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July was named after the great leader Julius Cesaer, who was born in this summer month. Because ths 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 magickal 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 Godess with you for a little extra energy. |
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July 18 Tabuleiros Festival (Portugal) Akerbeltz Themes: Harvest; Charity; Health; Thankfulness; Beauty; Peace Symbols: Rainbows; Health and Healing Amulets About Akerbeltz: This Basque goddess attends the human body by protecting it from disease, encouraging health, and offering healing when needed, especially when we overdo summer activities! Being a goddess of earth and nature too, she sometimes appears as a rainbow, a bridge that takes us from being under the weather to overcoming circumstances. To Do Today: The Tabuleiros has been celebrated for six hundred years in Portugal by honoring the harvest, giving thanks to the goddess for her providence, and making donations to charitable organizations. The highlight of the day is a parade in which people wear huge headdresses covered with bread, flowers, and doves - symbols of Akerbeltz's continued sustenance, beauty, and peace. These are retained by the wearer through the year to keep Akerbeltz close by, warding off sickness. A simpler approach for us might be to get a small rainbow refrigerator magnet or window piece that reflects this goddess's beauty throughout our home to keep everyone therein well and content. Also, give a little something to someone in need today. Doing good deeds for others pleases Akerbeltz because it makes them healthier in spirit. She will bless you for your efforts with improved well-being, if only that of the heart. |
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July 19 Biding of the Wreaths (Lithuania) Laima Themes: Love; Unity; Blessing; Luck; Destiny; Magick Symbols: Wreaths; Swans About Laima: The Lithuanian goddess of fate, luck, beauty, and magick swoops into our lives in the form of a swan, reminding us of the transformative power of love. Traditionally, all Laima needs to change from one form to another is a swam feather, alluding to her nature as a shape-shifter who uses magickal charms to manifest her will. To Do Today: Around this time of year, young people in Lithuania gather in a temple at sunset, then go into the forest to harvest summer flowers. From these, circlets and strings are made to crown and bind lovers together in Laima's and nature's beauty. Then the young people dance together round a birch tree (rather like a Maypole) singing to the goddess and asking for her blessing. This is a lovely tradition that can be adapted by gathering summer flowers and holding hands around them at your family supper table. Allow Laima to renew your love and unity in a moment of silence before dinner. If you live alone, invite a close friend to join you instead. Also, find a small rose-vine wreath at a craft shop. Adhere the image of a swan to this somehow (representing Laima), and hang it where you can easily see the wreath regularly. Eac time you do, remeind yourself that love is the most powerful of all the goddess's magick - and that includes loving yourself! |
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July 20 Moon Day (United States) Hina Themes: Moon; Communication; Cycles; Mediation Symbols: Luna (silver/white Items or any corresponding plants/stones); Coconut About Hina: This Tahitian goddess is the Lady in the Moon who shines on us with her changing faces. As the dark moon, she presides over death. As the waxing moon, she is the creatrix who made people from clay and the moon, her home. As the full moon, she embodies a mature woman's warrior spirit. As the waning moon, she is the again crone full of wisdom and insight. According to tradition, coconut were created fromt he body of Hina's lover, an eel god, after he was killed by superstitious locals. She also governs matter of honest communication, and when properly propitiated, Hina sometimes acts as an intermediary between humans and the gods. To Do Today: On July 20 in 1969, American astronauts visited Hina in person, landing on the moon's surface and exploring it. In spiritual terms this means taking time to explore the magickal nature of the moon today. If the moon is dark, it represents the need to rest from your labors. If the moon is dark, it represents the need to rest from your labors. If it is waxing, start a new magick project and stick with it so the energy grows like the moon. If Hina's lunar sphere is full, turn a coin in your pocket three times, saying "prosperity" each time so your pocket remains full. If the moon is waning, start taking positive action to rid yourself of a nagging problem. Eat some coconut to help this along by internalizing Hina's transformative powers. |
