LEO
As the fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo represents the fifth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. Here, the dominant need is to develop man’s creative urge. Creativity is not entirely an emotional urge in Leo; it is also an expression of ego. The mind and heart are united in this sign to represent man’s ultimate individuality. When their egos are turned inward, Leos become self-centred and tyrannical. Seeking to gain attention (consciously or subconsciously), they love to play the hero. At times this gesture is indeed noble, but feeling they already know what is best, they often neglect to learn what assistance is actually wanted and their misguided generosity becomes worthless to those they sought to help. Imaginative Leos envision grandiose schemes and many of them possess the talent to turn their ideas into reality.
Leos are stubborn and impervious to changes not of their own making. They are however, able to accomplish things in life because of their tenacity in sticking with projects when others lose patience and stamina. Unfortunately, stubbornness in the Leo personality is dictated more often than not by their ego. Attempts to back them into a corner or demanding that they change their thinking or behaviour will quickly reveal the extent of their intractable nature. Even when confronted with irrefutable evidence of the foolhardiness of their ways, Leos can stubbornly cling to bad relationships and wrong ideas because their egos simply will not allow them to admit being wrong. However, their tenacity becomes a valuable asset when it is demonstrated as loyalty to friends, or as patience and determination to succeed in completing a worthy project. The astrological symbol for Leo is the Lion. As king of the jungle, this animal represents the regal disposition of the Leo personality. Their dignity cannot be assailed. If insulted or abused, they rarely forget the slight unless their detractors sincerely and humbly request forgiveness. Leos generally have opinions about everything and not a bit of reluctance in expressing them. They must have the last word and, as far as most of them are concerned, it is the only one that counts.
Leos react physically to everything they experience. Before they assess the practicality or worth of what they are doing, before they sort out their true emotions, and before they take time to reason things out intellectually, their tendency is to shoot first and ask questions later. Leos tackle projects others would not attempt, though they cannot help calling as much attention as possible to their efforts. Their penchant for exaggeration and overreaction works well in the theatre, advertising schemes, and other situations where a “bigger than life” approach is desirable. Leos are often guilty however, of habitually turning a mundane problem or fairly routine situation into an overblown crisis, much to the confusion and annoyance of those around them.
The sun, celestial guardian of the human ego, rules Leo. Its influence gives Leos a true love of life and its pleasures. Genial hosts and natural entertainers, they get pleasure out of helping others enjoy life as much as they do. Enthusiasm and generosity are integral parts of their gregarious natures. Their sunny dispositions inspire the affection of many friends and admirers, as well as engender feelings of envy in those with less popular personalities. Though usually full of ambition and enthusiasm, they also have a lazy streak and, if given the opportunity, will take the easy way out of things, especially when the situation offers little fun or glory. They are so attracted to energy and excitement it can be difficult for them to accept that life also consists of boring routines and mundane details that need constant attention.
It is easy for pleasure-loving Leos to become addicted to rich food, and as they get older they find themselves putting on weight. Their gregarious nature makes it hard to enjoy or stick to boring or solitary physical fitness routines, but they may not mind dressing up in flashy gym outfits and joining an exercise class. Dancing, swimming, and tennis are favourite activities, though they are eager participants in sports of all kinds. When engaged in team sports, however, they can make too many grandstand plays, forgetting that they are just part of a team. Arts and crafts, theatre groups, philanthropic societies, and religious organisations attract their interest and participation.
Leo colours are gold, royal blue, purple, and red. Vulnerable parts of the body are the back and the heart. Overexertion, heart murmur, and various types of back pains are the usual Leo complaints. Leo rules gold, and the birthstone for this sign is the sardonyx. An appropriate representative of Leo’s versatile, creative personality, the intriguing sardonyx is a variety of agate that exists in many colours and can be cut in many ways. One of the special ways it is used is in making cameos. Flowers for Leo include the showy dahlia, yellow lily, poppy (red), marigold, sunflower, and heliotrope.
