltane symbols—bees & honey, fairies, seeds, dandelions, antlers
• Symbols of union or unity—circles, rings, goblets and wands
• Fresh primrose, honeysuckle, lilacs, marigolds, ferns, & budding branches
• Stones of carnelian, citrine, emerald, clamshell jasper, olivine (peridot)
• Personal spiritual items such as deities, amulets, talismans, or images
• Something to represent both the feminine & masculine
Above all, make it a delight to gather items and create your altar
Simple is lovely. As is over-the-top elaborate. Let it be who you are.
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:BUILDING A FAIRY HOM
There is nothing quite so magical as a tiny home for tiny beings. Making a fairy
home is a delightful journey, connecting us to the natural world in ways which
create exceptional awareness. We soon see each small thing with fresh eyes. If
there is a small child in your life, this is an enchanting activity to do together
GATHE
Twigs, dried vines, fallen bark or
leaves, ower pods, pussy willows,
dried gourds, acorns and caps, sweet
gum balls, thorns, dried grasses, moss
and owers, shells, stones, pine cones,
abandoned snail shells, fallen bird
feathers, or corn husks, just to start
Please only gather natural items which
have completed their life cycle. You
may of course include new plantings
in your creation
CONSTRUC
As you choose a place to begin, shrink yourself down to fairy size by getting
your face close to the ground to view the world. If you don’t have a garden, you
can build in a park, along a trail, or in the woods. Construct a little home with
twigs, stones, a hollow log, an old clay pot, a broken basket, or old metal bucket.
Imagine a door and windows, little window sills, a mossy roof, tiny benches,
tables, a wee little garden, adding details using what you’ve gathered. Soon
you’ll nd your imagination going off on its own
DECORAT
Gardening twine is useful for making fences, gates, or furniture, by joining small
twigs and vines. Shells and tiny tin cans make wishing wells or little fairy ponds.
Try binding stacked stones with a mixture of soil and water. Tuck in some dried
moss. Use items for construction which will break down outdoors naturally
LET TIME UNFOL
Magic happens as you create and engage your imagination. Your eye will spot
more and more tiny things in the world. Add little plantings or seeds in different
seasons. Sprinkle some bird seed and see if you attract visitors. If your little fairy
home falls down, let it be an invitation to observe change. Then perhaps later,
begin anew.
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.RECIPE | FRESH FLOWER SALA
Salads become a welcoming delight in warming weather. But think with the
luscious in mind… owers! So many blooms and petals are completely edible
and make any salad a gourmet experience. Most have a slightly peppery avor.
If you lack a garden, check with friends or shop the herb section at the grocery.
Some carry fresh edible blooms
EDIBLE BLOOMS & PETAL
Calendula, carnations, chrysanthemums, clover, corn ower, dandelions,
hibiscus, honeysuckle, impatiens, lilac, marigolds, nasturtiums, pansies, phlox,
primrose, roses, violets. Remember to use plants free of chemicals
SALAD INGREDIENT
• Fresh baby greens or
butter leaf lettuc
• Thinly sliced sweet onio
• Grape tomatoes sliced in hal
• Handful of nuts of your choic
• Fresh edible owers & petal
• Fresh raspberries, blueberries
or thinly sliced strawberrie
DRESSIN
1/2 cup olive oi
1/4 cup balsamic vinega
Juice of 1/2 a lemo
1/2 tsp sal
1/2 tsp peppe
1/4 tsp honey or suga
INSTRUCTION
Prepare the dressing rst by
whisking all the ingredients
together well and set aside.
Remove a handful of owers to a
separate bowl. Prepare the rest of
salad ingredients and toss gently together. Distribute onto serving plates and
then arrange the rest of the owers across the top of each salad to show off the
colors and blooms. Serve the salad with the dressing on the side to preserve
blooms until the last moment. Enjoy the delicious fresh beauty of blooms
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!CAST YOUR CIRCL
S E V E N D I R E C T I O N S I N V O C AT I O
A circle is sacred. The wombs of women encircle life as it grows, then open
to form an O as our children enter this world. Our mouths form an O as we
open to speak our truths. Earth is a globe, the orb which is our home. The
moon in turn circles our Earth and it too is a sphere. To cast a circle is to
make a sacred vessel to hold your ritual. Guidance is provided here
PREPAR
Clean your space and cleanse your body with a soothing shower or soak.
Consider turning off all devices. Be still and remember your intention.
Choose a location either indoors or out. Protect our Earth by following local
guidelines regarding outdoor ames. You may wish to use a compass to
locate and mark the directions of north, south, east, and west with a ston
or crystal. Walk your circle clockwise and smudge its entirety with sage or
incense. Light your candle at the center
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eBEGI
Invoke the seven directions by reading aloud
EAST — AIR — KNOWLEDG
I face East, the direction of the rising sun & all beginnings. I call
upon the element of Air & the creatures of ight. I welcome the
beauty of new life & understanding to this circle
SOUTH — FIRE — ACTIO
I face South, the direction of sustained activity & service. I call
upon the element of Fire’s forms of ames, lightning, & electricity.
