I was working like a mad woman to finish up the book I've been writing by the deadline and Beltane kind of crept up on me. Thankfully two great women had my back, my mom Amanda Bryant of
FrogBirdsHouse and author
Melanie Marquis, the author of
Beltane in the Llewellyn Sabbat Essentials series. I actually finished writing my manuscript on Beltane, emailed it off to my editor, and began flipping through my Beltane book for some quick inspiration to celebrate the day! Do you want a peek inside this awesome little book...for you, anything!
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| Mom has been embroidering these awesome sabbat sets of altar cloths and electric candle wraps. (click here to see more of her work) I was so happy with the Beltane set, I love a good bonfire, so this depiction for Beltane was perfect! I set up my altar with the lovely set, added my God and Goddess candle holder/statues from Sacred Source, and looked up quick correspondences for Beltane that Melanie Marquis added to the back of the Beltane book to finish decorating! |
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| I just love the covers for this series, designed by Kevin R. Brown, I can't wait to have the whole series, it's going to look gorgeous sitting on the bookshelf! |
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| The book goes into the "old ways" traditions as they've been celebrated in the past. I just had to include a bonfire and maypole in this illustration beyond the old time witches gate to her cottage. |
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| For the "new ways" section I illustrated the modern witches entrance, including Melanies mini tabletop maypole in the window, a modern torch for the Beltane flame outside, and of course a faerie garden statue to represent the faerie legends surrounding Beltane. |
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| The recipes and crafts section is awesome! I've decided I'm just going to celebrate the season of Beltane, going beyond just the day, that way I can enjoy some of her awesome recipes. Blessed Lemon Custard, Sexy Rosemary and Garlic-Roasted Asparagus, and Magical May Wine...yes please!! |
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| Ok, I just had to share a shot of this set my mom made for my Wheel of the Year altar! I love how the light of the electric candle shines though the candle wraps she makes, and these new altar cloths are so cool! She has some really nice candle wraps and stuff over at FrogBirdsHouse |
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| I loved her description of the Mini Tabletop Maypole, it was really fun to illustrate! |
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| I love the correspondences sections in these books, a super quick and easy reference guide for witches on the go! |
After flipping through the book Beltane I found the inspiration I was looking for, and also having recently read
Deborah Blake's new book
Everyday Witchcraft, I decided a quick Beltane ritual and offering to the Fae would be just the thing after finishing up writing my first stand-alone book on this auspicious day. I ventured deep into the fields of our home at Aelfheim with a small dish of wine, bread with real butter and honey in a wooden dish, a red, white, and black cloutie to tie to my wishing tree, and a solar lantern to light the way. The moon is close to full now, so the landscape was illuminated with a milky light. I reached the stump that I use as an altar and set my offerings and the solar lantern upon it. Taking a moment to take in the beauty of Aelfheim at night, I was simply in awe and speechless for quite some time. I spoke to the spirits of the land from my heart offering thanks for their constant blessing and inspiration as I made my offering to them. When I was ready, I tied my cloutie to the tree as I made a wish (sorry, can't tell) then I made my way back to the house. I tried to snap a photo, but there was just no way to capture the glow of the moonlight, lantern, and the magic all around my outdoor temple amongst the trees, so this description will have to suffice.
I hope you had a blessed Beltane and that you enjoyed getting a peek at my Beltane author and the illustrations inside
Llewellyn's new Sabbat Essentials series Beltane book. I can't wait to get my
Midsummer one in the mail! Speaking of Deborah Blake, she wrote that one, Can't wait!
Blessed Be!
Mickie
