May Eve, also
known as Beltane, is a magical day and night in the Celtic calendar, celebrated
on April 30th. It marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and the
summer solstice, and it is believed to be a time when the boundary between our
world and the Otherworld, the home of the Faery Folk, becomes blurred. The Faery
Folk are said to emerge from their magical realms on May Eve to dance and revel
in the human world.
Our blog’s Co-Editor, Sophie, dances around a May Eve bonfire last year
(2024). Next month (May), she will celebrate her first anniversary on the blog!
Yay Sophie! 😊 (Digital image processed by the Editor).
“An Introduction to the Fair Folk”
By the Editor (Excerpted from a Lecture Presented in September 2013)
From prehistoric times until the rise of modern
science, most human beings regarded the world as an enchanted place. Fabulous beasties like dragons and unicorns
roamed along the edges of medieval maps; the stars were animated by
“intelligences” that guided them in their celestial circuits; and the “Fair
Folk” resided in the depths of caves or beneath hollow hills. With the advent of the scientific and
industrial revolutions, belief in such things waned throughout much of the
Western world, to be replaced by a reliance on science and reason.
Traditional folk beliefs have often been derided as
superstitious nonsense; however, since late antiquity, Christian theologians had
been thinking about how humans might interact with nonhuman sentient beings.
Creatures of this type were believed to exist midway between angels and hu-mans
on the Great Chain of Being; to the Latin-speaking scholars of medieval Europe,
these “midwayers” were known as the Longaevi (the “Long-Lived Ones”), and they
came in many shapes and sizes. Some were thought to be human in appearance;
others might be smaller in stature (like the Hobbits of J. R. R. Tolkien’s
Middle-Earth legendarium) or taller in stature (like the High Elves of Norse
mythology and Tolkien’s adaptations thereof).
According to both oral folklore and written
chronicles, the Longaevi could – and often did – interact with humans, who
struggled to understand their Fair Folk neighbors’ place in the divine plan.
Most sources also were in agreement that the Longaevi were extremely long-lived
(or perhaps even immortal) and that they tended to dwell in out-of-the-way
places where humans couldn’t easily disturb them (such as beneath hollow hills
or in unexplored underground caverns). Like humans, the Longaevi practiced various
arts and crafts, enjoyed music and storytelling, and formed social groups based
on kinship.
Do you believe in the Fair Folk? To some, their
existence is entirely fictional, but to others, who have open minds and open
heart, the question remains tantalizingly open. 😊
Related Links of Interest
·
The Secret Commonwealth (1692) by the Rev.
Robert Kirk (http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/sce/index.htm)
is a fascinating description of the “Fair Folk” and their society, based on the
then-current folk beliefs of the Scottish Highlanders.
·
The Fairy Mythology (1870) by Thomas
Keightley (http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/tfm/index.htm)
contains a vast sampling of faerie lore from around the world.
·
Fairy and Folk Tales of
the Irish Peasantry (1888), edited, selected, and translated by
William Butler Yeats (http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/yeats/fip/index.htm),
is a classic collection of Irish faerie tales from the Celtic Renaissance
during the Victorian Era.
Cosmic Whispers: A Collection of May Eve Poems
By Our Blog Staff Writers
“Blossoming Hope”
By Hannah Ambrosiaster
"In the depths of
winter's icy grip,
When darkness reigns and
fears creep,
There stirs within the
frozen earth,
A gentle pulse, a promise
of rebirth.
With spring's awakening
breath,
New life bursts forth,
full of vitality and stealth,
Petals unfurl, leaves
unfold,
Nature's tapestry,
ever-changing, ever-told.
Hope springs eternal, a
resilient force,
Guiding us through
adversity's darkest course,
Empowering hearts and
minds to soar,
And find solace in a
brighter tomorrow's shore."
“Starlight Serenade”
By Calantha Althaeon
"When twilight falls
upon the land,
And moonbeams paint the
evening sand,
The stars above begin their
song,
A celestial chorus, pure
and strong.
