It’s the merry, merry, lusty month of May. The month when naughty thoughts run wild and maidens swoon for strong men with pirate grins. My, my, I just might need a cold shower in a moment.

For those of us who follow the Craft, May first is the sabbat of Beltane, the halfway point between the Vernal Equinox and the Summer Solstice, and a time to celebrate the blossoming of the fertile earth around us.

Dancing around the May Pole is the original pole dance.

My male Mallard drakes are eager to get in on the lusty fun. Since there’s a shortage of females in my little corner of the Concord River, they’ve begun courting each other.

I guess the saying is right: When in Rome…

Unfortunately, that-which-shall-not-be-named might put a damper on the Beltane festivities in some parts of the world. If the fear of contracting that-which-shall-not-be-named doesn’t stop people from joining together, chicken feces might. The Swedish city of Lund placed more than a ton of chicken poop in a popular park where revelers gather to dance and sing.

At least the park’s lawn will get a little fertilization.

Well, don’t let a little thing like manure, or that-which-shall-not-be-named, stop you from celebrating the arrival of May. At its roots, Beltane honors the return of the light and fire is an integral part of its celebration. Light candles, either as part of a magical ritual or simply for a joyful intention.

Photo by Matej Novosad from Pexels.com

Beltane is also a time to give thanks for the abundance Mother Earth has given us and what better way to say thank you than with a feast. Your feast doesn’t have to be lavish, a simple cup of tea will do nicely. Just remember to say a blessing before sipping.

After you’ve finished your tea, head outside and look for signs of spring, but remember to maintain a safe distance from one another. And wear your masks, please.

Look for budding trees.

Listen for singing birds.

Count pansies…

and tulips.

Try to find some that haven’t been nibbled by dastardly wabbits. Argh!

Listen for spring peepers.

And, of course, watch for bluebirds!

Let’s face it, 2020 might not be the best year so far but it’s all we have, so let’s not count the days; let’s make the days count.

Oh, one more thing–they’re here!!!!!

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mio ​​immortale.