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May

Holy Day / Sabbat
Beltane

Beltane is a celebration of fertility and rebith. It kicks off the month of May. Festivities usually begin the evening before, on the last night of April. This fire festival is celebrated on May 1 with bonfires, Maypoles and dancing. It's a time to welcome the abundance of the fertile earth. Now the time when the Mother Earth opens up to the fertility god, and their union brings about passion, healthy livestock, strong crops, and new life all around. Beltane is a Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere. The festival has ancient roots, dating back to pre-Christian times, and has been celebrated for thousands of years in Ireland, Scotland, and other parts of the Celtic world.

The origins of Beltane are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been a celebration of the fertility of the land and the beginning of the agricultural season. It was also a time when the veil between the human world and the Otherworld was believed to be thin, allowing for easier communication and interaction with spirits and supernatural beings.

In pagan times, Beltane was celebrated with bonfires, feasting, dancing, and other rituals designed to honor the spirits of nature and promote fertility and abundance. People would decorate their homes with flowers and greenery, and couples would jump over the flames of the bonfire to symbolize their commitment to each other.

With the arrival of Christianity, Beltane was suppressed and replaced with the feast of St. Walburga on May 1st. However, many of the pagan customs and traditions associated with Beltane were incorporated into the new Christian holiday, and the celebration of May Day continued to be an important part of the cultural calendar in many parts of Europe.

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations/male: antlers, sticks, acorns,  seeds, May Pole, cauldron, cup, any circular item (a wreath), bonfires

  • Colors: green, yellow, purple, robin egg blue, red, white

  • Plants & Flowers: Flowers are a key symbol of Beltane. Primrose, hawthorn, bluebells, cowslip, dandelion, roses

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: emerald, moonstone, rose quartz, carnelian, green aventurine, amber, clear quartz

  • Trees: hawthorn , oak, rowan, birch, ask

  • Herbs: meadow-sweet, hawthorn, rose, vervain, mugwort, lavender

  • Oils & Scents: sandalwood, jasmine, rose, patchouli

  • Animals: serpent, rabbit, horse, bees

  • Nature spirits: elves, gnomes

  • Element: Fire

  • Direction: North, East, South, West

  • Foods & Beverages: honey, oats, milk, fruit such as cherries, mangos, pomegranates, peaches

  • Altar decorations: daisies, roses, lilies, ivy, ferns, green, yellow, red candles, faeries,  elves, chalice

  • Activities: bonfires, dancing, May Pole, planting

  • Spell types:

  • Deities: Bel, Flora, Brigid, Aphrodite, Pan

  • Also known as: Roodmas: This is an old English name for Beltane, which is derived from the words "rood" (meaning cross) and "mas" (meaning festival). It was originally a Christian holiday commemorating the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, but it later became associated with Beltane in some pagan traditions., Floralia: This is a Roman name for the holiday, which is dedicated to the goddess Flora. It was celebrated in late April and early May and was associated with the blooming of flowers and the arrival of spring., Calan Mai: This is a Welsh name for the holiday, which means "the first of May". It is celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and the crowning of the May Queen.

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  • On May Day, Beltane, mix dried rue with spring water and sprinkle around your home to dispel curses and break jinxes.

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Walpurgisnacht

Walpurgisnacht is a holiday celebrated in some parts of Europe on the night of April 30th. Here is a brief history of Walpurgis Night:

The origins of Walpurgis Night can be traced back to ancient pagan traditions in Europe. The holiday was originally celebrated as the beginning of spring and marked the transition from winter to summer. It was associated with fertility, renewal, and the awakening of the natural world after the cold and dark winter months.

In many cultures, the holiday was named after the Germanic goddess Walpurga, who was associated with fertility and protection against evil spirits. In Christian tradition, Walpurga was later recognized as a saint and her feast day was celebrated on May 1st, which is now known as May Day.

Over time, the celebration of Walpurgis Night became intertwined with other European folk traditions, including the May Day celebrations. In many countries, people would gather on Walpurgis Night to light bonfires, dance, and make noise in order to drive away evil spirits and welcome the spring.

In some regions, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, Walpurgis Night is still celebrated today with bonfires, parades, and other festivities. In Sweden and Finland, it is known as Vappu and is a popular day for people to gather in the streets and celebrate with food, drink, and music.

In recent years, Walpurgis Night has also become associated with other cultural phenomena, including literature and popular culture. The holiday has been referenced in numerous works of literature, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust and Bram Stoker's Dracula. It has also been portrayed in films and television shows, including the German horror film "Walpurgis Night" and the American sitcom "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."

Overall, Walpurgis Night is a holiday that has deep roots in European pagan tradition and continues to be celebrated in many parts of the continent today.

