Beltane is the name for the Gaelic May Day festival. which is held on May 1st, or about halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
Beltane marks the beginning of summer, and historically, it was when cattle were driven out to the summer pastures. In ancient times, rituals were performed to protect the cattle, crops and people, and to encourage growth.
For us, Beltane passed in a whirlwind of business. We had decided it was finally time to put up our “bear fence”, an electric fence surrounding the house and gardens to keep out large foraging critters. This proect involved more bush clearing to make a path around the area we wanted to fence, always an energetic task. However, even though we have been very busy, we are now starting to take time for beach walks and hikes around the property. The weather has been excellent, and we have taken great joy in getting outside and spending time soaking up the natural beauty.
Image: Dogwinkle eggs on a clam shell.
Image: Bleeding hearts.
Image: Eyelash cup fungi.