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. As part of the seasonal calendar July is the time of the 'Hay Moon' according to Pagan beliefs and the period described as the 'Moon of the Red Cherries', and 'Moon when Cherries are Ripe' by Black Elk (Black Elk Speaks, Neihardt). July was also known as:

'Hooymaand' (Hay month)
Old Dutch
'Moedd-monath' (Meadow month, cattle were turned into the meadow)
'Lida oeftevr' (Second mild/genial month)
Old Saxon

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.

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. Perhaps connected with this was the belief that sacred waters could also heal sickness, especially of the eye. Wells were viewed as having power of time as well as eternity as has been said here. To have full effect on curing the malady, the person drinking the water had to sleep immediately. Here again we have associations with the many stories that describe man waking by water having received prophetic visions or wild terrifying dreams. The rituals of Well dressing are still widely practised, which is believed to originate from the placing of prayer rags by pilgrims to sacred sites (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Months January - December for dates, & Folk Calendar).
In the medieval Middle Ages the use of water as a vehicle for asserting that negative forces, even the Devil existed, was used most effectively by the Catholic church during the Inquisition. Those considered to be in league with such forces were cast into water; should the person float it was taken as proof of their rejection of God, (but we must remember that to prove the presence of God the person should not float which surely resulted in many innocents being drowned).

'He gives a drink,
he saves a king,
he doth a noble deed.'
Celtic : The severed head of Conaire.

As part of the astrological calendar, July has many associations. This is the month of the house of Cancer ( June 22 - July 22) and the house of Leo (23 July - August 23).
Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac symbolised by the 'Crab' which has since ancient times been associated with conception, fertility and birth. The crab indicates the male and female together whilst the tough shell viewed as armour hides deep emotional feelings. In Roman mythology 'Juno' placed Cancer in the Heavens following its clash with 'Hercules' when it bit the foot of the hero. The qualities of this sign include protection, thriftiness, a strong awareness of the subconscious, sensitivity, nurturing, caring, and home loving with a need for emotional security. There is a strong sense of the importance of the past, of family, of childhood.

The 'Moon' is the ruling planet of Cancer, also known as the 'Gate of Birth', and as a 'Goddess' has been revered since pre-Christian times as such and also as the 'Enchantress'. The Moon symbolises 'Motherhood' and 'Water' (the Sun being Fatherhood & Fire). Cancer reflects the journey of the fourth life cycle, symbolised by the Cycle of the Moon itself, that is the:

New Moon
(birth and growth depicted as the White Goddess);
Full Moon
(love and war depicted as the Red Goddess);
Waning Moon
(maturity, divination and death depicted as the Black Goddess).

Dreams play an important role for Cancerians and therefore expression of these is also vital often requiring psychological support in the most positive sense. The fourth phase of the journey of the Sun is experienced here, and of the young adult evolving knowledge through emotional experiences. Cancer is a cardinal and negative water sign associated with the statements 'I feel', 'I protect', and 'I treasure loved ones and my home'. It rules the breast, stomach and solar plexus. Cancer is associated with Convolulus, Heather, Holly, Water Lily, Lily, Rose, all Rushes and white flowers (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers). Cancer is further associated with all trees rich in sap, and also the Cedar, Hazel, Linden and the Oak (See Mystical WWW Trees). Colours associated with Cancer are blue and silvery blues, cream, sea green, smoky grey, white, iridescence and most pale colours. The main stone associated with Cancer is the Moonstone, whilst the main stone associated with the month of June is the Pearl (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky number is two, lucky day Monday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Metal associated is silver.

'Leo...loves the splendour of power.'
El Hagahah, Astrologer.

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac symbolised by the 'Lion', the 'King of beasts', the 'Great Light' and the 'Nemean Lion of Argolis' (this is the lion that only 'Hercules' could defeat as the first of his twelve labours). Since ancient times the lion has been associated with fatherhood, religion and kingship. The mystical symbol of the 'Sun' is also strongly connected with Leo representing primal life carrying the seed of life in its centre.
The Sun is the ruling planet of Leo, known as 'Sol' to the Romans, bringing a sense of creativity and continual activity. It is important to be aware that the ruler of this sign has been worshipped since ancient times, reflected in all major deities. In ancient Egypt 'Ra' was the 'Sun God', in ancient Assyria 'Shamash' and to the Persians the 'Sun God' was 'Mithras'. So also we can find in ancient Greek mythology 'Helios', who came from the Heavens providing light for the day, believed to disappear into the sea at night. The Roman 'God Apollo' too provides vital clues as to the strong temperament of this sign. The qualities associated with the Leo are that of leadership, dignity, pride, ambition, high constant energy, self-confidence, enjoyment and satisfaction. They are also known to be extremely loyal in friendship, indeed honourable to a fault, and faithful in love. Leo will defend a loved one almost to the death abhorring injustice. Here we can see the possibility of danger, as Leo has also been thought to suffer with obstinate fixed attitudes but try to remember they have a big heart. The fifth phase of the journey of the Sun is experienced here, that of the mature adult with a clearly formed personality. Leo is a fixed and positive fire sign associated with the statements 'I create', 'I am number one', and 'I am magnificent'. It rules the heart and spine. Leo has many floral associations, with the Celandine, Chamomile, Holly, Lavender, Marigold, Passion Flower, Sunflower and all green vegetables (See Mystical WWW Plants, & Language of Flowers). Leo is further associated with the Almond, Apple, Bay, Hazel, Laurel, Palm, and Walnut (See Mystical WWW Trees). Colours associated with Leo are golden hues, ochre, orange, shades of yellow and browns. The main stone associated with Leo is the Ruby, whilst the main stone associated with the month of July is the Moonstone (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Rhymes & Time - Language of Gems). Lucky number is one, lucky day Sunday (See Mystical WWW Mystical Time : Days of the Week). Metal associated is gold.

'Now don't interrupt me,
I'm going to tell you all your faults...
It puzzled her very much at first
But after watching it a minute or two
She made it out to be a grin.'