The May Dance

A month of anticipation is May.  Building towards something, bursting forth with newness and light.  Our May was filled with new commitments, new blooms, new ideas, new strength.  I tried to take moments to appreciate the sun and rain.  So often I can be too absorbed by getting things crossed off my list or with the most recent breakdown in communication between a 5 and 2 year old to just exist.

Yoga helps me with this.  And the building of my spiritual practice will help with that as well.  I was lucky to celebrate Beltaine to start off the month and the tradition of those involved and the things we did to mark the day felt good.  A steady, warm place.  A place of connection between souls as the ribbons went around the pole.

There have been notes jotted down, and sketches drawn.  I've found a spring rhythm and yet summer comes knocking soon.  The sensation that fills me most days is one of waiting as a door is slowly swung open to reveal a lush landscape ahead.

I have to navigate the path, stopping often to check the status of myself and my loves.  We walk together though we are different seekers on the journey.  May heralds a time to dance for a while and then reflect.

Beltaine 2012: ribbons in the wind

Yesterday we had the pleasure of joining some old and new friends to dance the Maypole and make May baskets.  The spring has teased us with a few warm days here and there and glimpses of sun.  Just when I thought it was time to put on sandals and put the heavy coats away we get a week of gray days and Beltaine brought us wind.
It was crisp and fresh and had only a hint of sun here and there.  But we gathered, we danced, we laughed and the kids ran and played.  The adults made a tincture of spring's fertile energy, really it was just a lovely afternoon.  I plan to put out some offerings and clean and refresh my altar.  All the while preparing a handmade gift for a little girl friend and today I'm cleaning away.  But more on all that to come.  Blessings of Beltaine to you all.

refresh

With Beltaine's energy filling us all I felt an altar update was necessary.  I finally have a little shelf all my own to use as an altar in the otherwise chaotic sewing room/office.  For the last two months it has looked like this:

My birthing altar.   It held my drawing intention spell from Imbolc, a photo of the Damien Hirst Pregnant woman statue, my moon cord, two oil anointed candles also made on Imbolc, 4 cards from my Celestial Tarot deck: the ten of pentacles, Spring (Princess of Pentacles) for Elliott's birth season, and both the Aries (Emperor) and Pisces (Moon) cards because I wasn't sure what sign he would be.  Also included was a stone from my family farm, a piece off volcanic rock from Hawaii, a white pentacle for grounding, and a photo of an interpretation of Gaia.  There were various other stones and the contents from my witches ladder which was done before Kyan's birth.

Now that the holiday of love is here I thought it wise to change it up.  Beltaine is also special to me because 8 years ago I began dating Dave around this time, so the love factor is doubled for me.

I wanted something simple: a wedding photo, lovers statue, the Venus (Empress) card from Celestial Tarot, a romantic art card and some feathers.  Birds herald the sexy spring to me.  The most glorious part of my day yesterday was sitting rocking Elliott while listening to the birds sing outside.  It was warm and sunny, just a lovely day.  I hope your's was too.

Musings on Beltaine Eve

This week I've been a bit more introspective than usual.  Beltaine has crept up on me and unlike other years I'm not feeling the urge to do much.  I plan to honour the fairies in my garden by leaving them an offering of milk and honey and adding a bit of sparkle (photos to follow in a few days).  I'm reading The Way Of The Green Witch: Rituals, Spells, And Practices to Bring You Back to Nature by Arin Murphy-Hiscock and this quote made me ponder this week.

"The beginnings of the four seasons are specific points at which to pause and evaluate your life." 

I would expand that to include the cross-quarter holidays as well.  I remember feeling such a rush of energy at the Spring Equinox and now just six weeks later that has dissipated and become quieter and harder to balance.  Our family has collectively been a bit off kilter these last few weeks. Our progress with our wellness goals has slowed.  Sickness, teething, changes in schedule, whatever the reason we just lost our groove.  It is starting to get better slowly and I hope that after this weekend we'll start getting Ky's new room in order and I'll have lots of diy projects to share.  

I wish those of you who celebrate a very happy Beltaine.  Perhaps you'll catch a glimpse of the fey.  Keep your eyes open.   

Beltaine in Pictures

The forest, a lake, three gorgeous boys, ribbon wands and a moss covered fairy mound.
What more could two pagan mommies ask for?

Beltaine Art of the Month

I thought in honour of Beltaine that I would post some images of a very personal piece of art. It is the handfasting tie that I made for our glorious wedding almost three years ago. Dave and I began dating six years ago around Beltaine and so this time of fertility, awakening and love has special meaning to me. Dave always refers to this tie as our "wedding rings" because our hands were tied together while we said our vows and we did not exchange rings as most couples do.

The front fabric is the same as my wedding dress, cream coloured satin. On the back is my clan's Scottish tartan which is wool. I hand embroidered the flowers and writing. It also has the date of the wedding on it. We hope to put it in a shadow box someday soon and display it in our bedroom. I am very proud of this piece and it will hopefully be passed down to our children and their children for generations.