YIN YOGA: FOR BELTANE
On May 1st in the northern hemisphere (or November 1st in the southern hemisphere), there is a pagan festival called Beltane. A TIME TO CELEBRATE FERTILITY, GROWTH, AND NEW BEGINNINGS, IT MARKS THE MIDPOINT BETWEEN THE SPRING EQUINOX AND THE SUMMER SOLSTICE.
With bonfires, dancing, and ceremonies, Beltane is frequently associated with the goddess of fertility and the deity of the hunt. It's time to celebrate the richness of new life that the planet brings. Typical Beltane customs include:
Lighting bonfires or candles as a symbol of the warmth and light of the sun.
Circling the Maypole, a large pole covered in flowers and ribbons.
Making floral garlands or wreaths to hang in houses or on trees or to wear.
Blessing the crops and fields for an abundant harvest.
Offering honey or milk as sacrifices to the land's spirits.
In addition to being a season for passion and love, Beltane is also thought to be a potent time for casting spells that promote fertility, affluence, and success. Some people take this opportunity to make resolutions or desires for the upcoming weeks.
Overall, it is a time to honour the cycles of growth and rejuvenation as well as the beauty and wealth of nature.
TO CELEBRATE BELTANE, YIN YOGA
You might like to try this simple yin yoga practise to connect with the energy of the changing seasons.
Focusing on Beltane's qualities of fertility, abundance, and new beginnings may help you better connect with the season's energy as you do this sequence. You can visualise your goals for the upcoming weeks and months and call in the energy of expansion and rejuvenation.
A GUIDE FOR SETTING POWERFUL INTENTIONS
You can take a few steps to create strong intentions for Beltane:
Consider the past: Think back on the previous several months and the lessons you learnt. What are your accomplishments, difficulties, and potential growth areas? You may decide what you want to concentrate on going forward by looking behind.
Clarify your goals by thinking about what you want to bring into your life over the following few months. What are your hopes, dreams, and goals? Make a concise list of the things and emotions you wish to experience in your life.
Put it in writing: jot down your goals in a journal or on paper. Use specific, uplifting wording. Instead of saying, "I don't want to be stressed," you might add, "I am calm and relaxed."
Visualise it: Make a collage or vision board that reflects your aspirations. Utilise words, phrases, and symbols that uplift you and serve as a reminder of your objectives.
Take action: Every day, take steps to fulfil your intentions. Simple actions like setting aside time to concentrate on your intentions or taking a first step towards your goal can do this.
Trust the process: Have faith that the universe will help you realise your goals. Let go of your need to control the outcome and trust that everything will happen as it should.
As you establish your intentions, keep in mind that Beltane is a time of celebration and abundance. As such, give yourself permission to completely experience the joy and energy of the season.
Happy practicing
Gem x
