The Wonders of May
The seasonal noticings and magical moments of the month.
May is a month that holds a special place in my heart… and it always has. Partly because it’s my birthday month, as well as my husband’s, dad’s and first niece’s birthday month too… but there’s also something aside from the celebrations entirely that makes it feel special.
I think it’s because it feels like the first month of the year that enlivens our senses after the season of winter. Yes, earlier in spring we start to notice things changing as the world comes alive again, but May feels prosperous, abundant and full of possibility.
It’s the month of the year that is most green here in Michigan, after soaking up the snow from winter and the rains of early spring. And it’s the season of blossoms - apples, cherries, pears and more.
When I think of blossoms, they’re beautiful in their own right, but they also are a crucial part of the cycle that make way for the fruit (and more seeds). If the blossoms struggle or get hit with a frost it impacts the fruit production and harvest for the season. When freeze warnings hit the forecast, the lengths that fruit farmers go to is wild - even bringing in helicopters to help keep the frost from settling onto the blossoms.
These beautiful, delicate little flowers that end up needing some of the most extreme plant protection because of the abundance, sustenance and possibility they hold for the future. If we zoom out to think about that, it’s pretty incredible, right?
So here are some of the wonders I’m most looking forward to this month - plus the cycles of the season that make it magical.
The Wonders of May
Soft grass (and clover) under my feet. Spring rains have given new life to the small areas of lawn I haven’t turned into a garden (yet) and there’s nothing like the feeling of lush earth on a bare foot.
Flower crowns of dandelions. There are certain parts of the yard where I let the dandelions live… for the pollinators, for the soil compaction and because their bright yellow flower heads remind me of being a kid. Pick a dandelion and I suspect the smell will transport you back to carefree days. These were probably the first flower crowns most of us made… and so I like to continue the tradition if only for me and if only to wear for a few minutes.
Lilacs blooming. One of my favorite flowers, because of the time of year and their place in so many of my birthday celebrations and because of the varying shades of purple they come in. But most of all, perhaps, because of the incredible scent they offer. I only wish they lasted longer in a vase… but I suppose that’s part of what makes the time when they’re in bloom so special.
Planting - all of the things. Here in Michigan the last frost date officially passes and that means the garden and farm officially get planted out. There may have been a few things here and there prior, those that can take the cooler temperatures, but all of the heat loving, summer blooms, herbs and vegetables are now making their way into their growing space.
Blossoms. I grew up in what’s been considered the “Cherry Capital of the World” and every year people would plan spring trips in order to see the peak of the cherry blossoms. Orchards lined rolling hills set against cerulean blue waters of Lake Michigan and the small bays offered views that seemed to come right from a Van Gogh painting. As I mentioned above, blossoms are not only beautiful now… but they remind us of what’s to come… and that feels like something special to hold onto this season.
If I had to sum up the wonders of May, I’d lean on Taurus season (which occupies the first ⅔ of the month) and call it the “sensual month”, for it’s a month that tickles our physical senses and demands a certain presence from us all. It wants us to slow down and notice all the beauty around us, to get our hands in the dirt and to be in our lives.
The cycles of the month:
May 1 - Beltane: The ancient Celtic & Gaelic festival celebrating the fertility of land and life, protection for an abundance season. We move into the second six weeks of spring as we approach the welcome of summer.
May 1 - The Flower Moon (Full Moon in Scorpio): A time to honor and celebrate the parts of us that are often in the depths and unseen, but that play an important part in our blooming and becoming.
May 16 - New Moon in Taurus: A time to set intentions around the things we’re ready to tend with slow, steady and sensual determination.
May 20 - Gemini Season begins: The social season of curiosity, conversation, learning and more.
May 31 - Full Moon in Sagittarius (The Blue Moon): A time to look towards the horizon, aim our arrows in the direction of the things that expand our lives and perspectives, and let them soar.
May has a way of asking us to be present… and so wherever you are, I hope you find something in it worth noticing.
A bit about me…
I’m Rebecca (or Becca) - astrologer, flower farmer, and writer exploring life through seasons and cycles. I use astrology and the natural world as lenses for perspective… noticing patterns, timing, and the gentle wonder and wisdom woven through our ordinary days. My work is an invitation to pay attention, to get curious, and to move in rhythm with what feels true to you.
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