May Day Pagan Festivity - but beware the dangers of blind traditionalism!

This splendid month gains its name from the Roman/Greek fertility goddess Maia, mother of the god Mercury. She was equated with Fauna, Cybele and Ops; goddesses who were greatly loved and appreciated by the masses.

Faunas feast day was held on the first night of May. It was a sanctified event exclusive to women, as the men honoured Faunas masculine consort, Faunus, instead.

During Faunas gala wine and music blended with mystical ritual. This formed a strange yet joyous combination of...