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 4 - Intergalactic Star Wars Day - MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU!
- May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
- May 7 - New Moon in Taurus @ 8:21 pm
- May 8 - Mother's Day
- May 9 - Peter Pan Day
- May 11 - Pagan & Occult Movie Night: Pan's Labyrinth
- May 18 - Divinations: Why so Serious? @ 6:00 pm UUCLV
- May 18 - UUCLV Food Pantry
- May 21 - World Bee Day
- May 23 - Full Flower Moon @ 6:53 am
- May 23 - World Turtle Day
- May 26 - LV PPD Planning Meeting @ 1:00 pm UUCLV
- May 30 - Memorial Day
- May 31- National Meditation Day
“As it fell upon a day In the merry month of May, Sitting in a pleasant shade Which a grove of myrtles made.” ― Richard Barnfield
Spirited Away
Our Musical Teapot has gone back across the pond...
From Priestess Laurelinn (Donna):
I have so many thoughts and feelings churning around in my head right now. On the one hand, I have loved getting to know both Teapot and Fen over the past year and a half, but I’m also heartbroken and angry that part of our magickal community has been torn away from us.
Teapot entered my circle (quite literally) when Sanctuary of Solace was just starting to hold in-person rituals. Friendly and very outgoing, she quickly became someone I looked forward to seeing on ritual nights. Fen wasn’t always able to be at ritual, but most often was there during potluck, and as a couple they were simply enchanting!
It wasn’t till a few months went by that we learned of Teapot’s musical talent, and her style of music spoke to my heart. She was kind enough to be the guest musician for my Winter Solstice service at the UU, playing her hauntingly beautiful song “The Face of the Crone” (available on Bandcamp BTW!).
Last May we got to meet her Mum – over visiting from the UK. It was so nice to have her join us in ritual. While Teapot is her own unique person, I could see where many of her endearing qualities came from as they were part of her Mum as well.
We had begun planning to hold a Pagan Bardic Circle once a month, just working out the logistics with others in the community when tragedy struck. Fen had a major cardiac event; actually dying and being brought back over 7 times – the first time it was Teapot who saved him. I believe it was staying with her that kept him coming back each time they revived him that week. I dwell on it now, how cruel and unfair life is at times. For the two of them to have endured all of the medical issues and emerge closer on the other side and then have it all taken away by bureaucracy.
I try to remember how honored and lucky I am to have had Teapot in my life, and she will never be out of it totally – just sadly not in person. As a group we have made it our mission to stay engaged with Fen here in town and through the miracle of Zoom we will have some level of contact with Teapot.
To say I miss her is not nearly adequate, although I know it is nothing compared to how both Teapot and Fen feel being apart from one another.
Somehow, we will meet again dear friend – may the Goddess make it so.
From Priestess Novaembre (Candace)
I remember when I first met Teapot. I was teaching a class on the Divine Feminine and they had put me up on a stage behind a podium. I couldn’t move because that was where the microphone was. Teapot raised her hand and made a point. Sadly, I couldn’t quite hear her, but it was an excellent point about the practices of indigenous people. We got to talk after the class, and she came to the rest of the classes. I so enjoyed talking with her.
Her perspective is always fresh and right to the point. She is eager for knowledge with a bright and proving mind. She is such a refreshing and interesting addition to the class. I looked forward to her presence.
As time passed, I got to know her better. Conversations with her are always the high point. She has so many interesting points to make and always has an innovative perspective. And then I got to hear her play the flute. This opened more doors – it was magical, taking me to a realm of spirit. I loved listening and letting my mind flow with the music.
And then we did a ritual together and she brought for us a song she had written that perfectly fit the ritual and the mood of the night.
In addition to composing her own music, she draws and paints and carves wood. I cherish the little wooden witch she gave me.
In the time she lived here in Las Vegas she introduced me to parts of the city that I had no idea existed. She met so many interesting people who were doing amazing things for the community. She showed me a side of the city that few know.
Her artistry and her compassion for people are truly her traits and that is exactly how I would describe her – a truly talented person who shares her talents with the community in a way that improves and enriches all who meet her. I miss her already.
“As it fell upon a day In the merry month of May, Sitting in a pleasant shade Which a grove of myrtles made.” ― Richard Barnfield
The Sound of Silence...
