Since coming back from LA last week, I am feeling a new sense of freedom and possibilities. Getting a good dose of hugs from my son, daughter in law and friends has totally changed my energy. Hugs are the best medicine!
I can hardly believe that we are about to celebrate May Day. It suddenly feels like time is speeding up. After a cold dark winter, we all can use the passion, healing and sensuality of the Goddess of May. So go outside, surround yourself with flowers and dance in the new season.
Many years ago, I created a Maypole on my roof. I was teaching a group of kids about global spirituality (thank you Elizabeth Cutler for suggesting this) and wanted to share with them this fun custom. We used a Christmas tree stand and put up a wooden pole that we decorated with colored ribbons. Then we sang songs and let the children dance around the NYC Maypole. Love how easy it was to transform an ordinary roof garden into a sacred space. Watch the video here.
In ancient times this was a night of sexuality and passion… an honoring of the fertility of the king/god and queen/goddess. As men and women danced around the Maypole, they symbolically acted out the love-making of Nature. The pole representing the male and the ribbons the female. The goddess Maia represents the fertility and abundance of blessings available at the beginning of this summer season.
MAY RITUAL: SHOW YOU CARE
There is a wonderful custom of leaving baskets of flowers in front of your neighbor’s home as a sign of friendship and caring. You can also leave fruit, nuts and other treats with a note letting them know you care. You can do this with the cashier at your grocery store, the person who delivers your mail and/ or packages, your doormen, or anyone you choose to acknowledge.
Until next time,
Barbara