Beltane is coming. The moment when spring spins into summer. A time of abundance, life and sensuality. I'm starting to prepare and think about what this Beltane means to me, how I want to celebrate it and connect with its energies.
I'm thinking of altar ideas, ritual ideas and celebration ideas - bees and honey seem to be buzzing round.
It's also a great time for divination, so I did a quick tarot reading based off an elemental spread to see if any messages came across in terms of how to shape my plans:
Spirit - The Star (reversed)
Even reversed The Star is the calling card of hope. It's a fantail of sparks - inspirational and creative. Reversed it can also be a gentle nudge that you're being too focused on the negatives.
I'm kinda feeling inclined to write a prayer of gratitude for all that I have and whisper to the gods my hopes for the future.
The Two of swords is all about balance in partnerships. Romantic, friendship work etc. One of the biggest lessons fire shared with me when I worked with it was to manage my energy well - don't get burnt up.
I think I'll have a check in and reflect on any partnership I feel are off balance and I'm potentially at risk of being burnt up in terms of energy etc. And maybe do some good pragmatic work before Beltane to get those dynamics more balanced.
Air - Page of Swords (Reversed)
Reversed I've always found the Page of Swords to be a signal that something unexpected is coming my way. A call to be more spontaneous and unplanned.
So, I'm going to try and say "yes" to any unexpected invites or calls over the next two weeks. Hopefully something unexpected but welcome will blossom or at least fun will be had!
Who doesn't love the King of Cups? This is a call for kindness and compassion - let's not lose our hearts to the summer's heat. For me, I think this is a call not only to nurture but to accept nurture from others - which is way more challenging for lots of people. In an earth card, I'm getting the vibe to literally nurture people via food. I might make some nice food and invite some close friends over to help celebrate.
Water - Queen of Wands (Reversed)
The Queen of Wands reversed and in water is a clear sign that someone may need help or at the very least I should look at how I can support the people around me.
I know a few friends who are going through some troubling times, so I might make extra sure that I check in with them.
The Questioner - Two of Cups (Reversed)
The Two of Cups is one of the most beautiful cards to pull. It's a card of balance, friendship and love, even soulmates. Reversed it can be a call to not get so caught up in romantic love that you're overlooking your friends.
Together, I think there's a really strong steer to not wander off in my own solo explorations this year. To think about friends who may need me or benefit from being included in an informal celebration. As well as a helpful nudge to not enter the period of the sun's ascent with unequal partnerships at risk of combustion.
As well as encouragement to write some poetry as part of my official Beltane ritual.