Beltane is almost here! It falls on May 1 here in the northern hemisphere, and there are all kinds of ways to celebrate. From rites and rituals to crafts and feasts, this spring Sabbat celebrates the greening of the earth, fertility and fire, and the beginning of the planting season. Here are some great ways you and your family can celebrate Beltane this week.
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate Beltane, but the focus is nearly always on fertility and the greening of the earth. It’s the time when the earth mother opens up to the fertility god, and their union brings about healthy livestock, strong crops, and new life all around.
As Beltane approaches, you can decorate your home (and keep your kids entertained) with a number of easy craft projects. Start celebrating a bit early with fun floral crowns and a Maypole altar centrepiece. Also, don’t forget the feast – no celebration is complete without a meal that celebrates the themes of the season!
Southern hemisphere readers, be sure to read up on crafts and recipes that focus on the season of Samhain!
For our southern hemisphere readers, Samhain is this week – it’s a time to honor the end of the harvest and the coming darkness of the year.
Whichever you may be observing, I wish you and yours a happy and blessed Sabbat.
SGC Admin: We recently came across a advertisement for Willow Tree Farm…. it piqued our curiosity and so we checked out the website…. And the feel is good so we thought we would let you know about them too … :)
Willowtree Farm practices sustainable farming, taking care to make a minimal impact on our environment and with a focus on raising healthy happy cattle, resulting in a healthier beef for consumption, and a better lifetime for the cattle.
At present Willowtree Farm is looking for seasonal help, and by the sounds of the description on their website it sounds like a fun and friendly atmosphere to work in and a great place to experience farming first hand.
Willowtree Farm also delivers fresh fruit and veg right to your own front door, not sure on the area of delivery for this service or the cost… but you can find out by emailing info@willowtreefarm.ca.
On their website you can also find a list of farmers marketsfor 2014.
If you are concerned about the quality of the food you eat, desire to have our food source treated better, would prefer fresher food or would like to support local farmers check out WillowTree Farm by clicking here to view their website…
The moon is Taurus may have us thinking about our possessions and finances… Taurus needs security in these area’s, so if things aren’t quite right with your finances now is the time to sort them out and get yourself on track… This new moon may also prove positive for house hunting and furniture shopping… art items of value and antiques may also catch the eye … Be cautious of the possession mind set, we may own material items but we never own people…. :) This months new moon can be used to our advantage, helping us to feel secure and safe on a material and financial level.
When the moon is void off course we can be unsure as to how we are really feeling about something or something, it’s therefore advisable to stick to routine tasks at this time. If any legal documents or long-term commitments are in the picture take care to make sure you understand everything that is involved before signing… Delaying important decisions and commitments is highly recommended when the moon is void off course… (**Note the moon is not void off course when the moon becomes New for April 2014, but she will be the next day, April 30 2014 at approximately 11: 53 am.**)
A solar eclipse can have an influence on us making material things and with the plans we make. Issues and or situations that happen or are initiated during an eclipse last longer than usual, the affects can be negative or positive. When plans have to be made and ideas need to be put into motion or people we just can’t get away from or do without yet life just doesn’t seem to moving along as smoothly as one would like, being and implementing patience is strongly advices. When the new moon is in Taurus, patience should be easier to assume, however, so can a stubborn manner, be sure not to confuse the two.
Those most influenced by this month’s New Moon are those who have the following:
Moon in Taurus: Venus in Taurus: Sun in Taurus: Any Planets in the 2nd house. For those who have oppositions or square aspects to the moon, these may prove to be challenging times. For those who have trines or sextiles, these may prove to be opportune times.
Location: Join your neighbours at every park in Brooklin to help clean up your parks for the 10th annual Pitch-In-Brooklin:
Whitby Environmental Youth Alliance Tree Planting:
Date: April 27
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Cullen Central Park, 300 Taunton Rd. W. Whitby
SGC Admin:**please note*** The date and location has been updated (04/24/2014) as per correction in Whitby this week April 23 2014 Edition.
Project Property Sweep: April 22 to April 26
Help keep Whitby clean and green… Join forces with family, friends and neighbours to clean up your property, local parks and surrounding areas. Clean up supplies are available along with complete information on proper sorting and disposal.. PleaseClick Here
Whitby In Bloom School Program:
Date: April 22 to April 25
This program, initiated by Whitby In Bloom, invites students to clean up their school yard. Students are also encouraged to participate in other activities such as litter-less lunch, school material recycling or book/toy swaps. Participating Schools receive Earth Day Certificates as well as environmentally themed book for their libraries to recognize their efforts.
Scout Tree Planting:
Date: May 3 2014
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Cullen Central Park. Please park at Cochrane Street parking only.
Please contact: 905 430 4303 ext 7415 or email parks.rec@whitby.ca with your questions and suggestions.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and willingness to help our communities stay clean… :)
Serenity's Gift Cove (sgc) 