Goddess Speak

I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and bowers: Of April, May, or June, and July flowers. I sing of Maypoles, Hock-carts, wassails, wakes, of bridegrooms, brides, and of the bridal cakes. ~Robert Herrick

May Dates of Interest:

• May 1 - Beltane / May-Day / Walpurgisnacht
• May 1 - Full Flower Moon @ 10:23 am
• May 2 - SoS & ICS Maypole & Beltane Ritual (@UUCLV)
• May 4 - Intergalactic Star Wars Day - MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU!
• May 4 - Magic Brew Coffee Social w/ Sin City Witches
• May 5 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls
• May 5 - Cinco de Mayo / Revenge of the Fifth
• May 9 - Peter Pan Day (birthday of J. M. Barrie, the Scottish author)
• May 10 - Mother's Day
• May 13 - Frog Jumping Day
• May 16 - New Moon in Gemini @1:01 pm
• May 16 - UUCLV Food Pantry / Love a Tree Day
• May 20 - World Bee Day
• May 22 - World Goth Day
• May 23 - World Turtle Day
• May 23 - ICS w/ SoS present 'The Divine Feminine' @ UUCLV
• May 28 - World Hunger Day
• May 30 - Memorial Day
• May 31- National Meditation Day
• May 31 - Full Blue Moon @ 1:45 am

“May, queen of blossoms, and fulfilling flowers, 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.”— Lord Edward Thurlow

Fire. Fertility. Magic.

A beautiful song for the season!

Two Circles, One Spell Woven in Firelight...

A Beltane evening of shared lineage, sacred fire, and woven community

The magic of the evening began in daylight, as laughter and music filled the space and ribbons caught the breeze around the Maypole. We had 20 dancers, most of whom had never danced the Maypole before – chaos ensued! There was a great deal of bumping into one another and confusion while the rest of those in attendance both laughed and cheered! First Lady Laurelinn schooled them in the art of the Maypole dance, followed by Lady Anwynn who managed to finally steer them in the right (and left) direction; leading to the final successful weave. At a glance, the pole told a story all its own. If one looked closely, something remarkable revealed itself: at the very beginning of the pole, the ribbons appeared chaotic—overlapping, uneven, unsure of themselves. But as the eye traveled downward, the weave began to correct itself. A pattern slowly emerged. What had once looked tangled began to align. What felt disordered found rhythm and form.

What began in laughter, missteps, and joyful mishaps was gently guided and encouraged by both Priestesses, their steady presence helping the weave find its way. By the end, the Maypole stood as a testament to collaboration and care—a joyfully created weaving that instilled hope for the remaining year and reflected the deeper magic of the evening yet to unfold.

It was a great experience! - Gena Cochina

After a short break and robing up, ICS swept and cleared the circle, both physically and energetically. Three bells rang out, their tones signaling the shift from celebration to sacred work. Stones were laid with intention, forming the boundary of the ritual ring, and one by one, participants entered, stepping into a space held between worlds.

A Bealtaine meditation offered by ICS, guided the gathering into attunement with the turning of the season—the quickening of the land, the promise of growth, the spark of desire and creativity that defines this holy day. The quarters were then invoked by ICS, anchoring the circle in the elements. Sanctuary of Solace followed with the invocation of Above, Below, and Within, voices intertwining - called awareness to the sacred forces that surround, support, and dwell within us all. The Goddess was invoked with words of spring’s awakening—the leaves are budding—and the Charge of the Goddess followed, reminding all present to gather in love, beauty, and freedom. ICS then called to the Great God Cernunnos, whose presence rooted the rite in the wild vitality of the earth and the ancient rhythms of life.

Water and salt were consecrated, and the ring was formally cast, sealing the circle. Sanctuary of Solace led a grounding and centering practice: three deep breaths, followed by the steady chanting of “Ma” three times, drawing awareness into body and breath. Each person was anointed with holy water, then ICS consecrated the circle through sprinkling and censing. There was then a rousing rendition of the Witch’s Rune, led by Lady Anwynn – raising a surge of energy felt through each clasped hand. At the sounding of three bells, the Sabbat was joyfully welcomed. “To the Sabbat!” called the High Priestess. “To the Sabbat!” came the answer from every voice. Four members of the gathered community, chosen in the moment and entrusted with prepared words, stepped forward to speak, giving voice to shared intention. The Belfire was then lit, its flame rising bright and strong, and wishes were offered into the fire pit, sparks carrying hopes upward on the evening air. The heart of Beltane followed: the Love Chase, playful and symbolic, echoing ancient fertility rites, and the Great Rite, honored with reverence and care, affirming the union of sacred energies that bring life forth into being.