Excerpt from Gertie Gets it Right (eventually) available in paperback and on Kindle.
Arriving at the Academy.
Gargoyles also lined the sides of the bridge, staring inwards menacingly at the ones crossing it. Gertie nearly jumped out of her skin when the largest gargoyle on the left, half way across, yelled “STOP!”
Ma stopped. In fact, she stopped so fast that Gran bumped right into her and dropped Owl’s log. She managed to catch it before it bounced up and hit Fang’s mother who was following along closely behind. Ma was still staring at the gargoyle as if wondering if it really had spoken at all.
Fang hurried past them all with a look of smug satisfaction on his face. His expression seemed to say, I know something that you don’t know.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know about the Stone Guardian?” he asked.
“Course we do,” replied Gran, with her bloodshot eye daring Fang to contradict her.
“Oh,” he replied, just as smugly. “Go on then.”
Gran looked like she had the urge to turn him into a bat, but held her temper. After all, his mother was a friend. Sort of. She got a cunning look on her face instead.
“No, you go first,” she replied. “So we can see if you know about the stone garden.”
“Guardian,” corrected Fang.
Gertie saw Gran’s casting finger begin to quiver.
“Go along then, Fang,” his proud mum urged. “The little imp. He’s so excited,” she said as she passed Ma and Gran.
Gertie stared around herself, not believing all this was real.
Fang proudly stopped in front of the gargoyle and loudly announced “Fang, reporting for my accepted place at the Academy.”
The stone guardian was the only thing Gertie had not seen flinch from the spit that flew from Fang’s mouth every time he spoke.
A moment passed, and then the deep rumbling voice boomed, “YOU MAY PASS.” It sounded like the beginning of a rockslide. Fang and his mother walked on proudly to approach the huge wooden doors bound with iron hinges that were now swinging open.
“Hm,” muttered Gran, watching the pair vanishing into the dark mouth of the building. “Nowt clever about that. Gertie’s here,” she shouted at the gargoyle, as the doors swung shut with a dull echoing thud behind Fang’s mother.
A moment or two passed, but there was no reply from the gargoyle.
“Are you deaf?” called Gran, thoroughly wound up by Fang. “GERTIE’S HERE.”
“I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME,” the gargoyle boomed. “GERTIE WHO?”
“GERTIE GRIMTHORPE,” yelled Gran, leaning closer to the gargoyle so it could get the full impact of her bloodshot eye. It was now very bloodshot.
“NOT ON MY LIST,” replied the guardian. “GO AWAY.”
“There must be some mistake,” Ma said, seeming to be in fear of Gran doing something she might regret. Not that Gertie had ever known Gran to regret anything she had done. When Gran turned that bright shade of purple however, something usually died.
“I DON’T MAKE MISTAKES,” replied the gargoyle.
“WELL YOU HAVE DONE THIS TIME, BUSTER,” threatened Gran, waving Owl’s log about. “CHECK AGAIN.”
“I DON’T NEED TO CHECK AGAIN,” said the stone guardian in a bored voice. “I ONLY HAVE ONE LIST…OH…I HAVE TWO LISTS THIS TIME DON’T I? THERE’S AN EXTRA ONE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TO…”
“Yes, we know,” interrupted Ma before the gargoyle could say the word “pay” She didn’t want Gertie to know she was any different to anyone else attending the Academy.
“YOU’RE JUST THE FIRST TO ARRIVE WHO HAS TO…”
“OKAY!” yelled Gran. “We get the picture. Just check your OTHER list.”
A few more moments passed.
“UHM. I DO HAVE A GERTIE HERE. I SUPPOSE YOU CAN GO IN,” replied the gargoyle, rather grudgingly.
“Thank you,” replied Ma, before she set off after Gran who was already stomping up to the double doors. If they didn’t open, Ma knew she was ready to batter them open with Owl’s log. She hurried along holding Gertie’s hand, Owl clutched in her other arm. Owl looked like he was trying to keep sight of his log, but wasn’t succeeding very well because Gran kept swinging it this way and that.
