The season of Beltane is a time I spend a lot of time out in nature; wandering my own garden, visiting places in nature, and places of interest. This year, I had a specific thought in mind each time I headed out. Where is the land around me enchanted? Enchant is my WOTY and so it was at the forefront of my mind. Amongst the flowers and the painted skies, I found my muse. Her story is still unravelling, but here is just a glimpse into the stories that surround the land I walk.
Melissa Bee.
A nymph, from Greek mythology, who knows the secrets of honey. She guards the secrets, as a Priestess of bees- a shapeshifter who maintains the connection of nature and nurture. She shared the secrets that gave us honey.
Honey has many uses- both practical and spiritual. Representing community, fertility, hard work, nourishment and healing. Consuming locally made honey, on a practical level, can help with seasonal allergies.
Flora- The lushness of bloom.
Now is when Flora walks the earth and everything that she touches bursts into bloom. It unfurls and shows us the beauty it hides inside. Flora is a Roman Goddess of flowers and Spring as well as a Fertility Goddess. Each year, when you see the blooms that are lush in their prime and vibrant with colour, know that Flora has blessed the plant.
The Nettle, Cleaver and Ladybird.
The ladybird, a small bug that consistently reminds us of the ebb and flow, ups and downs and the spirals of life. It’s a sign of good luck and fortune as well as a reminder to find joy, even in the smallest of things.
Nettle is a great teacher of transmutation- to change our painful experiences into personal growth. It reminds us of our boundaries as well as the reminder that nature provides us with what we most need; containing vitamin c, iron and fiber; exactly what we need as we go into Spring.
Cleaver is another great teacher as we prepare for Spring; a gentle reminder to have rest before leaping into Spring and the rising energy that this season brings us. I’ve also found it a reminder as we shift season from Spring to Summer, too. If you need time to recenter and align yourself- take it. Life doesn’t always need to be fast paced.
Rhododendron.
These beautiful flowers were first created as a gift to the gods- according to Greek mythology. It is said that nymphs still reside around these flowers. To see a wall of colour, in full bloom, truly is breathtaking. Each colour holds its own secret- from grace (pink) to passion (red), or enchantment (purple) to purity (white).
Peony.
This flower is one of transformation that can bring happiness, romance, prosperity and wealth. It’s no wonder that it’s commonly used in wedding flowers.
This particular peony is my own; given to me by my parents from my grandmother’s garden.
Honeysuckle.
This flower is one of love- greek myth tells the story of Daphnis and Chloe; two lovers who could only meet whilst the honeysuckle was in bloom; and so the Gods were petitioned for the flower to bloom for longer. Today, it is said that there will be wedding within a year if honeysuckle is brought into the house.