May, Beltane, the Taurus New Moon Eclipse
“April is a promise that May is bound to keep.” -Hal Borland
April celebrates Easter, the resurrection and the life of Jesus, but May is the month devoted to Mary, the archetype of the Divine Mother. During May there are several celebrations and holidays devoted to the sacred feminine. The month begins with May Day and Beltane, both on May 1. On the second Sunday of the month, we celebrate Mother’s Day. May 31st, the last day on the month, is the Feast of Saint Mary.
In the Celtic tradition, the two greatest festivals of all are Beltane and Samhain (Halloween). They are called “mischief nights” – the in-between times, when the year was swinging on its hinges, the door to the other world open, and anything could happen. –The Witches’ Bible
Beltane (May 1st) is one of the four cross-quarter holidays and the mid-point between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. Beltane is the festival of the “Good Fire” of Bel-fire. It was named after the solar deity, Bel. Bel-fires were lit on hilltops to celebrate the return of spring. Traditionally it is a time of fertility, abundance and sacred union. In ancient times couples made love outside to bless the crops and bring fertility and good fortune. Transformational powers are released at this time, allowing us to break free of old patterns and renew our commitment to the earth and to the deepest parts of ourselves. May 1st is also May Day. It celebrates the appearance of Maia, Mother goddess for whom the month is named.
“What potent blood has modest May.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
In May the air is scented with the fragrance of new grass and fresh flowers; lush Lilacs, sweet Lily of the Valley, and the heady perfume of Hyacinth. Everywhere you look are Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom and flowering Pear trees with their pillowy white petals on every street. Tulips and Daffodils grace gardens and window boxes and the evening sky is splashed with mauve, crimson, and sapphire blue. May is the dessert of months!
The Taurus New Moon Eclipse- April 30
A New Moon is a new beginning, a time to plant some seeds, make a plan, set off on a quest, or perhaps dream a new dream. Taurus is the first earth sign, sensual and serene (at its best); slow and stubborn (at its weakest). When the Sun is in Taurus, the earth is rich, lush, and fertile; birds and flowers are thriving and nature is pregnant with new life. The sign Taurus invites us to celebrate our bodies, mother earth, and our relationship with the physical world. Ruled by Venus, Taurus represents the mysticism of the ordinary.
Eclipse Season
“This must be the season of the witch.” – Donavan
The first eclipse of the season begins with a partial solar eclipse on April 30 at 10 degrees of Taurus. An eclipse (either solar or lunar) is super powerful, adding a sense of urgency and importance. Eclipses are like wild cards; they wake us up and shake us up. They throw in some unexpected element that can turn our life around and move us in a whole new direction. Eclipses bring major events; births, deaths, marriages, big moves, careers changes, etc. We all feel the energy of an eclipse, but those of us who have it on (or within a few degrees) of our birthday or in a prominent place in our charts (for instance, conjunct a planet or an angle) will experience it in a life-changing way. With an eclipse, something ends and something else begins. Watch what’s coming your way. Pay attention to what you need to let go of. Don’t force things; it sometimes takes a few weeks to see what emerges during this new cycle.
“Expect the unexpected” Uranus is conjunct the Sun and Moon in cozy and laid-back Taurus – an odd pairing indeed! But this coupling can bring fresh ideas, inspiration, and genuine creative breakthroughs! Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, or take some risks. Venus ruled Taurus is associated with money and security. This is a good time to get serious about your finances and investments. It’s also a good time to take inventory. Venus and Taurus are not simply about outer wealth, but inner worth! They represent our values, standards, and principals. Are you aligned with your values, are you living your truth?
Venus and Jupiter, the two most popular planets in the zodiac, are aligned in dreamy Pisces. Neptune, the ruler of Pisces is close by. Venus represents love. Neptune is said to be the higher octave of Venus – divine love. Jupiter is the co-ruler of Pisces. These three planets shower us with beauty, grace, good will and good fortune. This lovely Pisces trio makes a positive sextile to the North Node of the Moon adding blessings for this sweet season. There’s also a sextile between the New Moon and Mars (in Pisces) inspiring confidence and creativity.
“Let all the joys be as the month of May.” -Francis Quarles
This is a season that is both sensual and sacred. Get outside. Flood your senses with beauty and nature. Feel the sun on your face and the grass under your feet. Fill your home with fresh spring flowers, decorate your altar, take an aromatherapy bath, have a massage. Listen to the wisdom of your body; listen loudly. With everything going on in the world right now there is still much to be grateful for. All is well, you are loved, Virginia
“The air vibrates with bird song, which is the great rhythm made palpable to the human ear. The oriole’s rounded notes are as delightful to the ear as the tanager’s bright scarlet is delightful to the eager eye. All the senses tingle, alive with the season as the world itself is alive. Nothing is impossible at such a time. High achievement is all around us, beating on every sense of recognition.”
-Hal Borland (Borland Country)
