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Beltane 1997

Festivities (including Maypole dance and games)

I.  Casting of the circle with flower petals.
II.  Description of the meaning of Beltane
	"Seekers of the ancient ways, think upon
 	The coming again of the warm seasons.
	and of the ways in which our distant ancestors
	Once honored the Old Gods
	And gave blessings to field and forest 
	In times far past.
	We now celebrate the awakening of the Earth
	and the return of beauty and of fruitfulness.
	Life has quickened forest, meadow, and field.
	Let us celebrate the return of the gentle times
	With spell and chant and song.
	Let the far kingdoms be hailed!"
			(Ed Fitch)
III.  Invocation of the God and the Goddess
	"O Mother Goddess, Queen of the night 
	and of the Earth,
	O Father God, King of the Day 
	and of the Forests,
	I celebrate your union as nature rejoices
	in a riotous blaze of color and life.
	Accept my gift, Mother Goddess and Father God
	in honor of your union
	From your mating shall spring forth life anew;
	a profusion of living creatures shall cover the lands,
	and the winds will blow pure and sweet
	O Ancient Ones, I celebrate with you."
			(Scott Cunningham)
IV. Invocation of the Elements
	first participant: "We celebrate the fragrant spring air, the soft
	May breezes that refresh the Earth and Her children."
	
	second participant: "We celebrate the gentle fire of the sun in
	spring, whose caressing warmth awakens the Earth and her
	children."
	
	third participant: "We celebrate the cool, damp spring rains,
	those sparkling showers that give the sustenance to the Earth
	and Her children."
	
	fourth participant:  "We celebrate the Earth.  In the full bloom
	of her maidenhood, she gives life to all of Her children."
			(Margot Adler)
V.  Energy raising chant
VI. Meditation
VII. Partaking of cakes and wine
VIII. slow chant
IX.  Releasing of the elements
	"Elements of the _(fill in direction)_,
	we bless thee and release thee."
X. Releasing of the God and the Goddess
XI. Opening of the circle
	"The circle is open but unbroken
	May the love of the God and Goddess go in our hearts.
	We have merry met and now we merry part
	And let us merry meet again.
	Blessed be."

Potluck and more games follow the ritual.