May/June Heart of Glastonbury - Magazine - Page 67
Some other traditions we’re lucky to maintain in our wonderful hometown will be
seen this month. Glastonbury High Street will be full of merriment at 10am on May
1st in celebration of the union of the God and the Goddess, (as expressed by the
Oak King, Green man or Faery King and the May Queen, Flower maiden or Faery
Queen), which leads to the ribboned dance around the phallic maypole in
traditional celebration of fertility and of life itself. So adorn yourself with leaves
as the trees have been so gracious to do, with green leggings and floral gowns!
Perhaps you could craft a flower garland from the blossoming hawthorn or carry
a sprig from the oak. Let us celebrate in union and frivolity as our ancestors would
have done, dancing across these very hills!
With the spring into brighter weather, it’s also the perfect time to wander to the
woods and spend time in nature. In particular, sleeping or meditating beneath
an Elder tree is bound to get you a visit from the Faery realm, (as the veil
between worlds is believed to grow thin on the days either side of Beltane). But
be sure to bring a sweet treat of honey or a thimble of cream, as those little
winged ones sure appreciate a kind offering! Or perhaps you could make a
flower mandala as an offering to the land. Taking a devotional rose to the
White Spring is a beautiful way to win the hearts of the Gods or light a candle
at the alter of the masculine and feminine to connect with the union of both
within your own. A wonderful question to reflect on in quiet contemplation
here might be - ‘how do we meet the Oak King; he which brings endurance,
boundaries and structure as well as the Hawthorn Queen; she which maintains
an open, all feeling, flowing heart- within the temple of our very own being?’
Now to the expansive nature appearing all around us, let us explore what can be
foraged! If in union with another, perhaps you could make a soothing massage
oil from Willow - the Celtic Ogham tree of the month- who has started to reach
down her leaves in admiration to stroke the rivers below. If in union with
yourself; there is no finer offering of self love than a foot massage with the
same elixir!
Foraged wild garlic cheese muffins are a delicious snack and look beautiful with
their white flowers to garnish. Why not make a wild flower spring salad to
compliment; using ground ivy, wild garlic leaves and edible May flowers such as
pink magnolia, yellow dandelion petals and purple lilacs.
For the ultimate refreshment- now is the time to explore recipes for foraged
cherry blossom wine and lilac honey lemonade for the kids. And in doing so, we
can hold up our full cups and make a toast to the season of blossom, with hearts
full of love, abundance and passion.
So here’s to you all enjoying the start of summer in Avalon and here’s to the
fertility of the land…!
Written by Kubi May, a White Witch & Creative Therapist from Glastonbury.
Check out her local Creative healings, offerings & workshops in Wand Crafting,
Reiki Training & Celtic Healing Certificates at: WWW.KUBIMAYCRAFTS.COM or
follow on Facebook & Instagram @kubi.may