A poem
In the quiet of this room, we hear the echoes fade,
The laughter and the tunes, from the music that you made.
A melody of memories, upon a penny whistle played,
The distance came like winter's chill, and took you far away.
The tunes you wrote and shared, found on Bandcamp play a part,
But the rhythm of the days, belay a lonely heart.
Your harmony's gone across the pond, in lands we cannot see,
We're holding on to every song, where you still play with glee.
Keeping every verse you wrote, deep within our soul,
And in the Music of this life, you'll always have a role.
But one day we will meet again, as our Paths and Songs entwine,
There we'll find you in the music, in every single line.
From Priestess Laurelinn to Teapot; you have left a permanent impression in my heart.
Image by: Priestess Laurelinn
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
May's Lunar Spotlight
Excerpts from: Dark Pixie Astrology
New Moon in Taurus
The Taurus New Moon is often a time to relax, indulge, and take it easy. We're coming out of a high energy, intense, passionate period with the previous Moons, and this is time to pull back. We can take a break, chill out, and don't want to fill up every moment of our lives with something to do. It's a great time to be more present and reconnect with the here and now.
Taurus is a money ruler, so we can focus on opportunities to improve our financial situations and plan for the future. We can maximize resources we have, and get our hands on new resources. This can help improve stability and security in our lives, and as we improve stability and security, we can get more opportunities for money and resources. They feed into each other.
When we take action with something, we can be slow and steady. We're not in a rush, and feel like everything will work out if we're focused and methodical. This might seem like we're not making any progress initially, but over time, it can prove to be pretty smart and put us on the right path.
Our confidence can be high with the Taurus New Moon if we feel secure and take it easy. If we don't, we may become stubborn about something, and insecurity can lead to lashing out erratically.
Full Moon in Sagittarius
The Sagittarius Full Moon is a more optimistic Full Moon since Sagittarius is the happy sign. Full Moons tend to be emotional, but Sagittarius Full Moons don't want to dwell on that. So, we can be more positive with this Full Moon, and don't want to deal with anything too serious. We dealt with that last month, we want a break from it in May.
Sagittarius rules our beliefs, so we can be more passionate about what we believe in and stand up for ourselves and others. This can lead to fights if we don't keep an open mind though, and need to make sure we're listening properly. If we are, this can improve communications and we can feel more understood.
Sagittarius is ruler of higher learning, so we can finish a course of study, and can be more passionate about learning, teaching, writing, and speaking. Sagittarius rules long-distance travel, so we can be on the move more, and may see more people traveling (especially by flight). Sagittarius is also ruler of the law, so we can see some important legal news with this Full Moon.
May's Full Flower Moon (aka Willow Moon)
Adapted From: The Farmer's Almanac
The full Moon in May 2024 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)
The activities of animals marked spring’s arrival, too. The three names below indicate that warmer weather is on the way!
- Egg Laying Moon (Cree)
- Frog Moon (Cree)
- Moon of the Shedding Ponies (Oglala)
MOON FOLKLORE:
- Clothes washed for the first time in the Full Moon will not last long.
- The Full Moon is an ideal time to accept a proposal of marriage.
Full Moon Rituals: Using The Moon For Personal Growth.
This comprehensive guide dives into the world of full Moon rituals, empowering you to harness the Moon’s potent energy for personal growth and well-being. Learn how to make Moon Water and so much more! Brought to you from The Farmer's Almanac:
“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
May Full Moon Magic:
This full moon is pregnant with energy and is very important in Wicca since it symbolizes the feminine divine. Witches like to perform their magickal workings at this time since the energy of the full moon lends itself well to more powerful spells and more effective spell casting.
This is the high time for magickal workings related to divining and protection, and also casting spells for healing, abundance, and prosperity. If you’re thinking of switching careers and jobs, this is the time to ask for guidance. To those with rune stones and crystals, this is the time to use them to draw power from the moon.
The Flower Moon also symbolizes us humans. Like the flowers, it is time for us to blossom, to grow day by day by soaking up the sun’s rays, and to gather our energy from it.
It symbolizes shining a light on our darkest days and illuminating the deepest and darkest corners of ourselves, allowing the light of awareness in the darkest places of ignorance, shame, guilt, and embarrassment. The Flower Moon is there to assist us in shedding our outer skin as a form of renewal.