“Is everything alright, mummy?” asked Gertie.
“Of course!” Ma replied. “Just a mix up with the silly list, that’s all.”
Before Gran got to do any battering, the huge doors creaked open. She still gave the one nearest to her a knock with the log for good measure. She entered through the doors still muttering to herself. “You would think a place like the Academy would make sure their animation spells worked properly”
Ma and Gertie followed quietly behind.
CANCER
As the fourth sign of the zodiac, Cancer represents the fourth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. In Cancer the need is not one of individual survival as it was in the first three signs. Here, it is eternal survival through perpetuation of the species. It is the sign of fertility and nurture, and Cancerians have strong identification with these matters in one form or another. It doesn’t mean all of them are good cooks or efficient housekeepers, but they all want to feel part of a family. They enjoy feeding others as much as they enjoy feeding themselves. They are also ready to supply emotional nurturing by “mothering” everyone who appears to be in need. When upset, they tend to use food as consolation, which in turn, results in problems with excess weight. As an offshoot of their sense of familial relationships, they often develop an interest in genealogy and history in general.
Cancerians are doers. They set out to accomplish things and, one way or another, they want to obtain their goals. In spite of their emotional sensitivity, they are strong-willed and have no trouble expressing what they want, then finding a way to get it. The Crab is their astrological symbol and there are certain crab-like gestures directly associated with the behaviour of Cancerians. Just as the crab walks sideways rather than straight ahead, Cancerians use an indirect approach in accomplishing their goals. Rather than direct confrontation or request, they are more apt to resort to using emotional appeal. For example, they will get others to cooperate by making them feel like part of a family. At the slightest provocation or threat the crab quickly hides in the sand or retreats into a shell until safer times are at hand. Cancerians who feel threatened or suspect that their attempts may be unsuccessful often hide their true ambitions until a more comfortable situation occurs.
Cancerians react emotionally to everything they experience in life. That is, before they take physical action, before they sort out the practicality of what they are doing, and before they reason things out intellectually, they must express their feelings. They wear their hearts on their sleeves. Many Cancerians succeed in life because their genuine concern for the welfare of others inspires loyalty as well as cooperation.
The Moon, celestial guardian of human emotions, rules Cancer. The biggest struggle for Cancerians is to avoid becoming prisoners of their own emotions. Though they can be outwardly gregarious, they are shy and secretive about their personal matters. However, once they feel comfortable in a situation or relationship, they relax and completely open up even to the point of dominating the situation. Not usually ones to suffer in silence, they have to make an effort not to inflict their moods and endless recitations of their feelings or emotional troubles on others. Once they learn to keep excess emotions in control, their intuition can be remarkably accurate. Their emotional insecurity makes them want to hang on to things. They hate to throw anything away, and many end up avid collectors, conservators, and savers of string. It is equally difficult for them to give up on failed relationships, and still harder for them to learn the difference between caring and possessiveness. When they receive criticism, even constructive criticism, they tend to take it as a personal indictment instead of using it to attain personal growth and maturity.
Participation in physical fitness or sports activities becomes an important, often vital way for Cancerians to work out their emotional stress. They are especially adaptable to team sports since they tend to view their team members as part of a family-like group. Favourite Cancerian sports are swimming, fishing, sailing and other water activities. They also enjoy skiing, ice skating, and mountain climbing. Cancerians are creative. Even those who may not have a particular talent can use some type of involvement with art, music, or writing as another method of emotional release, instead of indulging in eating binges or other destructive habits. Living or spending time near the water is a relaxing, as well as creatively stimulating, environment for Cancerians.
