We celebrated Beltane at the covenstead this weekend. I have some random thoughts, which will be somewhat randomly arranged, because I’m still quite tired.

- the full moon was perfect. It rose at just the right time, and was brilliant. I wear sunglasses constantly thanks to my light sensitivity, but I could see as clear as day while I put the lamps out in the circle and at shrines that night.

- somewhere along the line we decided we were superhuman, because we did about 6 rituals across Saturday evening and Sunday morning. 3 dedications simultaneously, a break, then into Beltane proper…and then some coven-specific rites Sunday morning. Fortunately, there were enough priestesses about to have a different handmaiden for each circle.

- I never cease to be awed and thrilled by how working with the Land deepens its’ awakening, every year that passes. My sign seems to be violets…where there were none, they now flourish thickly and spread. I even have violets here now, where there were none.

- I love setting up and tending shrines. It’s deeply satisfying work. The outdoor shrines at the covenstead are well-established now and please to be where they are. I find special peace at my Lady’s shrine there, watching the bees buzz through the violets climbing her plinth, and the rags tied as votive offerings to her holy thorn trees fluttering away in the breeze.

- my Goddaughter running around wearing a pair of red pixie wings and a plastic fire helmet.

- My ‘Raise the Maypole’ incense really -really- works. We had a good, vigorous chase this year.

- Even if you put a charm in the Queen cakes that’s the size of a quarter, lumpy, and easily seen if you look at the cookie with the light behind it, someone will nearly eat it. >_<

- When I get the chance, watching the skies over the circle shift from day to twilight is always magic; the branches fuse into a lace network of curling twigs and leaves. It looks like Victorian wallpaper patterns.

- The Moon rising orange, then soft silver bright as day. As we began our Beltane games, a thick mist rose and rolled all around the Land and the circle; truly we were between the worlds. Separated by mist and moon…a Mystery unto itself.

- I managed to dye my hair the exact same colour as one of my red ritual robes. Combined with my usual regalia, which is amber and garnet and carnelian, I was a pillar of fire all weekend.

- I’m full of plots about regalia and robes again. It never ends - which is both good, and bad. ;)

- I am filled with both the love of my Gods, and the love of my coven family. I want to make the feeling last as long as I can.