musings from the marsh...: May 2014

The Full Moon for May 14^th, is in the sign of Scorpio, and it peaks at 3:17 PM/EST. This Moon is about rebirth, but it is also about death…after all, you can’t have the former without the latter. It can be viewed as the shedding of layers, the sloughing off of the old to make way for the new. There is extreme potential to experience deeply intense emotions tied to hidden or ignored issues in the subconscious that are illuminated, and brought into the conscious light to be faced and healed. Also in the sign of Scorpio is Saturn, and it conjoins the Moon. This signals that karmic lessons are at hand, so if you have been dodging them prepare yourself. It is all part of the renewal. Get ready to dig deep, and get to the core of those issues that come forward.

While the Moon is in the water sign of Scorpio, the opposing Sun is in the earth sign of Taurus. The two are opposites, yet they compliment one another. The conscious and the subconscious could jump into battle, but rather than buy into it try to find the balance…the middle ground. You may also experience a tug of war between the materialism of the physical world, and higher spiritual values. You can find the center point, the balance in the midst of all of it, if you approach things from a positive perspective.

There is a mutual support arrangement with Saturn in Scorpio, and Jupiter in Cancer due to a waxing trine that will go exact on the 24^th. This will inject some realistic, grounding energy into the mix. This is a good thing because of the influence of the Moon…heavy emotions could come into play that are centered around a toxic relationship. One that you might want to cling to. The strength of addictive tendencies are strong, and doubly so if the behavior is used to mask or avoid fear, pain, or grief. Do not be afraid to let things go. It’s all part of the shedding of the old to make way for new regenerative energy. Allow symbolic death to fall on old issues, so that rebirth can move in.

Libran Mars is inconjunct Piscean Neptune. If you have been feeling rundown, and lethargic, this is the culprit. Anyone with Aries Rising, the Sun in Aries, or Libran Mars on their natal chart might also feel overwhelmed. It’s best not to try to tackle any projects head on right now. Relax. Go to the beach. Go camping. Do activities that will clear your head rather than force you to focus.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Retrograde Mars is currently in mutual reception with Venus in Aries. The two seem to be in balance with one another, instead of Mars having the upper hand (which is the usual case). Actually, Mars retrograde status has him feeling a bit weak and vulnerable. Uranus and Venus conjunct in Aries, put Mars on the defensive. Mercury in Gemini is in harmonious aspect to both planets, which paves the way for some productive energy on the subject of love relationships. It will provide a needed boost to the opening up of positive, healing dialogue between lovers. There is potential to experience “sensory overload” due to Mercury providing a myriad of options. Take a deep breath, and keep things light.

As with all Full Moons, this Moon shines down Illuminating the dark recesses of our inner selves. We all have our dark sides…it’s important to acknowledge that. It is possible that the Full Moons light will illuminate feelings or issues that have been tucked away in an effort to avoid, or forget, them. This is the time to face them, no matter how difficult that might be…it’s the first step toward rebirth. Be sure to take things moment by moment, and don’t second guess or make any assumptions…it is detrimental to healing.

This Scorpio Full Moon celebrates life renewal. The Taurean Sun celebrates the renewal of Spring. Process and release the old, to move forward with fresh perspective, moment by moment.

Be calm; be centered…and breath.

If there are terms in the above that you aren't familiar with, this link is to a good online Astrology Dictionary: http://www.evolvingdoor.ca/glossary/glossary.htm

The following excerpt is from 'The Farmer's Almanac':

Full Flower Moon ~ May: In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time. Thus, the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting, or the Milk Moon.

May Day. Walpurgis Night. Beltane. Whatever your observance of this day happens to be, they are all an early acknowledgement of the approaching Summer. We have had quite a bit of ‘April Showers’ on the marsh. The temperatures have been topping out in the upper-70’s, with an occasional day that hits the 80 degree mark. As someone who prefers the muted colors and cooler temperatures of the darker half of the year, I am not particularly looking forward to Summer’s heat and the accompanying heaviness of our southern humidity. However, I do appreciate the color that returns to Gaia in the warmer months.

Beltane is the last of the three Spring fertility festivals. Per the pagan Wheel of the Year, it signals the start to the light half of the year (the dark half starting on Samhain). Much like its darker opposite, Beltane is a time when the veils between worlds are at their thinnest. It is a time to honor those who have passed, and to celebrate new life. The new life that starts to grow and blossom around us from the dormant and dead wake left by the ‘sleepy’ side of the year. It is the celebration of the god and goddess having their nuptials, and many others celebrating their weddings, ‘hand-fastings’, or ‘broomstick jumps’, as well.

Historically, the ‘Tein-eigen’ (need fire) would be lit, and the jumping would begin. Jumps through the smoke rising from the fire for cleansing, and protection. For fertility. Couples would jump to show their commitment to one another. Farm animals of all types would be driven through the thick smoke to make them fertile, and keep them free of sickness. Then when all was said and done, flaming embers would be taken by each celebrant to light their home fire…a fire to signal new beginnings. Today, Beltane is a fire (and fertility) festival, a bonfire being at the center of celebrations the world over. The symbolic fire honors the Sun, and the Celtic god Bel, so that the community will be protected and the future harvests will be nurtured.

(Oak King)

Midsummer. Summer Solstice. The official start to Summer kicking into high gear is June 20^th (in my neck of the woods). We still have over a month before things get intense, and I know that intense they well be. Intense heat. Intense humidity. Even now, the Oak King prepares himself for his imminent, and inevitable, yearly battle with the Holly King at Midsummer. As planned, the Oak King will be victorious in his defeat of the Holly King. Until Yule, that is. Then they clash again, and the Holly King will reign once more.

What follows are some images of various elements that are representative of Beltane, and the return of thriving flora and fauna to our northern hemisphere. Whatever your preferences in celebrating Summer’s approach, wishing you the happiest of months ahead.

Cheers!