A Belated Blessed May Day

Yes for those of you who may be wondering, I am still kicking.  When I posted yesterday (just a favorite quote) I noticed the number of times I had posted thus far this year. It was few to say the least.  The month of April was only 1. 

Most of you know the reasons that keep me busier than before and why I have not been here as much as I would like to be.  Vincent is doing well.  The doctor appointments are fewer and farther between.  Although he is still under care it is a welcomed occurrence. He is back to work and so I do manage to have a bit of time to myself.  I have gained so  much respect for those who hold the name caregiver.

May Day was yesterday and a beautiful day it was.  A bit breezy yet that is to be expected in Oklahoma.  The cottonwoods are out in full force so my allergies are letting themselves be known in a wonderful manner.  We are well above our normal rainfall so everything is in full force.  It never ceases to amaze me the changes that come.  Last year we were in a major drought.  The temperatures were extremely high and everything was brown.  This year we are close to the opposite.  The abundance of color has been a wonderful gift.  It seems my flowers and such have never seemed more healthy.  My back porch has become my quiet place.  A place to calm myself when needed.

As always I am hoping to be able to drop by a bit more often then I have been yet I have learned not to promise things you are not sure of.  I have missed so many of you so much and the occasional email or comment I receive from you always lets me know that some friends can never be explained or replaced…. Blessings to all of you.  I hope that this finds you well and that our visits will become a bit more frequent.  Til then be safe….

Blessed Beltane

May is a time of fertility and new beginnings after a long winter.

The Faeries are afoot!

They dance in the hills and roll in the grass,

reveling in the joy of warm May breezes.

Our spirits are high with the lust and heartiness of spring.

New life is stirring and appetites are keen.

 

Laurie Cabot - Celebrate the Earth

Celtic Tree Lore - The Magical Attributes of the Hawthorne

any magical attributes are connected with the Hawthorne tree. Its connection and uses during Beltane were discussed earlier in regards to the Maypole as well as its connection with the faery folk. Medicinally parts of the Hawthorne can be used to treat such ailments as hypertension and heart problems. Such medicine is derived from the leaves and fruit of the tree. May blossom wine can also be created by the blossoms of the tree. This was more than likely a popular concoction during Beltane as the blossoms of the Hawthorne are said to be highly erotic to the male gender. 

Barwood.com

In regards to the performance of magic, it is said that a wand made from the wood of a Hawthorne will hold great power. The Hawthorne is said to be the tree from which magical powers enter the manifest world from beyond lending to the belief that such a wand would hold much power.  Such a wand is used for strengthening ones own magical powers as well as for protection and cleansing.

The Hawthorne is also considered a guardian which stands between the realms. It holds connection with the wee folk and is said to be a means of entry into the faery realm. Sprigs from a Hawthorn tree were often given to children as they slept as a means of protection. It was used as the wood for funeral pyres also. It was thought that as the wood burned the souls would escape through the thorns making their way to heaven. Likewise it is often used in spells regarding communication with those who have passed.

 

The Hawthorne is said to hold the power and attributes of cleansing, defensive protection, family, fertility, happiness, marriage, prosperity, purity, reconciliation, and wisdom. Thus it can be used in any spell with such holds such a theme. Its white or pink flowers which appear May through June as well as the red fruit which appears in Autumn can all be used. Other names for the Hawthorne are May, Maybush, Quickthorn, Whitethorn, or Haw bush.

May Eve - A Time to Celebrate

“It was a bright cold day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Well not quite, the clocks are not striking thirteen, yet I did wake up to a bright cold day. They say it will warm up into the 80s by afternoon yet I am not sure if that will occur. The clouds seem to be lingering and the rain seems to want to come again for a bit. I do not mind that too much as it will help in the watering of my yard, which in turn will allow me more time to do other things. It is May eve you know.

For many this is a holiday that is highly celebrated although many may not admit to celebrating it in the manner in which it is truly accustomed to. Beltane as it is more commonly known is a celebrated on May eve (April 30th) and May 1st. The celebration is dedicated to fertility and the returning of the sun. It is a holiday that includes maypole dancing, leaping through fires (Bel-fires) to ensure fertility, feasting, drinking, dancing, as well as acting upon the urges that go along with such activities. By this I mean the act of physical union. In older times the Bel-fires were lit on May eve and the festivities would begin at this time. As the festivities carried on into the night, young men and women would wander into the woods or other places of seclusion before the sun rose on May Day; the girls with garlands of flowers in their hair and the men with branches of trees. It was a time when society’s view of sexuality and fertility was much carefree and not bound with the intense feelings of guilt and shame. It was rather a time to be joyous and allow ones passions to flow freely. There are still people today who likewise celebrate Beltane in a similar manner.

