The Full Moon is a time of harvest, of completion, and the fulfillment of plans and dreams. The magic of Grandmother Moon is strong and it is the time to create medicine and focus energy.
This morning a Ruby Throated Hummingbird circled me as I watered the newly planted Poppy seeds. He flew in and out of the droplets and finally alit on the rich moist soil, to dance and sing and lick the moisture from the air. It was a moment of Magick and intimacy that I wondered if it were a dream. But Jeff saw it too and together we marveled at the delicacy and joy of such a tiny shimmering jewel.
What a contrast to our other winged visitors. The colors and variety is astounding; from the blue of the Jay to the red of the Cardinal, to the yellow of the Goldfinches, the rainbow of diversity abounds on our land. To the Chickadees that eat from my hand, with a nod of a thank you, to the Wild Turkeys that gobble and run at the first sign of the dog, we are all part of this land and part of each other.
The Full Moon in May is known as the Flower Moon. I gather sunny Dandelion flowers and cool silky Violets now to preserve and use throughout the year. Dandelions are healing for the liver, are diuretic and pain relieving. Violet flowers are loaded with vitamin C and known to sooth a sore throat and settle an upset tummy. Nibble some fresh from the garden and smile!
Remember to give thanks to the spirit of the plants as you harvest their colorful bounty. Watch for nectar gathering ants and leave those flowers for their enjoyment. Never harvest every bloom or leaf at one time, for other spirits of the Earth require their nutritional and healing properties as well. I use the guidelines of a third for me, a third for the Earth and a third for the creatures that share the harvest with me. I know it’s tempting to take them all, but greed does not bring prosperity or health to anyone.
Dandelion blossoms and Violet Flowers are healthful and healing and fun to harvest and process. This year, Page, my 3 year old neighbor who calls herself my “little helper girl”, gave a hand with the picking. Children love plucking the large soft flowers of the Dandies, though you will have to help them stay focused by enjoying the hunt along with them.
Dandelion blooms may be preserved in several ways. To make a DANDELION CORDIAL, soak the fresh blooms in a good Brandy by filling a quart jar with flowers and adding an organic lemon rind. Fill with your desired alcohol - some people use vodka instead - and shake several times a day for two weeks. Strain and enjoy over ice or added to tea. Substitute Violets to make a Violet Cordial or use Dandelions for the syrup receipt that follows.
VIOLET SYRUP - Pick just the blossoms after the sun has dried the dew and the blooms are fully open.
2 cups of Violet flowers
2 cups of boiling water
2 cups of honey
Pour the boiling water over the blossoms, stir and add the honey. Let mixture cool and transfer to a glass container. Shake several times a day and imagine the healthful properties of the flowers giving their healing to you. Strain, bottle, label and share with friends. Add a spoonful to iced white wine or mint tea. Take by the spoonful to sooth a sore throat or settle an irritable stomach. Feel pain and worry leave and recall the joyful day in May when you were given this blessing. Enjoy!

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