Cancer colours are white, silver, and pale yellow. Vulnerable parts of the body are the breasts and stomach. Stomach aches, food allergies, and hysterics are the usual afflictions of Cancerians. Cancer rules silver, and the ruby as well as the pearl are considered Cancerian birthstones. The surroundings of a beautiful piece of silver are reflected in its shiny polished surface. Similarly, the emotionally sensitive nature of Cancerians tends to reflect the people and circumstances surrounding them. The ruby, a variety of corundum, is one of the hardest minerals known, while the pearl is soft and easily scratched. These gems uniquely illustrate the two contrasting sides of the Cancerian personality; hard and determined as well as soft and vulnerable. Cancerian flowers are the water lily (lotus), iris, poppy (white), carnation (white) and southern magnolia.
Excerpt from Zac's Destiny available in paperback and on Kindle.
Journeying in the Forest of No Return:
Moments felt like hours, and hours like days, in this place of death. No matter how high Zac held his brand, he could see no sign of the tops of the trees. Nor could the light cut through the wooden wall on both sides of them. The more accustomed his eyes became to the dark, Zac could make out slight changes in shades of blackness, but that was all. The brands supplied a couple of feet of light around each rider, but no more.
Zac started to wonder how the unicorns felt. They were creatures of light and beauty. How could they bear this? He also doubted how much longer he himself could stand it.
It was awful, terrible. He felt trapped, suffocated. Zac didn’t feel he could breathe properly. He was hot, so hot. They would never get out. They were doomed to wander forever in this nightmare world until they died of starvation, or fright, or something worse. He had to get out. He had to get out now. Zac kicked at the sides of his unicorn, and in shock it set off at a fast canter.
Moving faster and faster along the path, Zac felt the unicorn stumble. He hung on as the hooves continued to speed, only hearing the frantic cries of Brynn in the distance.
“Zac, for Fate’s sake, STOP! Yer’ll lose the bloomin’ path. Stop, yer young fool!”
Zac didn’t stop. He barely even listened. The unicorn crashed on, its usually peaceful demeanour shattered by the horror all around it and the smell of its rider’s terror.
The boy could see fleeting shapes now, moving in the trees reflected in his bobbing torchlight. Then they were gone again into nothingness. He saw misshapen limbs rise to cover sightless eyes as the unaccustomed glare penetrated even their blindness. He saw shapes that could do little more than slide and slither, others that limped along on three limbs of different length. Still more propelled themselves along by dragging their bulk with long arms. He saw it all, heard the slithering, the bumping, the shrieks. He felt the pressure on him to leave the path, to try to escape through the trees. Still, the unicorn galloped on, and Zac’s mind threatened to shut off altogether.
GEMINI
As the third sign of the zodiac, Gemini represents the third stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. Gemini goes beyond the Aries need for the raw energy of survival and the Taurus need to physically touch and experience the material world. In Gemini, it is the intellect that man needs to develop in order to understand the universe. This stage is concerned primarily with information-gathering and Geminis never seem to stop collecting it. They need to express ideas and share information with others, but what they do with their information is another matter. The mature Gemini becomes a serious scholar and careful researcher. The immature Gemini turns into a gossip and the proverbial “jack-of all-trades and master of none”.
Gemini’s readily adapt to change. This trait is strength because it is a survival mechanism, and a weakness because it makes them vulnerable to the demands and influence of other people. The Twins are the astrological symbol of Gemini. Adopting a twin-like similarity to other people is easy for Geminis. They not only have a unique ability to understand what others are thinking, they also possess great cleverness for imitation. In this way they can manoeuvre themselves into many favourable positions. They can also lose sight of their own talents and ideas by being too willing and able to adopt the traits and immerse themselves in the personal situations of others. They tend to say what others want to hear instead of saying what they really think, or what they know to be the truth.
Geminis react intellectually to everything they experience in life. That is, before they take physical action, before they assess the practical worth of something, and before they sort out their true emotions, they try to analyse things objectively as a kind of mental exercise. Though it is generally not a true assessment, the intellectual orientation of Geminis can make it appear to others as though they are unfeeling or emotionally superficial.