Three bells rang again, marking the close of the central working—"we came together in love and friendship; let us part in the same way”— and the ring was gently opened. Quarters were dismissed by both ICS and Sanctuary of Solace, releasing the elements with gratitude. Yet the magic did not end there. Lady Laurelinn guided a Belfire meditation, inviting reflection and integration as firelight danced across listening faces. Afterwards Belfire jumping was explained by ICS and begun by Lady Anwynn and Lord Grendal, offering blessings of courage and renewal to all who leapt the flames. Cakes and libation were shared in the familiar rhythm of wine and bread, grounding the sacred in fellowship and joy. A final song of farewell lifted voices together once more before the stones were scattered, the space released, and the ritual formally came to an end.

It was an exceptional ritual - Ellowyn

Afterwards, all gathered to a generous feast, the social hall warming like a hearth. There, friendships were woven and rewoven, laughter sparked like flame, and connections—old and new—were fed by the same fire that blessed the night.

So beautiful, so magical & so much positive vibes - Delita Rios

A Reflection on Shared Lineage and Collaboration: This ritual was more than a shared Sabbat; it was a living expression of continuity and trust. The Priestess of Sanctuary of Solace, an elder in her own right, once stood as a student within the ICS coven. That lineage—teacher to student, circle to circle—was made visible in firelight and ritual, not as hierarchy, but as relationship. The collaboration honored the truth that covens grow, evolve, and branch outward, carrying wisdom forward while remaining rooted in shared values. In joining their fires at Beltane, these two covens reminded us that growth is strongest when it is connected, and that the most enduring magic is often woven across generations.

The month of May was come, when every lusty heart beginneth to blossom, and to bring forth fruit; for like as herbs and trees bring forth fruit and flourish in May, in likewise every lusty heart that is in any manner a lover, springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds. For it giveth unto all lovers courage, that lusty month of May. ~Sir Thomas Malory

New album release from

Abigail Spinner McBride

Welcome to A Communion of Earth & Sky, a new album by Abigail Spinner McBride, multiple winner of the Pagan Entertainer of the Year award. Born at the meeting place of roots and stars, breath and soil, these songs invite a bridge between the grounded and the luminous. Available now on Bandcamp—enjoy, and thank you, as always, for your presence and support.

May's Lunar Spotlight

Full Moon in Scorpio

The first day of May is a celebratory moment in many different ways, as it’s the date of May Day, International Workers Day, as well as the witchy cross-quarter holiday of Beltane. This year, the vibes are supercharged with cosmic potency, as the full Flower Moon is rising on May 1 in the intensity-loving sign of Scorpio. This is the first of double full moons that are bookending May, so all zodiac signs will have a bonus opportunity to make some full moon magic this month. However, the spiritual meaning of the full Flower Moon on May 1 is especially mystical, and it sets the tone for a more honest and spiritually aligned journey ahead. As the moon moves through the zodiac each month, it’ll find itself facing off with the sun on the opposite end of the heavens during the midpoint of its cycle — and it’s this tense and polar luminary alignment that forms the monthly full moon phase. In astrology, these lunations are believed to bring energies to a climax, heighten people’s emotions, and push situations to a culmination or turning point. Like the face of the moon during this lunar phase, things tend to get illuminated by the full moon, revealing truths and allowing you to see what may not have been obvious before. This illuminating energy is especially relevant during the upcoming full moon, as it takes place in the truth-seeking and investigative sign of Scorpio. The cosmic scorpion craves intensity and realness, so there’s no running from the truth when a full moon is in these raw and choppy waters. If you’re willing to face the desires, fears, and secrets that are hidden within the shadows of your heart, then you’ll be able to release yourself from their power, and that’s what the spiritual meaning of May 1’s full moon is all about. This year’s Flower Moon is extra special, as it shares a date with the cross-quarter day known as Beltane — aka the exact midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. In pagan-based faiths and other witchcraft practices, Beltane festivals often incorporate the gathering of spring flowers to make flower crowns, bouquets, or to decorate maypoles, around which people dance and celebrate the peak of the fertile spring season. However, this ancient holiday is also honored in many other ways by cultures throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including in the form of May Day and International Workers Day, making it a time for social activism relating to workers rights, too. Because the full moon is rising on a day with so much rich history and celebration attached to it, honoring this lunation with a ritual could be even more powerful than usual. While Beltane honors the lush blossoms and general abundance that peaks throughout the spring, this lunation reminds you that you need to weed your garden if you want your flowers to thrive. Purge away that dead brush and invasive foliage that’s draining the nutrients from the buds that you actually want to see bloom.

