Events from 2005
Imbolc
The Feast of Brighid marked Geal-Darach's first anniversary. Jamie and Wylbur welcomed us to their home for a potluck dinner which included home-brewed beer. In our ritual, we honored the coming of spring by breaking seeds out of ice and planting them in rich earth. The not-yet-completed Grove banner (held together by many pins) was unfurled to oversee our ritual.
Alban Eilir
The Spring Equinox, was a small gathering of four adults, four children, one brown dog and a wonderfully noisy red cardinal at the Grove of Pan. As so often, here in the tundra, we had snow on the ground.
Alferian salutes the Hawk of Dawn in the Grove of Pan. That white wool cloak is handy at the Vernal Equinox in Minnesota. Oiy!
Lighting the Alban Fire in the Brilliant light of the snow.
Planting the shamrock bulbs -- Hope of Spring growth!
Bealtaine - May Day!
Bealtaine was graced by delicate bits of white floating through the air. Hawthorne flowers? Cherry blossoms? Nope, . . . snowflakes. During our ritual we all jumped over the traditional Bealtaine fire, but lingered only briefly at the Grove of Pan before adjourning to Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis to view the Tree of Life Pageant presented by In the Heart of the Beast Theatre. The snow showers ended and the wind picked up quite a bit, lending a bit of drama to the climax of the production as the Sun came across Powderhorn Lake on a barge. The stiff breeze did its best, in vain, to prevent the arrival of the Sun. At last, mighty Belinos reached the shore to drive away the Cailleach and her cold snows for good (well for a few months). Many thanks to Andrea for her exceptional photographs.
Our May Queen and King
Leaping the smokey fire (yes, it was actually burning...)
The Sun-Bringers struggle against the stiff winds of the Cailleach to cross the lake at Powderhorn Park and revive the Tree of Life at the Heart of the Beast Theatre's May Day pageant.
