My mural painting partner in crime and close friend whom my kids have lovingly named Princess Heather, is of Scottish lineage and heritage. She takes great pride in her family line and its traditions. There has been more than one round of the old tune "Go Lassie Go" sung around our Sabbat bonfires per her request. So when I came across a Scottish Beltaine rite in a book three weeks ago, I wanted to be sure to include it in our festivities. When I mentioned this to Princess Heather, she was surprised to have never heard of a Beltaine Animal Blessing. So here, in honor of all those of Scottish descent, is a sharing of my findings from a book "A Victorian Grimoire" by Patricia Telesco as well as a bit of further reading online.

Telesco suggests that all animals, whether a family pet or farm work animal, be brought near the smoke from the Beltaine fire. There, near the smoke, smudge the animal with a feather, staff or even one's own hands. Be sure to wave the light smoke over the entire body of the animal. While doing this, ask the God and or Goddess of your path to bring good health to this animal for the year. A prayer for protection from injury would also be appropriate.

Performing this on house pets is a wonderful way for children to give something simple to the pets for which they feel so close. This blessing could easily be performed by children. Since rites are so often lead by adults, a smudging of animals might just be a great way to get the kids involved, mind an adult is present near the bonfire, fireplace or even a set of candles. My kids are always thrilled when they have an active part in ritual. Adding our four cats will just bring the evening to levels of sheer joy of this Sabbat in the eyes especially of my animal-loving daughter.

Historically, this ritual was originally done out of necessity . Animals were crucial to the plowing of fields, the giving of milk and the dynamics of nomad and clan life. The health of the animals could make or break the family. A few centuries later, a fertility blessing for animal husbandry was added to this rite to increase herd numbers and thus the status and wealth of farming families who chose to settle in one place.

Once the smudging has taken place, perhaps lead by older children of the family, smaller children can adorn the animals with wreaths of ivy, a fertility plant. More native plants that would be easier to find in the United States are roses and bluebells, also flowers of fertility. While roses might not be in bloom currently in the more northern states, blue bells can be found this early in the growing season in zones as cool as zone 5. Lily of the Valley is the traditional Beltaine flower of many paths, but since they are poisonous to children as well as animals, I'd recommend using the other given alternatives.

While your cow, horse or goat might be open to wreath adornment, the thought of adorning cats with much of anything makes me break into huge fits of laughter at the mere folly. That brings me back to the human-food-loving, feline masters in my life and their love of May cakes. That's right! May cakes are just cake baked and cut into circles. When we serve them at Sabbat dinners, we add a peppermint stick or candy stick in the center of the circle as a symbol of the traditional May pole and it's dance. Since strawberries are now in season, I top the pound cakes with a bit of sweetened strawberries and the four furry familiars (say that fast 5 times) are thrilled and truly a part of this spring time celebration with their own individual helping.

In the modern world of today, seeing animals as partners in life seems a ridiculous notion of times gone by. Technology has replaced many of the stations animals filled in our lives less than 100 years ago. But as a Pagan family, I feel spring is the best time to rethink the muses of the modern era and pass on to our children the value and true friendship that animals share with us openly and honestly.

While we may not depend upon them for such backbreaking labor as we have in the past, animals -- whether familiars or farm animals -- give to us their entire selves and assist us in countless ways. The Scots got it right to bless and honor the animals of their lives. May we continue in their footsteps this Beltaine with our children as the leaders.