While a lot of modern Pagans tone down Beltane because of families and such and the whole fluffy bunny aspect of the current state of Paganism, Beltane is really all about sex.
The most obvious representation of the Great Rite, Hieros Gamos, and the importance of ritual mating at Beltane is the Maypole.
Remember, a May pole without a flowered wreath is just a hand job! I've seen a lot of wreathless May poles in the last few years, and I'm not sure why this trend has developed. Perhaps it is ignorance or perhaps single people are just preparing the poles.
Beltane, like Samhain, is a time when the veil is thin. While we typically think about ghosts and spirits coming through the veil at Samhain, Beltane is usually seen as a time for fairies.
Beltane also seems to be big with skyclad celebrants. Of course the sexual nature of the holiday has a lot to do with the desire to forget clothing, but it's also (in many areas) the first warm weather holiday. It's nice to feel the sun soaking into your naked skin.
Nakedness+Pagans=Body Paint Go for a solid color theme, or explore your creativity and go for designs. Here are some body paint ideas.
Beltane, like other cross-quarter holidays, is a fire festival. Traditionally, live stock were driven between fires, and people jumped fires for luck.
At this time of year, you usually see the spinners:
And the dancers:
Beltane also seems to be the unofficial start to the festival season. Of course, every poi spinner has to come out to show off.
While the Lord and Lady hook up during Beltane, many other couples do too. In ancient times, it was customary for the young man to build a brush and flower bower to bed his chosen lady in. This custom is still sweet and timeless today.
While you make love, feel your inner deity come through and connect to your partner's inner deity.
These folks like fire in their Beltane:
Erotic Sensations: http://eroticsensations.us/
Tonia Brown: www.thebackseatwriter.com