With instruments of
light, they play,
Their melodies echoing
across the bay,
And in the silence
between each note,
Lies the mystery of the
universe remote.
As I listen to the
symphony divine,
My spirit lifts, my heart
entwines
With the cosmic rhythm
that fills the night,
And in its beauty, I find
peaceful sight."
“The Cosmic Dance”
By Celeste Starweaver
"In cosmic dance, we
twirl apart,
Yet intertwined by
heartstrings' gentle art.
In every encounter, seeds
are sown,
Nurturing bonds that
forever grow."
"In cosmic rhythms,
echoes unfold,
Hermetic truths whispered
through the ages told.
Orphic melodies entwining
fate,
Pythagorean harmonies
consecrating state.
Platonic ideals
illuminating the path,
Celestial wisdom guiding
seekers of aftermath."
“The Magic of May Eve”
By Winkle Novalis
Under moonlit skies, the
faeries dance,
Their whispers echoing
through the forest trance.
With leaves rustling
beneath their feet,
They celebrate the coming
summer sweet.
May Eve arrives, bringing
warmth and delight,
A time for feasting,
singing, and dancing through the night.
The fire crackles high,
casting shadows long,
And the scent of blooming
wildflowers fills the throng.
In the darkness, the
embers glow,
As ancient rituals
unfold, and tales grow.
The wind carries the
melody of a forgotten song,
Echoes of a timeless
harmony that lingers long.
As dawn breaks forth, the
shadows flee,
And the world awakens
anew, refreshed and free.
May Eve's enchantment
lingers on,
A whispered promise of
adventures yet unknown.
“The Call of the Sidhe”
By Ninianne Trouvere
Listen now, the sidhe
call to thee,
With whispers soft and
secrets old,
In mystic glades, beneath
starry skies,
Their magic swirls, forever
told.
Listen now, the sidhe
whisper low,
Of ancient lore and
spells cast long ago,
In twilight woods, where
shadows dance,
And moonbeams light the
way to romance.
“Moonlit Whispers”
By Zarmina Mobedi, Staff Writer
May Eve's soft whisper
calls forth the night,
As Fair Folk gather
beneath the silvery light.
With wings outstretched
and eyes aglow,
They dance amidst the
shadows, weaving spells anew.
In ancient Persia, where
myths unfold,
These nocturnal creatures
roam, tales untold.
Their whispers echo
through the ages past,
Guiding seekers through
the labyrinthine vast.
With garlands woven from
fragrant herbs and flowers,
And lanterns lit by
moonbeams dancing in showers,
The Fair Folk feast and
revel until dawn breaks high,
Celebrating life and
magic, wild and free.
May Eve's mystery beckons
us to roam,
Through forests
enchanted, where mythical creatures call home.
Let us follow the
whispers of the wind,
And discover hidden
truths beneath the stars' gentle hand.
“Song for May Eve”
By Gwyneth Haynes, Staff Writer
On May Eve, the air is
still and soft,
Like a whisper of secrets
and tales untold.
The stars twinkle
brightly, and the moon shines like a jewel,
As we dance and sing, and
welcome the month of May.
The flowers bloom and
bloom again,
Bringing scents of fresh
springtime in.
The birds are singing,
and the bees are buzzing,
As the earth awakens from
its long winter rest.
The Bardic Gorsedd
A Reflection by Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
“Music: The Key to the Fair Folk”
Music
& Fairy Tale: What's the connection between them? Why do so many humans
have difficulty accepting that the Fair Folk really exist? How could people
benefit from belief, or at least an open mind, on the existence of the Fair
Folk?
Why
is music such an important part of so many Fair Folk stories, legends, tales,
etc.? Music was also significant to many historical figures, such as King
Midas. Music can touch almost everyone's emotions. Music can touch an
individual's heart, mind, and soul. Music is also an important part of many
ancient myths, legends, and legends. For instance, Orpheus, the legendary and
mythical Greek bard, could enchant and soothe wild animals with the power of
his beautiful music.
