Ian's May Newsletter 2026

In this month’s newsletter, I was intending to write on the heightened level of anger, prejudice, intolerance and racial hatred throughout the world along with what Essences and we individually, can do to change this. However, because of the auspicious nature of this month, with its two Full Moons, I have deferred this part two of last month’s newsletter to June. 

May marks an important point in the year where clarity becomes more important than momentum.

In a Universal Year 1, there is a natural tendency to move forward quickly, to begin new projects and take decisive action. However, this month does not support rushing. Instead, it draws attention to anything that is no longer aligned, so it can be addressed before you move ahead.

You may find that certain habits, commitments or responses no longer feel quite right. What was once manageable or deemed important may now feel unnecessary.

This is not a setback. It is part of refining your direction so that your energy is being used more effectively.

The Influence of the Moon

The lunar activity throughout May creates a strong and consistent emotional influence.

This month is particularly significant, as it contains two Full Moons.

A single Full Moon naturally brings things to the surface. It highlights what has been building beneath your awareness and makes it more visible. With two Full Moons in the same month, this effect is dramatically amplified.

At the beginning of the month, the first Full Moon brings underlying patterns to light. This can include habitual ways of thinking, emotional responses or attachments that have remained unresolved. These are not new, but they are now more clearly seen.

Midway through the month, the New Moon shifts the focus towards stability. It encourages a return to what is practical, steady and sustainable. This is a time to re-establish a sense of order after the awareness created by the first Full Moon.

The second Full Moon at the end of the month reinforces the process. It ensures that anything requiring attention is not overlooked or pushed aside. If something has not been addressed earlier in the month, it is likely to become clear at this point.

Together, these lunar phases support a clear sequence: awareness, release and re-establishment.

What You May Notice

During this month, there may be a greater awareness of your internal responses and patterns.

• You may notice recurring thoughts that are no longer useful.
• You may recognise habits that are being maintained out of familiarity rather than purpose.
• You may feel a stronger need to simplify and direct your energy more carefully.

These observations are not problems but opportunities where beneficial adjustments can be made. When these patterns are addressed, it becomes much easier to move forward with clarity.

A Key Remedy for This Month: The 2026 Essence

The 2026 Essence is particularly relevant for the energies of May.

As a Universal Year 1 Essence, it was created to support forward movement, clear direction and purposeful action. At the same time, it recognises that in order to move ahead effectively, there must first be clarity of where you are going and what's required as well as the ability to release what is no longer needed.

This reflects exactly what this month is bringing to light. Included in the 2026 Essence are several Bush Essences that directly support this process, including:

Sundew addresses procrastination; it helps to bring attention back to what is important so that decisions can be implemented.

Bottlebrush supports the process of letting go. As awareness increases around what is no longer aligned, Bottlebrush assists in releasing these attachments and moving forward without carrying the past into the present. It will also help with any overwhelm arising from changes you have made.

Bush Fuchsia enhances intuition and will give you the clarity of where you are going and what’s needed.

Calophyllum provides resilience, a clear sense of direction and a willingness to move out of your comfort zone and go where you are being guided. 

Together, these Essences work to bring clarity, release and direction. For this reason, the 2026 Essence offers a comprehensive way to support the adjustments that May is encouraging, while also helping you to move forward with greater certainty.

Working With the Energy of May

The most effective way to work with this month is to take action on what has become clear to do.

If something no longer feels aligned, it is appropriate to reassess it.

If a negative pattern becomes obvious, it is an opportunity to change it.

If your energy feels scattered, it is a sign to definitely ground yourself and quite possibly simplify.

There is no need to force outcomes or create unnecessary urgency.

By making these adjustments, you create the conditions for more direct and effective progress.

A Closing Observation

May supports clarity and steady direction, rather than urgency or force. It calls for awareness and appropriate action, rather than pushing ahead prematurely.

With two Full Moons bringing greater visibility, there is a clear opportunity to recognise and release what has been building over time.

By addressing what is no longer needed, you create a clearer path forward. From this point, movement becomes more natural and the direction you take carries greater purpose and focus.