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
Happiness is not a matter of intensitybut of balance, order, rhythm and harmony. – Thomas Merton The Greek Goddess Iris is a Goddess of sea and sky. Her father Thaumas “the wondrous” is a God of the sea, and Her mother Elektra “the amber,” is a cloud-nymph and one of the Oceanids (not the daughter … Read more
Iris © Josephine WallIris on saffron wings arrayed with dewOf various colours through the sunbeams flew. — Virgil In these beautiful days of Spring, we continue our journey with the Graces, particularly noting the gifts of the Grace, Thalia. She is the giver of mirth, growth, and flowering. In Greek mythology, Iris is the messenger … Read more
Wild Iris at Dawn – © Galen RowellIn your neat garden iris growsBright yellow, mauve – in stately rows.This one you’ve picked is a lovely thing,I know it brightens up our spring. But in the forest, springtime’s child,A purple iris growing wild,Can melt my heart as spring melts snow,It’s spoilt me for the sort you … Read more
The Fires of Beltane(trad.) Nine woods in the Bel fire goBurn them fast and burn them slow. Birch wood in the fire goesTo represent what the Lady knows. Oak in the forest, towers with mightIn the fire it brings the God’s insight. Rowan is a tree of powerCausing life and magick to flower. Willows by … Read more
For the May Day is the great day,Sung along the old straight track.And those who ancient lines did leyWill heed this song that calls them back. Pass the word and pass the lady,Pass the plate to all who hunger.Pass the wit of ancient wisdom,Pass the cup of crimson wonder. — Cup of Wonder, from Songs … Read more
Hail Thalia, Grace of Flowering and Mirth! Hail to The Lord and The Lady!Hail to the King and Queen of Faery, to blessed Flora, and to Maia Majestas! ©Helena Nelson-Reed Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!The season that drivesThe cold Winter away!Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!Light your bonfires –Today is Beltane!— from … 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
I arise todayThrough the strength of HeavenLight of SunRadiance of MoonSplendor of FireSpeed of LightningSwiftness of WindDepth of SeaStability of EarthFirmness of Rock. — commonly known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate, but also believed to be the far older Druid Deer’s Cry Invocation As I’ve been discussing, the evidence is overwhelming that time spent in Nature … Read more
Kuan Yin does not come hither; I do not go thither;the water is in the basin; the moon is in the heavens.When the water is clear, the moon appears;when the mirror is bright, the image emerges. — Su Tung-po – 11th Century poet Today is the 19th day of the second moon of the new … Read more