This is the time for self-reflection and self-assessment. Look into yourself for the things that have been hidden. They will now make themselves known. You are given the chance to heal, and you now have the chance to look at yourself in a whole new light, the light that shines from the moon.
This is the chance for rebirth. So go out and experience being under the full and bright light of the Flower Moon! It brings with it a great potential for change. Embrace this change and welcome the magnificent shifts coming your way!
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
Craft Corner...
~ DIY Scrying Mirror Tutorial ~
By: Moody Moons
DIY scrying mirrors are easy and fun to make yourself. This tutorial walks you through how to make a scrying mirror and how to use one (even if you’re a total beginner!).
What is a scrying mirror?
Scrying is a form of divination. It involves peering into a medium (such as a scrying mirror, crystal ball or a bowl of black water) to induce visions and gain insight into the spirit realm.
The art of scrying appears throughout history and the world.
For example, the Hebrew Bible refers to scrying in the Book of Genesis. In it, the story of Joseph mentions a silver chalice used for divination. (Actually, the Bible contains a surprising number of references to divination and black magic—not all of them unfavorably).
A scrying mirror is a special mirror intended for this purpose. Comprised of a piece of black glass (or sometimes, a flat piece of dark gemstone, like obsidian), these special mirrors appear in European folklore and even modern pop culture.
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall.” Sound familiar?
Making scrying mirrors & how to choose a frame:
Occult shops and boutiques often charge a premium for divination tools.
But DIY scrying mirrors are so inexpensive and easy to make. I always look for ornate frames on my witchy trips to thrift stores because they make fantastic scrying mirrors and you can express your creativity in your frame choice.
If you’re a young, funky, urban apartment witch, pick a chic mid-Century mod frame. If you’re of the old-world aesthetic, choose something more traditional. Either way, make sure the glass in the frame is scratch-free! Even small scratches really stand out during scrying, so look closely at the surface for blemishes.
Equipment Needed:
- frame/glass
- black acrylic paint
- paintbrush
- window cleaner or isopropyl alcohol
- microfiber cloth or lens cloth
Instructions:
- Turn over the picture frame. Use your fingers or a butter knife to pry back the metal thingies that keep the backing in place and remove the back.
- Remove the glass. Give it a good clean with your glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and the lens cloth. Really get in there. You don’t want to trap any specks of dirt in between the glass and the paint.
- Paint the back of the mirror with black acrylic paint. You will need to paint several layers. Be sure to allow the paint to dry completely before adding a new layer. (I usually wait about 2-3 hours between coats to make certain). Do not skip the drying step! If it isn’t totally dry, it will do this weird clumping/smearing thing that’s hard to fix.
- Once the paint is completely dry, reassemble the frame with the newly painted glass in it. Make sure the painted side is facing towards the back, and the unpainted side is facing out front.
- Use your glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to clean the front of the scrying mirror, not the painted side.
How to use a magic mirror
- Gather your mirror, a candle, and a lighter or matches.
- On the night of the dark moon, find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted and light the candle, placing it between you and the scrying mirror.
- Turn the lights off.
- Stare into the mirror and allow your eyes to lose focus.
- It can take 5 minutes or 2 hours, but generally, the more you practice, the quicker visions appear.
- Don’t get discouraged if nothing happens during your first few sessions! Remember, some people spend a lifetime learning divination techniques, so be patient with yourself.
Bonus tips
As you become more advanced in your practice, consider any of the following modifications to your scrying sessions.
- Try using it in conjunction with your tarot cards. Draw a tarot card and concentrate on its meaning as you stare into the mirror to give yourself a mental focal point.
- Consider taking a ritual bath before scrying sessions to remove psychic gunk, especially if you’re struggling with your clairvoyance.
- Use the thinning of the Veil Between Worlds during Litha and Samhain for special sessions or to see deep insight.
- If you are familiar with how to properly use vision herbs, you can incorporate these into your divination sessions for enhanced sessions.
ARTEMIS
By Jezabell Anat
Lady of wild things,
Fleet-footed racer,
Keen-eyed archer,
Unencumbered by convention,
You run on instinct and muscle.
You embody the paradox of hunter and protector,
Only taking what is needed
To preserve the balance of prey and predator.
You are bracing air, clear mountain water,
The eagerness of the new moon.
You care not for comfort.