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Walpurgis Night

Walpurgis Night, also known as Walpurgisnacht or May Eve, is a traditional spring festival celebrated on the night of April 30th or May 1st. The holiday has its roots in pagan and pre-Christian traditions, and it is celebrated in many European countries, particularly in Germany, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic.

The origins of Walpurgis Night date back to ancient pagan festivals that celebrated the arrival of spring and the end of winter. In Germanic folklore, the night was named after Saint Walpurga, an English missionary who lived in the 8th century and was canonized by the Catholic Church. Her feast day is celebrated on May 1st, and the eve of her feast day came to be known as Walpurgis Night.

In pagan traditions, Walpurgis Night was a time of bonfires, dancing, and rituals to ward off evil spirits and witches. According to legend, witches gathered on this night to hold a sabbath on the Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains in Germany. The witches were said to ride on broomsticks, dance around the bonfires, and celebrate with wild abandon.

In some Nordic countries, Walpurgis Night is also associated with the goddess Freya, who was associated with love, fertility, and the abundance of spring. In Sweden, the holiday is known as Valborgsmässoafton, and it is celebrated with bonfires and the singing of traditional songs. In Finland, the holiday is known as Vappu, and it is a time for drinking, feasting, and wearing white caps.

Today, Walpurgis Night is celebrated in many different ways, ranging from traditional pagan rituals to modern street festivals. It remains a popular holiday in many European countries, and it is often seen as a time of renewal, hope, and celebration after the long winter months.

Walpurgis Night is sometimes referred to as the second Halloween because both holidays share similar themes of the supernatural, witches, and evil spirits. Additionally, both holidays fall on the cusp of the seasons - Walpurgis Night on the brink of spring and Halloween on the brink of winter.

While Halloween is primarily celebrated in the United States and other English-speaking countries, Walpurgis Night is more popular in Europe, particularly in Germanic and Nordic countries. However, the two holidays have some similarities in their celebration and their association with folklore and the supernatural.

Both Halloween and Walpurgis Night are times when people dress up in costumes, and both holidays involve the use of bonfires, which are meant to ward off evil spirits. In some places, people may even jump over the fires or dance around them, much like the witches were said to do on Walpurgis Night.

However, it is worth noting that the comparison between the two holidays is not a perfect one, as they have different origins and cultural contexts. While Halloween has its roots in Celtic and Christian traditions, Walpurgis Night has its origins in pre-Christian pagan festivals. Additionally, the way that the two holidays are celebrated varies widely depending on the region and culture.

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Other Holidays
Mother's Day
Memorial Day

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a holiday that is celebrated in various countries around the world to honor and appreciate mothers and mother figures. Here is a brief history of Mother's Day:

The modern Mother's Day holiday began in the United States in the early 20th century. The idea for the holiday is often credited to Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother, Ann Jarvis, a peace activist who had cared for wounded soldiers during the American Civil War. Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in 1908, and soon after, began a campaign to make Mother's Day a recognized holiday in the United States.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, making it an official national holiday in the United States. The holiday quickly became popular and was adopted by other countries around the world.

Mother's Day is typically celebrated with gifts, cards, and other gestures of appreciation for mothers and mother figures. It is also a day for families to gather and spend time together, often sharing a special meal or engaging in other activities.

Different countries have their own unique ways of celebrating Mother's Day. In the United Kingdom, for example, Mother's Day is known as Mothering Sunday and is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In many countries, including the United States, Mother's Day is also a popular day for people to send flowers to their mothers or other maternal figures.

Although Mother's Day is widely celebrated today, it has also been criticized for becoming too commercialized and losing sight of its original intent as a day to honor and appreciate mothers. Despite these criticisms, Mother's Day remains an important holiday for many people around the world.

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Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Here is a brief history of Memorial Day:

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the years following the American Civil War. In the wake of the war, many communities throughout the United States held ceremonies and events to honor the soldiers who had died in the conflict. These events often included decorating the graves of the fallen with flowers and other tributes.

One of the earliest and most well-known Memorial Day commemorations took place in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. A group of recently freed slaves, along with some white missionaries, organized a ceremony to honor the Union soldiers who had died at a Confederate prison camp in Charleston. The group cleaned up and landscaped the burial ground, built an archway entrance, and held a parade and celebration.

Over time, similar commemorative events began to be held in other parts of the country, particularly in the northern states. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Union veterans, declared May 30th as a national day of remembrance for those who had died in the Civil War. The date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle and was thus free from political overtones.

In the years that followed, Memorial Day became an increasingly important holiday in the United States, as people began to use the occasion to honor those who had died in all of the country's wars, not just the Civil War. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a federal holiday by Congress, and it is now observed on the last Monday in May.

