We begin the month with Moon at Crescent Phase after April 27th New Moon in sensual, earthy Taurus. Now she's entered Cancer, another sensual sign. I spent much of today in my garden, planting some new May flowers to go with my daffodils and tulips, just beginning to bloom. It's such a magical time of year, when something new can be seen to sprout each day! May Day (or May Eve), also called Beltane, was in ancient times celebrated at the first of May, but astrologically, the cross-quarters of the solar year are when Sun enters the 15th degree of each fixed sign. This year, in EDT, that occurs on Friday, May 5 at 11:31 am, the day of First Quarter Moon, the action phase.
The photo above shows a Maypole dance of my Circle of the Cosmic Muse during a past Beltane, the Maypole at the center of my stone circle garden. (You can see the tall granite East stone in the background at far left. Large granite boulders mark the four quarters, with other stones and plants outlining the 60 ft. circumference circle. This year we'll celebrate on Saturday afternoon, May 6, with not only the enjoyment of the dance on of this favorite holiday, but with the extra special joy of a handfasting. Beltane is the traditionally most popular time for handfasting, the Wiccan term for wedding. For more about Beltane, follow these links for my articles on the Starcrafts of San Diego website: Beltane Lore and a Beltane Ritual for solitary practice.
Since we first created the stone circle, I've become much more aware of the cycles of Moon and Sun. Sun rises in line with the East stone at the equinoxes. Now he's rising ever northward, on his way to what will be maximum north declination at Midsummer (Summer Solstice). When Sun moves north to warm Mother Earth, Full Moon arcs South, peeking down between the forest trees in what can seem like a fairyland of light and shadow. Then, when the night air turns crisp and cold in autumn, Sun has moved south, and Full Moon rises high over the circle from north of the tall East stone. Beautiful!
Full Moon of May—22 Scorpio 23, May 13, 2:51 am EST
Full Moon, Moon opposite Sun, is the final aspect of Moon in the sign. Then, she is said to be void-of-course. The aspect just prior is Moon square Neptune, at 10:01pm Friday evening, May 12. The optimum time of energy to work ritual for this Full Moon would be Friday. Energy is always stronger when the the aspects are applying. So, Moon square Neptune—how might it be best to work with that? An ultimate challenge of Scorpio is mastery of the inner self—to rise above the lower nature, symbolized by the Scorpion, and soar as an Eagle or the Phoenix. A square to Neptune may make us think of this complex planet's downside symbolism of disappointment and deceit, but the highest manifestation of Neptune is spiritual. I think that the astrology of this Full Moon calls upon us to forego any attempt to work for our mundane goals, but instead to just celebrate Spirit. Do your ritual outdoors, if possible, where you can feel the elements and appreicate the beauty of Earth. Draw down the energy of Moon just to feel it flow through you, and then send your own energy back to Moon and Mother Earth in thanksgiving. From Moon Tides, Soul Passages, here's a method for "Drawing Down the Moon":
Look up at the Moon, take a deep breath and stretch your arms up toward her. If you let your eyes go slightly out of focus, you should see beams of light shining dwon toward you. Now bring your outstretched hands inward to loosely cup around the Moon, fingers not touching—give her space. Gaze intently at her and in a moment it will seem as if there are two Moons. Cup your hands around one of them and close your eyes as you bring her down, turning your palms toward your head and slowly moving them down over each side of your body—not quite touching. Feel the energy move downward inside your body as your hands pass over your aura. Continue to bring your energy all the way down to your feet, bending as you go. Then, bring the energy slowly upward within your body and release some of it back to the Moon. Stand and just be, for a moment, feeling the lunar energy and honoring her within you.
Balsamic Moon—May 23 through May 26
In this final phase of the monthly lunar cycle, we see the Crone's Crescent Moon rising in the east in the early morning hours before sunrise. As the lunar light wanes, energy wanes, too. This is the optimum time of the month to bring things you've begun to completion, if that is appropriate. Some things, of course, are longer term or ongoing. This is generally NOT a good time to begin anything new. Wait until after Moon conjoins Sun at New Moon on May 27th. For now, it's time to clear away that which is finished or no longer needed to make space for new beginnings. What needs to be cleared away most could be tangible, such as the clutter we really ought to give away or throw away. But it can also be emotional—the bad feelings that gnaw and get in the way of our being at our best.
Balsamic Moon is the best time of the month for banishing ritual. Moon is in earthy Taurus for most of this month's Balsamic phase. Taurus is a fixed sign, known for being stubborn about letting go. If that is the way you're feeling about some emotional issue, meditative reflection would be a good way to begin, and your ultimate act of release can be to Mother Earth. I suggest a solitary walk outdoors, where alone, you can think about letting go. Think about how heavy those feelings are, and how much lighter you might feel if you can change them. Begin looking for some small token of Earth that can be a symbol for you of that which you will release—a rock, a leaf, a flower, a scrap of paper someone discarded—whatever for you can become a symbol. When you've found it, then take it to a place where you do not normally walk and it is possible to dig into the soil. With focused intent, dig a small hole, place the symbol in it, and then cover it up firmly. You could chant this charm nine times (three times three):
Then, turn and walk away. Don't look back!
New Moon, May 27—5 Gemini 48, 1:25 am EDT
Once again New Moon comes close the the end of the month. Moon will wax in light from now through June 10th. It's time to be open to new beginnings and opportunities, and also to take the intiative ourselves to make things happen. Gemini is a sign of Air, noted for of versatility, quickness and all manner of communication. With Gemini energy, lots may be happening around you, so you may need only to be alert and take advantage of what the air blows your way! But, if in any way you feel stuck for a new idea, or more likely, for direction on what to do first, you might try this lunar-intuitive variation on the brainstorming rite for New Moon in Air that is in Moon Tides, Soul Passages:
You need a hat, a pack of 3"x 5" cards and a marking pen. Rhythmic background music can help charge your energy. Burn Air incense (a sage smudge works well for this). Breathe deeply as you center yourself and then waft wth incense around your tools to charge them. Chant this affirmation 9 times as you begin to brainstorm.
