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...

Taurus is one of the oldest constellations is represented by the symbol bull. Taurus is the second sun sign of the western zodiac astrology. Taurus, nestled between the constellations Aries and Gemini, is prominent in the skies of the Northern Hemisphere. The position of the Taurus constellation plays a significant role in astrology. Taurus has many myths relate to it including the Minotaur. The Minotaur is one of the most well-known creatures of Greek mythology. Ask anyone about the Minotaur and most likely the will tell you that it is a creature that has the head of a bull and the body of a man. This story might be a bit disgusting, or humorous, to some people, depending on your own personality, but Greek mythology has some pretty strange stories. The Minotaur’s existence is one of those strange stories. Before Minos was the king of Crete, he must legalize his right to rule. He prayed to Poseidon, the Lord of the Sea and Patron God of Crete, for a white bull. Minos wo...

Taurus, the second sign of the zodiac, is all about reward. Unlike the Aries love of the game, Taurus loves the rewards of the game. Think physical pleasures and material goods, for those born under this sign revel in delicious excess. They are also a tactile lot, enjoying a tender, even sensual, touch. Taurus adores comfort and likes being surrounded by pleasing, soothing things. Along these lines, they also favor a good meal and a fine wine. The good life in all its guises, whether it's the arts or art of their own making (yes, these folks are artistic as well), is heaven on Earth to the Taurus-born. It's the Bull that serves as the Taurus's mascot, and along with that comes the expectation that these folks are bull-headed and stubborn. Yes, they are. Hey, this sign has a Fixed Quality attached to it after all, so expect that things will occasionally grind to a halt. That said, Taurus doesn’t start out with the intention of getting stuck. They simply want to get things...