Mercury, planet of the intellect (and communication in general) rules the sign Gemini. Those born with Sun in Gemini are talkative, quick witted, and have innate curiosity about everything. They keep themselves in a constantly busy state, running here and there on errands or travelling from one place to another. Natural versatility and ever-changing interests give Geminis their multifaceted personalities. The eagerness and interest they have in what’s going on around them contributes to an appearance of youthfulness (both physical and psychological) that most of them manage to retain throughout life. They have to learn to concentrate on one thing at a time, or at least on what they know can be accomplished efficiently and well. Easily jumping from one subject to another, they forget that others are not so nimble. They often have to be reminded to slow down and let others catch up with what they’re talking about. They also have to be reminded to stop talking once in a while and listen. Sometimes they neglect to get all the facts before repeating information. Though they can be secretive about their personal affairs, they love to learn about everyone else. They enjoy mysteries and intrigue and don’t mind becoming involved in behind the scenes antics of one sort or another. Always wanting to know everything gives them quite a store of information which in turn, makes them more interesting to others. Add to that their cheerful, friendly dispositions, and it isn’t surprising that they get along so well in the world.
Since they are apt to spend more time talking than eating, many Geminis are able to stay fairly slim. Their body is usually very flexible and agile, and they enjoy gymnastics, cycling, swimming, and other activities to keep them physically fit. Favourite sports are tennis, racquetball and similar games in which they can participate with a partner. As a rule, they are adept at tinkering with mechanical devices or doing repair work. Gemini talents also include design, interior decoration, arts and crafts, magic and illusion, and music.
Gemini colours are yellow and light blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the arms, hands, fingers, lungs, and nervous system. Respiratory problems and various nervous conditions are common Gemini complaints. Agates are traditional Gemini birthstones. Appropriate to the multifaceted Gemini personality, this mineral is streaked with many colours. It may seem Gemini is scattered and thus weakened by the wide range of interests and abilities, but the steel-like hardness of agate is a reminder that the Gemini personality and character can be just as strong as it is varied. Gemini flowers include the lilac, azalea, and lily-of-the-valley.
Great new Kindle site
My books, ‘Gertie Gets it Right (eventually)’ and ‘Zac’s Destiny’ are now featured on a great new Kindle site that searches out bargain Kindle books for UK and US readers. I will add links in my associated links section over to the right. Meanwhile, the sites are Dailycheapreads.co.uk and Dailycheapreads.com. Well worth checking out!
Excerpt from Gertie Gets it Right (eventually) available in paperback and on Kindle.
Gertie finds a Familiar:
The next day, Ma Grimthorpe explained to Gertie that she and Gran believed it would be best for her to have a familiar. “You’re growing up now, Gertie, and at nine years of age you should have your first familiar.”
“Does it matter what I choose?” the little witch asked. Gertie knew that most witches preferred a cat, but she had never liked them very much. Nor had they ever liked her really. She was positively allergic to them. “I only have to see a cat to set me off in a fit of sneezing,” she continued by way of explanation.
Gertie’s nose gave a definite twitch if she even saw a picture of a cat. No, a cat was definitely out.
“Well no, it doesn’t matter,” her mother agreed. “But it has to be something you feel comfortable and happy with. Something you believe will be able to help you with your spells.”
Gertie considered Wart, and then remembered he had been the result of a failed spell. Maybe it shouldn’t be him. He hadn’t exactly helped Gertie with that one. He did seem an amazing toad however, as he didn’t look to have aged at all in the time Gertie had known him. Gertie didn’t know much about the life spans of toads, but she knew Wart should have at least appeared older. She didn’t dwell on the subject. She was trying to find a familiar, and Wart didn’t fit the bill.
She went for a walk with her mother to think about it. Together, they wandered the wood bordering their village. Gertie pondered, and Ma left her to it while she picked herbs and weeds for her latest spell.
“Don’t wander far,” called Ma.
