Public Beltane Ritual, Cambridge, MA

Last night was the public Beltane ritual for our community, Lap of the Goddess. We danced the May Pole, sang and did the usual holiday things. S was on hand for drumming and just who do you think was chosen, randomly, to be May Queen?

I was so thrilled. Every year I think, "I wonder if it'll be me this time?" And sometimes I half convince myself that I'm going to be chosen -- and then I'm not. This year was interesting. I got that knowing feeling right before last year's May Queen pulled my name, but I was dreading it slightly. You see, one of the yucky people was there, and I didn't want to have to be on display. I was already dealing with anger and other emotions that only yucky people inspire -- thank Goddess my best friend was on hand to turn everything into a joke with me. In addition to not wanting to call attention to myself, in our community, the May King and Queen go around and bless everyone. Yeah. I had to anoint everyone's third eye with protection potion. I just figured, "Let the Goddess do it. Plaster a smile and let her do it." And then I was off, anointing and thoroughly enjoying myself. There was a nice flow of energy in the room, and it seemed as though I was seeing each person at their best and most happy selves. The May King was a new person to our community, and he seemed really into it, so that was a nice experience.
When I got to the yucky person, I felt the energy that had been buzzing along just drop. It wasn't gone completely, but it suddenly felt so perfunctory. He couldn't meet my gaze. Of course not. For such a person to look directly into the face of the Goddess just would have been too much for him to bear. Coward. Don't worry, pal. She can still see you.

People who are in the know told me that they thought there was some serious Divine justice working -- in fact we had a merry old laugh about it. Imagine how humiliating it must be to have to receive a blessing from a person whose friendship you have completely violated for the most stupid reasons imaginable. Imagine knowing that the Gods want you to feel shame. That must suck. Glad it isn't me.

I've actually been May Queen once before in this community -- about eight years ago. Being May Queen then ushered in a period of growth and goodness for me that lasted beyond the year and a day. I really felt "queenly" for at least two years. I think I met S during that two-year time frame. I also took my career in a new and better direction. It was a time of accepting myself, feeling self-love, and having good times. I'm excited to see what this new cycle will bring.

The only downer is that my friend J really wants to be May Queen. And now she's had to see me get it twice in ten years. Well, here's my first order of business as May Queen: I ask that the Gods bestow blessings upon my ever-faithful friend. Let her be lusty and full of life this year, and let all her endeavors expand the richness of her life. May she be rewarded for her trusty friendship and good will.

And I hope she gets it next year!