May, the Fifth Month of the Year of our Goddess, 2016

87875-Hello-May

“Winter is many months of the year
But now at last Maytime is here;
And birds sing from a leafy screen
In the trees and hedgerow freshly green;
And the wood-anemone is out in the shade,
With its blushing petals which too soon fade;
Once more the bracken is unfurling there,
And bluebells gently perfume the damp air.”

–  Veronica Ann Twells, Maytime

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MAY – THE FLOWER MOON

May is the fifth month of the year. Its astrological sign is Taurus, the bull (April 20 – May 21), a fixed earth sign ruled by Venus. The month is named for Ma’a, a Roman goddess and mother of the god Hermes. May is known as the queen of months. It is a month of lushness and beauty. The main holiday is May Day, or Beltane. This sabbat celebrates the sacred union of the Goddess and God. It is a celebration of growth and fertility. A traditional part of this holiday is the maypole, usually a fir tree with the side branches removed–a symbol of fertility. Since growth is a theme of May, another central figure of the month is the Green Man, a male form covered with leaves and branches. He is an ancient nature spirit, who brings life to the fields and forests after the long winter. Flowers are popular during Beltane rites, which give May’s Full Moon its lovely name–the Flower Moon. Many flowers and trees that bloom this month are associated with magic. Lilacs were originally grown near the home to repel evil. Wild blue violets can be used in love magic. A steaming infusion made with dried dandelion root was used to contact spirits. The hawthorn tree is also associated with May folk magic. to make a wish come true, burn three hawthorn branches in a Beltane fire.

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The More You Know

The merry month of May is named after the Goddess who is chief of the Greek Seven Sisters (the Pleiades) and the mother of Hermes. In legend, it is said that Hermes himself bestowed his mother’s name upon the month, Maia Majestas, Goddess of Spring. The Irish Celtic Queen Medb (Maeve) was an incarnation of this goddess. Later, she became the fairy Queen Mab of Shakespeare. Her sacred plant, the hawthorn, or may tree, blossoms during this month, which is one of vigorous growth. The Anglo-Saxon name of May was Thrimilemonath, “thrice-milk month,” because cows give milk three times daily during the month of May. Another old English name for May is Sproutkale, conjuring up visions of luxuriant plant growth. The runes ruling this month are Lagu (L), which signifies vigorous, energetic growth, and Ing (Ng), representing fertility and procreation. The old Frankish name of the merry month, Winnemanoth, “joy month,” describes our pleasure at the oncoming summer, as does the modern Asatru Merrymoon. the “backwoods” full moon is the Flower Moon. Ma is the customary time for revels, the Maying ceremonies and traditional love games of May Day. As the first day of summer, May Day is one of the most important days of the year. It has many alternative names. One ancient Irish name was Cedsoman, which today has become Ceadamh, meaning literally “the first of summer.” In Irish, May Day is La Bealtaine. The name Beltaine contains the element taine, which means “fire.” the first element is that of the solar deity who is called variously Beli, Belinus and Balder. One traditional name for the customary bonfires on May Eve is Balder’s balefirs.

The Celtic willow month of Saille ends on 12 May, followed by the hawthorn month, Huath. This brings protection of the inner and outer realms and is sacred to the hammer gods of thunder, Taranis, Thunor and Thor. Its sacred color is purple. The goddess calendar month of Maia fills the first half of May, ending on the 15th. It is followed by Hera, which begins on 16 May. Movable holidays in May include Mjollnir, the festival of Thor’s Hammer (celebrated on Thursday and coinciding with Ascension Day in the church calendar) and the commemoration of Buddha’s enlightenment, which occurs on the day of the full moon in May.