Music
has the power to soothe. Music can sometimes act as therapy. It can act as a
wonderful form of expression and communication. Even the ancient Greek nymphs,
fauns, and satyrs of the forests loved music. The fauns could use music to
invoke feelings of joy and happiness. The nymphs loved to dance to the music of
the fauns, as well as to their music. Music is not merely for entertainment;
music is a form of art and therapy. Music is not merely for children; music is
for everyone...
Music
is more than just "notes on a page." Music is also more than
"sounds through soundwaves." Music is a living instrument. Music is,
quite simply, magic itself. Music exists to enchant, to inspire, to soothe the
soul. Even the fairies and faeries enjoy music and singing! Many fairies,
faeries, and other magical creatures are wonderful musicians, singers, and
entertainers. Music and singing are important to the supernatural world...
Music
and singing could very well be the key that opens the door to the magical world
of the Fair Folk! Fairy tales and legends may have a basis in reality, and we
would benefit greatly from an open mind about their existence. Music is not
merely about sounds. Music is about magic and dreams! Music is the language of
the spirit...
Music
is the universal language--it needs no translation to be understood. It touches
our thoughts, reaches our souls, and makes the heart sing. Music brings an
emotional response--music can arouse different feelings within us. Music can
inspire and soothe. Music can be healing, therapeutic, a channel of
communication, and a wonderful form of entertainment. Music, therefore, may
very well hold the key to the Fair Folk's magic. Music may help to open a door
to the magical realm where the mysterious faeries, fairies, nymphs...and the
Fair Folk...dwell...
Enheduanna (fl. 23rd century BCE) was a
Sumerian princess and high priestess at Ur in Mesopotamia. She composed
eloquent hymns for use in Mesopotamia worship services and is the first woman
author in recorded history who is known to us by name. (Image Credit: Digital
artwork by the Editor.)
The Ancient Wisdom Corner
By Minerva Victor, Staff Writer
Here's a charming
and witty quote by the Roman poet Horace, from the first century BCE. It's
about the beauty and joy of springtime and the month of May. Here's the quote:
"Thus from the first it produced joyousness and exultation,
And the first gentle warmth was born from the sky."
The quote beautifully describes the joyous and exulting feeling that
comes with the first signs of springtime and the month of May. The poet uses
the image of a nursing mother and the gentle warmth of the spring sun to evoke
the sweet and comforting feeling of springtime. The words "primum
gaudia" and "primaque" highlight the uniqueness and freshness of
the first joyful days of spring. The poet captures the essence of springtime in
a few short and simple words, and expresses the sheer delight and joy of the
season.
The Dharma Corner
By Lisa Romenor, Staff Writer
Here's a
quote from the Buddhist tradition about the approaching Wesak festival on Monday,
May 12, 2025:
"On this day, when the moon is full, the Buddha descends from
the realms of bliss to offer his blessings and compassion to all beings. Let us
open our hearts and minds to receive his teachings and benefit from his
boundless love and wisdom."
This quote highlights the significance of the Wesak festival in
Buddhism, a time of great spiritual significance when the Buddha is said to
descend from the heavens to offer his blessings to all beings. It encourages us
to be receptive to his teachings and open to his love and guidance. The
festival marks the birth, enlightenment, and the death of the historical
Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama.
The quote
comes from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, and it is often associated with the
Wesak festival, also known as Vesak or Buddha Purnima. It is believed that the
Buddha descends from his celestial abode to bless the world and offer spiritual
guidance on this day. The exact source of the quote is unknown, as it is a part
of oral tradition and has been passed down through generations of
practitioners. It is a common way to refer to the significance of the Wesak
festival in Buddhism.
Ex Oriente
Lux (Light from the East)
By Holly
Pontifex, Staff Writer
Here’s an
East Asian proverb about the sakura trees, which are the Japanese cherry
blossom trees.
“Cherry blossom trees are fleeting but beautiful, like the impermanent
nature of this life.”
This proverb reminds us that just as the cherry blossom trees
bloom and fade quickly, so too are our lives fleeting and transient. It
encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the present moment and to cultivate a
sense of mindfulness and gratitude for the here and now, rather than clinging
to the past or worrying about the future.