May's Full Flower Moon (aka Willow Moon)

Adapted From: The Farmer's Almanac

The full Moon May 2026 marks the peak of spring in many parts of North America that acts as a transition into summer’s sunny days and warm nights. The May full Moon is often called the “Flower Moon” with reverence to abundant flowers in bloom, a prelude to Mother Nature’s coming attractions.

May’s Flower Moon name should be no surprise; flowers spring forth across North America in abundance this month!

• “Flower Moon” has been attributed to Algonquin peoples, as confirmed by Christina Ruddy of The Algonquin Way Cultural Centre in Pikwakanagan, Ontario.
• May’s Moon was also referred to as the “Month of Flowers” by Jonathan Carver in his 1798 publication, Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America: 1766, 1767, 1768 (pp. 250-252), as a likely Dakota name. Carver stayed with the Naudowessie (Dakota) over a period of time; his expedition covered the Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin and Minnesota areas.
• Henry David Thoreau sparked the Native American Moon names as well, referencing the Flower Moon and Carver when he wrote about Native Americans.

ALTERNATIVE MAY MOON NAMES:

• Budding Moon and Leaf Budding Moon - celebrate the awakening of local flora (Cree)
• Planting Moon - marks the time when seeds should be started for the farming season ahead. (Dakota, Lakota)

“And a bird overhead sang Follow, And a bird to the right sang Here; And the arch of the leaves was hollow, And the meaning of May was clear.” ― Algernon Charles Swinburne

The time is nye, the veil grows thin; Hasten to circle - we’ll conjure Summer in! The Spell is wrought – the Ring is cast, Look to the future, shed the past! Chants and drumming call Them to play; Magick begins with the Frogs and the Fae! ~ Lady Laurelinn

~ New Moon in Taurus ~

On May 16th, the New Moon in Taurus prompts a new beginning–we’re starting fresh. We awaken to the need to take charge, particularly when making ourselves feel more secure and comfortable. It’s a time for reevaluating our relationship with money and possessions to discover what it is that we truly value and that which genuinely makes us happy and fulfilled. We should concentrate on what we can do to increase our feelings of self-worth and simplify our lives in key ways. This is a time for reconnecting with nature, to our bodies and the world of the five senses. Creative ways of seeing, using, and approaching our personal possessions, valuables, money, and talents are in focus. This lunation has much healing potential. It aligns with Mercury and widely harmonizes with Jupiter, and we’re clear-minded and positive. On May 31st, the second Full Moon occurs in the month of May, this time, in the sign of Sagittarius, bringing sudden awareness to our lives, particularly of areas that require more balance. This lunation reminds us of the need to reach out beyond our usual routines, thought patterns, and neighborhoods. The Full Moon in Sagittarius is a time of expansion. As such, we should be especially aware of what we’d like to promote at this time, trying to put aside or out of our minds those things that won’t serve us well if blown out of proportion. This Full Moon harmonizes with Pluto and Saturn, bringing a sense that if we put some effort, grit, and determination into our pursuits, we’ll get results. It’s a strong time for motivation and ambition. This lunation’s harmony with Juno helps us bring more finesse and style to our interactions

Crafty Corner...

~ Beltane Wish Jar ~

By: Connie Byers

Dandelions & Fairytales Is there any bloom that holds the magic of childhood the way a dandelion does? They are the centerpiece of any bouquet presented to mothers by young ones. Ask any six-year-old, and they will tell you that the seeds will carry your wishes if you blow on the puff. The dandelion is steeped in childhood lore, and one of my favorite tales is the dandelion’s creation story. It is said that thousands of years ago when sprites and fairies roamed the land, they shared the world with humans. But the clumsy humans couldn’t see the fairies and often stepped on them. So, the fairies began to dress in bright yellow garments, and eventually, they transformed into dandelions, which sprung back up when stepped on. Thus, it is believed that dandelions aren’t harmed when stepped on because each bloom contains the spirit of a fairy.

