This month begins with Beltane with symbolism and associations linked to fertility- of the land, of livestock, families and of the mind. I’m aware that there’s a notion that some other faiths and beliefs express displeasure with respect to fertility and more specifically to open discussion of sexual intercourse. That, from my experience, is not entirely accurate. Our ways of expressing thoughts, concepts and beliefs use language in different ways. When we speak a common language, I’m not sure we are always aware of the different ways others use that same language and take that into consideration when engaged in dialogue. Of course, that’s true outside of dialogue between people of different faiths and beliefs, too. So often disagreements and conflicts arise between people because there is a misunderstanding of the meaning of peoples use of words. Pausing to ask questions to check meaning and understanding can frequently avoid conflict. Where there are differences in worldview, discussion about that worldview, its underlying rationale and how that is framed within a context of people with a different worldview can also help avoid conflict.
So how do we explain Beltane themes and the worldview that underlies our expression of those themes? It’s a useful exercise to consider these things, and not just with regard to Beltane, as we live in a society filled with people who hold a different worldview to that of Pagans. It’s worth beginning with an acknowledgement that not all Pagans celebrate Beltane, and also that Pagan worldviews themselves are quite diverse. Personally, I’d go on to indicate that how I express my understanding of the symbols and concepts that underly Beltane will be different to that of other Pagans, at least in part because I am not other Pagans. The vast majority of Pagan traditions hold a reverence for the sacred in nature (expressing that in a variety of ways), and anything that is part of sustaining and perpetuating nature is good and to be celebrated. Without fertility, nature would cease to exist. So celebrating what sustains and perpetuating that which we revere is obvious. Ok, so that’s a simplification of my rationale for celebrating Beltane, and I’m sure there will be Pagans who would say that’s not why they celebrate Beltane. But we’re a diverse bunch and if you’re bothered by how I express my rationale for Beltane celebrations then I would encourage you to engage in Interfaith dialogue to share YOUR rationale. You’d be demonstrating that diversity I tend to mention, anyway.
Those of you who have been following this blog may recall my mentioning some examples of other faith and belief communities celebrating aspects of nature. We’re not alone in finding something sacred in nature to celebrate. How that is expressed, the language used, varies just as it does in our diverse Pagan community. But when we explore meaning and understanding of different expression it can be surprising how often we find points of connection with people from other faiths and beliefs. It’s almost as if the sacred in nature includes other humans.
Mike Stygal
Belief and Education Officer
Contact Mike here