In the late 1930s, Gerald Gardner returned home to Britain’s southern coast after traveling abroad for many years. There he joined a coven of witches in Highcliffe-by-the-Sea. On the cross-quarter holy day of Lammas, August 1, 1940, Gardner and 16 other witches (or Wiccans, as they prefer to be called) gathered secretly at night in the forest. Their purpose was to cast a spell on Hitler and keep the German military from invading Britain.
The ritual the initiates performed that night was known by the code name Operation Cone of Power. In a clearing surrounded by pine trees, they marked out a circle as the stage for their magic. Instead of a traditional bonfire—for fear of being spotted by prying eyes—a shuttered lantern was placed to the east, in the direction of Berlin. Naked, or “skyclad” as Wiccans say, they began to dance in a spiraling pattern around the circle, building to a frenzied ecstatic state that’s been known to generate magical forces.
In his book Witchcraft Today, Gardner later noted that they raised a great cone of power and repeatedly directed the thought at Hitler’s brain: “You cannot cross the sea,” “Not able to come.” Just as their great-grandfathers had done to Boney and their remoter forefathers to the Spanish Armada. And although his invasion barges were ready, Hitler never even tried to come. Sadly, a few elderly ritual participants died from overexertion – but the spell had worked.
Now we’re approaching another cross-quarter holy day on May 1, ideal for doing ritual. Beltane is an ancient Gaelic fertility festival that heralds the beginning of summer. The Celts celebrated Beltane, which falls soon after the Sun enters fecund Taurus, with bonfires, livestock blessings, protective rituals, and celebrations welcoming growth and abundance. Men and women (married or not) ran wild in the fields to “fertilize” the crops, and any children born from these unions were considered holy.
Beltane is extra potent this year, as it coincides with the Scorpio Full Moon (Friday, May 1 at 10:23 a.m. PT.) An emotional water sign that symbolizes deep feminine energies, Scorpio is said to be a difficult place for the Moon, as it rules over intense processes like birth and death. This combustible energy is also reflected by intense Pluto at 5 Aquarius squaring the Sun and Moon at 11 Taurus/Scorpio. All are in fixed signs that don’t particularly welcome change. Any issues that arise are likely to spotlight tender places where we need to heal. Mercury is conjunct Chiron at 27 Aries, which can stimulate pain points as well. If you’re willing to endure a bit of discomfort, however, greater self-awareness and growth should follow.
We’ve just been through one of the toughest times of the year, with six planets including Mars, Mercury and Saturn in Aries engaged in a brutal game of bumper cars since the April 17 New Moon. Many of us have been struggling with wrenching disappointments and maddening frustrations. Now the Full Moon gives us a chance to take stock, process our feelings and acknowledge how resilient we’re becoming.
Prepare for even more change ahead, as Uranus (planet of awakening and rebellion) leaps into the quicksilver air sign of Gemini on April 25 for the next six years. Our collective brainpower will be off the charts! As astrologer Chani Nicholas puts it, “The hive mind is buzzing. Join the conversation.”
Personally, I’m looking forward to Uranus finally leaving my 12th house and activating my six-degree Gemini Ascendant next year (it gets to five degrees Gemini this fall before retrograding.) Time for some long overdue physical momentum in addition to an image change! Major transits like this are often felt as soon as the planet enters the sign, which could explain why I just ordered some purple hair dye. More on this potentially life-changing transit (especially for those with Gemini placements) in my essays to come.
At this Full Moon on Beltane, you can effect real change. Gather with others on May 1 eve or the night before, light a fire and/or raise a cone of power. Send a specific message to block impending harm, as Gardner’s clan did, or call forth something else. (In my book, Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess, there’s a cone of power ritual on pages 180-81. No fire required!) Or you could do another type of ritual. Recently, when the Iranian people were under threat of annihilation, I made a collage of that country and ritually called on Pope Francis (an otherworldly ally of mine) to protect them. Or just sit quietly on the Earth and send heartfelt blessings to our Mama. Whatever you most desire, for yourself or the world, now is the time to invoke for it.