Whilst the ancient practice of divining (See Mystical WWW Divination) is still used the ability of animals to discover a watering hole indicates their closeness and dependency on the earth. There are many instances of this in the teachings of the Celtic church and of the severed head being connected to many of the sacred wells. The head was seen by the Celts to be the place where the soul existed (we can see similarities here with Aries and the head being the power source). The head being detached from the body was seen as the final act of sacrifice given by the sacred king in Celtic mythology, and in the early Celtic church. Placing the head in water was seen to draw on the strength and wisdom of the sovereign, believing that it flowed forth into the waters.

The appearance of a new spring at a site where a king or saint died was also common. The Druids believed that the appearance of a new spring or well indicated a spot where man would find a place acting as an opening or bridge to eternity. It has been suggested also that these sacred sites indicated where the power of light, of positive forces could enter and spring out of the earth 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 (See Mystical WWW Glastonbury) 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. 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).

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:

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.