Seasons of the Witch – Legends and Lore, Ancient Holidays And Some Not So Ancient!
Today Is …
July 1
July was named after the great leader Julius Caesar, who was born in this summer month. Because the warm weather continues, activity levels are high, even though the days are beginning to shorten. Consequently, numerous festivals during this month focus on family, friends, and social interaction.
For magical purposes, July directs our attention to personal growth and improvements. This includes increasing your knowledge, continuing efforts for prosperity, creating new ideas and works of art, and also taking time out periodically to really enjoy yourself. Our society sometimes mistakes much-needed leisure time for laziness, but this month’s energies know better. Go and have fun, carrying the Goddess with you for a little extra energy.
The energy of July builds on the clarity of June. As we become more aware both of the creative fire within ourselves, and of the promptings toward greater awareness that come both from the Archangels and our personal guardian angels, we become more attuned to the pulse of the Universe and our own part in bringing about heaven on earth, the awakening of all beings to our true potential as co-creators with each other and the Divine One.
Celebrate your ability to be a part of Goddess religion. Light a candle on your altar for the religious freedom of Women everywhere.
The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages.
In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese Goddess of Fire. Fuji is also regarded as the grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) she is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
Legends and Lore for July
July, the seventh month of the current Gregorian calendar and the second month of Summer’s rule, derives its name from Julius (Julius Caesar).
The traditional birthstone amulet of July is the ruby; and the larkspur and the water lily are the month’s traditional flowers.
July is shared by the astrological signs of Cancer the Crab and Leo the Lion, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Apt (or Apet), Athena, Sothis, Spider Woman, and Rosea.
Japan: Fuji, the ancient Goddess of Fire and the Grandmother of Japan, is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
Nepal: Naga Panchami – festival devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Snake images are displayed on altars, offerings made at snake holds, and parades with live serpents crowd the main streets in many villages.
1975: Day endangered species became internationally protected; a day to celebrate all the world’s creatures. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora was signed/adopted on 3/3/1973, but wasn’t enforced 7/1/1975
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July 1
The month of July opens in Nepal with the Naga Panchami festival, which is devoted to the Snake-Gods called Nagas. Sacred snake images are displayed on religious altars, offerings are made at snake holes, and parades featuring live serpents fill the main streets of many villages.
In Japan, this day is sacred to Fuji, the ancient Japanese goddess of fire. Fuji is also regarded as the grandmother of Japan, and on this special day (which also marks the start of Mount Fuji Climbing Season) she is honored with prayers and burnt offerings.
July 1 – Founder’s Day – Lynnie Levy and Jade River have birthdays one day apart. (Although Lynnie is several year older than Jade) Lynnie’s birthday is July 1st and Jade’s is July 2nd. Celebrate your ability to be a part of Goddess religion. Light a candle on your altar for the religious freedom of women everywhere.
NOTE: Because of the large number of ancient calendars, many in simultaneous use, as well as different ways of computing holy days (marked by the annual inundation, the solar year, the lunar month, the rising of key stars, and other celestial and terrestrial events), you may find these holy days celebrated a few days earlier or later at your local temple.
Remember The Ancient Ways and Keep Them Holy!
Courtesy of GrannyMoonsMorningFeast
Witches Of The Craft® 