Conscious Choice: Dance of the May Flowers

May 2002 | Herbs for Health

Dance of the May Flowers

by Meg McGowan

Our linear view of history has generally assumed that earlier cultures knew less about the world and how it works, had a simpler view of the world than we now hold, and held quaint celebrations that reflected their limited understanding. Only recently has it occurred to us that these cultures may have known the same things we have since forgotten and rediscovered. Slowly we are awakening to the possibility that they may actually have understood more about the whole of how the universe works than we have known or acknowledged in a great many years.

A simple interpretation of May Day is that it is a fertility rite, as if a story, a dream, a celebration, or a life could mean only one thing — as if each creation doesn’t become its own mandala of interrelated motivation and meaning at the moment of birth. Maypoles and May baskets may indeed represent male and female genitalia, but physical human intercourse is only one aspect of creation that is being celebrated. It is a true part, as honoring the fertility of the earth in the upcoming growing season is also a true part, but the Maypole dance mingles both into a greater context that is continually unfolding. The ribbons interwoven by the dancers’ steps create an image of a three-dimensional mandala, representing beauty, complexity, and mystery, all inextricably connected in the circle of life.

The multifaceted benefits of floral essential oils trace a path similar to the intricate patterns of the Maypole dance. A basket of May flowers is an ephemeral delight, but a bouquet of floral essential oils will extend the celebration throughout the month. At a glance, many of the florals — jasmine (Jasminum officinale, J. grandiflorum, J. sambac), neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara, C. bigaradia), ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata), rose maroc (Rosa centifolia), and rose otto (Rosa damascena) — are recognizable as traditional aphrodisiacs. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) and narcissus (Narcissus poeticus) are also considered to be sensual essential oils. Though lavender (Lavandula officinalis syn. L. angustifolia) is not thought of as having aphrodisiac properties, scent researchers have identified its fragrance as sexually stimulating to most men. Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), jasmine, ylang-ylang, rose, tuberose, and narcissus all have euphoric properties, which may lower sexual inhibitions.

At a deeper level, however, many of the floral essential oils (and those that are derived from both the flowering tops of the plant and the leaves) support the heart itself, the uterus (the seat of creativity) and the flow of life, by easing circulatory and menstrual problems. Jasmine, rose, geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), marjoram (Origanum marjoram), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) aid the circulatory system. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) and neroli are considered to be cardiac tonics. Ylang-ylang is noted for treating heart palpitations. Both German and Roman chamomile (Matricaria chamomila and Athemis nobilis), jasmine, neroli, rose, geranium, marjoram, and yarrow can relieve menstrual discomfort and irregularities.

Beyond the physical plane lies the realm of the emotions, and the florals offer their assistance there as well. Rose, jasmine, and neroli stimulate feelings of love as well as sexual desire. In Valerie Worwood’s The Fragrant Mind (New World, 1996), many of the floral essential oils are noted for their ability to help heal emotional issues that may prevent us from giving and receiving love. Immortelle (Helichrysum angustifolium, H. italicum, H. orientale), ormenis flower (Ormenis monticules), and linden blossom (Tilia vulgaris) are helpful in clearing emotional blockage. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is known for counteracting detachment and emotional solitude, while encouraging tenderness, nurturing, openness, and self-worth. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) and jasmine also nurture self-esteem.

On an etheric level, the floral aphrodisiacs also connect us to the divine, so we may remember that we too are divine beings, one with all that surrounds us. Other floral essential oils — tuberose, rosemary, ormenis flower, immortelle, carnation, and geranium reconnect us to our own spirit and our ability to love ourselves.

As with April, May is celebrated at the beginning of the month, on the very first day, as if setting an intention for the rest of the month. The comparison begs a question: why does April Fools’ Day occur exactly one month before May Day? The answer is simple: because we must befriend our inner fool before we move into May. We must be willing to look foolish in order to fall in love, to make love, and to truly dance with the process of all creation.

DISCLAIMER: Choosing a holistic approach to medicine means choosing personal responsibility for your health care. Herbs for Health offers a doorway through which to enter the realm of herbal healing, an invitation to further investigation on the part of the reader. It is in no way intended as a substitute for advice from a health care practitioner.

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