The Maypole is another symbol of that is highly associated with Beltane. A tall pole representing a phallic symbol (although many do not realize this) is placed in an open area. It is decorated with flowers, leaves and brightly colored ribbons which hang from top to bottom. When the dance is to begin each participant takes a ribbon in hand. Half dance to the left while the other half dance to the right. As they do so they wind the ribbon around the pole. It is thought that the pattern created by the dance of the maypole can be predictive of the yield of harvest from the seeds that have been planted.

In many areas a Queen of May is selected. She is chosen on May eve and wears a gold crown with a single gold leaf on it. Flowers are also woven into her crown. In some instances a May King is also chosen and they reign for the time that the festivities continue. Wedding gifts are sometimes made for the King and Queen such as strings of beads, potpourri bags, or garlands of flowers. Such gifts are hung in the trees which surround the festivities. Because of the emphasis on union, Beltane is said to be a good time to announce one’s wedding engagement. In fact in older times, there were trial unions which took place. The hand fasting ( or wedding) would be for a year and a day. Simply they were statements of intent between the couple participating which were not considered to be legally binding. If after such a period the two realized they were not as compatible as first thought, they were allowed to part and go their separate ways. It seems they understood the point that things do change once you start living together.

The wee folk or fairies are also thought to be quite active at this time. Much like is thought at Samhain or Halloween, the veil which falls between the two worlds of humans and fairies is said to be thinnest at this time. It is always a good idea to set out a treat for them on May Eve. A plate of something sweet is always welcomed. A piece of bread with fresh butter and honey is a favorite. Faeries can be a good friend if you welcome them into your home or garden. If you acknowledge them, they in turn will acknowledge you.

May is a month when the earth once again awakens. Bright vivid colors can be seen across the fields as the wild flowers turn their faces upward towards the sun. Their scent flows across the breeze and reminds us why we love this time of year so. The harvest begins from the vegetables and fruits that have been planted. Trips to the Farmer’s Markets are once again a weekly activity. The sun is once again with us. He stays longer than before allowing us to enjoy what he gives that much more. It is a time of excitement and beauty. It is a time when Spring fever reaches its peak, for we are all weary of the cold dampness of winter. As you enjoy today as well as your weekend, take a moment and enjoy all that is around you. Give thanks for all that you have. Remember to not forget your inner child. If only for a moment, release the adult sensibilities that bind you and take pleasure in May Day.

For further information: The Magic Of Beltane - another post of mine

The Need of Self Denial

I have always been somewhat curious about the observance of Lent .  A time in the Catholic Church that runs from Ash Wednesday thru Easter.  The traditional purpose of  Lent is the preperation of the believer - through prayer, penitence, giving, and sacrifice or self denial. 

It is the area of sacrifice / self denial that I find so fascinating.  I have several friends and family who practice the Catholic religion, in fact Vincent is Catholic and each year as Lent comes around I hear the list of things that they decide to ban from their lives for the next aproximately 40 days.  Usually the list consists of soft drinks, certain rich and/or fatty foods,  and so on.  I worked with a woman once who each year made it a point to announce to everyone the approachement of Lent as well as the list of items she would be denying herself that year.  For forty days we would endure her daily lamenting of her trials and how hard they were yet how uplifting they were.  I will admit that in many cases I do not mind such things too much especially when it truly is a difficult walk. Although I would respect them more if they took their journey of walking on broken glass  in silence.  It is a bit more difficult to respect them let alone listen to them if their sacrifice is due to the fact that they have not had a Dr. Pepper in over a week. 

I do understand that not all people who practice this observance do so in the manner that I have described above.  I do know that there are many who truly honor its meaning and what it means to them.  Let me say also that it is not fair for me to also judge the items that one may choose to keep from themselves for this time.  I learned this lesson well last year.  My daughter, a new Catholic herself - who accepted this faith when she got married - celebrated her first Lent season last year.  One of the things she gave up was peanut butter.  Now when I first heard this I had to chuckle a bit as I thought it a bit silly until I talked with her just prior to Easter.  It truly was a sacrifice for her to keep this from herself as she is a peanut butter freak.  Although I think there are better areas that one can self deny themselves, for her this seemed to work its purpose.

I myself have always been one that if I choose to observe Lent, I would be hard on myself.  I feel that self denial and sacrifice have a wonderful way of making you look at the real picture by getting the clutter out of the way.  In older times fasting and abstinence were common items that were practiced at Lent.  I know many who still practice fasting today at this time, yet far from the extreme of earlier times. Fasting has always interested me and when I have observed it, I have found it to be an extremely cleansing time and also one of enlightenment.  As for abstinence, I am not sure  how widely this is practiced.  Yet I can see the benefit of its exclusion from ones life for a period of time as well.   