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July 21 Mayan New Year (Central America) Alaghom Themes: Times; Destiny; Cycles; Magick Symbols: Calendars About Alaghom: In Mayan tradition, Alaghom created the human ability to think, reason, and mark time using those skills. She also designed the intangible parts of nature, which take us beyond concrete realities into the world of the goddess and her magick. To Do Today: Mayans believed that each day and year had its own god or goddess, and that this being governed destiny during its time frame. So the new year was greated with either joy or trepidation, depending on the divine persona in charge! For our purposes, this means invoking alaghom's aid in making every moment of our lives count, making them magickal, and filling them with goddess energy. Gather all your calendars and appointment books and place your hands, palms-down, over them. Then try this prayer: Alaghom, today is but one day out of many, yet let me recognize the possibilities that lie within it. Give me the good judgement and sensibility to use my time wisely. Help me make every day on earth something truly magickal and filled with your powers. As I walk through this world, let me see beyond my eyes into the soul of creation. Let me appreciate the abundant spiritual power in every blade of grass and stone, and most important, within myself. So Mote it Be. |
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July 22 Le Fete de Madeline (France) Isolt Themes: Love; Fertility; Sexuality Symbols: White Items About Isolt: Known throughout Western Europe as the lover of Tristan, Isolt of the White Hands is a Celtic goddess who encourages devoted love and improves sexual expression within a relationship. Close studies of her stories indicate three women who held this role, alluding to an ancient triple goddess whose role changed with time and bardic adaptations. To Do Today: In France, this is a time for women to come to a cave in Provence thought to be an ancient dwelling of the goddess (later attributed to Mary Magdalene). They travel here from miles around seeking love and/or fertility, the cave acting like a creative womb in which the goddess's power grows. If you're fortunate to live in an area with caves, take a moment to visit one today. Sit inside and let you partner. Otherwise, create a makeshift cave out of blankets draped over a table. Meditate inside, visualizing Isolt's white light filling your heart chakra until it all but bursts with devotion and fervor. If you're seeking a mate, use this time to express your desires to Isolt, visualizing your ideal mate in as much detail as possible. Then get out and start socializing so that goddess can open the path to love. |
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July 23 Leo Begins (Various Locations) Freyja Themes: Devotion; Strength; Sun; Magick; Passion Symbols: Lion; Strawberries About Freyja: In Nordic traditions, Freyja's name means a "Lady." Generally speaking, it is her domain to care for matters of the heart. In mythology, Freyja is stunningly beautiful, a mistress to the gods, and she appears driving a chariot pulled by cats. When saddened, Freyja cries gold tears, and she wears a shining necklace (alluding to some solar associations). Many people in northern climes credit her for teaching magick to humankind. To Do Today: In astrology, people born under the sign of Leo are energetic and filled with Freyja's solar aspect. And, like Freyja's, they are ardent, dynamic lovers. If your lover life needs a pick-me-up, Freyja's the goddess to call on. Start with a bowl of strawberries and melted chocolate that you feed your lover. Remember to nibble passionately while biting into Freyja's sacred food! This will digest Freyja's energy for lovemaking. If you're still single, eat a few berries at breakfast to internalize self-love so more loving opportunities will naturally come your way. To improve ove in other areas of your life (the love of friends, love for a job or project, etc.), wear gold-toned clothing or jewelry today to emphasize Freyja's solar powers. This will give you more tenacity, focus and esteem for whatever you're putting your hands and heart into. |
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July 24 Nadam (Mongolia) Vatiaz Themes: Sports; Tradition; Strength; Excellence; Recreation Symbols: Charms for Strength or Physical Well-Being About Vatiaz: Vatiaz is the Mongolian goddess of physical prowess. Her name even means "woman of great strength." Now that summer is fully underway, we could use some ofVatiaz's endurance just to keep up! To Do Today: The Nadam festival began in the thirteenth century with Marco Polo, who reported a gathering of ten thousand white horses with Mongolian leaders participating in numerous games of skill ranging from archery to wrestling. Today the tradition continues with sports, focused on exhibiting excellence and skill, followed by a community party to celebrate and revel in local customs. If there's a sport exposition or game that you enjoy, try to get out to the proverbial "ball park" today to honor Vatiaz and enjoy her excellence as exhibited through professional atheletes. For those who are not sports fans, making a Vatiaz charm for strength and vitality is just as welcome by the goddess and invokes her ongoing participation in your life. You'll need a bay leaf, a pinch of tea, and a pinch of marjoram ( one herb each for body, mind, and spirit). Wrap these in a small swatch of cotton, saying Health, strength, and vitality, Vatiaz, bring them to me! Put the swatch in the bottom of your daily-vitamin jar to empower the vitamins with Vatiaz's well-being. |