—The Pagan Book of Days, A Guide to the Festivals, Traditions, and Sacred Days of the Year
Nigel Pennick

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Correspondences for the Month of May

NATURE SPIRITS: Faeries and elves

HERBS: Dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort, thyme, yarrow

COLORS: green, brown and pink

FLOWERS: lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom

SCENTS: rose and sandalwood

STONES: emerald, malachite, amber, carnelian

TREES: hawthorn

ANIMALS: cats, lynx, leopard

BIRDS: swallow, dove and swan

DEITIES: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Atremis, Pan, Horned God.

POWERS/ADVICE: This is a good time to interact with spirits and faeries, a time of intuition, powers of the God are the strongest. This is a good time to strengthen your own mental powers and feel the energy around you.

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May Full Moon – The Flower Moon

Once April’s rains and winds have subsided, the sun begins to warm up the earth and we’re able to get the gardens planted. Typically, May is the month we begin to sow our crops. Get out in the garden under a Flower Moon and put your hands into the soil. Spring is a time of fertility, and May is a fiery month indeed — full of lust and passion! It’s sometimes called the month of the Hare Moon — and we all know what hares are busy doing in the spring. Celebrate once the sun goes down with a big bonfire ceremony.

Correspondences

Colors: Red, orange, yellow
Gemstones: Ruby, garnet, amber, Apache tear
Trees: Hawthorn, rowan
Gods: Kali, Priapus, Cernunnos, Flora
Herbs: Cinnamon, members of the mint family
Element: Fire

This is a good time to work on magic related to careers and jobs. Thinking about switching to a new position, or perhaps trying a new field altogether? Want to take a class or get your degree? Take the seeds you’ve planted last month, and allow them to bloom and grow in your favor.
Do some fire divination this month to help guide you on your way.

Also Known As: Hare Moon

—-Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

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Symbols for the Month of May

May’s Sign of the Zodiac
Taurus (April 21 – May 20)
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

May’s Celtic Tree Astrology
Willow (April 15 – May 12)
Hawthorn (May 13 – June 9)

May’s Runic Half Months
Lagu (April 29 – May 13)
Ing (May 14 – 28)
Odal (May 29 – June 13)

May’s Birthstones
Emerald and Agate

May’s Birth Flowers
All tree blossoms, foxglove and lilac

Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year
Mandy Mitchell

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Pagan Calendar for May 2016

  • 1: Beltane
  • 1: Samhain (Southern Hemisphere)
  • 1: Roman Festival of Bona Dea
  • 5: Cinco de Mayo
  • 8: Mother’s Day
  • 12: Celtic Tree Month of Willow ends
  • 13: Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn begins
  • 21: Full moon — Flower Moon at 5:16 pm

—-Patti Wigington, Paganism/Wicca Expert
Article published on & owned by About.com

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 WITCHY WAYS TO CELEBRATE MAY

Decorate your home and altar with combinations of flowers and colors to celebrate the union between the Goddess and the God.

Work with herbs in your magic by creating spell bags and sachets. Cook with herbs whenever you can.

Create a spell for strength and wellness by lighting a Beltane candle and burning your spell written on some pretty paper.

Create a harmonious magical garden with symbols and signs of the craft. Paint pebbles and draw shapes in the earth.

Get outside and find one usable foraged ingredient for your recipes. This is also good for expanding your plant knowledge.

Connect with the God aspect by connecting with nearby trees. Spend time touching the tree and water the roots as an offering.

Make daisy chains as offerings for the Fae folk.

—Mandy Mitchell, Hedgewitch Book of Days: Spells, Rituals, and Recipes for the Magical Year

 

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We are Witches
We walk the path of the Old Gods
From this moment forth
We will not walk alone
Together, we will worship
Together, we will practice our Craft
Together, we will learn and grow
We vow to work, from this day forward
In perfect love and perfect trust
According to the free will of all
And for the good of all
Creating only beauty
Singing in harmony
Our song upon the Earth
Love is the law and love is the bond
In the name of the Goddess and the God
So do we vow, and so mote it be.
Source:
Circle, Coven, & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice
Deborah Blake

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Happy Mother’s Day To All The Mothers Of The WOTC! Give Your Mother A Hug & Kiss Today & Tell Her You Love Her Now & Forever!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY
Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers all over the world! We are taking the day off to spend times with our families. But we couldn’t do that without telling all our mothers here, how much they are loved and appreciated.

