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
Oh, do not tell the Priest our plight,Or he would call it a sin;But we have been out in the woods all night,A-conjuring Summer in!– – Rudyard Kipling Many of the visitors to my website will be celebrating Beltane this weekend with their circles, covens and communities (in addition to their solitary or family rites … Read more
On the evening of the MayRound the fires burning gayWitches dance the night awayAnd that’s good enough for me! When the rednecks say we’re sinningI don’t care, ’cause we are winningAnd this is only the beginningAnd that’s good enough for me! Come and join the celebrationPour the Goddess a libationYou don’t need initiationAnd that’s good … Read more
The Fairy Tree ©WillowIn several traditions, today is a holiday called the Veneration of the Thorn. It honors the magical hawthorn tree, which is often the guardian of sacred wells and other holy places. The hawthorn (Crataegus mongyna, Crataegus oxyacantha or the botanical nightmare of nearly 300 other Crataegus species), is a member of the … Read more
The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and flourish in May, in likewise every lusty heart that is in any manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds. For it giveth unto all lovers … Read more
Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!The season that drives the cold Winter away! Hail to the Summer!Hail to the Summer!Light your bonfires –Today is Beltane!— ©Spiral Dance – Magick Known as Beltane, Beltaine, Cedsoman or Ceadamh (Irish for the “first of Summer”), May Day, Rood Day, Rudemas, or Galan Haf, today is the celebration … Read more
But since it was down for 3 days, and no one got to visit it, I am not writing a new update until … well, actually not until Beltane, since tomorrow’s entry will be the Card of the Week. So while I’m hanging out, maybe I’ll just share with you how gorgeous it is, here … Read more
The river is flowing,Flowing and growing,The river is flowingDown to the seaMother carry meYour child I will always be.Mother carry meDown to the sea— Reclaiming and FriendsThe Maiden is the youthful aspect of the Goddess. She is the discovery, creativity and freedom within us. She is care-free, liberated, and overflowing with the joy of living. … Read more