Rejoice! Beltane’s magic is calling! The mummer’s play does not attempt the detailed imitation of reality; it is an imagistic theatre whose effect lies in holding real and unreal worlds in a precarious balance. — Antrobus We are now upon the threshold of the Great Sabbat of Beltane. This is an ancient celebration of flowering, … Read more
If Zeus had willed it soThat o’er the flowersOne flower should reign a queenI know, ah, well I know,The rose, the rose, that royal flower had been.— Sappho Since ancient times dating back to records from Mesopotamia, the “cradle of civilization,” the rose has been a treasured companion and central to our most enduring myths. … Read more
Were we like the Fays That sweetly nestle in the foxglove bell. — H. Coleridge (1796-1849) From Beltane to Midsummer, the Faery Kingdom celebrates the intense, growing delight of Spring. With the guidance of Thalia, we are exploring the relationships between the Faery realms and flowers. Although I have warned you that the faeries are … Read more
“…Higher in the space the fragrance of the star still disappears;near us a rose is breathing…” — Decimus Magnus Ausonius (ca. 310-395) Now is the time of the ancient Roman holiday of the Floralia, celebrated with games and theatrical presentations known as the Ludi Florales. A holiday honoring the Goddess Flora, also known as Chloris, … Read more
Silently a flower blooms,In silence it falls away;Yet here now, at this moment, at this place,The world of the flower, the whole ofthe world is blooming.This is the talk of the flower, the truthof the blossom:The glory of eternal life is fully shining here. — Zenkei Shibayama In honor of Maia and Flora, and all … Read more
Hail Mother, who art the earth, Hallowed be thy soil, rock and flora that nourish and support all life. Blessed be thy wind that gives us breath and thy watersthat quench, bathe and refresh all living things. Holy Earth – as one – we praiseyour majesty, grace and wonder.— Bill Faherty If the Romans could … Read more
©Flora – Genevieve AmyI am the handmaid of the EarthI broider fair Her glorious gownAnd deck Her on Her days of mirthWith many a garland of renown. And while earth’s little ones are fainAnd play about the Mother’s hemI scatter every gift I gainFrom sun and wind to gladden them.– William MorrisThe Floralia was the … Read more
When in the springtime of the yearWhen the trees are crowned with leavesWhen the ash and oak, and the birch and yewAre dressed in ribbons fair…–Loreena McKinnett In all the Beltane excitement, we mustn’t forget the other gifts of this most magical time, including the ancient Roman rites of the Floralia. Usually celebrated from April … Read more