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July 25 Tenjin (Japan) Tamayorihime Themes: Cleansing; Health; Children; Water Symbols: Water (especially moving water or saltwater) About Tamayorihime: An ancient Japanese sea goddess, Tamayorihime rules not only moving water sources but also all matter of health. She also watches over birth waters to ensure a speedy delivery for pregnant woman. To Do Today: This festival began in 949c.e. as a way to get rid of summer maladies. If you've had a cold, the flu, or some other ailment, try an adaption of Japanese custom. Take a piece of paper that you've left on your altar for a while and rub it on the area of your body that's afflicted. Drop the paper into moving water (like the toilet) to carry away sickness in Tamayorihime's power. Alternatively, burn the paper to purge the problem. Mingle the ashes with a few drops saltwater and carry them in a sealed container as a Tamayorihime amulet for health. For personal cleansing and healing soak in an Epsom-salt bath today. As you lie in the tub, stir water clockwise with your hand to draw Tamayorihime's health to you, or counterclockwise so she can banish a malady. If time doesn't allow for this add, a very small pinch of salt into your beverages and stir them similarly throughout the day, while mentally or verbally reciting this invocation: Health be quick, health be kind, within this cup the magick bind! Drink the beverage to internalize Tamayorihime's energy. |
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July 26 Feast of Saint Anne (Brittany, Canada) Anne Themes: Miracles; Wishes; Kindness; Health Symbols: Freshwater; Household Items About Anne: Saint Anne is a freshwater goddess who helps us learn the value of abounding selflessness, and how to better tend to our household matters when the chaos of summer seems to have our attention elsewhere. In Canada she is also credited with miraculous healing powers. To Do Today: Traditionally, supplicants come to Saint Anne wearing outfits from their cultures, kneeling, and speaking their requests. This is a little awkard in our workday world. So, instead, quaff a full glass of springwater first thing in the morning so Saint Anne will stay with you all day, protecting you from the sniffles and encouraging a little domesticity. If your home is cluttered, you can invoke Saint Anne and welcome her energy into your home simply by straightening up and using a little magickal elbow grease as you go! Visualize white light filling your home, sing magickal songs, burn some incense, and use plain water to wash the floors so Saint Anne's powers can be absorbed into every nook and cranny. If you know of a person who's been laid up and unable to do such things for themselves, I also suggest offering a helping hand. This will draw Saint Anne's well-being to that individual and fill his or her living space with healthful energy. The act of kindness will also draw Saint Anne's blessings to you. |
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July 27 Niman: Hopi Kachina Dances (Southwestern United States) Nuvak'Chin'Mana Themes: Ghosts (Spirits); Blessings; Weather; Winter Symbols: Cold Items; White; Moisture About Nuvak'Chin'Mana: This goddess's name means Snow Maiden. In the Niman Festival, Nuvak'Chin'Mana is a Kachina who appears to pray for the return of cold weather so the moisture in the earth gets replenished. In our lives, she comes to replenish the well of our spirits an cool any overheated tempers that erupt summer's heat. To Do Today: In Hopi tradition, Kachinas are spirits that help the tribe in all matters of life. Each year the Kachinas emerge around February to remind people of their blessings amd to teach the sacred rituals that bring rain. Around this time of year, the Kachinas return to their rest, escorted out of the human realms by the Niman reitual. To bring Nuvak'Chin'Mana's coolheadedness and refreshing energy to your entire day, drink a glass of milk on the rocks at breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or anything in between). It's very refreshing, and the appearance of the beverage honors the goddess. If your milk and ice on the ground as an offering of Nuvak'Chin'Mana so she might carry your need for rain to the nature spirits. Last, take a moment at some point during the day to thank the Powers for all your blessings. A grateful heart is one ready to give and receive more of the Goddess! |
