Bealtaine Festival
Foundation Centre - Ireland
May 2nd, 2026
By: Rev. Noeleen Watson
There was such an air of excitement leading up to today's festival as our temple has undergone a complete transformation since the Winter Solstice. For the past few weeks, we have observed a newness within the depths of the castle. Once again our temple, breathes new life and is once again living and breathing. Today was the day when the temple welcomed us all back for our Bealtaine Ceremony.
As everyone gathered in the courtyard, skies above were blue with the sun shinning down on us. We have been blessed by the weather here in Ireland lately. A Bealtaine ribbon was given to everyone to gather the energy of the day and bring it home with them. It was nearing time to set off on our journey. We gathered in a very large circle and Cait, our presiding Priestess, read the Fellowship of Isis Manifesto. It is a great reminder to us all.
As we moved towards the Rose Garden, you could see all the apple blossoms; the grounds of the castle were in full colour. The scents of the flowers were breathtaking. We all stood around the centre roses, fresh new shoots and leaves covered the branches. The Rosa Mundi, the Rose of the World was invoked. We took long deep breaths to ground us in the love of the rose.
We walked in procession, singing and admiring the beauty of the new growth. Nearing the Sacred Grove, we all stood in a circle among the trees in the Druid Clan of Dana. Eimear our Priestess brought our attention to the young tree planted for the Fellowship of Isis 40th Anniversary and the contrast of the older trees. New and the old living in harmony.
We walked then towards the Abbey, this the place dedicated to the Noble Order of Tara. Deirdre, a priestess invoked the Goddess Eriu and the God Lugh for strength and our sovereignty. One of our members sang a song about the land. We made our way towards the temple. Maureen, a priestess invoked the Goddess Persephone, and she reminded us of the importance of entering the temple with love in our hearts and a clear mind.
The temple opened her arms for all her attendees today. The flow of people and their energy was just what the temple needed. We stood around the Brigid's Well, we packed the hallways and the Star Chapel. Cait, read the first oracle in Olivia's book. The Goddess Isis of Egypt, Dedication of a Shrine. The one image that stays with my is that of the rambling rose, how it rambles on the walls, the windows and the ground connecting the heart of the rose to our own heart. The Goddess Isis asks us to make a shrine for her in our homes and then there will be joy, health and abundance and eternal love. Blessings were then given to all who would like to receive them.
As we all took our seats, we gathered in reverence for our priestess to share the oracle. It was from the Goddess Eriu, there was certainly a theme about claiming our sovereignty. It was so powerful that the words seemed to enter our being rather than logically taking them in. We were treated to beautiful harp music that echoed all over the temple. We were brought on a journey with a hare. Creative offerings were offered through poems and texts. Cait reminded us of the importance of only having love in our hearts. Hatred has no place in us or around us. We all joined in song together and held hands. All the deities were thanked for all their help today and every day.
The whole day was filled with colour, fun, laughter even a little boldness at times like the energies of Bealtaine itself. Bringing all that energy home and into our daily lives and doing our best to live from a place of love.
We all went for tea, coffee and of course cake. We were quite blessed today with the amazing turn out, the weather and our newly rejuvenated temple. Here is to making many happy memories.
The date of our next festival: the Summer Solstice, June 20th, 2026.
(Please note: Festival attendance is by invitation only - to request one, see this page: Events)