You will not stagnate in a city.
You thirst for challenge.
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
~ Instant Pot Barley w/ Mushrooms & Sage ~
This was part of our Beltane Feast this year, made by our very own Priest Naheem!
Here’s a quick and easy side dish worthy of any fall table! Barley makes a satisfying and easy side dish, especially when seasoned with sage and studded with intensely flavorful shiitake mushrooms. A serious upgrade from the usual pot of steamed rice, it might just steal the spotlight from your main dish.
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
Greenwood Marriages
& the Fiery Passions of Beltane
by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
It is also the holiday of soulful love, a time when we feel called to open our hearts and or connect more deeply with others. It celebrates love, attraction and courtship, and "spring fever" or "mating season."
It's May... It's May... the lusty month of May...
Beltane, also known as "May Day," is the ancient Celtic fertility holiday that celebrated the rites of spring with much frolicking and fun. It begins at sundown April 30th and lasts all day on May 1.
Beltane signals the beginning of the bright half of the year. It means "bright fires," or "brilliant fires."
It is also the holiday of soulful love, a time when we feel called to open our hearts and or connect more deeply with others. It celebrates love, attraction and courtship, and "spring fever" or "mating season."
Many modern couples decide to marry, or pledge their love in a sacred ceremony or hand-fasting on this holiday.
It is major Sabbat in Earth and Goddess-based spirituality, and participants continue to enact some aspects of these rituals around the world.
One of my favorite examples of Beltane is the scene in the movie, Camelot, where Queen Guinevere (Vanessa Redgrave) goes off with her court "a Maying." She sang the famous Lerner and Lowe, "It's May."
Meaning and History
Beltane originated among the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British Isles, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, home of my ancestors.
In ancient times, two great fires would be lit, made with healing herbs. The light would guide the townspeople through the night, and some would jump skyclad over the flames and or rides their animals between the two fires to be blessed by the sacred smoke.
Beltane heralds the beginning of the bright time of year, a time when we emerge from the darkness of winter into lighter, airy days. Makes us want to open our hearts and feel the warmth of the sun.
The ancients had been cooped up in doors for a long winter. Beltane came at the peak of spring, and brought life back to the people and the land.
In Beltane: The Lovers Entwine, it's explained this way: "Beltane, or May Day, as it also known, occurs at the peak of Spring. This is the time of year when the earth basks in the gentle embrace of the sun's warmth. The warmth of the sun helps plants blossom, crops fertilize and the rivers overflow with the melted snow of winter past. Animals frolic about searching for mates. People fall in love and consume each other in fiery passion."
The reason this holiday is so sexy yet sacred is that it is symbolic of the passion and love between the Goddess and God. Divine passion, it was believed, was evident in all of nature's bounty springing forth this time of year.
The ancient custom in villages was to have a fertile couple to represent the King and Queen of the May. Dancing around the maypole was a focal point of activity. The Maypole was made of oak, and had ribbons of many colors. Women would grab a ribbon and dance around it and the last woman left holding the ribbon would be crowned the May Queen.
It is said that a wedding feast, symbolically honoring God and Goddess, was prepared in advance of the dance around the may pole and that all would partake.
The May King and Queen would then consummate their "marriage" as a symbolic gesture of fertility. All the townspeople would emulate them and head off to partake in some sacred love. It was a bit of free love and wanton lust sometimes called "Greenwood Marriages."
As an ode to nature, and as an offering to God and Goddess -- maids and lads would frolic in the fields from sundown to the morning after. Part of this celebration included enacting the rites of fertility as an offering to ensure continued fertility of the lands as well as the continuation of the tribe.
It's been said that the annual Beltane Baby Boom, nine months later was legendary in ancient times.
Bringing in the May
One of the most beautiful customs associated with this festival was called "bringing in the May." The young people would go out into the fields on April 30th and gather flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families and their homes.
They would process back into the villages, stopping at each home to leave flowers, and to receive the best of food and drink that the home had to offer.
They were symbolic messengers of renewal and this also represented the ritual sharing of food -- the substance of life -- and the ideal that this generosity must keep circulating.
We can all go "a Maying" by doing something nice for others or sharing a spring ritual with the one you love!
