Saturday, May 2nd
Location: Forest Clearing (Southern Glen on Dragon's Mark)
Time: 9:00pm EST
There are several paths that lead through a thick stretch of trees, the ground lush with little blue flowers. The way is not marked by paved stones; instead, the rough paths are bordered by trees, each with glass orbs containing candles hanging from them, guiding people to the celebration. http://cdn.earthporm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bluebells-blooming-hallerbos-forest-belgium-1.jpghttp://www.colincowieweddings.com/mediafiles/upload/anatomy-of-a-flower-orchid-22/anatomy-of-a-flower-orchid-22_detail.jpg
When the trees break and people enter the clearing chosen for the festivities, they look up and see the sky alight with stars, lending their soft glow to illuminate tonight's celebration. http://in1.ccio.co/t6/GA/kF/63331938479773296fqnRroqkc.jpg
At the northern end of the clearing, shaded beneath the outstretched boughs of several ancient trees, a dais has been erected for the May Queen and her Green Man. Atop it is a throne for the Queen of May formed of tree branches and apparently cushioned with moss. An assortment of lilies—representing majesty—are twined throughout the throne and scattered across the dais itself.
Around the clearing, there are many stacks of wood meant for smaller fires more suited for jumping over if the notion strikes anyone. Directly before the throne, several yards out, is the main fire for the night: a huge stack of birch, rowan, ash, alder, willow, hawthorn, oak, holly, and hazel. It remains unlit until the Queen of May and her Green Man do the honors. Once the main fire is started, it will light up the night. http://40.media.tumblr.com/cbd6d4ef8f94ec83361a3c39e0e46fa7/tumblr_n26cphIxr11qin2xoo1_500.jpg
To the right of the main fire, there is a gathering of rocks that seem perfectly shaped for sitting. Here, throughout the night, will be an assortment of musicians to keep the festival-goers entertained. Scattered on tree stumps and rocks around the musicians are glass jars to illuminate the faces of the entertainers and their instruments for them. Nearby, other jars hang from trees over a grassy area set aside for those who wish to dance. http://admin.bridalguide.com/sites/default/files/blog-images/from-dianes-desk/hgtv-wedding-trends/rustic-candle-display.jpghttp://1qdgn73lwpuh1nvhx9289i2u.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/9c.jpg
To the left of the main fire, there are two young sapling birch trees, which represent new beginnings and the cleansing of the past. The saplings have grown together, their branches knit into one, to form an arbor. The branches have been strung with lights, creating the perfect setting for those who wish to take part in a handfasting ceremony. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d7/8a/cf/d78acfe51cf834e1aece64c5c90b6f18.jpg
Instead of a tent, a thicket of trees—their branches twined together to form a natural, living roof of vibrant green dotted with hanging lanterns—forms a small, elvish-like dining hall across the fire from the May Queen's dais. Therewithin are tables heaped with food and spirits, the most well-known and sought after drink being fey wine. There are barrels of ale and other mortal spirits for those who wish to stay away from the tricksy wine of the fey people, but there are rumors that the punch at least (if nothing else) has been spiked with a potent aphrodisiac.
Little tents have been set up on the outer fringes of the clearing and amongst the trees for those who want to take advantage of the fertility rituals but do not want to get that close to Mother Earth. There is also a pile of quilts for party-goers to borrow in order to sit near the fires or to wander off with for some privacy amongst the foliage. Many of those working the festival warn those wandering off that it is best if they watch their step for the fae are more active on this night than on others, looking to lead young lovers away with their spells. http://blog.boutiquecamping.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0568.jpg
((Beltane Fashion: GO!))
There are several paths that lead through a thick stretch of trees, the ground lush with little blue flowers. The way is not marked by paved stones; instead, the rough paths are bordered by trees, each with glass orbs containing candles hanging from them, guiding people to the celebration. http://cdn.earthporm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bluebells-blooming-hallerbos-forest-belgium-1.jpghttp://www.colincowieweddings.com/mediafiles/upload/anatomy-of-a-flower-orchid-22/anatomy-of-a-flower-orchid-22_detail.jpg
When the trees break and people enter the clearing chosen for the festivities, they look up and see the sky alight with stars, lending their soft glow to illuminate tonight's celebration. http://in1.ccio.co/t6/GA/kF/63331938479773296fqnRroqkc.jpg
At the northern end of the clearing, shaded beneath the outstretched boughs of several ancient trees, a dais has been erected for the May Queen and her Green Man. Atop it is a throne for the Queen of May formed of tree branches and apparently cushioned with moss. An assortment of lilies—representing majesty—are twined throughout the throne and scattered across the dais itself.
Around the clearing, there are many stacks of wood meant for smaller fires more suited for jumping over if the notion strikes anyone. Directly before the throne, several yards out, is the main fire for the night: a huge stack of birch, rowan, ash, alder, willow, hawthorn, oak, holly, and hazel. It remains unlit until the Queen of May and her Green Man do the honors. Once the main fire is started, it will light up the night. http://40.media.tumblr.com/cbd6d4ef8f94ec83361a3c39e0e46fa7/tumblr_n26cphIxr11qin2xoo1_500.jpg
To the right of the main fire, there is a gathering of rocks that seem perfectly shaped for sitting. Here, throughout the night, will be an assortment of musicians to keep the festival-goers entertained. Scattered on tree stumps and rocks around the musicians are glass jars to illuminate the faces of the entertainers and their instruments for them. Nearby, other jars hang from trees over a grassy area set aside for those who wish to dance. http://admin.bridalguide.com/sites/default/files/blog-images/from-dianes-desk/hgtv-wedding-trends/rustic-candle-display.jpghttp://1qdgn73lwpuh1nvhx9289i2u.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/9c.jpg
To the left of the main fire, there are two young sapling birch trees, which represent new beginnings and the cleansing of the past. The saplings have grown together, their branches knit into one, to form an arbor. The branches have been strung with lights, creating the perfect setting for those who wish to take part in a handfasting ceremony. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d7/8a/cf/d78acfe51cf834e1aece64c5c90b6f18.jpg
Instead of a tent, a thicket of trees—their branches twined together to form a natural, living roof of vibrant green dotted with hanging lanterns—forms a small, elvish-like dining hall across the fire from the May Queen's dais. Therewithin are tables heaped with food and spirits, the most well-known and sought after drink being fey wine. There are barrels of ale and other mortal spirits for those who wish to stay away from the tricksy wine of the fey people, but there are rumors that the punch at least (if nothing else) has been spiked with a potent aphrodisiac.
Little tents have been set up on the outer fringes of the clearing and amongst the trees for those who want to take advantage of the fertility rituals but do not want to get that close to Mother Earth. There is also a pile of quilts for party-goers to borrow in order to sit near the fires or to wander off with for some privacy amongst the foliage. Many of those working the festival warn those wandering off that it is best if they watch their step for the fae are more active on this night than on others, looking to lead young lovers away with their spells. http://blog.boutiquecamping.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0568.jpg
((Beltane Fashion: GO!))