Well, here we are half way between Imbolc and Oestara, and I'm already dreaming of Beltain! I remember very little of the dream, more like a couple of images and feelings. Here it is:
I am in an old house and am busy with preparations for an upcoming ritual. There are other people there too, and I know they are also busy, but none are with me at that moment. Before me I have fragrant branches, flowers and herbs, which I'm tying into bundles with colourful ribbons. I am also vaguely aware of some robes hanging behind me, beautifully made from semi-sheer fabrics - emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, royal purple, golden yellow, and vibrant orange.
My basket is full of the botanical bundles, and I take them outside. In an empty space, a circle that is marked with stones, is a pole gaily bedecked with ribbons. "The Maypole", I think to myself. But instead of being happy to see it, I feel a sense of doom. I am reluctant to approach it, but know I must. I lay my bundles carefully on the stones all around the pole.
A young girl is brought out. She is dressed in white with a circlet of flowers on her head and is carrying a kitten. Her escort is a group of women all wearing the robes I know were in the house. It would have made a beautiful picture had I not known that the young maiden and kitten were going to be burned as a Beltane sacrifice. She is placed by the pole and without being tied, stands amidst the ribbons and flowers, awaiting her doom.
The dream shifts, it is now much later in the day and the sun is setting. I have a strong feeling, like a memory, that something has not gone right, that the sacrifice was not offered. Someone asks me if there are any more kittens, and I remember seeing some in the house, but say nothing. Nothing more is seen of the girl. Everything is in turmoil.
I feel I need to leave this place and get my cart ready. It is heaped high with all sorts of possessions that I needed for the long journey. One man from the crowd approaches me, and in a pretense of helping me secure it all, quickly shows me rolls of fabrics that are the same as the dresses were made from. There is great significance in this, a mystery, but I am unable to grasp it at the moment. I am also aware that the sapphire blue fabric is missing from the rolls. That too is significant, and something to be pondered as I go on the road.
Suddenly, a commotion by the house draws my attention away from my plans. A middle-aged blond, plump woman walks out wearing the blue robe and imperiously summons us all with a wave of her hand. She looks haughtily around and declares, "Since the sacrifice this morning went so awry, I shall become your new sacrifice!" I am stunned to recognize her as my teacher, elder and initiator. I also recognize that what she is doing is even more wrong than the original sacrifice. She is changing all the rules. There is something very manipulative and controlling in the way she talks and commands.
I do not join the others, but quickly make my way along the darkening road.
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