Not all paths that wait beyond the mirror that was lead to perilous and tempting doorways. One main path, marked by torches on the evening of May 1st, leads the way safely through the maze of trees to this year’s Beltane celebration.
At the center of the maze is a glade with the traditional stack of the sacred woods at its heart. At the edges, nine smaller stacks of wood wait, each made up of one of the nine sacred woods so choose wisely which you wish to dance around or jump according to your need:
- Alder - Shielding, clearing, and protection
- Ash - Abundance, prosperity, health, and transformation
- Birch - New beginnings, renewal, and change
- Hawthorn - Happiness, nature
- Hazel - Wisdom, dreams, and prosperity
- Holly - Protection, healing, and good luck
- Oak - Abundance, success, and confidence
- Rowan - Success, power, protection, and life energy
- Willow - Intuition, divination, and mastery
The stacks remain unlit until the May Queen is crowned and chooses the Green Man. Two thrones await them on a raised mound towards the north.
An arbor growing between two trees leads to a small area for handfasting to the right of the thrones. To the left are food and drink in abundance with tables and seats for revellers to rest a moment and partake. They will be quickly called back to the lush grass encircling the fires though by the musicians across the glade from the thrones.
Several paths lead the way out of the maze. Some to little hideaways with private tents or beds of last year's leaves for those wishing to go a'maying. Others lead back to where the mirror once stood and the City proper while still others lead to different clearings with very different kinds of celebrations.
((Post your fine feathers here! The party starts at 8pm EST on Saturday, May 1st))
