~ we are now accepting submissions for our Beltaine 2014 issue ~
publication dates: 1 May 2014, +/- three days
issue theme: lgbt springtime romances
please read the standard guidelines and submission guidelines
Beltaine (also written as Beltane) is the time of the year when fragile green sprouts peak through last autumn’s fallen leaves upon the ground, and marks the end of the cold and dark winter months. Traditions include bonfires, maypoles and handfasting; it is a celebration of life and love, of sexual energies and frolicking with one’s lover through the woods
as a magickal time, Beltaine marks another moment when the veil between the worlds is thin — folklore tells stories of the Queen of the Fairies riding through the mortal realm on a snow-white horse, and if one makes eye contact with her, they are lured away to the realm of the fae for seven years. Beltaine also marks the sacred marriage of the young God to the Maiden Goddess, and is a celebration of fertility and renewal
fiction submissions and poetry must follow the aforementioned issue theme, with elements and/or symbolism of the Beltaine sabbat weaved into the piece (faery queens captivating maidens, sexual energies of lovers escaping into the woods, handfasting couples dancing around the maypole — this can be interpreted in as many ways as you’d like!)
we also are accepting non-fiction, photography and artwork that contains theme(s) of the season and/or sabbat, preference will be given to pieces with a queer-ified angle (which don’t necessarily have to follow the theme of ‘lgbt springtime romances’)
to submit to the Beltaine issue, please see the submission guidelines
submissions will close for the Beltaine issue on 25 April 2014
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for more information on Beltaine in the pagan community:
Beltane: a shart, acedemic witchology article on the origins, etymology and history of Beltaine
Beltane from the golden bough; another witchology article, though more detailed on the aspects of the history and ancient celebration of Beltaine
Beltane celebration and history: a detailed article at witchvox with a focus on the origins, celebration and history of Beltaine
letter to a young gay man on celebrating Beltane: an unique perspective on Beltaine in the queer community, with a focus on pagan acceptance of all sexuality; talks about fertility in gay culture, considering the lack of sexual reproduction, and how individuals can celebrate their fertility as a celebration of sex, the body and fertility in other definitions
Beltane grumbles: a straight perspective regarding the inclusion of different sexual-preferences in the celebration of Beltaine, and how the focus on sexual fertility might not be suitable for all practitioners
queering Beltane: another explanation for the right of gay pagans to find their place in the Beltane celebration, and how one can interpret the symbolism and significance of the festival in a sensual way
