Can you hear the Beltaine drums in the wind? As the seasons turn, the new growth of spring blooms into the full light of the sun, and the jacaranda trees blossom. And with the rising tide of life comes the wild beauty that is Beltaine. Join the Wildwood Meanjin Witches as we revel, bless and celebrate the sacred union that the season brings.
During the celebration we will witness holy vows, jump broomsticks, wander labyrinths, honour absent beloveds and dare to dream of the world we would pass on to our descendants. We will also dance the Belpole round and remember what feeds the fire of our thriving!
We will gather at 9am and will commence our Faery Parade at 9:30am. The Faery Parade will process in a wild display of beauty and joy, singing and dancing as we bear our beloved Fairy Bull. This is a parade of love and an offering: to the fae, the gods, and all the peoples we pass—a dance that invites all beings to remember and participate in the wonder of the World.
Like we have done for the past two years, we will offer a journey of the parade serpent, crossing the Maiwar from South Bank and the Goodwill Bridge and through the Botanic Gardens to meet at the ritual site. To make this procession more accessible, we will also weave in those who wish to gather at a midway point.
Over on the facebook event we will be posting photos of the map and sites of the parade gathering point and ritual site on the day as we set up.
If you’re not familiar enough with the Gardens to find our wild selves, you can come to the Rotunda at the front entrance (Cnr Alice & Albert Street entry point) to the Gardens, where faery guides can greet you and point the way. Maps for the parade locations will be added in the coming days, we hope to see you all there!
WHAT TO BRING:
Music makers and booty shakers! Bring drums, bring rattles, bring your clapping hands and your dancing shoes!
Comfort is key—if movement isn't easily available to you, please bring chairs or cushions.
In years past the humans that attend this event often quickly disperse—this year, weather permitting, we invite you all to stay and share in food and laughter afterwards. Please bring food for a post-ritual picnic, some sunscreen and water, any easily portable shade for sun safety…
…and if you wish, altar offerings for the Gods, such as flowers.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Be as wild and creative as you like! Dive into the depths of your wild self and your closet to express the magic that only you can bring to the world. Just remember to keep it suitable for public consumption and sun safe!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Our Beltaine ritual involves drawing down, or trance possession by ritual priestexes. Beltaine, as a Pagan festival of fertility, can be quite sexual and erotic by nature, though we keep it suitable for a public display.
Families with children are welcomed with delight. We ask that all parents who attend the event take responsibility for the safety of their children and that all other participants are supportive of this. Please seek out event leaders if you need help.
As the ritual will be in the heat of the summer sun, it can be quite steamy, so we encourage self-care and sun protection where possible.
There will be chanting, singing and dancing, and though not mandatory, we encourage people to participate.
We welcome a small donation to support the running costs of this ritual, but all earnest seekers of Mystery are welcome regardless of their financial situation.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
We ask that you deeply check in with yourself before attending, to make sure that a large gathering of folks is appropriate for your physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing.
*Please do not attend if you are showing any covid or flu-like symptoms.*
As an offering of compassion and care for the most vulnerable members of our community, we will be asking everyone who attends to use appropriate hand hygiene, and to lean gracefully into whatever larger public health requirements might be appropriate. Caring for and protecting our community are non-negotiable.
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Event details are subject to change. Please keep checking this page for the most up to date information.
If you have any comments or queries, feel free to post them on the facebook event page here, or ask any members of the Wildwood you might know.