This article was originally posted to Huffington Post in 2014, by Rev. Brockway
Beltane Artwork from Hedingham Fair
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
Stepping Into Ourselves:
An Anthology of Writings on Priestesses
By Editors: Anne Key and Candace Kant
What is a priestess? Is she a ritualist? A leader? A shaman? A role model? A coach? A soothsayer? A sybil? Or is she all of these, or some of these, or none of these? This anthology is a vibrant tapestry of voices illuminating the roles and perspectives of priestesses in the ancient and modern worlds, and weaving them together to create the beautiful fabric of women's sacred service. The personal essays, academic articles, poetry, rituals and tools in this book will speak to your heart, inspiring you to step into your own spiritual authority.
Reviews & Praise:
- Welcome the new generation of Goddess culture makers! All that was taken away from women, our Heras, their names and deeds, the inventors of poems and prose, rituals and dances,we could still not fill the the gaping empty space if we published a million more books like this. But it is something. This work will be seeding the generations after us to continue the research, the relentless reclaiming, the constant agitation, to re create sisterhood. -- Z Budapest, Spiritual Elder of the Dianic Tradition and author of 13 books about the Goddess and her lost mythology, lore, culture.
- There are wise words here for those of us who have been burned, and soaring words for those who aspire to step into the title of "Priestess." This book is a balm for those of us who have held positions of power and then still had to carry out the garbage, then find a way to navigate through the deep projections of others. -- Ellen Evert Hopman, Herbalist and Druid Priestess, author of the "Priestess of the Forest" trilogy of Celtic novels and other volumes.
- This book is like a luscious and well-appointed buffet dinner: scholarly essays, juicy stories, and thoughtful reflections, personal poems, songs and prayers. It is quite a satisfying meal! -- Vicki Noble, co-creator of Motherpeace, author of Shakti Woman and The Double Goddess
- This work will be seeding the generations after us to continue the research, the relentless reclaiming, the constant agitation, to re create sisterhood. -- Z Budapest, The Holy Book of Women's Mysteries
- This book is a balm for those of us who have held positions of power and then still had to carry out the garbage. -- Ellen Evert Hopman, Priestess of the Forest: A Druid Journey
- a rich and inspiring offering...this world is a sacred place which women may help to heal if we but serve it as priestesses. -- Miriam Robbins Dexter
- Whence the Goddesses and Sacred Display: Divine and Magical Female Figures of Eurasia Celebrates the priestess in all of us. -- Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb
- She Who Dwells Within: A Feminist Vision of Renewed Judaism and Trail Guide to the Torah of NonviolenceEnter this rich labyrinth of wisdom prepared to review every aspect of your own calling as a priestess. -- Holli Emore, Executive Director of Cherry Hill Seminary.
- This book is a must-read for beginning and mature priestesses.-- Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D., Pagan Every Day
To see more about this volume and other Goddess Ink books, visit is at www.goddess-ink.com
About the editors:
Candace Kant holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in history from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. in history from Northern Arizona University. She taught history, women's studies and religious studies at the College of Southern Nevada since 1976, Upon retirement she was awarded the title Emerita. She develops and teaches courses in applied Pagan and Goddess Spirituality at the Temple of Goddess Spirituality Dedicated to Sekhmet in Cactus Springs, Nevada and through the College of Southern Nevada Continuing Education department. She is a member of the faculty of Cherry Hills Seminary, the first Pagan seminary in the United States.
Anne Key is adjunct faculty in Women's Studies and Religious Studies at the College of Southern Nevada. A graduate of the Women's Spirituality Program of California Institute of Integral Studies, her investigations centered on Mesoamerica. Dr. Key was Priestess of the Temple of Goddess Spirituality Dedicated to Sekhmet, located in Nevada, from 2004-2007. She currently resides in Albuquerque, NM with her husband, his five cats and her snake, Asherah. Jalaja is an inspiring teacher, public speaker, counselor, author and circle leader. Fresh, clear, and compassionate, her message is heart-centered and hopeful yet also down-to-earth and practical. Jalaja studied classical temple dance in India. She is the author of five books, including The Sacred Ego: Making Peace with Ourselves and Our World, heralded as "brilliant and visionary" and "beautiful and vitally important." Compassionate, clear and filled with riveting stories from her work with people from around the world, it pinpoints the inner obstacles that are undermining our efforts to live in peace and illuminates a viable and practical path towards a better future.
May Laughs:
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