Images of the Empress and Mother Earth resonate with Beltane. In the tarot, she is the third card of the major arcana, often pictured in a lush landscape with a baby in her bell and a crown upon her head. The fertility of hte empress signifies gestation of any kind, from childbearing to long-term projects such as writing a book or building a home. At Beltane, the Sun is her mate, contributing to fertilization and progress. Number 19 in the major arcana, the Sun depicts a happy child, suggesting joy and youth. These and cards of the pentacles suita align with Taurus season. Include them in spells or display them as reminders of what you intend to grow. Infuse your intentions with pink and green crystals or candles to align with Taurus energies including formation, fruitfulness, and procreation. Rose quartz opens to love and relationship, while jade offers the nurturing influence valued by this sign. Wear precious green emerald for contentment and bliss. In the garden, invite bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators by tending to flowering plants. Invoke these creatures in meditations and journeys as they teach the healing powers of flowers and how to draw in the nectar of life.
Tag: Rose Quartz
Summer Solstice Astrological Activities
Depending where you live and what your communitity lis like, there are many ways to honor the solstice. Beginning in the morning, travel or face east to seethe sun rise. Invoke the direction of the east and all its creatures and plants, and any other associations you have with the east. Recognize solar animals, like Eagle, Hawk, Swan, and Horse. You may also visualize creatures of the water, such as Seal, and any other animal life special and unique to you.
Sun salutiations are a physical way to open to the Sun, feel your strength, and increase your life force. Remember to breathe well as you move, first raising arms and open hands to the sky as you breathe in, and folding forward agently toward the earth with head and hands as you exhale. Salutations can bea s simle as this, repeating the upward and downward flow, or other postures like planks, backbends, and downward dogs can be added fora yoga-style Sun A salute. Greet the season and yourself with gratitude and joy.
Use fire and smoke as a way of cleansing and releasing during this waning Moon. At sunrise or sunset, light a bunde of sage or mugwort and burn until there are glowing embers. Gently blow on the flame to diminish it, then sage around your body, shaking the bundle safely around your or someone else. (Be very careful around hair and clothing. You needn’t get too close to skin or hair to receive the clearing.) Working with mugwort is said to stimulate dreams.
Meditate on your tarot cards during solstice. Ace and Page of Wands align with both the fire energy of peak Suna nd with this year’s Moon in Aries, the first fire sign. The Chariot, long associated with the Sun’s journey into Cancer, and the Sun card, representing youth, are also cards of Litha. On your altar or windowsill, set up your solstice spell to invite the energy and vitality of this season. Crystals such as citrine, yellow calcite, or perhaps some rose quartz for the heart enhance your spell. Understand your own intentions at Midsummer and clarify any release you are approaching as you cross the threshold.
Adana Luna 