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Review & Photos By: Janel Spiegel
Event Review: Gallows Hill Spirits Co. Presents: Beltane
A celebration of Beltane on May 1, 2022.
Have you ever been some place with people, and you feel as if you’ve been there before? I know, déjà vu, right. Each time I walk into Gallows Hill Spirits Co., I feel like I’ve been there in another lifetime, I imagine it back in the day as a little speakeasy, or a shop filled with creative enamored people who have a love for the earth, and spirits.
Gallows is located at 2208 South 12th Street, Allentown, PA 18103. May 1, 2022 Gallows hosted the Beltane Ritual. “Beltane is a Pagan holiday, and one of the eight Sabbats. It falls halfway between the spring equinox (Ostara) and the coming summer solstice, Litha. The holiday celebrates spring at its peak, and the coming summer. Beltane also sometimes goes by the name May Day. This holiday is associated very strongly with fertility for pagans.”
The event was hosted by Chris Bogden, Korie Urban, Reverend Bea, and Gallows Hill Spirits Co. owner, Bob Piano. The event was absolutely breathtaking, peaceful, the energy in the room could have uplifted all of Pennsylvania.
I know some people are thinking and perhaps gasping… “witches!” No, no, no, it’s wonderful people who celebrate life, mother earth, each other, the happiness of being together. They praise Mother Earth as she should be praised, us humans are not always so kind to her.
It was an evening of renewal, a fresh start for some of us. They crowned a May King and a May Queen, (Congratulations to our friend, Michael as May King.)
We all participated in dancing around the May Pole and yes May 1st is also known as May Day to some. It’s also Happy Birthday to some RAD people. The ritual was performed at the alter that was set up. This was all positive, and the people are so uplifting and positive. It’s hard to walk into Gallows and go, oh geez, I’m going to be bored and bummed. It would NEVER happen.
The owner and awesome human, Bob Piano also did the Salem Witch Trial Tour for everyone. If you have never been to Gallows, I’m not sure what you’re doing but you should at least stop in for a spirit or the tour. Bob’s family are descendants of Samuel Wardwell, he became known as the Soothsayer of Andover.
Bob delivers this tour with pure gusto. I can’t imagine as many people told him tonight, how much it hits them. The pain and suffering these women and men who were murdered for being accused of witchcraft could have even felt. Bob delivers it beautifully each time. I’m surprised he doesn’t get choked up or overwhelmed.
Gallows also prepared a new menu with everything from a new Pickle Martini, Orange Julius, Lemon Lavender Gin Fizz. For the rest of the menu, you have to go and visit. There are plenty of events including Music Trivia Bingo with the absolutely awesome, DJ Bluto , he also does Trivia on Wednesday, he does weddings, parties, and more. (Music Bingo is every Friday night now.)
Gallows also is host to Make ‘N Take Events.
https://www.facebook.com/makentakeevents
Gallows makes their own spirits. You can purchase spirits to-go.
Gallows is also host to Paint like Bob Ross. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place. The people you meet are just amazing. There is a genuineness about Gallows that I’ve yet find elsewhere. The amazing souls that make the drinks, tend bar, help out and go above and beyond for the customers. You don’t even feel like just a customer, you feel as if you are amongst friends and you’re all having one hell of a good time.
After the Maypole King and Queen were crowned, we continued to celebrate Beltane with the lighting of Bel’s fire at dusk. We did everything from dance, sing, shake random instruments everyone brought. Then the Peeps came out. You know Peeps infamous marshmallows. Michael led everyone to the Bel fire to toast Peeps marshmallows.
It was the perfect end to an already enchanting day and evening. Gallows is a captivating place.
(A shout-out to Dean who dresses as Darth Vader. It was nice to meet you and see you and your amazingly talented wife.)
From Facebook:
“Everyone is welcome to celebrate Beltane on May Day, May 1st at Gallows Hill Spirits, beginning at 6 p.m.
It is no coincidence that this holiday falls at a time when Mother Earth is springing forth with new life. Join us as we practice traditions of antiquity.
It will be an evening of renewal, offering many elements with ardor.
Sacredness, as we prepare an altar for the Sabbat.
Revelry, as we weave the brilliant colors around the Maypole in search of a May Queen and May King.
Reflection, as we offer participants an opportunity to give birth to an aspect of their own life such as projects, relationships, or growth with the energies of the season.
Cleansing, as we ignite the pyre at dusk for Bel’s fire and infuse awakened desires with the magical mist of its smoke.
Freedom, with music, dance & joy of a new beginning.
All are welcome, attendees may be from various traditions of pagan paths, curious revelers who come to experience an alternative spirituality, energetic and lightworkers seeking community adding intention to the season, and anyone in between.
The format of the evening will include educational explanations of tradition, ritual, and meaning of Beltane.
WHAT TO BRING:
– Lawn Chair
– Musical Instrument
– Dress for the occasion
– Funds for Spirits, a snack if you wish
Beltane ceremonies and activities will be outdoors. Feel free to dress for the occasion in bright, light, flowery, or fiery attire. Tours including the site’s ancestral pagan history included.
Please bring a lawn chair for comfortable participation during and between activities.
Bring small hand instruments that one can play and dance with (shakers, tambourines, hand drums, etc.).
Teens are welcomed, but still must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.
Celebratory libations will be available from our host site, Gallows Hill Spirits. “Witch’s Tea Party” and “Spring Issue” special cocktails will be available. Please support them as our sponsor. You may bring light fare or a snack to enjoy with your handcrafted beverage.
Bless Be.”
Make sure to check out Gallows Hill Spirits Co.
https://gallowshillspirits.com/
