May

Thrimilchimonath                                                                 may

May is the fifth month of the year and is named after the Greek Goddess Maia who is also identified with the Roman Goddess of fertility, Bona Dea. It is said that this is the month when plants really start to grow. Its birth flower is the Lily of the Valley and the hawthorn. The birthstone is the emerald which represents love or success. The zodiac signs for the month of May are Taurus (until May 20) and Gemini (May 21 onwards).

It is the Three Milk Month, when the animals are in their fullest milk. This is the month of the summer festival of May Day.  The celebration of the mystical union with the land, honoring of Freyr and Freya. Dances around the May tree and bonfires on hills. The May Pole/Tree brought from the woods to the town symbolizes that the fertility of nature shall be brought to the town community.  Late May typically marks the start of the summer vacation season in the U.S.A.

The d rune (d) is called Daeg day, transition, turning point.  Daeg is a rune of beginnings.  Thurisaz originated from the rune T, called thorn (defense) or thurs (giant) in the Scandinavian rune poems for th.  Thor is the God that protects sacred enclosures in much the same way that the thorny hawthorn, blackberry or rose bush does.  The u rune u is Uruz meaning wild ox, health and strength.  This rune is associated with strength, tenacity, courage and survival skills.

The Fifth Hall is about creativity. This time also rules dating, playtime/acting, sensual emotions, pleasurable affairs, lovers, parenthood and sexuality. This can include artistic pursuits, hobbies, recreation and children. Other keywords include creative self-expression, love affairs, procreation and children, leisure, games and sports, self-fulfillment, joy and bliss.

1 Beltane

A day for Flowers and Mothers.  Like all the eight high holidays, this day should ideally be spent not enclosed and isolated, but in common with the larger Pagan community. This can be done a number of ways, including spending the day elsewhere, at the Beltane ritual of another group or tradition, or by inviting in those Pagans who would otherwise not be able to attend a ritual. Either way, the eight holidays should be a time of remembering the place of the house in the greater community.

May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night. The Roman festival celebrating Flora, Goddess of fertility and spring, was celebrated from April 28 through May 3.  In 1955, Pope Pius XII designated May 1 as a feast day of St. Joseph the Worker.  In 1958, President Eisenhower designated May 1 as both Law Day and Loyalty Day.  In many countries, May Day is also Labor Day.  May Day on May 1 is an ancient Northern Hemisphere spring festival and usually a public holiday; it is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures.  May Day is a festival that has been somewhat lost but is best known for its tradition of dancing the maypole dance.

Celebrated for thousands of years as the point of fertility and beauty of the flowering Earth.  The May Pole (Tree) brought from the woods to the town symbolizes that the fertility of nature shall be brought to the community.  If possible, sex magic, alone or with others, should be offered up after the ritual. It is a time for rituals of beauty, passion, home and any kind of differences in your life.  

                              I pray for the healing of the Earth

                              Of soil, trees, and sand

                              And the safe existence of all creatures within.

                              Gaia, Corn Mother, Jord

                              May the land be nourished.

                              Corn Mother, Jord, Gaia

                              May life be nurtured.

                              Jord, Gaia, Corn Mother

                              May growth be embraced.

                              Blessed be.

2 Pagan Coming Out Day

The statistics regarding how many Pagans choose to keep their religion a secret are difficult to obtain and any numbers that are calculated are certain to be somewhat flawed. We do tend to be a secretive bunch and we have good reason to be. Pagans have lost jobs, housing, even custody of children all because they practice an Earth-based Religion. People stare and shake their heads sadly while telling us we are going to hell. Even though the laws of our country clearly protect our religious freedom and our government officially recognizes Paganism as a valid religion, we still remain something that society would rather not see, something sinister to be kept hidden away behind closed doors. It is human nature to be leery of what is unknown and mysterious.

You must be friendly, non-confrontational, and you must be able to explain what Paganism is (and is not) in clear and simple terms without being defensive. Hold your head up and know that you are within your rights to have your beliefs and should not be forced to hide it.

3 Full Flower Moon M

Flowers spring forth in abundance.  In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time.  You can use them in a variety of ways such as sachets, food preparation, oil and incense.  It is also a great time to rekindle the romantic spark and passion in a relationship. The Father is summer, the day, lustiness, teacher, the full moon.  Plan a ritual to reaffirm your goals.

                              Flowers have come!

                              to refresh and delight all.

                              We only borrow them:

                              your flowered drum,

                              your flowered bells,

                              your sweet songs.

                              Thank you for the beauty of flowers.

8 Viking Day

A thousand years ago our ancestors in all likelihood considered the 8th of May to be time to get off the bedstraws, polish the swords and prepare the ships to visit friends and enemies near and far. The sun rose high in the sky bringing a longing for the warmth of the south, and wanderlust to foreign countries. The bees began their production of honey for the life giving mead. The children started running barefoot in the burgeoning grass.

The Organization Destination Viking thus enjoins everyone to from now and for all eternity commemorate this special day. You do this by bringing alive and celebrating this day as a true Viking. Bang your shields, raise your banners and insignia, walk outside with your disciples and spread the joyful message that the Vikings have reawakened.

