This episode outlines the key themes of May folklore embodied in the celebrations of May 1st, aka May Day or Beltane: bonfires for purification and protection, veneration of plants and trees, the leading of animals to green pastures, erotic expressions of pleasure, and the blooming promise of earth's abundance.

Join the Gathering the Gods course on Thor, Odin, & Freya: https://fantastic-hall-390.myflodesk.com/

Listen to the Big Beltane Spotify playlist (newly updated): https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UVpAwkdX39Bk5mY1Kd2Xc?si=0f91f96826544081

Big Beltane: May Day Song and Custom episode from 2019: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62jeozEUNP0FFrKKSafLEJ?si=4de8b4c66c284d5b

Music in this episode:

"Don't you Go a Rushing" by Lisa Knapp

https://lisaknapp.bandcamp.com/album/till-april-is-dead-a-garland-of-may

"Robin Hood and the Tanner" by Jesse Ferguson

Buy it:

https://music.apple.com/ca/album/folk-favourites/1238844872

"Äggavisan" by Folk och Rachare

Buy it: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/%C3%A4ggavisan/1462963060?i=1462963069

Opening theme: "Forest March" by Sylvia Woods

Buy Sylvia Woods’ music:

www.harpcenter.com/category/harp-cds