Myths and Legends of the World

Many Wiccans and Pagans celebrate Beltane.  It is one of eight solar Sabbats.  This holiday incorporates traditions from the Gaelic Bealtaine, such as the bonfire, but it bears more relation to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as May pole dancing).  Some traditions celebrate this holiday on May 1 or May Day, whiles others begin their celebration the eve before or April 30th. Beltane has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. The name means fire of Bel; Belenus being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. As summer begins, weather becomes warmer, and the green earth blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. In old Celtic traditions it was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity where marriages of a year and a day could be undertaken but it is rarely observed in that manner in modern times (mostly). In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire nig...

Message from Aeolus and Weather Channel Aeolus: Lord of the Winds April, May and June are the peak months for tornadoes in the United States. Intense tornadoes are more likely to occur during the spring. Many of the worst tornado outbreaks have struck in April or May. April kicks off what is typically the most active and dangerous three-month period of the year for tornadoes in the United States. During the 20 years from 1997 to 2016, the U.S. averaged 1,225 tornadoes annually, 55 percent of which were sandwiched between April and June. Historically, May has seen the most tornadoes each year with an average of 275. This is followed by June and April, which average 215 and 187 tornadoes per year, respectively. Eight of the 10 worst U.S. tornado outbreaks have occurred in April or May, mostly due to the fact that upper echelon tornado intensities are more likely in those months. In addition, nine of the 10 worst individual tornadoes were spawned during April, May or J...