The Beltane Moon

The Tuatha dé Danann once ruled Ireland, so they say, in ancient times.  A people of mythic proportions, they came at Beltane, arriving in ships borne on the mists of the sky.  They conquered by means of their magical powers, but would eventually be overcome by a following wave of invaders, who drove them into the hollow hills, where they continued to live as the Sîdhe, or fairy folk.  In legends they are pictured as tall and regal in bearing... but it is said, that over time, with the loss of their connection to ordinary human-kind (and starved of their spiritual sustenance), they diminished in size and stature to become what are known as, the wee folk, or the little people.

Lilac Fairy by Cicely Mary Barker

May 1st, or Beltane, is one of those corners of the year when the veil between the ‘seen’ and the ‘unseen’ worlds is thin.  It is said that May is the time when the fairy folk can be seen among us, if we but look for their sign. 

In the Spring time, the Weeping Sisters, the Pleiades, rise just before sunrise.   So this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, is also associated with the ‘waters’, the rains that nourish the growing plants, bringing the blossoms out on the trees, and the blooms on the vine.  It is also the time when the Fire of the Sun, meets the rich fertile soils of the Earth, bringing all to a quickening and rebirth.  Beltane was often celebrated with bon fires, and lusty liaisons in the forests and fields... said to bring fertility and bounty to the harvests.  And so we welcome in, the lusty month of May.

However, with Saturn opposing Taurus ruler, Venus, as we commence this week, there’s a little haze on the lustiness.  Disagreements, breakups, and a little heart-break mar the pre-Beltane festivities... or perhaps a sense of duty, a sense of poverty or despair, loneliness, separation from loved ones, or a strong sense of reality settling in that wakens us from our presumed assumptions... but not to despair!  Lustiness, creative fertility, and hope come in the wake of the ancient one’s magical ships... The New Moon in Taurus on Monday/Tuesday brings both joy and hope, and maybe just a little creative magic.. and we could all use some of that just about now.

Remember to read your Rising sign as well if you know it:

Aries
If you can’t have what you want, love what you have.  And what you have, charging into the weekend is an indomitable sense of purpose, and energy.  If you set a goal for yourself.. nothing and no one will be able to break your spirit, your drive, and confidence, and keep you from getting it.  You’re flying.  The Taurus New Moon, is the time of year for Aries to set financial goals, and to reaffirm faith in themselves, and their own self-worth.  Seek to attract to yourself, those experiences, things and people who will let you know how good you are at what you do, and reinforce your own belief in yourself.

Taurus
As you approach this weekend, there is a sense of poverty of the soul, or a feeling of unfulfillment.  A sense of responsibility has you going through the motions, but your heart has not been in it.  There’s a difference between that which you desire to do, and that which you have to do.  But do not be daunted for long... There is much joy for Taurus in the month of May... so break out your fairy wings, and be ready to alight: a sense of gaiety and lightness arises, as you rediscover your Taurean soul.  “‘Pan, who and what art thou?’ Hook cried huskily.  ‘I’m youth, I’m joy,’ Peter answered at a venture, ‘I’m a little bird that has broken out of the egg.’” - JMM Barrie.

Gemini
We don’t have much Morris dancing here in the US, but I understand it can involve a lot of bells attached to one’s legs, handkerchiefs tossed about, and various other festive accessories.  It’s the festivity of it all that is rather attractive, as well as the idea that you have to do this with others in a group.  If you don’t have Morris dancing in your neck of the woods either, look forward to other excuses to get together in a festive manner over the next few weeks.  Sing, play music, and dance with bells on, if you so desire.  But also seek out some alone time as well, for it will be in those moments of stillness that you will be inspired.  

Cancer
This is the wishing New Moon for Cancer.  This is because the capacity to make your dreams come true is implicit in the fact that the Moon is in the fertile sign of Taurus, the 11th sign from Cancer.  And it will soon be followed next month by expansive Jupiter.  New Moons are always good times to set intentions, make wishes, or initiate a project.  But this week, for Cancer, it has that much more positive strength.  Therefore sow seeds of confidence and joy and peace... visualize, make a whole list of wishes if need be, and just remember to request that these be fulfilled in only the best of ways, harming none, and for the good of all concerned.

