SETTING:
Enough torches are to be available for all participants. A fire set in the centre of the circle, unlit.
A single red candle (lit), a basket of garlands, a flask of wine, and a goblet are placed on the altar.
A tub of clay is placed in front of the altar.

All take their places in the circle, walking sunwise (anticlockwise).

HP & HPS stand at altar

Note: for this ritual the circle is loosely cast covering the entire area of Caer Brigid.

HPS: I proclaim the Festival of Beltane in the
Grove of Caer Brigid.

HP: Let the Sun, the Bright One, shine above our centre.

HPS: The Goddess has appeared. In green She has dressed
the Land, scenting the breeze with blossom. The blackbird, the stag, the salmon, and the fox obey Her call.
The Lord answers the tides of Her power; in which is our beginning.

All:

We call upon you, Elementals of Air to open this Eastern Gate, and guard our circle.

We call upon you, Elementals of Fire to open this Northern Gate, and guard our circle.

We call upon you, Elementals of Water to open this Western Gate, and guard our circle.

We call upon you, Elementals of Earth to open this Southern Gate, and guard our circle.

HPS lights a torch from the candle on the altar and with it lights the circle fire. The wine is then blessed.

HPS then crowns all with floral garlands as God and Goddess.

HP offers the wine to all.

HPS: In the Name of the Lady, Sovereign of the Land;

HP: In the Name of the Lord, Guardian of the Wild;

HPS: By Wind and Water, by Earth and by Fire we celebrate this night.

Riognach talks about the making of fertility symbols, and describes what we are going to do.

Everyone helps themselves to a lump of clay and proceeds to make their own idea of a fertility symbol.

When all have finished, HP & HPS collect the clay symbols and place them on a bed of straw in a metal tin. Everyone collects a torch and lights it from the circle fire.

All proceed to the large bonfire. The tin containing the symbols is placed in the centre of the bonfire, which is then lit by all with their torches. After any dancing, singing, chanting, or silly games that may eventuate the circle is closed.

Any silly buggers who want to jump the fire are welcome (as long as they know the implications!)

HPS: It is the hour of recall. As the fire dies down let it be re-lit in your hearts. May your memories hold what eye and ear have gained.

All:

By the stars of midwinter and by the deep Earth we thank you, Elementals of Earth,
and withdraw and close this Southern Gate.

By the evening stars and by the deep Oceans
we thank you, Elementals of Water,
and withdraw and close this Western Gate.

By the midsummer sun and the fire of the Northern Deserts
we thank you, Elementals of Fire,
and withdraw and close this Northern Gate.

By the rising sun and the sky at dawn
we thank you, Elementals of Air,
and withdraw and close this Eastern Gate.

HPS: I declare this the Fire Festival of Beltane closed in the Apparent World.
May its inspiration continue within our beings.

All exit sunwise.

All may return later after the feasting and merriment to check out the results of their creativity.