Beltane Blessings, May Day is Here

May! Queen of blossoms,
And fulfilling flowers,
With what pretty music
Shall we charm the hours?
Wilt thou have pipe and reed,
Blown in the open mead?
Or to the lute give heed
In the green bowers?

Edward Thurlow

Oh, what a magnificent time of the year. The 'merry month of May', named in honor of the Greek goddess Maia, originally a mountain nymph who was later identified as being the most beautiful of the Seven Sisters, the Pleiades. Among the ancient Druids it was a festival of fire known as Beltane which was celebrated with feasts and rituals. At sundown on the 30th, the Druids lit the Baal-fires on the tops of hills. Young people would spend the entire night in the woods "A-Maying," (gathering spring flowers).

"The night in which pale April yields to May,
How few enjoy repose! The country lass,
Intent upon the morning walk, with him
Who holds her gentle heart, on various plans
In hopeful cogitations, spends the night—
What hat or riband will become her best—
What most will tend to make herself outvie
The blushing fragrant month they rise to hail.
O, by my soul ! this ' Maying' has delights
Which I shall ne'er forget, ' while memory holds
Her seat' within my brain. In yonth's fair dawn,
I forward look'd to this delightful hour
With feelings—feelings none can paint; for then,
Some gentle, artless, unaffected nymph
Was sure to be the partner of my walk,
Accept my nosegays (sweetened by her breath),
And, without chiding, let me steal a kiss
From lips more fragrant than the flower she held."

New life is budding all about. Birds are chirping and singing.  Flowers are in bloom, and trees are in blossom.  All around us are symbols of fertility and light. The sun is shining more often than not. After a long winter, it's time to throw open the windows and let the fresh air in. It is time to celebrate. A time to celebrate life, love, and new beginnings as the wheel of the year is turning from spring into summer. The veil of darkness is lifting. 

Blessings to you and yours at this most wonderful time of the  year. May  your day be filled with love, peace and joy.