OUR LADY OF THE WOODS News
Our Lady of the Woods, an eclectic Wiccan coven based in Los Alamos, will celebrate Beltane on Sunday, May 6 at 2PM in front of the Unitarian church in Los Alamos with a ritual, feast, and May pole dance.
Beltane is one of the most important days in the Wiccan year, marking as it does the beginning of summer, the season of growth, warmth and fertility. This period was very important for ancient cultures, dependant as they were on the success of the growing season for the survival of the community. “Modern people don’t always see this vital link with nature,” Rowan, the High Priestess of Our Lady of the Woods, notes, “but it is still there, even if we try to ignore it. The celebration of Beltane reminds us of our connection with nature and the important role it plays in our lives, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.”The Beltane Sabbat, one of eight in the Wiccan year, marks the beginning of the summer for the Celts. Indeed, in the Irish language, Beltane is the word for May. For many English towns, the May pole remained stationed at the town center, becoming a gathering place for the whole season, which was a sort of on-going block party. Our Lady of the Woods hopes to recreate some of those good times at our celebration.
The pot luck feast will be followed by songs, dance, and stories. Dress festively and bring drums and musical instruments. The Unitarian Church in Los Alamos is located on North Sage in Los Alamos, between the Masonic Temple and the Mormon Church.
Additionally, Our Lady of the Woods will meet at the Pyramid Cafe on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 6 PM. Anyone interested in paganism, Wicca, or learning about Our Lady of the Woods is welcome.
