Beltane 2026

 

Beltane traditionally sees the beginning of warmer weather, marked with flowers and bonfires. However, spring, and the resulting warmth here in the Black Hills is always slow in coming. Long after other parts are thawed out and are well on the way to warmer weather, we still get snow. So the celebrations I observe are done a little differently most of the time. 

No running around in the wild usually. Not without a pretty thick coat and some boots. There certainly won't be a maypole! But I may light a candle or two. And snacks. No self-respecting pagan would do without her snacks. 

Tonight I should have the house to myself, which is a good thing. 

Of course, there are a few flowers out. The box elders are starting their yearly bud break and will soon be covered in green. There are a few wildflowers here and there. The pasqueflowers popped up a couple weeks ago. Everything is beginning to wake up finally; I just wish it would get warm and stay warm, especially at night. I don't know about you, but I am ready for the days to get longer and warmer, and more stuff to do! Although winter has its attractions, it's time to put away all the snow and winter things and break out the spring!

So I have been mucking around with this whole Discord thing and created--a server? Not video games or whatever. More like a chat room for those of the paganish persuasion living in the Black Hills of South Dakota and surrounding areas. If this fits your description and you are on Discord, look for " Wild Paths of the Black Hills".  The trail has led to me! 

I don't expect too many people to really join, but feel free to pop in and say hello. 

--Dancing Dryad

Changing seasons

So for many moons, I have debated what to do with this blog. 

I briefly considered writing a story and posting it here; but then it came about that I am too lazy for such endeavors. 

It occurred to me this afternoon that with the loss of Witchvox several years ago, it is difficult for like minded people to find one another, should one not be interested in the Facebook route. 

It is an especially touchy subject here in the Midwest, where loyalties run Red and sometimes the difference between fellowship and a torch-bearing mob at your door boils down to merely where your neighborhood is, and what flag you choose to fly. While there are groups in nearby Rapid City no doubt, they have been secretive, and rightly so. 

Recently I joined Discord for an unrelated subject, and I realized that this could be the answer I was looking for. So perhaps form a group of my own; not for any specific purpose--I don't want necessarily a coven! But a "safe space" for pagans and the pagan-minded to get together and discuss nerdy and pagan things. 

Now, all I need is a name..... 

More information is forthcoming. 

--DD