May illustrated almanac

love in disguise

This is an illustrated digital almanac of the internal emotional climate, as influenced by the external natural and astronomical events. I wanted to capture visually the shared experience of how it feels to be alive as a tiny human, enveloped in the greater cyclical movement of this planet, throughout one calendar year. Welcome to May!

• Taurus (April 20th to May 20th)

  Taurus is my favourite zodiac sign and the placement of moon in my birth chart. Represented by the bull, Taureans are known for their determination, grounded character and dependability. They live through their senses, prioritising comfort, luxury, quality and aesthetics. Venus, the planet of love, beauty and harmony is their ruler, and it infuses them with an appreciation for finer things, from food to art and sensuality; while material comforts give them a sense of safety and stability in life.

• The origin of the name

  The name May likely comes from Greek and Roman goddess Maia. In their mythology, Maia is associated with concepts related to fertility, motherhood, midwifery, and growth. Also called Bona Dea and Fauna, her festival was held in May to celebrate the fertile part of the year in the natural cycle.

• Beltane

  Beltane is a Pagan holiday originating from Celtic and Gaelic traditions to worship nature and fertility. It’s celebrated on the 1st of May, marking the halfway point between spring equinox and summer solstice. During Beltane, people light bonfires and dance around Maypoles as a way to stir up the earth’s energy to promote fertility. Maypole was originally a living tree and eventually a long Birch pole with flowers and ribbons on top.

  These days, May 1st is known as Labour day, commemorating international labour movement for workers’ rights to 8 hour long work days in 1889.

• Flower Moon

  The name for full moon in May is Flower Moon.