“I won’t, Mummy. I’ll keep in sight of you,” agreed Gertie. She was then distracted by a loud, hollow, ‘thunk’. Looking up in surprise, the little girl was just in time to see a feathered shape sliding limply down the trunk of a nearby old oak tree. Being a kind soul, and also very curious, she hurried over to see what it was. This was to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
“Oh, you poor thing!” Gertie exclaimed, picking up the dazed owl. She took him to her mother. “I’ve found a familiar, Mum,” she called excitedly, hurrying over.
Ma Grimthorpe looked at the owl with its glazed expression. “Is he alive, dear?” she asked.
The bird gave a feathery owlish groan as if to prove he was. Just.
“See Mummy, he’s so clever he even understands what you say!”
Ma Grimthorpe seemed to doubt that very much, but clearly didn’t want to hurt Gertie’s feelings.
“Are you sure you think he will help with your spells?” Ma asked.
“Oh yes, I’m very sure,” replied Gertie. “I feel all magical already.”
“All right,” agreed Ma, against her better judgement.
On the way home, Gertie explained how she had found the owl. She saw Ma begin to regret her agreement even more. What kind of owl would fly into a tree? Before too long, they were to find out the answer to that question was, a very short sighted one.
Book extract from Zac's Destiny: Zac finds his sword
Opening the creaky lid, Zac stared inside. His first impression was of an empty chest apart from one, long item wrapped in sacking. As he removed this however, he spotted two, smaller objects wrapped in black silk below. One eye on the other two items, Zac removed the sacking from his first find. A shiny silver pommel was revealed, emblazoned with a central stone of jet. As the rest of the wrap fell away, Zac drew out the black leather scabbard and said in awe “It’s a sword.”
Sliding the powerful yet light weapon from the scabbard, Zac blinked and covered his eyes with his arm as a brilliant silver bolt flashed across the room from the blade. It was gone in moments, leaving the dull silver metal as if nothing had happened.
“What was that?” Zac heard Garth ask. He was too enthralled with the sword to know if the Baron replied or not.
“There are letters on the blade,” Zac said, puzzled.
“What do they say?” asked Garth, coming closer.
“Well, I’m not sure, sir,” replied the boy, feeling a little ashamed. “I’ve learned my letters to write my name and such, sir, but this word is different than I’ve ever seen. It says S…O…L,” he began to spell.
“Solstice,” Garth said from over his shoulder. “It says, Solstice.”
“What does it mean, sir?” Zac asked the Baron.
“They are days in summer and winter.” the Baron replied, rubbing his beard. “The Solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year. The sword must be named after one of those days for some reason. Aldric will tell you, Zac, if, when,” he corrected, “you find him.”
“It’s a powerful blade,” Garth said, some envy in his tone.
“Yes, but it’s so light,” Zac replied, thrusting and parrying with the sword. “Brent only lets us use wooden swords in fencing practice.”
All the staff were given at least some knowledge of weaponry at the Baron’s insistence. In case of an attack on the castle, everyone was expected to be able to do their part, and to protect themselves.
“Careful now, boy,” the Baron countered when he came over for a closer look and the blade whistled past his arm.
“Sorry, sir,” Zac said with a blush.
“May I see it?” the Baron asked, holding out his hand.
“Of course,” Zac said, though he handed the sword over reluctantly.
The moment the pommel transferred from his hand to the Baron’s, the blade crashed to the stone floor sending sparks flying. Unable to bear the weight, the Baron grasped the pommel with both hands. He could still not raise the weapon.
“Garth, help me,” he said, straining with the effort.
With their four hands on the sword, the two men were able to lift it inches from the ground. Zac saw all this without a word. He couldn’t believe what he was watching.
“Enough,” spoke the Baron at last. “Let it go.”
“But,” Garth said, “might it not be damaged if it hits the floor?”
The Baron had decided to let go, so Garth had no choice but to do the same. The clatter echoed through the whole room, and probably half way down the corridor.
“Take your sword, Zac,” the Baron said, his hand under his chin.
The boy bent and picked up the sword with ease. It felt light and almost a part of him. He stared at it in awe. There wasn’t any sign of damage. Not a scratch.
