May: Month of Growth - By Erin Whalen

For centuries, May has been a sacred month of growth. Some call it the month of birth, new life, or even the emergence from darkness.

Sprouts and leaves that emerged as buds in April are now ‘popping' out. Bees come out of hiding as the flowers call to them, birds search the grounds for any stray seeds, and the grass is now so lush we can no longer fight the desire to remove our shoes and feel the cool softness under our toes. May is the time when sleepy animals officially come out of hibernation.

The first day of May is celebrated as Beltane by the Celtics. Catholics around the world honor May as Mary's month while in America Mother's Day is celebrated. In many cultures there are festivals and rituals that take place to welcome the re-emergence of life. No matter what your beliefs, you will find the ritual below meaningful and rewarding. It provides energy both to the Earth and to the souls of those performing it.  

May: Month of growth ritual:

• As you work your garden, put your own life energy into it. Any life that has not yet awakened will spring up. Hum a tune while you work your fingers through the soil to let all that lies dormant in the soil know you are there.
• The first evening after working your garden, be sure to light candles around its perimeter. Keep them burning for a least an hour while sitting in the beds amongst your young plants.
• You are their caretaker, meditate on this and let them know you will commit your attention to them this season. This will not only make them more aware of your presence but you will become more aware of their presence as well.
• Tell your garden that the candlelight glowing around its perimeter is a promise from you to them to help bring in and sustain life.

The first five years of a human life are said to be the most impressionable years and contain many of the values the individual will possess in his or her entire lifetime. In a comparison to what we know regarding human life, the fifth month of May would represent the most important time of growth in your plants lifetime. Therefore May is our month of growth.   Be sure to project energy filled with intentions of love and compassion into nature for that is what your garden will reflect back to you.