As the grasses turn to emerald
the scent of wild thyme swirls
with lusty bramble,
released by the joyous dance
of happy beasts.
The May Queen has arrived
to place blossoms in your hair
and love in your heart.
The merry month of May can certainly bring out the flower child in all of us. She seems to arrive like some kind of great heroine, rescuing us from a rain-soaked early Spring, her rich colors and honeyed scents reaching to kiss us with every breath. These strikingly verdant days are pure treasure to behold, and to celebrate.
Did someone say celebrate? Oh yes! The first day of May dazzles the world with the exhilarating witch’s sabbat of Beltane. This ancient Celtic fertility festival, traditionally observed from the eve of April 30 through to May 1st, denotes the sacred union of the God and Goddess, as the earth energies are now at their most abundant, and at their vigorous peak of strength and sexual potency. Life force energy, in all its forms, are present, beckoning for your participation. You can join in the festivities by adorning yourself with wildflowers, and swirling out into the night air! A ritual fire is most appropriate now as both a cleansing and fertility rite, and dancing is an absolute must. Should all this activity lead to a lovely little tryst amongst the petals and the moss…well…you wouldn’t be the first, nor the last. Beltane is for embracing the sensuality of Spring at her peak, so bask in it, my Darlings!
Gliding through the month, we are gifted with a New Moon in devoted, comfort-loving Taurus on May 15th. Now, be sure to embrace your ritual during the day for this one, as the silver lady then moves into Gemini at 4:43 pm EST. And you will not want to miss out, because this calm, grounded New Moon is favorable for setting things into motion over time that can have tremendous potential to stick around for the long haul. This is not a quick-moving energy by any means, but it is very solid. Bear this in mind as you work your magic, knowing that it will take time to see the effects. Be sure what you are manifesting is truly the right thing, for this Moon can also make it quite difficult to undo what has been done, and the course of change can be excruciatingly slow. Ruled by Venus, a Taurus Moon is always ripe with earthy sensuality, and sets the mood for generous, luxuriant gratification. Take care not to overindulge, however, as temptations can be all too persuasive right now, almost to the point of being helpless in their presence.
A fabulous beauty cocktail is just the thing to stroke our love of finery while keeping it bright and healthy. Remember, when we are clear energetically, and vibrant in body and mind, we are truly able to create! This sensual elixir is so alive with gorgeous, Venusian vibes, it’s worthy of its namesake.
The May Queen
Per serving
1 small nectarine
1 lemon
2 strawberries
3 mint leaves
1 vanilla bean
1/2 cup spring water
Begin by chopping the nectarine and strawberries, and placing them in a high-speed blender. Next, gently tear the mint with your fingers, and add in. With a small knife, slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, revealing the tiny black seeds inside. Carefully scrape those seeds into the mixture. Now, using your palm, add a good squeeze of the lemon. This will allow the juice to run through your fingers while your hand catches the seeds.
Add in the spring water, and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a fetching glass, and garnish with additional mint. Strongly see and feel your intentions as you concoct, and as you sip.
This, my Sweets, is a conjuring of pure love energy, with cleansing and nutritive properties that will make you feel incredible, and have your skin shining brightly. It’s delightfully decadent in a way that won’t weigh you down, so raise your glass to beauty!
Nectarine, Strawberry, and Vanilla are ruled by Venus, and are favored consorts in love and beauty magic. Nectarines are ripe with vitamin C and antioxidants, for superior age-fighting. They are a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit that helps to stabilize blood sugar and keep you full. Additionally, they are rich in vitamin A and lutein, which keep your skin looking youthful and your eyes sparkling. Delightful strawberries are also high in vitamins A and C, protecting your skin from cell damage while fighting disease in the body. Luxe vanilla bean has anti-inflammatory properties which soothe skin, and more antioxidants to keep you well inside and out.