“The sword is no doubt magical, my lad,” the Baron said. “It doesn’t choose to be held by anyone but you. It won’t be stolen unless you meet an ogre,” he added with a chuckle. “What else is in your box of tricks?”
May Day Traditions
The first day of May is known as May Day, a time of year when warmer weather brings newly grown flowers and blossoms to the trees. A lovely month of the year, it is the time when people’s thoughts move from winter to the coming summer. Even though summer only officially begins in June, May opens the door; and May Day has had a rich history in England for over 2,000 years.
Floralia
The Romans celebrated the cycle of life at the festival of Floralia from the end of April until the early days of May. Flora was the Goddess of fruit and flowers (nothing to do with butter at that time). The festival was celebrated with flowers, dancing and colourful clothes, not too unlike our celebrations today that still involve Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and dancing around a Maypole.
Beltane.
The great Celtic fire festival of Beltane also marked May Day celebrations. Beltane is the Gaelic name for both the month of May, and the festival of May Day. The great Beltane fires were built to encourage fields and trees to produce plentiful crops, and the fire was seen to cleanse the impurities of the land before the coming summer to increase fertility. Similarly, courting and wooing played a large part in the celebrations.
“Bringing in the May” meant rising before dawn to wash hands and face in the early morning dew to encourage beauty, and going out into the fields and woods to collect flowers and greenery to make into wreaths and garlands.
Maypole
The maypole is thought to come from the ancient Saxon, Viking and other pagan traditions involving the worshipping of trees, and fertility rites, but though the origins are not entirely clear maypoles have been a crucial part of May Day celebrations for hundreds of years in England. The maypole itself is a tall wooden pole either put up every year, or permanently standing on a village green. Ribbons tied to the top are held by dancers who dance around the pole weaving and un-weaving the ribbons in colourful and intricate patterns.
May Queen
The old tradition of crowning a May Queen seems to have come down the ages from the Roman celebration of Diana, Goddess of Beauty. The May Queen was chosen from young, unmarried women and was crowned with greenery. In later years this idea was adopted by the Catholic Church, and on May 1st many Catholic parishes hold a May crowning, dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus.
Today
These days, May Day celebrations tend to fall on the first Monday in the month to match the new May Day Bank Holiday, giving the general public time to celebrate with a day off work and school.
That’s a good enough reason to celebrate in itself! Enjoy your May Day.
Excerpt from Gertie Gets it Right (eventually) – Grothilde the cross-eyed witch:
Grothilde’s familiar was a large black rabbit, but that was simply by mistake. Ma remembered the tale well. Grothilde had misplaced her cat familiar. Well, she called it misplaced. Actually, Griselde had seen the poor cat falling off Grothilde’s broomstick in full flight, then running for cover in the hope of hanging on to its remaining eight lives. Grothilde’s ‘Staying on Broomstick’ spell wasn’t very strong, because she could only focus one eye at a time on the subject of her magic.
For a while, the squint-eyed witch had been without a familiar. One day though, she was walking with her sister when she spotted a black shape go darting past out of the corner of her good eye. Calling to her sister to put a freeze spell on the shape, Grothilde ran after it.
“Are you sure?” her puzzled sister had asked the retreating figure. She received no reply, so did as she was asked.
By the time Grothilde saw the creature clearly enough to realise it wasn’t a cat after all, but a rabbit, she didn’t dare admit it. Being remembered for the Bat Spit spell was bad enough without going down in witch history for mistaking a rabbit for a cat too.
“Did you think it was a cat?” Mona asked, a laugh beginning to play on the corners of her crooked, whiskery, mouth.
“A cat? Course not,” lied Grothilde. “What would I want another cat for? They can’t even stay on broomsticks.”
Mona was about to say that everyone else’s did, but thought better of it.
“A rabbit. That’s what I want,” continued Grothilde trying to convince herself. “Clever these rabbits. You’ll see.”
It hadn’t proved itself to be clever, but it hadn’t fallen off her broomstick yet either.