Farewell Bealtaine!
Rising on the last morning of Bealtaine and looking out the window of the lodge to be greeted by mist and sunshine.
The heat of yesterday rose in a mist over the valley and mountains beyond.
Rising towards Midsummer is a most magical time in the west of Ireland.
Between the rain and the sun, the jigs and the reels, the land has grown a mantle of green.
Festivals are held in every village as birds, from thousands of mile away, fly low over the feeding grounds of this small island. 
Midsummer customs prevail in much of Europe and certainly here in Ireland, where the traditional bonfire is part of the celebration.
The fire is lit exactly at sunset on the eve of the solstice and celebrations continue until sunset on the solstice itself.
The sense of abundance is quite tangible and visible at this time, helping to create a celebratory atmosphere.
Midsummer was seen as a time when the veil between this world and the next was thin, and when the spirit of the land itself held sway.
This is encapsulated in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
This year I shall be lighting the Midsummer fire with wood cut around the time of Midwinter, in honour of my Mother.
It is a time for gathering and spending time together and a celebration I look forward to…
As I walked I the gardens this morning, there arose a great sense of peace and harmony, again something which seems to be released from the very Earth herself each year, at this time of ascension to Midsummer.
The promise of a good harvest holds firm as the beautiful weather continues.
Here is one of my favourite quotes by Carole Carlton…
“The festival of the summer solstice speaks of love and light, of freedom and generosity of spirit.
It is a beautiful time of year where vibrant flowers whisper to us with scented breath,
forests and woodlands hang heavy in the summer’s heat and our souls become enchanted with midsummer magic.”
For magical crystals…
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For seeds…
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For Bealtaine Cottage Good Life…
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I love the quote from Carole Carlton, it just speaks volumes of how I feel. I have just come indoors from walking around the garden. I love it at any time of day, but evenings always seem that bit more special and magical. My own little paradise that I have created with the help of Mother Earth. Thank you so much Colette for giving me so much inspiration. Blessings xxx
Lovely to read this…blessings XXX
Reblogged this on Bealtaine Cottage.
It is always such a pleasure to visit your gardens via your photos. How blessed you are! The beautiful pink roses framing the distant bench is my favorite of this group . . . makes one want to walk right into it and take a seat and contemplate all the life and loveliness around. And to also be thankful for all your hard work that created and now manages it all.
The pink roses are a wonder considering that they grow out of two old tyres placed directly onto the gravel! This is a lovely time of the year to enjoy the outdoors.
Blessings X
Quite sad that you have reached the end of your stay at the cottage, but excited at what you are going to delight us with from now on!
I may even be here forever! No move just yet…just the end of the month of Bealtaine (May)…though am eager to get planting the forest I dream of! Time will tell!
Blessings X
Hi Colette, your gardens are looking truly beautiful with so many flowers. Our micro climate here is about a month behind your sheltered haven so we have much to look forward to. We too are preparing for our Solstice celebrations and will be thinking of you doing the same thing a couple of counties away. Peace and happiness – so glad to hear in your voice that you are feeling so much better. xx
It’s been a wonderful day here and as my senses are heightened, I’m experiencing it all so much more!
Solstice is coming…I love this time of year! Thinking of you both and will def be down to visit with you both after Midsummer!
Blessings XXX