Beltane Blessing: A Fertility Blessing Of Old For Animals

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Prosperity seems to be measured differently now than in the time of our ancient ancestors. Wealth was measured in herds and health instead of annuity stocks and 401K's. 

Grazing herds and farm animals meant less work and more food for the tribes and clans. 

Late spring was a time to measure and take in the family's prosperity. Thus Beltane became such an important Sabbat for those living the farming and as well as nomadic life.  Such a marking period is still kept in tradition in many Middle Eastern and African desert cultures to this day. 

While we need not live by the plentitude of our herds or have concern for our daughter's dowries by the head of live stock we possess, prosperity to the traditional Pagan family is still embraced and measured often in spring. 

Families with familiars and farming animals alike may wish to ask blessings for their animals at Beltane. Here is a blessing in the Scottish tradition incorporating Beltane fertility themes with prosperous wishes for the animal life encompassed in the family.

Start out by setting up and igniting the Beltane bonfire. The Scots and Celts often communicated with their Gods and Goddesses via flames. 

Once the smoke is formed, ask that good health and fertility come to all those present. You may wish to invoke your personal God and or Goddess at this time. 

Have all present holding hands or at least standing in a circle around the flames and remain quiet, visualizing the presence of the God and or Goddess.

Next, bring the animals in the direction that the smoke is blowing.  Animals are often afraid of fire, so the blowing smoke will often do even if they are a great distance from the flames. 

Also, remember that fertility and prosperity don't have to mean literal terms. These can also mean good health, recovery from illness, tenacity in training, stamina to endure hardship and a world of other measures of abundance. 

Your intent and visualization are what's most important in this rite. Once the animals are near the smoke, begin a smudging with a feather, wand, athame or even your hands. Since small children are kept farther from flames and they are the essence of life, the family may wish for the children to smudge the animals at this time. 

Your intent will be find in the smudging, but if you would like a chant I would recommend keeping it simple. A simple line of your intentions and wishes are good. Grandiose declarations aren't necessary especially with kids participating. No need

If fertility is the main goal for the family pet or the farms' livestock, you may wish for an adult to anoint the animals with a touch of honey or wine or a combination of both. In many traditions, wine is the symbol of the male energy or God while honey is the symbol for the female energy or Goddess. 

Once the animals are anointed, the smoke smudging and anointing may be also done to the barn or whatever place the animals will stay.

This will insure prosperity, protection and sacredness of their own spaces.