How to Make Preserved Dandelion Puffs This is a quick and easy DIY that only takes a few minutes. These charming puffs not only make a delightful display but also serve as a fun craft activity for the entire family!

The Materials:

• Dandelions that have already bloomed, closed up, and turned white.
• Craft, Floral, or Jewelry Wire
• Small Flat Rock
• Clear Glass Jar or Cloche
• Glue Gun (optional)
• Moss (optional)

The Method: Step 1 - If your wire is on a roll, cut pieces that are 12” - 18” long. Step 2 - Trim your dandelion stems short enough to fit inside your jar. Step 3 - Gently feed the wire into the hollow stem, making sure not to puncture it.

Step 4 - Wrap the end of the wire around the stone as many times as needed to snug the stem against the stone. Step 5 - Place the stone with your wired dandelions in the lid or base of your jar and secure it with a hot glue gun if desired.

Step 6 - If using moss, top the rock with it and place the jar or cloche over the dandelions, but don’t seal it tight yet. Step 7 - Within 2-3 days, your dandelion puffs will “bloom,” Once they open, seal the jar tightly.

It's May, the lusty month of May. That darling month when everyone throws self-control away. ~Alan Jay Lerner

The Kitchen Witch's Cauldron

~ Beltane’s Berry Clafoutis ~

A First‑Fruits Blessing for Fire, Flower, and Joy As the fires of Beltane are lit and the land stands green and expectant, this Berry Clafoutis is offered as a soft spell of abundance—simple, rustic, and deeply enchanted. Baked at the turning point between spring and summer, it honors the season when sweetness begins to swell on the vine and the world leans into pleasure, growth, and connection. Clafoutis is an old hearth dish—half custard, half cake—meant to be shared, sliced warm, and eaten without haste. In this version, early berries are cradled in a golden batter, much like hopes and intentions held in the body of the year now unfolding. Prepare it with joy, stir clockwise, and let the oven’s heat seal your wishes into something nourishing and real.

O The month of May, the merry month of May, so frolic, so gay, and so green, so green, so green! O, and then did I unto my true love say, Sweet Peg, thou shalt be my Summer's Queen! ~Thomas Dekker

Nor yet because fair flowers are springing, beneath thy genial ray; and thousand happy birds are singing all welcome to thee, May! ~Rosanna Eleanor Leprohon

May Book Review

Beltane:

Springtime Rituals, Lore, & Celebration

By Raven Grimassi

Hail Spring with a "Bright Fire" Celebration! Discover the roots of Beltane or "bright fire," the ancient Pagan festival that celebrates spring, and the return of nature's season of growth and renewal. In the only book written solely on this ancient Pagan festival, you'll explore the evolution of the May Pole and various folklore characters connected to May Day celebrations. Raven Grimassi reveals the history behind the revelry, and shows you how to welcome this sacred season of fertility, growth, and gain with: ·May Day magick and divination: Beltane spells to attract money, success, love, and serenity; scrying with a bowl or glass ·Beltane goodies: Quick May Wine, Bacchus Pudding, May Serpent Cake, May Wreath Cake ·Seasonal crafts: Maypole centerpiece, May wreath and garland, pentacle hair braids, May Day basket ·Springtime rituals and traditions: the Maypole dance, May doll, the Mummer's Play, Beltane fires, May King and Queen ·Myths, fairy and flower lore: Green Man, Jack-in-the-Green, Dusio, Hobby Horse; elves, trolls and fairies; spring flowers and their correspondences This well-researched book corrects many of the common misconceptions associated with May Day, and will help you appreciate the spirituality and connection to Nature that are intimate elements of May Day Celebrations. Welcome the season of fertility, flowers, and fairies with Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore & Celebration.

About the author:

Raven Grimassi is a Neo-Pagan scholar and award-winning author of more than eighteen books on Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-Paganism. He has been devoted to the study and practice of witchcraft for over forty years. Raven is co-founder and co-director of the Ash, Birch, and Willow tradition. Grimassi’s background includes training in old forms of witchcraft as well as Brittic Wicca, the Pictish-Gaelic tradition, Italian Witchcraft, and Celtic Traditionalist Witchcraft. Raven was also a member of the Rosicrucian Order, and studied the Kabbalah through the First Temple of Tifareth under Lady Sara Cunningham. Raven currently lives in New England with his wife and co-author Stephanie Taylor-Grimassi. Together they direct The Fellowship of the Pentacle, a modern Mystery School devoted to preserving pre-Christian European spirituality.

May Laughs:

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