Today, Memorial Day is typically marked with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and other events to honor and remember those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Many people also visit cemeteries or other memorials to pay their respects to the fallen.

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May Day

May Day is a traditional holiday celebrated on May 1st in many countries around the world. It has its roots in ancient pagan festivals celebrating the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. In many cultures, May Day is associated with themes of fertility, growth, and abundance, and is often marked by the gathering of flowers and the weaving of wreaths. In some countries, May Day is also celebrated as a day of workers' rights and social justice, with parades, protests, and speeches advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and other labor-related issues. May Day is a time for celebrating the beauty and vitality of nature, as well as the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It invites us to embrace the energy of growth and renewal, and to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.

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Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday celebrated on May 5th each year. The holiday commemorates the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla in Mexico, but has also become a popular holiday in many other parts of the world, particularly in the United States. The holiday is typically marked with parades, music, dancing, and traditional Mexican food and drink. It's a time for celebrating Mexican culture and heritage, as well as the country's history of resistance against colonialism and imperialism. Cinco de Mayo is an opportunity to honor the courage and resilience of the Mexican people, and to reflect on the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality around the world.

Buddha's Birthday

Buddha's Birthday, also known as Vesak or Buddha Purnima, is a holiday celebrated in many countries around the world in honor of the birth of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The holiday typically falls on the full moon day in the month of May, and is marked by special ceremonies, prayers, and acts of charity. In many cultures, Buddha's Birthday is a time for reflection on the teachings of the Buddha, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. It is also a time for offering gratitude and respect to the Buddha, as well as to other enlightened beings and ancestors who have contributed to the spiritual well-being of humanity. Buddha's Birthday is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness, and encourages us to cultivate these qualities in our own lives as we strive towards greater peace, understanding, and harmony.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset each day, as well as engaging in other forms of self-discipline and spiritual practice. It is believed that the act of fasting during Ramadan helps to purify the body and mind, and to strengthen one's connection to God. Ramadan is also a time for increased charitable giving, with many Muslims making donations to help those in need. The month of Ramadan culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival of feasting and celebration with family and friends. Ramadan is a time of deep spiritual significance for Muslims, and offers an opportunity for individuals to deepen their connection to God and to one another through acts of self-reflection, generosity, and compassion.

Syttende Mai

Syttende Mai, which means "17th of May" in Norwegian, is the Norwegian Constitution Day. It is celebrated on May 17th each year and marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, which established Norway as an independent country.

Syttende Mai is the most important national holiday in Norway and is celebrated with parades, concerts, speeches, and other festivities throughout the country. The celebrations typically involve people dressing in traditional Norwegian clothing, including the national costume called the bunad, and waving the Norwegian flag.

One of the most notable aspects of Syttende Mai is the children's parade, or barnetog, which takes place in cities and towns across Norway. In the barnetog, schoolchildren dress in traditional costumes and march in procession through the streets, often carrying flags and playing music.

The day is also marked by speeches and other cultural events, including traditional Norwegian music and dancing. In addition, many Norwegians celebrate Syttende Mai by enjoying traditional Norwegian foods such as hot dogs, waffles, and ice cream.

Overall, Syttende Mai is an important cultural celebration in Norway and is a time for Norwegians to come together to celebrate their country's independence and heritage.

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Full Moon / Esbat
Flower Moon

This is the moon of flowers and fresh beginnings. Interact with spirits and faeries. Powers of the God are the strongest. This is a good time to strengthen your own mental powers ( intuition). Magickal workings; fertility magick,  protection and prosperity.

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Magickal Workings

  • Fertility

  • Fruitfulness

  • Growth

  • Lust

  • Passion

  • Love

  • Prosperity

  • Wealth

  • Opportunity

  • Abundance

  • Warmth

  • Light

  • Breaking Down Barriers/Obstacles

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: milk, corn, scorpion, milk

  • Colors: green, brown, pink

  • Plants & Flowers: lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: emerald, malachite, amber, carnelian, ruby, garnet, Apache Tear, unakite, rhodonite

  • Trees: hawthorn

  • Herbs: Dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort, thyme, yarrow

  • Oils & Scents: rose and sandalwood

  • Animals: cats, lynx, leopard, swallow, dove and swan

  • Nature Spirits: Faeries and elves

  • Element: Fire

  • Direction: East

  • Foods & Beverages: strawberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, asparagus, artichokes, peas, spinach, mint, basil, chives, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, iced tea, lemonade, fruit-infused water, rose petal jam, lavender shortbread, hibiscus sorbet

  • Altar decorations: flowers, rose quartz, aventurine, malachite, mint, lavender, rosemary, candles. eggs, seeds, baby animals, the Moon

  • Activities: take a walk in nature, plant something, make flower crowns, connect with the element Fire

