Beltane Blessings from the Hagwitch, head to our dark moon rising classroom for a full write up on this fire festival and the history behind it

Hi All Looking forward some advice about herb growing please. This is something new to me, so apologise if these questions seem basic. What 4/5 herbs are good for a beginner? I was thinking basil, mint, camomile - for both cooking and making teas. Any other suggestions for what immunity boosting and middle age? Any advice on best conditions?

Yesterday I attended the #herbalmedicine conference in #Lincoln hosted by the #bscclinicalherbalism team. It was an amazing day with an array of talks, stalls and workshops, lots of goodies given out too and a CPD certificate for attending. Lunch was included in the ticket price and was delicious 😋, catered by the savvy herbalist; I really want some of her recipes. She then hosted the herbal mocktail workshop which went down a treat. It is running again next year and I highly recommend attending, whether you attend Lincoln or not the conference is open to all herbalists and was jam packed with information. I have included a few cheeky snippets from the day. #herbalist #herbalism

May 2026 Two Full Moons. One Complete Cycle. 🌕🔵 This is not just a rare sky event. It is a full lunar cycle contained within a single month opening and closing with power. May begins in bloom and ends in rarity. 🌕 May 1 The Flower Moon The first Full Moon rises at 1:23 PM EDT, already illuminated as it enters the evening sky. Named for the wildflowers that cover the land during this time lupine, dogwood, buttercup this Moon has long been associated with fertility, abundance, and the height of spring’s expansion. The name comes from the abundance of flowers that bloom at this time of year, covering fields, hedgerows, and gardens in colour. Nature is no longer holding back, it’s expressing itself fully, openly, and without apology. Other Native American names include Leaf Budding Moon (Cree) and Planting Moon (Dakota, Lakota), while some suggested Anglo-Saxon or Celtic names include Milk Moon, Bright Moon, Hare Moon, Grass Moon, or Mothers’ Moon. In witchcraft, this is a Moon of growth and manifestation. What was planted earlier in the year begins to show itself. Energy moves outward. Intentions take form. The earth is no longer dormant — it is giving. Also signifies growth, expression, and the courage to be seen. A stage where potential turns into presence, where what has been nurtured quietly now begins to bloom. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t only about striving forward, it’s also about pausing to acknowledge what’s already flourishing. Full Flower Moon in Scorpio symbolizes intense transformation, emotional depth, and flourishing growth. It signifies a time for shedding old layers to embrace inner abundance and visibility. This is the Moon of fullness, attraction, and visible magic. This moon falls on Beltane. It is also a micro moon. Key Symbolism of the Flower Moon: Transformation & Depth (Scorpio): Occurring in Scorpio, this moon focuses on diving below the surface to release old wounds and embrace deep personal changes. Abundance & Growth: Named for the blooming spring, it represents the full expression of potential and acknowledging the growth and progress achieved.