It is the absence of any of these things that gives one more time to reflect and think on themselves and also to question the importance they may be giving to such areas of their lives.  It clears things from our current lifestyle and daily routine.  I will admit I am not genius when it comes to the theology of the Catholic religion and thus this is based all on my opinions and also my readings, as well as observance of the many Catholics I know.  Yet I think it is much like anyone who wishes to seek out answers to questions they may have.  It is a means to seek enlightenment for the path we choose to take. 

Vincent is once again observing Lent this season.  I find it helpful and supportive to participate in it also, yet I refuse to call it Lent.  I feel that if I have items or areas in my life that need such drastic work that I need to deny them from myself that I need to  honestly ask myself if they need to be removed all together... And thus this is what I intend to do... I liken it much to awaiting the arrival of Spring, which is a time of new beginnings and new growth.  (much what Easter also represents)  Once again, we see the practices of old times (Imbolc, Beltane and so on) being manifested into a holiday  or practice that man can control in some sense.  Yet that is a soap box all of its own. 

In closing I think that we could all learn from this practice.  As isn't it what we do ourselves each year as the wheel turns and we recognize the changing of the seasons and the coming of spring.  Looking for the warmth to return to the earth and the new sprouts to shoot out of the fertile soil.  Shouldn't we likewise look at ourselves and ask if there are any areas that we should deny or attune ourselves to in order to prepare for this time.  Whatever you choose... blessings to you and may you find the answers you seek. 

Thursday Rambles...... And A Little More

I feel as if it has been forever since I wrote anything with any meat in it.  Mind you I do not mean to make little of the post I have done recently on the Relief efforts and needs of those in Haiti or the announcement of the winner of my giveaway.  I just long to write something that dives down into the thick of things and pulls out some really precious pieces. 

I have for some time now been longing for spring.  In a strange sense this is my first year to truly fully express and observe my true beliefs.  Although I have had them for the majority if not all of my life, I have not always given myself 100% to them or to the recognition of them and what they truly mean.  Fear possibly is what kept  me from doing so in most cases, yet I feel that this is not a very valid excuse so I will just say that my journey has finally brought me to this point.  It seems since I have started this blog it was if I opened the windows and front door of myself and allowed all to be seen and to also welcome all that may want to come visit.  It has been a true enlightening experience and I am amazed at times at the speed that some lessons are learned and at times the feeling that they were always there just hidden deep inside of me until I was ready to bring them forth.

As the new year started last November at the the eve of Samhain, I could feel the stir in me.  More than I have ever felt in past times.  It was a tremendous urge of excitement as to what was to come in the times to follow.  The quietness and self reflection which it brought shortly after somewhat startled me as I saw things that I thought I had already dealt with yet realized that they were still areas of my life that needed discipline as well as more training.  Although honestly can we ever know enough.  I am happy that I have always been eager to learn any thing that may be there to soak in.  I feel it only broadens ones mind and clarity of the things that surrounds them.  It was never said that one needs to agree with all they hear, yet a different perspective can sometimes help you to see your perspective in a much clearer light.

As January moves on and Imbolc is short behind, I can feel the urge growing inside me still.  The waxing moon is out in all its beauty.  With its constant growth each night on its way to showing its full face, I can feel the energy.  I too feel like I am growing.    Preperation for the coming seasonal change is beginning.  Seeds, peat pots, and soil have been purchased for the planting of the herbs and flowers that I will plant this spring; a task I will take on this weekend.  I have read many posts today where some are lucky enough to even have the tops of their daffodils peeking through the ground eager also to come out and welcome the warmer weather.

Yet I know that patience is still something that is needed.  It is not a time to rush what is slowly evolving in all of us this time of year.  It is a time to allow it to envelope us slowly, so that it can fully penetrate us and fill each crack and crevice of our being.  It is a time for us to open ourselves up to all that is about to unfold for each of us.  It is a time for us to listen to the still quiet words that are spoken to us and to learn from the lessons that we are being taught.  This  will then prepare us for Imbolc as well as for Beltane and on. 

I thank all of you for your gifts of wisdom thru your words as I beleive that each of us has a purpose here in blogland if only for one individual to be moved.  I thank you also for the simple support and encouragement and yes love that I feel from many of you each day, not only in your posts yet also in the comments that are left behind after a visit.  I want you all to know that my door truly is always open to any of you. 

I am not sure if this was actually a meatier post... just some words and feelings that I had on my heart that I needed to let out and share.  Blessings to all