 

Our Mothers Kept A Garden

Ours Mothers kept a garden,
a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
that gave our life it’s start.
She turned us to the sunshine
and encouraged us to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
the seeds of self-esteem…
And when the winds and rain came,
she protected us enough-
But not too much because she knew
We’d need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example
always taught us right from wrong-
Markers for our pathway
that will last a lifetime long.
We are our Mothers’ garden.
We are her legacy-
And we hope today she feels the love
reflected back from each of us.

—Author Unknown

Happy Mother’s Day!

Your Ancient Symbol Card for May 7th is Venus

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

Venus



Venus represents those qualities we commonly associate with the female/yin persona. Venus traits include fertility and the drive to create, unblemished beauty, love, passion, and togetherness. The occurrence of Venus denotes the dominating presence or need of the qualities listed above. While often very subtle, Venetian influences may have a negative impact unless they are balanced with an influence that can temper the drive of Venus.

As a daily card, Venus suggest you should allow your more feminine traits to guide your actions through this period. Subtlety, efforts to bring people together and allowing your creativity to run free are likely to serve you well at this time. However, like Mars, the powers of Venus are very strong and can do more damage than good if not balanced by other influences.

Your Daily Witches Rune for May 7th is The Blank Rune

Witches Rune for the Day

The Blank Rune

Meaning: This is a rune of difficulty and negative influences will rule your life for a time, but as all difficulties are a learning experience it will lead to improved personal perspective and progress on your life’s path. Always consult the surrounding runes with this stone. If it lies with a positive stone, it indicates that the pain of this experience will lead to a beneficial change in circumstances

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for May 7th is The Chariot

Your Crowley Thoth Tarot Card for Today

The Chariot



The Chariot is the representation of Victory and the personality traits required to attain victory. The Chariot indicates self-awareness and control. Courage—the ability to overcome fear and confront the unknown head on–is a primary ingredient of any victorious campaign and is denoted by the Chariot. So too is force of will. Often success is as much the product of will power and a refusal to surrender as it is anything else. The Chariot also represents the healthy personality of someone who believes in themselves; someone who can take control of the situation and bring events to a positive end. His successes come in competition with others.

Your Daily Tarot Card for May 7th is The World

Your Daily Tarot Card for Today

The World

 

Like The Sun, The World brings good blessings to your set of personal cards. The World appears where all is in balance. It allows you to act effectively not only as an individual but as a member of a group too. The World promises contentment, fulfillment and completeness to those under its influence. It doesn’t guarantee there will not be moments of strife or discord in your life, but it does indicate that your trials and tribulations will be overcome; that ultimately you will know inner-peace and contentment. The World suggests you have found or will find your place in our Universe—that place where all is as it should be.

When Temperance or The Sun are among your personal cards, the influence of The World may be increased. Having The Hermit in your personal cards may diminish the influence of The World.

 

 

Mother’s Day by the Signs

Mother’s Day by the Signs

 

Though several celestial bodies influence the maternal instinct and one’s urge to nurture — the Moon and Ceres, for example — your mother’s Sun Sign reveals her essential identity, the way she expresses herself, her most basic drives, hopes and wishes. Look, then, to the Sun Sign of the maternal figures in your life to find out how to create the perfect Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Aries
You may feel tempted to pamper your mom on Mother’s Day or to give soothing, relaxing gifts like spa treatments or scented candles. But this Fire Sign mama’s going to be bored silly by all that bubbly, flowery stuff! Your Aries mother possesses boundless get-up-and-go — and she loves a good dare. She actually finds conflict exciting, which would explain some of your tiffs growing up. So don’t bother indulging her senses or offering her escape. Instead, challenge her to a day of power-shopping or, if she’s athletic, to an off-road bike ride. You’ll be surprised by her energy!

