The eve of Bealtaine is upon us, the time between time, the thinning of the veils between the worlds. This is the time when we can mingle with our Ancestors, with the Deity, with that which is holy and above reproach. As we have been taught down through the ages, this eve is one of two when the movement of both worlds is tangible, when we can walk through the membrane of existence to listen quietly to the lessons of the Ancient Ones, learning from their wisdom the sacred texts of eternity. May each of us drink in the abundance of love and light from the Ancestors, may each of us learn as we walk our paths of flickering light. May the blessings of forever be upon us. On this eve we will be conducting High Ritual, and the Rede will not be used. With harm to none, as it is spoken, now it is done, which is another way of saying, and it harm none, do what you will. At the closing of the Ritual circle, a more ancient and very powerful form of intention will be invoked, as well as a newer tradition of belief. We seldom use these intentions. The thinning of the veils has enticed us to this end, as well as other more subtle thoughts. From The Carmina Gadelica Ortha nan Gaidheal AM BEANNACHADH BEALLTAIN [passage 73] Beannaich, a Thrianailt fhioir nach gann, Mi fein, mo cheile agus mo chlann, Mo chlann mhaoth's am mathair chaomh 'n an ceann, Air chlar chubhr nan raon, air airidh chaon nam beann, Air chlar chubhr nan raon, air airidh chaon nam beam. Gach ni na m' fhardaich, no ta 'na m' shealbh, Gach buar is barr, gach tan is tealbh, Bho Oidhche Shamhna chon Oidhche Bheallt, Piseach maith, agus beannachd mallt, Bho mhuir, gu muir, agus bun gach allt, Bho thonn gu tonn, agus bonn gach steallt. Tri Pears a gabhail sealbh anns gach ni 'na m' stor, An Trianailt dhearbha da m' dhion le coir; O m' anam riaraich am briathra Phoil, Is dion mo chiallain fo sgiath do ghloir, Dion mo chiallain fo sgiath do ghloir. Beannaich gach ni, agus gach aon, Ta's an teaghlach bheag ri m' thaobh; Cuir Crois Chriosd oirnn le buaidh baigh, Gun am faic sinn tir an aigh, Gun am faic sinn tir an aigh. Trath threigeas buar am buabhal bho, Trath threigeas cuanal an cual chro, Trath dh' eireas ceigich ri beinn a cheo, Treoir na Trianaid bhi triall 'n an coir, O treoir na Trianaid bhi triall 'n an coir. A Thi a chruthaich mi air tus, Eisd is fritheil rium aig lubadh glun, Moch is anamoch mar is iul, A d' lathair fein a Dhe nan dul, A d' lathair fein a Dhe nan dul. THE BEALTAINE BLESSING Bless, O Threefold true and bountiful, Myself, my spouse, and my children, My tender children and their beloved mother at their head. On the fragrant plain, on the gay mountain sheiling, On the fragrant plain, on the gay mountain sheiling. Everything within my dwelling or in my possession, All kine and crops, all flocks and corn, From Hallow Eve to Bealtaine Eve, With goodly progress and gentle blessing, From sea to sea, and every river mouth, From wave to wave, and base of waterfall. Be the Three Persons taking possession of all to me belonging, Be the sure Trinity protecting me in truth; Oh! satisfy my soul in the words of Paul, And shield my loved ones beneath the wing of Thy glory, Shield my loved ones beneath the wing of Thy glory. Bless everything and every one, Of this little household by my side; Place the cross of Christ on us with the power of love, Till we see the land of joy, Till we see the land of joy. What time the kine shall forsake the stalls, What time the sheep shall forsake the folds, What time the goats shall ascend to the mount of mist, May the tending of the Triune follow them, May the tending of the Triune follow them. Thou Being who didst create me at the beginning, Listen and attend me as I bend the knee to Thee, Morning and evening as is becoming in me, In Thine own presence, O God of life, In Thine own presence, O God of life. Image created by Queen Type O Negative