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'The first harvest begins; time to give thanks and celebrate.' Once known as 'Quintilis', as it was the fifth month of the Roman
year. The name 'Julius', later 'July' is believed to derive from the
honour of the Roman Emperor 'Julius Caesar', named by Mark Anthony. It
is the seventh month of the year.
The last month of 'Beltane', before 'Lammas', July is more commonly associated with the healing properties and sanctity of water. Perhaps this is due to the knowledge that July is a month of warmth, of the sun, the scorching heat, and the dryness of the land that comes with the dreaded drought. Man, being so much water, has understood only to well how water is such a vital resource for the body and the spirit. It is no surprise then that water and springs have been universally included in many beliefs, legends and folklore, seen as sacred. Is it not ironic that today modern man is battling with pollution to maintain what has always been viewed as precious. Again like our ancestors we are beginning to value water, but perhaps the reasons and methods are different. Water and wells have also been associated with providing the opportunity to reach eternal life, seen as a sign or mark of that belief when drunk or carried. Indeed we can note the significance within many faiths of water and the ritual of baptism, where it is poured over the body or man is immersed within it. The Chalice Well, at Glastonbury, Somerset, England is one such site visited by thousands of people, being associated with the Celtic cult of the severed head and the Holy Grail. Trees growing by water were associated with wisdom, those bearing nuts being especially favoured with the ancients, as these could be gathered and eaten. The fish of the water were also seen to benefit from their
proximity, and it was said that anyone eating fish from such waters,
where nut trees grew nearby, would receive inspiration and mystical
powers to further the third eye.
As part of the astrological calendar, July has many associations.
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