10 Frigg's Day

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.  Many people give gifts, cards, flowers, candy, a meal in a restaurant or other treats to their mother and mother figures, including grandmothers, great-grandmothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers.  Mother's Day dates back to ancient cultures in Greece and Rome.  In both cultures, Mother Goddesses were worshipped during the springtime with religious festivals.  The ancient Greeks paid tribute to the powerful Goddess Rhea, the wife of Cronus, known as the Mother of the Gods.

Today is commemoration of Mother Earth and all the mothers. Learn to spin. Frigg was the mother of Balder and of Hodur, the blind God who unwittingly killed Balder. She is the Queen of Asgard, the All Mother. Odin was well-known for his extramarital affairs, so the family tree can get crossed.  Frigg had great patience and tolerance, often defending Odin when his actions were questioned.

Frigg was an important Goddess, whose greatest role was that of the Goddess and Patron of Women. It was in that particular role that she taught young women the skills that they needed to know when they would become old enough to enter into the adult world. Frigg was always there for them, by protecting them and giving them inspiration. She was always there for the adult women, as well, and she inspired and protected mothers and housewives alike.

Friadagr in Old Norse, frigedaeg in Old English, from the Germanic compound frije-dagaz, is Frigg's (and/or Freyja’s) Day. Friday is thus good for explorations of sexuality and workings of seidhr. Frigg is a seeress and protectress Goddess of married women and of the home, who complements Freya's functions (rune for Frigg is perthro p).  Think about what freedom really means.  Bring harmony to some place that needs it.  Don’t pursue its meaning only in the shallow contemporary sense, but rather as it relates to our tradition.

                              Lady of Asgard, cloaked in stars,

                              Spinner of clouds and weaver of peace,

                              Finest treasure of Odin,

                              Give us your blessing on this day,

                              A blessing not only of my love,

                              but on my kin, and their kind and their tribe,

                              and all of us who hear, watch and witness all love.

11 Wane Moon

This is a time of great wisdom for He has learned much in her journey from infant to wise sage and it is a time to learn from this wisdom by going within and communicating with him.

                              You should never sacrifice three things:

                              your family,

                              your heart and

                              your dignity.

                              Blessed be.

15 Idunn's Day

Today's work should concentrate entirely on gardening, even in inclement weather. If there is an orchard, special care should be taken with it. Idunn is the Norse Maiden Goddess of youth and springtime.  She was one of the lesser known Aesir Goddesses who lived in Asgard.  Idunn has golden hair and often seen with a box or basket of golden apples.  She is married to Bragi the God of poetry.

She is the keeper of the golden apples that give the Gods immortality.  The golden apples grew on a tree that could only be harvested or given to others by Idunn.  Since the Norse Gods are not immortal, the apples are considered very precious. 

                              She walks her garden silently

                              with the box

                              well hidden in her heart.

                              Watering the apple tree

                              with her tears.

16 Armed Forces Day

Many Americans celebrate Armed Forces Day annually on the third Saturday of May. It is a day to pay tribute to men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. Armed Forces Day is also part of Armed Forces Week, which begins on the second Saturday of May.

It is a day to honor and acknowledge Americans in the armed forces. Parades, open houses, receptions and air shows are held. Posters and other material used to promote Armed Forces Day often show images of Americans in the armed services dressed in their uniforms. Some posters show a collage of images, including images of those in the armed forces with their families or friends, as well as the United States Flag.

18 New Moon m

Here the first light in the cycle of the Moon begins and the God is in his phase as a very young man ready to explore the new world.

                              Silver tree, in your branches

                              White of snow, stars are dancing

                              Tree of clouds, like thread of silver

                              Time runs through our hands.

22 Maritime Day

May 22 is National Maritime Day in the United States each year. This day reflects the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation's history.  Njord is one of the Vanir and the God of seamanship and sailing.  Aegir is the ruler of the Oceans and seas.  Ran is the lustful giant Goddess of the sea.

Activities and events include open houses and special celebrations hosted by seaports.  Some businesses may host special luncheons while other people attend memorial observances at merchant marine memorials.  Some symbols that have been used to depict National Maritime Day include: an image or drawing of an anchor, strapped with a rope around the middle, to symbolize the maritime life; and an image or drawing of a steering wheel used on a ship or boat.

25 Einherjar

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday wherein the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered.  The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.  By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.

In Norse mythology, the Einherjar (Old Norse 'lone or once fighters') are those that have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by Valkyries.  In Valhalla, the Einherjar eat their fill of the nightly-resurrecting beast Saehrimnir and are brought their fill of mead. 

In modern-day practice, Einherjar blot has tended to become a day to honor all of those who die in wars, and to a lesser extent, veterans in general.  It has also been speculated recently by some that those in various professions that involve voluntarily going into danger (police, firefighting) and who die while performing their duty perhaps join the ranks of the Einherjar. 

                              Hail the Einherjar! May they feast and make merry in Valhalla

                              for they deserve it!  Hail the brave dead! Hail!

25 Wax Moon G

During this time, we recognize the God as the young Warrior who searches for a partner with which he can become a new father.

                              May the circle be open but unbroken,

                              may the love of the God be ever in your heart.

                              Merry meet and merry part,

                              And merry meet again.