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your active Aries mother could really benefit from a gym membership. Present her with a gift certificate and a bundle of tiger lilies, which, with their vibrant spray of colors and dots, are like the Aries of the flower world.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Taurus
Your affectionate and protective Taurus mom has always worked hard to provide for you and to protect you; she needs a day off, and a Mother’s Day feast seems a pretty good excuse! Second to her love for her family is her love for rich, sumptuous food. A little sensory indulgence and your undivided attention should be enough to satisfy your mom’s penchant for pleasure. Take your time, order coffee and desserts and, if she tries to beat you to the bill, insist that the date’s on you.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: If you can get your hands on a bouquet of tropical hibiscus, your Taurus mom will simply love them. Their soft, billowy petals appeal to her tactile nature. She’s also sentimental and will adore just about anything you give her — especially if it’s attractively wrapped.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Gemini
Your quick-witted Gemini mother’s always on to you and your schemes, so don’t bother trying to surprise her with fancy Mother’s Day plans unless you truly think you can outsmart her! Playful and chatty, your Air Sign mother would enjoy a cocktail party with all of her closest pals. But if you decide to make a toast to dear old mom, don’t go getting all sentimental on her. She doesn’t take herself or her emotions too seriously. Keep the mood fun and light!

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: If she’s the typical Gemini, your mother would love a bouquet of orchids, especially brightly colored ones. As far as gifts go, a Gemini can never have too many books! Find out if who her favorite author is and hunt around for an autographed copy or first edition.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Cancer
If your mom’s a Cancer, she’s probably the archetypal mother figure: Affectionate, loyal, nurturing, protective and emotionally available. On this special day, express to her how much she’s always meant to you; she thrives on your love and on knowing that she’s done her motherly duties well, after all. Make her dinner for a change and bring out all the old photo albums. Your generous time and care mixed with nostalgia and emotional conversation make for the ultimate Mother’s Day for a Cancer.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your sentimental Water Sign mother will simply weep if you give her a lightweight silver bracelet of silhouette charms with her children’s names engraved upon them. Also, instead of plain flowers, bring her a bowl filled with floating water lilies.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Leo
Your Leo mom possesses a fierce, abiding pride in her family, so the perfect Mother’s Day for this Lioness would be a gathering of her, well, pride. Bring together all her offspring and any other relatives you can contact, but be sure to make her the indisputable center of attention — while she’s a superstar without even trying, she still craves that spotlight. Regale the group with stories of all the wonderful things she’s done for the family. For kicks, rent a karaoke machine and toss Mom the mike!

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your Leo Mom perks up when handed a couple of sunflower blossoms — they’re big, bright and showy, just like her! Also, she cherishes the thought and effort of a card made by your very own hands. It reminds her of your drawings that she used to hang on the fridge.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Virgo
If your mom’s a Virgo, she probably cleans the house to relax, right? There’s something almost Zen-like about vacuuming the living room or trimming the hedges; the rhythm soothes her, not to mention the feeling she gets from bringing order to her immediate environment. Since shifts in her daily routine discomfort this modest mother, don’t throw a big surprise Mother’s Day party for her. She doesn’t like a fuss made on her behalf! Instead, take her out to a fine, well-appointed restaurant for lunch and offer her a neat bouquet of narcissus. And don’t be embarrassed if she reaches across the table to wipe that salad dressing off your chin!