Lemon is ruled by the Moon, bringing forth love and happiness. Magically purifying, it corresponds to the internal cleansing properties of the fruit, keeping your blood and digestive system detoxified.
Mint is governed by Mercury, and the magic of air. It has purifying and healing powers, and also potent sexual energy. Internally, it eases digestion, keeps your teeth healthy due to its alkalinity, and freshens breath. Now, how about that kiss?
Beauty Witch Tip: Having a clear quartz present when concocting potions will heighten your intuitions, boost your immune system, and aid concentration. It also not only receives, but amplifies and transmits the energy around it, which can increase the effectiveness of what you are making.
What must be said, my Beasties, is that this entire month is another excellent opportunity for getting things off the ground. If you weren’t quite ready in April, fear not. The high energy and sheer loveliness of now will get you there.
That focused arrow will appear on May 29th, with an optimistic, rather restless Sagittarius Full Moon. You now have the expansiveness of Jupiter in your corner to coincide with the height of lunar power, so use it with confidence. A Sagittarius Moon gives you the bravery to put yourself out there, and effectively sell or promote just about anything. The shadow side? Being a little too full of yourself, and perhaps the tendency to bombard your boss, associates, or the public with your views or even, just, your presence. (Hint: watch your social media posting!) Used effectively, though, this is such a potent time. And I know you will work it with integrity.
This month’s Full Moon can also help you step up your physical activity, especially if you’ve been meaning to get outdoors more. As the Moon grows to full, you may want to amp up your exercise, getting out in nature for walks, hikes, or running. Perhaps even a bit of outdoor yoga? Sagittarius is the sign of the natural athlete, and inherently outdoorsy, so I’ve prepared a heavenly body treatment to keep you smooth and supple, with a little extra magic blended in.
Moonlight Forest Body Oil
*Make this oil at the New Moon. Place it in a window to absorb celestial energy until the Full Moon, for full healing and magical potency.
4 oz. sweet almond oil
9 drops cypress essential oil
8 drops geranium essential oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
8 drops carrot seed essential oil
6 drops juniper essential oil
Pour the sweet almond oil into a fetching potion bottle. Use colored glass, as it will protect the potion, while still inviting cosmic absorption. (You can later decant it into another vessel if you wish, after it receives its celestial charge.) Then carefully, and with intention, add each of the oils in, one at a time. Energetically let your intentions flow into your creation, with clear visuals, and with a feeling of that manifestation coursing through your body. Swirl the bottle in a clockwise motion to blend everything. Set it out to the stars.
Sweet almond oil is a gorgeous, skin-loving base for body oils, one that glides smoothly over your skin’s surface. It is high in vitamin E, protecting skin from both oxidative and environmental stress while warding off UV damage and fighting wrinkles. The essential oil blend boosts your circulation, courtesy of cypress and juniper, giving your skin an effervescent glow. Geranium and lavender are a wonderful duo to help keep insects away, without disruptive, toxic chemicals. (And they smell fantastic.) A dash of carrot seed oil tops it all off as a natural SPF with serious anti-wrinkle prowess. Magically, this is a highly protective blend, which also contains healing, longevity, and love energies. It promotes feelings of peace and happiness too! Oh, and…there might just be a pinch of lustiness in there too. So, if you’re feeling a bit frisky in the great outdoors, just blame it on Spring, the stars, and your good friend the Beauty Witch.
Love and Stardust,
xo Alise
Each column I think, nothing could be more special or inspiring, but every month I am transported!
Truly the Seductresses handbook!! Also I’m adding Vodka into The May Queen from time to time…
That is such a nice thing to hear, Claudia! I’m so happy to have readers like you! Vodka, why not? It does, after all, have a few redeeming qualities, like being a good antiseptic and stress reducer. Seriously, it is believed to be a greater de-stresser than other spirits! I personally prefer wine, gin, or sake for their beauty benefits, but whatever your poison, just drink lots of water along with it to keep your skin hydrated 😉
xo Alise
Another truly brilliant guide, Alise! I need to plan out some fitting rituals to perform this month <3
The May Queen and Moonlight Forest both sound absolutely delightful!