Leo
Having a little wander lust?  A desire to explore new places, new environments, new ideas?  This is a great week to embark on an adventure, especially in the company of like minds.  Seek new horizons, seek freedom and open spaces.  However, this is also a very good week to make an impression on the boss, or to be noticed, especially for any creative proclivities.  You won’t need to be seeking out the spotlight, for you will be illuminated with floodlights wherever you wander this week.  Bask in the glow.

Virgo
If you want to ask for a favor, or a loan, or you just need a little help, this week is a good time to ask... though this may be hard to believe at first.  This will become even more so as the week moves on.  A lot of what seemed so limiting these past few weeks, is being relieved.  You could also find your attitude shifting as the result of a conversation shared with others.  Sometimes all it takes is a change in perspective, in order to open up a whole new world of possibilities, and a whole new passel of creative ideas.  

Libra
Coming into this week feels like you are carrying an extraordinary burden, with little to show for it, and not much help from others, and this curious feeling of procrastination and malaise.  But it will soon become evident that things are not quite so worrisome as they seemed, and others will be there for you, if you need them.  Expect a surge of creative inspiration amidst pleasant social activities this week.  If you are hoping to make a change, eliminate a bad habit, or remove something from your life that you are not happy with, this is the week to do it.

Scorpio
Whatever problem has been irritating you, it will either become inflamed to the point where you are forced to contend with it once and for all... or it will suddenly just go away.  Poof!  Either way, if something needs to be fixed, fix it, and you will be filled with a sudden surge of energy and freedom from what was previously irking you.  This is a good week to make a whole new start or commitment within a partnership or close relationship.  Doing so will bring possibilities beyond your wildest dreams. 

Sagittarius
Love makes the heart grow fonder.  If anyone is fertile these days, it’s Sagittarius with everything piled in your house of love, children and creative self-expression.  And if anyone is seeking adventurous and lusty liaisons in the fields and woods, it’s you guys.  But don’t overdo too much of a good thing, as Sag is often inclined to do.  You’re supposed to be paying some attention to your health this week too, whether this means eating more consciously, or just taking it a little easy!  Okay, we give up.... 

It's wild! It's gay!
Depraved in every way
The birds and bees with all of their vast
Amorous past
Gaze at the human race aghast,
The lusty month of May. ~ (Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Lowe “Camelot”) 

Capricorn
It often feels like if you want something done, you’ve just got to do it yourself.  And one can get kerfuffled when you see everyone sitting on their butts while you’re slaving away.  But sometimes, all you have to do is ask, and you’ll be amazed at how much people really do want to be there to help you out.  Feeling less inspired than usual lately, it will come as a relief to know that things are beginning to open up creatively in your life.  It’s time to rediscover your deep connection to the rhythms of the earth, and to those people and things that you hold near and dear to your heart.  It’s time to sing.

Aquarius
There are times when one feels isolated from everyone.. they seem so far away.  And it feels hard to believe in fairies these days.  But in only a matter of days your world is going to be filled with laughter and happy voices, and you’ll be wondering what all the forlorn woe-begotten meanderings were all about.  This is a good week to make changes at home, or to make a new commitment to family, home or country in a way that promotes peace, security and your sense of connection to the earth that you live on.  The fairies are in your own back yard.

Pisces
Now if anyone is capable of seeing fairies, it’s Pisces.  Although they may not be fairies you are seeing.  But you’re still seeing something, so let’s just call them fairies.  However, don’t listen to them if they try to give you advice about money.  You’re more inclined to take financial risks this week... However, by the same token, you’re also more likely to win... provided you keep it real, especially if you are planning any large purchases.  Get all the practical information you can, provided you get the information from reliable, non-mythical sources.. you know what they say about an educated consumer.