Beltane: Awakening Sensuality
Can you feel it in the air? And rising up from the earth? The awakening of sensuality in abundance as the potency of Beltane is blossoming on every branch. Rising sap and burgeoning fertility abound as the earth awakens to sensuality at Beltane. By the time May Day arrives, spring is in full swing and the balance is tipping towards summer. The heat of the sun increases with each day, and the earth turns ever-deepening shades of green, as buds and blossoms give way to the emerging new leaves. Flowers seem to explode along the roadsides, whilst birds, bees and other flying creatures fill the air. And even though a chill can creep back in for a day or two, there is still no going back. Winter is decidedly over. In fact May 1st marked the official beginning of the light half of the year in pre modern times, making this day the official beginning of summer for our ancestors. Indeed Beltane, or May Day, is a time for exuberant celebration as the long warm days, and the lush abundance of the growing season are ramping up. The hopeful feeling that was kindled at Imbolc, and built upon at Ostara, now comes into full fruition. It is a time to celebrate the return of passion, vitality, fun and frivolity, and the co-creative energies that are so evident at this time of year.
And this year it feels deeper than that. In all this slowing down since lockdown, it seems that I’ve dropped deeper. I have more time to feel, more time to experience. My senses have come alive to the earth’s abundance more vibrantly than ever before. I’m experiencing all my senses with more clarity, more sensuality. The scent of the blossom, the taste of an apple. And touch – are you getting it, or are you yearning for it? If you’re isolated by yourself in lockdown, you may be yearning for physical touch and interaction. I’ve been noticing what a gift – and what a necessity – it is to receive small human interactions and acknowledgements, such as making eye contact, saying ‘good morning’, or giving and receiving a hug. If you’re locked down with your loved one(s), how’s that going? Has the enforced proximity killed your cuddle? Or more…
Traditionally at this time of year spring fever is at its peak as people find they are unable to concentrate on their work or studies and long instead to spend all their time outdoors, and primal urges toward lust and wildness become stronger. But after weeks of lockdown in the same space with the same people – or even on your own – you might be feeling that your primal urges have become locked down too.
Beltane is the time of year for reawakening those urges, reawakening your sensuality, playfulness and frivolity. Even in lockdown, perhaps most vitally now, there is an invitation to awakening your sensuality, reconnecting with your body and reigniting your sexuality.
How Luna Rhythms Yoga can support you through the season of Beltane
At Luna Rhythms, our unique system of yoga integrated with the lunar cycles and solar seasons teaches techniques from the ancient yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra in alignment with the energies of the day, season and cycle. Beltane is an invitation to sensuality, to awaken to the vibrant energy within ourselves and on our Earth.
Mantra: Ahum Prema. This simple mantra translates as ‘I Am Divine Love’ and can be recited with the breath. Inhaling, Ahum. Exhaling, Prema. Focusing your awareness on your heart centre as you breathe and reciting the mantra, either silently or out loud. You could visualise the love pouring into your heart on the inhale, and radiating out to all beings on the exhale. This is a very calming and soothing mantra, and it awakens a connection with pure, unconditional love. It can also have a very powerful awakening effect on sexual energy too! You may experience your kundalini rising as you chant this and a sensuality enlivening your body, inviting you to respond. Be aware of how that feels for you. And discontinue the practice if you are feeling overwhelmed in any way.
If that’s got you juicy and you’re ready to continue, try Shivalinga Mudra. Shiva means ‘auspicious, good and the Ultimate Reality. The lingam represents the masculine creative power and the cosmic consciousness. Shivalinga mudra is the ‘Masculine Creative Energy Gesture’, or the ‘Energy Charging Mudra’.
Resting your left palm up on your lap. Make a soft fist with your right hand and extend your right thumb up vertically. Anchor the outer edge of your right hand into your left palm. So your right hand is in a fist with the thumb pointing up, and it is resting in your open left palm.
Mudra Magic
Shivalinga mudra brings tremendous energy and vitality into the system. The lingam represents the infinite nature of Lord Shiva and limitless potential of the universe. The phallus symbolizes masculine creative energy and the power to generate energy.
Known as the “energy charging mudra”, it dispels tiredness, diminishes fatigue, transforms listlessness, and uplifts the whole bio-energetic system. A powerful mudra for these times, this mudra can help with depression or extreme states of sadness. Shivalinga mudra is said to help heal sickness and aid the healing process in whatever way is needed.
Gertrud Hirschi teaches a “mortar and pestle” visualization in association with this mudra. Visualize the left hand as the mortar and the right hand as the pestle. Breathe deeply. See your sickness as small pebbles held in the left hand. Mentally grind the illness into a fine dust and blow it away. Offer gratitude for the healing power of Universal Energy.
This mudra can increase vitality, enthusiasm, courage and self-confidence. It also helps to balance heat in the body.
This is a powerful mudra for generating heat and awakening sexual energy. Avoid this practice if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure or excess heat in your body. It is not recommended for conditions associated with excess heat, like menopause, ulcers, hypertension or excess sweating. As always, consult with your physician for all medical conditions and the practices of yoga.
And as an extra sensual treat this Beltane, try the following daily ritual: Before you get dressed each morning, warm a little coconut oil and add your favourite essential oils. Special oils, flowers or scents for this season include lilac, rose, frankincense and jasmine. Massage your whole body slowly and sensually, delighting all of your senses in the sensation. Notice how it feels to touch and be touched: the warmth, and the scent of the oils. Enliven every part of yourself with delicious touch and stimulate your senses with the fragrant aroma of the oils. Gift this ritual to yourself every day, or as often as possible through Beltane.
If you are locked down with a loved one, you may choose to share this ritual with them.
But make sure to also take time to reconnect with yourself: awakening your own sensuality will help deepen your intimacy when you are ready to reconnect with another. Whether that’s later the same day or when lockdown ends!
Be Blessed!
Diana