*
Since the spring
flowers have been
growing, this
is a good time
to collect spring
flowers and exchange
them with people
whose favor you
desire. People
also like to put
the flowers in
and around their
cauldrons (since
the cauldron is
a symbol of the
Goddess). Fertility
rites are very
popular, such
as the maypole.
The pole itself
is a phallic symbol,
and the celebrators
skip around the
pole holding ribbons
that wind into
a lovely pattern.
Couples who want
to conceive children
might jump over
a small cauldron
while holding
hands. This is
a time when people
have large gatherings
and get-togethers
where they all
talk about life
and have a great
time. Handcrafts
are popular for
this time of year,
especially woven
gifts and fabric
crafts. Many people
like to build
a shrine in nature
at this time,
sometimes in a
home garden or
in a nearby forest.
* Walk the perimeter
of your property
to check that
everything is
in good order.
Bring trash bags
and do a general
clean up of anything
that is not where
it should be.
* Make a miniature
maypole for your
altar if you can
not make a full
size version
* Get a new mirror,
or use one you
have already,
and decorate it
with ribbons and
flowers for your
bedroom
* Fill a cauldron
or a large bowl
with fresh flowers
(wildflowers are
best)
* Braid bracelets
out of white ribbons
and give them
as gifts to friends
or family
* Make a dish
of fruits, berries,
nuts and leave
in the wood for
the animals and
fae folk to enjoy
* Cut branches
of fresh green
from budding trees,
or make garlands
of flowers to
decorate the home
for this celebration.
Hang them on the
doors and windows
early, so the
may sunrise finds
them there!
* Create a special
wreath for the
top of the May
Pole
* Make "May Day"
baskets of flowers
and leave on friends
and family's doorsteps
as a surprise
gift. Maybe they'll
think a faerie
did it!
* Create hair
pieces and garlands
for decorating
your head or around
your neck from
flowers that are
in bloom
* Tie ribbons
to trees to celebrate
the coming of
spring. Make a
wish each time
you tie a ribbon
as it's good luck
to wish for things
on this day!
* Bathe your face
in the morning
dew to retain
youth.
The fair maid
who, the first
of May
Goes to the fields
at break of day
And washes in
dew from the hawthorn
tree
Will ever after
handsome be.
Other sources
suggest using
the dew found
under oaks or
on ivy leaves.
Make a special
wish as you wash
your face in it
or as you drink
from a well before
sunrise.
* Dance the May
Pole During the
Maypole dance,
think about what
you wish to weave
into, or out of,
your spirit. The
Maypole is an
ancient symbol
of the male aspect
of the Divine,
while the ribbons
are strands of
life. Have small
baskets of goodies
around the room
to symbolize the
coming abundance
and to enjoy after
the Circle. Magic
is hungry work.
(from Trish
Telesco's Victorian
Grimoire)
* Do a Beltane
Day Spell for
Health and Happiness