I think of the quick coyote & welcome powerful action to this
circle
WEST — WATER — INTUITIO
I face West, the direction of the setting sun & visions. I call upon
the element of Water in all her forms & depths. I trust my
emotional strength & welcome its true instinct to this circle
NORTH — EARTH — WISDO
I face North, the direction of guidance & all paths home. I call
upon the element of Earth in her nurturing solidity. I feel my
body grounded by soil & stone. I stand & welcome its deep
wisdom to this circle
ABOVE — SKY MOON STARS — FATHE
I look up, raise my arms, & contemplate in nite galaxies, deep
space, all consciousness. I honor the masculine energies of
grandfathers, fathers, uncles, brothers, & sons. I honor how such
energy also exists within the feminine & welcome it to this circle
BELOW— SACRED EARTH — MOTHE
I look down, bend & touch Earth to deeply know the home of our
humanity, all creatures, all of the natural world. I feel how we are
all one. I honor the feminine energies of grandmothers, mothers,
aunts, sisters, & daughters. I honor how such energy also exists
within the masculine & welcome it to this circle
WITHIN — SPIRIT — CONNECTION & LIGH
I close my eyes & look within. I place my hands upon my heart
& know I am love. I trust my connection to the true light of the
spirit in all forms—gods, goddesses, ancestors, animal & human
guides, dreams, visions, feelings. I honor the one in all and
welcome spirit to this circle.
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.PERFORM YOUR RITUA
With your circle cast and a sacredness held within your heart, read or recite
the words for a ritual of your choosing. This is your moment, take your time.
Repeat words of intention, release, or af rmation as many times as necessary
in order for you to feel the gravity of those words within your body
In order to bring about change
one must feel it fully
We build energy and make solid change as we continually return to the
practice. You may suddenly voice your own words for casting the circle,
invoking the seven directions, or performing a ritual. Use them to connect
more profoundly to your own awareness and heart
Special rituals are offered in this booklet as a place to begin
CLOS
To close your circle, release the elements and seven directions by speaking a
simple phrase of dispersal and gratitude of your own choosing, or something
like this
“The elements, seven directions, and energies of all, I thank you for your
presence here and release you.
Extinguish your candle, collect your markers for the directions as you walk
your circle once more. With reverence and gratitude, walk out and go forth
Blessed Be
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.BELTAN
Q U E S T I O N & A F F I R M AT I O
How to experience a year? Have you watched a sun rise over a sleeping
landscape? Have you tilted your face up to a night sky and had your breath
taken away by the clarity of the stars? We sense it—a year as it moves within
us in our daily gestures of love and longing. To truly encounter the moments
of a passing year, we here at Magic Fairy Candles, have dedicated myriad
days to the task of honoring the cadence of its unfolding
Our symbols for the Light Eight are intentionally de ned to represent each
eight celebrations marking our journey through the Wheel of the Year. With
each, we pose a thoughtful question and af rmation as entryway for
connecting more deeply to its placeholder in our passing year
You may wish to read one or both aloud as part of your ritual or celebration
QUESTIO
When pleasure arises, how shall you claim your exuberance
AFFIRMATIO
Change is its own parado
persistent yet un xed
The newly discovered wis
is born of both chang
and its persistence
Permit me a thrilling eas
as change ows throug
my open hands, my open hear
to transform and unfurl my soul.
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.FIRESTARTING RITUA
S O L E M N R I T E
View the lineage of ritual in every culture and you will nd re. The ame
transforms all to ash. From such transformations, new life occurs. Greek
mythology so poetically captures this cycle in the Phoenix. A majestic bird of
red and gold and associated with the sun, it senses its own end, builds a nest of
twigs and so bursts into ames. From its own ashes the bird is reborn. In this
vein, we can carry re as ritual from the past into the present
WHAT IS FIRE
Rub two sticks together quickly and the wood heats up. Heat is the mother of
re. Given enough time and swift motion, friction causes the atoms within the
wood to vibrate at such a high rate they begin to break free of the bonds which
normally keep them contained. Gases erupt from this transformation to mix
with oxygen in the atmosphere. Voilà! Fire
PREPAR
Have your restarter bundle and matches ready, with a reproof container in
which you can carry the lit bundle. If you, or those in your home are sensitive to
smoke, use a smaller portion of your bundle. You may wish to prepare a space
for a larger re outdoors on the eve of Beltane and use your bundle to rst
perform this ritual, closing by using it to light the larger re. Have water or a
hose nearby for safety. Clear space through and around the perimeter of your
home to walk without obstacles
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fiIGNIT
Set your bundle burning as you set your intentions for this ritual. Bring to mind
that which you wish to transform or purify. Hold in your heart the power of re.
Know in your bones how the light of its ame illuminates darkness, transmuting
sorrows to hope, negativities to compassion. Think of how re’s heat and ames
naturally loft upwards, raising energy, lifting the heart and mind to a higher
plane of awareness and understanding
You may wish to state your intentions aloud as you proceed
PURIFY THE HOM
With care and reverence, carry your smoldering bundle rst through the center
of your home and work your way slowly through all rooms. Pause to open a few
windows and doors, allowing a passage for the smoke to carry stagnant energy
up and away
Continue outdoors to circumambulate your home. Begin close to your home and
work your way out with each circling so you nish at the farthest points of your
property. If you are an apartment dweller, be considerate of your neighbors by
limiting your ritual to your apartment, or perhaps ask others to join in walking
the perimeter of the entire apartment building
BLESS YOUR HUMANS & PET
With all the love you have for those in your life, both humans and creatures
alike, circle each with your bundle. Keep a beautiful smile on your face as you
bless them by your devoted actions, perhaps stating your care and love for each
of them aloud.
By the light and power of your re’s ame you are cleansing past
actions, holding a space for transformative rebirth, casting a
protective blessing over all you hold dear
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fi©2021 Magic Fairy Candles www.magicfairycandles.com
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