Thank you, Kristi! I’m over the Moon that you’re digging it! They are, indeed! Let me know how you like them! xoxoxo Alise
Its such as you read my mind! You appear to know a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something. I feel that you just could do with a few p.c. to power the message home a little bit, however instead of that, this is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
Hello! I’m glad you are enjoying the column! It certainly is a passion of mine 😉 I’ve been making magic and potions for many Moons! I don’t know what p.c. is standing for, but I thank you for your kind words. Looking forward to hearing from you again! xo Alise
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays..
Bonsoir! Thank you ever so! I’m glad you like 😉 My website is a customized template through Wix, still somewhat in the works, as I haven’t had time to add to it recently. Enjoy the potions! XOXOXO Alise
This is amazing Alise, as always! I love the way everything always ties in – beauty, magic, the seasons, and astrology – I find myself waiting for each new month to see what you have in store for me! I never knew all those oils had so many benefits – I just thought they smelled great haha! I’m a Sag, so I love that you made a body oil for me.
Thank you so, Moon Maiden! It makes me very happy to know that you are here! Oils have so many great properties – it’s really worth it to gather a collection of various different ones for your Beauty Witch laboratory 😉 Yes! Use your Sag oil anytime you need a little extra power, as it will be especially beneficial for you. There’s a whole chapter for each sign in my upcoming book! XOXOX Alise
Gorgeous and inspiring as always! Now, juniper is a funny one for me – it hits all of my old gin receptors! What essential oils would you recommend as a substitute? xx
Thank you, Meg! I’m jazzed you are enjoying it! Ah, I see. The juniper is included for circulation boosting, which the cypress can do alone. I’m just a big fan of blends, to up their strength and magick, so you could add some ginger oil instead if you like? Or just keep the cypress on its own, and you will still have a madly magickal blend! xoxoxo Alise
Like others, I look forward to every month’s new post. My collection of fragrant oils, lovely ingredients, and crystals/stones grows every month and I love it! Your recipes have inspired me to try all kinds of homemade beauty remedies and to establish weekly rituals for self-care, so thank you! Whenever your book comes out, I’ll be pre-ordering for sure. I did have one question about the May Queen, which looks delicious! I haven’t been able to find nectarines so far. I’ll be trying a few more stores, but if I can’t find them, I wanted to ask if you have an alternative you might suggest? Thank you again!
Thank you, Melusine! It’s always so nice to hear from you! I’m glad you’re amassing your beauty consorts…they will never let you down! For the May Queen, you could substitute peaches, perhaps even frozen ones, as they are usually around year-long. They are very close nutritionally speaking. Magickally, peaches are also Venus ruled love fruits but have the added energies of health and wisdom…so, yes! Enjoy, and happy New Moon! xoxo Alise
That’s perfect, thank you very much. Happy New Moon to you too! ?
[…] The May Queen […]
I want to make the full moon potion so much, but it’s getting later in the month. Am I too late to concoct? I know you say to make it on the new moon. Thank you!”
Oh, it’s ok! You can make it now if you like, or even up until the Full Moon. I like to make potions on the New Moon, because it allows the maximum build of power, mingling of ingredients, and intensity of scent. It also absorbs the energies of the entire lunar period of bringing good things towards you! But, certainly, you may concoct now. Have fun, dear Moon Maiden! xoxoxo Alise
You sure know what you’re talking about. Everyone is going to soon be visiting your site.
Thank you, Darling! I’m so glad you’re here! xoxo Alise
“Best Blogpost! Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying_ your blog and look forward to new posts.”
Hi Ruthanne! Sorry I am just seeing this now…You can find me @msbeautywitch on both Twitter and Instagram. Thank you so much for your kindness. XOXOXO Alise