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your Virgo mom will appreciate anything timesaving. So if you’re thinking smaller, go for a clean, new day planner. If you’re shooting for the *Stars* this year, buy her a new timesaving appliance, like that dishwasher she’s been wanting or a self-cleaning oven.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Libra
Your sweetheart of a mom could double as a United Nations diplomat, the way she always ironed out your conflicts and soothed your fears. Her calm, even nature hid the truth: She spoiled you rotten! Take advantage of this yearly opportunity to spoil her right back. Your Libra mother dreams of being pampered, of being treated like absolute royalty, so treat her to a long, luxurious visit to a day spa. Pull out all the stops: We’re talking massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, mud bath and bodywrap.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your mom’s a sentimental, romantic sap at heart, and she’d be so touched to receive roses from her beloved offspring. And though she likes luxury, she’s also a sucker for a heartfelt, homemade card.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Scorpio
You and your Scorpio mom have always confided in one another. She’s more than just your mom; she’s your best friend, your teacher, your role model and your guardian angel all rolled up into one! This Mother’s Day is the perfect time to make that clear to her. Honor her with a quiet, cozy dinner with only the closest family members in attendance. Talking about old times — about how actions and decisions have made her feel, how the past has influenced her present — will make her feel appreciated and respected for the complex, multifaceted woman she is.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your Scorpio mom’s nonconformist attitude likely extends to her taste in flora. So, rather than the usual carnations, opt for a spiky, oddly shaped cactus or a mysterious, alluring orchid; she respects a plant with an inherent element of danger!

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Sagittarius
To honor your Sagittarian mom this Mother’s Day, nothing beats a weekend getaway. If you’ve got the time and the resources, go for a long drive or on an antiques run through small towns that are off the beaten path. The time you can spend together exploring the world around you will show your adventurous Sag mom that you really appreciate her energy and courage. If you don’t get a chance to travel, arrange a lively get-together with family and some of your mom’s many friends. She’ll jump at the chance to mingle and flirt with the crowd, showing off her smarts and humor.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Your Sagittarius mother adores strong, heady perfumes; seek out something based in the oil of hyssop. If she’s a traveler, surprise her with a portable CD player and a few discs by her favorite musician — music will help to wile away the hours on long flights!

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Capricorn
Your Capricorn mother takes the responsibilities of her role as your parent very seriously. She can sometimes play the martyr, doing for you kids before she ever does for herself. This Mother’s Day, pay tribute to her dedication by taking her to a restaurant she’s always really wanted to visit but felt was too pricey, even as a splurge. Realize that, to her, status is important; just knowing that you understand that will touch this hard-working lady’s heart more tenderly than any old homemade card.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Though mushy and sentimental when it counts, your Capricorn mom really appreciates a little extravagance — especially when it involves jewelry. A simple onyx ring or delicate tennis bracelet would suit her conservative but sophisticated tastes.

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Aquarius
If your mother is an Aquarius, she probably has a large circle of eccentric friends of whom she is very proud. She also involves herself in the world, extending her nurturing instinct outward. While her mothering style may be more global than most — and while she may have always seemed a bit different from your friends’ parents — she’s devoted and has always encouraged your independence. Now, to celebrate her unique and amazing soul, take her out for a lively dinner with you and some of her closest friends in attendance. The companionship and attention will make her day!

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: Though she’s an Air Sign, your Aquarius mom appreciates being grounded in reality. That said, she loves strange gifts, heartfelt surprises and anything that will enrich her soul and keep her keen mind centered. Give her a membership to a yoga school, and sign yourself up as well!

Mother’s Day by the Signs: Pisces
Your good-hearted Pisces mama lives in a world all her own — and that’s the way she likes it! Fantasy and creativity are her lifeblood and on this special day, you should indulge her desire to daydream. Take her out to the theatre or to the ballet, anywhere in which reality is suspended for a time, allowing her to express her childlike innocence and curiosity. She’ll appreciate your understanding of her ethereal nature and you will get a glimpse of your mother truly enjoying herself.

Ideal Mother’s Day Gift: The real world can sometimes be too much for this dreamy lady, so give her something calming and soothing that will provide her a bit of blessed escape. An aromatherapy diffuser and a combination of essential oils such as lavender and jasmine will definitely do the trick.

 

Courtesy of Cafe Astrology