  • Spell types: growth, renewal, and fertility

  • Deities: Kali, Priapus, Cernunnos, Flora, Maia, Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Diana, Artemis, Pan

  • Other names: Budding, Leaf Budding, Planting, Egg Laying, Frog, Moon of the Shedding Ponies, Hare, Milk, Corn Planting, Tulip, Lavender, Rabbit, Mother's, Green, Blooming, Hot Dog, Patio, Hare Moon – Medieval European, Budding Moon – Cree, Egg Laying Moon – Cree, Frog Moon – Cree, Milk Moon – Old English, Anglo-Saxon, Planting Moon – Dakota, Lakota, Cherokee, Panther Moon – Choctaw, Corn Planting Moon – Native American,, Mother’s Moon – Celtic, Bright Moon – Celtic, Dragon Moon – Chinese, Moon of the Shedding Ponies – Oglala, Idle Moon – Siouan, Goose Moon – Inuit

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Other
mnew.jpg
New Moon

The new moon that occurs in the month of May marks the middle of the spring season, a time of growth, renewal, and abundance. During this time, the moon is not visible from Earth, as it is positioned between the Earth and the sun. The new moon is a powerful time to focus on setting intentions, planting seeds of intention for the month ahead, and creating a clear vision for the future. This new moon falls during the astrological sign of Taurus, which is associated with stability, grounding, and sensual pleasures. This makes it an especially auspicious time to connect with nature, enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and focus on manifesting abundance and prosperity in our lives. By aligning with the energies of this new moon, we can tap into the power of growth and renewal that is abundant during this season.

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: chalice, a pentacle, a bell

  • Colors: Green, brown, earth tones

  • Plants & Flowers: hawthorn, lily of the valley, peony

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: rose quartz, green aventurine, citrine

  • Trees: oak, willow

  • Herbs: lavender, rose, and thyme

  • Oils & Scents: lavender: lavender, frankincense, ylang ylang, cedarwood, patchouli

  • Animals: bull, ox, deer, wolf

  • Nature Spirits:  fairies, plant spirits, water spirits

  • Element: Earth

  • Direction: East

  • Foods & Beverages: glass of red wine, indulging in some chocolate, cooking a meal using fresh, seasonal ingredients

  • Altar decorations:

  • Activities: grounding ritual, journaling

  • Spell types: stability, security, abundance

  • Deities: Aphrodite, Gaia, Demeter, Hathor, Cernunnos

  • Astrological sign:  Taurus

  • Planetary associations: Venus, Moon, Mercury, Saturn

  • Tarot cards:

  • Divination tools: Runes, oracle cards

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Mundane Magick
livingroom.jpg
Living Room

Creating a sacred pagan space in your living room can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and the divine. Here are some steps to help you get started:

  1. Choose a space: Look for a corner or area in your living room where you can create your sacred space. It could be a small table, a shelf, or even a dedicated section of the floor.

  2. Cleanse the space: Before you begin, it's important to cleanse the space of any negative energy. You can do this by burning sage, palo santo, or another cleansing herb, or by simply visualizing the space being filled with positive energy.

  3. Set up your altar: Your altar is the focal point of your sacred space. It should include items that are meaningful to you and help you connect with the divine. This could include candles, crystals, statues, or other objects that represent the elements or deities you work with.

  4. Incorporate natural elements: Paganism is often associated with nature, so incorporating natural elements into your sacred space can help you connect with the earth and its energy. You could include plants, stones, or even a small dish of soil or sand.

  5. Create a ritual: Once your sacred space is set up, you can create a ritual to consecrate the space and connect with the divine. This could include lighting candles, burning incense, or saying a prayer or invocation.

  6. Choose colors and fabrics that evoke nature: When decorating your sacred space, consider using colors and fabrics that remind you of the natural world. For example, you might choose green and brown fabrics or use items made from wood, stone, or natural fibers.

  7. Incorporate symbols and sigils: Symbols and sigils can be powerful tools for connecting with the divine and manifesting your intentions. Consider incorporating symbols or sigils that have personal meaning for you into your sacred space.

  8. Use lighting to set the mood: Lighting can have a big impact on the ambiance of your sacred space. Consider using candles or string lights to create a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels welcoming and peaceful.

  9. Include a journal or book of shadows: Writing down your thoughts and experiences can be a powerful way to deepen your spiritual practice. Consider including a journal or book of shadows in your sacred space where you can record your reflections, intentions, and insights.

  10. Make it personal: Ultimately, your sacred space should reflect your personal spiritual practice and beliefs. Don't be afraid to include items and elements that are meaningful to you, even if they don't fit into traditional pagan symbolism. Your sacred space should be a reflection of your unique spiritual journey.

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