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July 28 Sandcastle Days (California) Old Woman of the Sea Themes: Water; Recreation; Rest; Art Symbols: Sand; Saltwater; Sea Creatures About the Old Woman of the Sea: Among the Native Americans of California, this simple designation says it all. This goddess is a primordial being whose essence and power is linked with the ocean and all that dwells within. Old Woman of the Sea washes into our lives today with waves of refreshment and relaxation. She is also a powerful helpmate for all water-related magick. To Do Today: Sandcastle-building competitions began in Imperial Beach, California, in 1981. Many of the artistically crafted sculptures feature sea creatures and other water themes. Alongside the festival, all manner of community activities take place, including children's competitions, feasting, and live music. So, stop by a gardening store and get yourself a little sand! Mix up some saltwater to mold and shape it. As you do, listen to some water music, and focus on the Old Woman of the Sea. Try to capture her image in the sand, and as you do, you will capture her magickal power in your heart. If you alive anywhere near a beach, today's a perfect time to practice sand and water magick. Write a symbol int he sand describing what you hope to achieve, then let the tide carry it to the Old Woman for answer. Or, step into the surf and let the goddess draw away your tension and anxiety into her water depths. |
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July 29 Icelandic Festival Voluspa Themes: Foresight; History; Perspective; Divination; Time Symbols: Stories or Storybooks About Voluspa: This Nordic goddess was born before all things, with the knowledge of all time within her. When asked to tell a tale to the gods, she recounted history, including the gods' downfall. To commenorated this, wise women and seers in northern climes are still sometimes called Voluspa. Voluspa teaches us the value of farsightedness and of remembering our history. We cannot know where we're going if we don't remember where we cam from. To Do Today: An old festival in Iceland known as the Islendingadagurinn preseves Voluspa's energy by recounting local heritage and custom in public forum including theater, singing, writing, and costumes. For our adaptations, I suggest taking out or working on a family tree, or perhaps a personal journal. Read over the chronicles of people from your ethnic background, and honor their lives in some appropriate manner (perhaps by lighting a candle). Voluspa lives in these moments, and at any time that we give ourselves to commemorating the past. Alternatively, get out some good storybooks and read! Turn off the TV for a while, and enrich your imagination with the words of bards who keep Voluspa's power alive int he world. Especially ready to children, so they can learn of this goddess's wonders. |
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July 30 Dinosaur Days (Colorado)
Tiamat
Themes: History; Change; Spirituality; Fertility; Bright; Creativity Symbols: Reptiles; Seawater About Tiamat: The personification of creative, fertile forces in Assyro-Babylonian traditions. Tiamat gave birth to the world. She is the inventive power of chaos, whose every-changing energy hones the human soul and creates unending possibilities for its enlightenment. In later accounts, Tiamat took visage of a half-dinosaur or dragonlike creature, symbolizing the higher and lower self, which must work together for positive change and harmonious diversity. To Do Today: Taking place at the Dinosaur National Monument, this festival celebrates the ancient, mysterious dinosaurs that speak o the earth's long-forgotten past - a past that Tiamat observed and nurtured. One fun activity to consider for today is getting an archaeology dinosaur kit at a local science shop and starting to "dig up" the past yourself? As you work, meditate on the meaning of Tiamat's energy in your life. The more of the bones your uncover, the more you'll understand and integrate her transformative energy. Carry a fossil in your pocket today to help keep you connected to Tiamat and her spiritual inventiveness. Or, wash your hands with a little saltwater so that everything you touch is blessed with Tiamat's productive nature and cleansing. |
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July 31 Helena Blavatsky' Birthday (Ukraine) The Narucnici Themes: Psychic Abilities; Spirituality; Destiny; Divination Symbols: An Eye; All Symbols of Fate or Destiny About the Narucnici: In Slavic regions, these are goddesses of fate who see each child's destiny at birth. At times they can be propitiated through prayers to alter ones destiny, especially when it's running headlong into disaster. To Do Today: In 1831, the acclaimed mystic Helena Blavatsky was born under the watchful eye of the Narucnici, who must have predicted an impressive life for her. Helena grew up to establish the Theosophical Society, whose goal is to explore mystical phenomena, to better understand it, and to expose fraudulent dealings. To remember this remarkable woman and honor the Narucnici, focus on your own inherent magickal potential. All of us have the Goddess's prophetic ability within; it's just a matter of activating that talent. One exercise that seems to help people is meditating on opening the chakra located in the middle of your forehead (the third eye). Close your physical eyes and visualize a purple-silver light pouring into your forehead from above. See it swirling clockwise, forming the image of an eye. Allow this eye to open, very slowly. Do you feel different as it opens? Can you sense things on the edge of your awareness you couldn't before? After the exercise, try your favorite divinatory tool and examine what new insights it offers now that you've cleared the path for that foresight a bit.  |
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