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July

Holy Day / Sabbat
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No Sabbat...
Other Holidays
Independence Day

July 4th is Independence Day. Remember all our great Country has gone through and celebrate with love, honor and excitement! This day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, and no longer part of the British Empire. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.

It is also known as the Fourth of July and is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states.

The road to American independence began in the mid-1700s when the British Parliament began imposing a series of taxes on the American colonies. This was met with increasing resistance, and tensions between the colonists and the British authorities escalated. In 1775, the colonists formed the Continental Army and declared their intention to fight for independence.

The following year, on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed a resolution in the Continental Congress that declared the colonies "free and independent states." Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal declaration of independence, which was primarily written by Thomas Jefferson. On July 2, 1776, Congress voted in favor of Lee's resolution and officially declared independence from Great Britain. The actual signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on July 4, 1776.

Independence Day has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1870. The day is marked by parades, fireworks, barbecues, picnics, and other celebrations. The most famous of these celebrations takes place in Washington D.C., where the National Independence Day Parade and fireworks display are held.

Independence Day is a time to celebrate the principles of liberty and freedom that the United States was founded upon. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers and those who fought for American independence, and to honor the men and women who have served in the military to defend those freedoms.

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Juhannus (Midsummer)

Juhannus, also known as Midsummer, is a traditional Finnish holiday that is celebrated on the weekend closest to the summer solstice. It is one of the most important holidays in Finland and is typically observed on the night of June 23rd, or the weekend that falls between June 20th and June 26th.

Juhannus marks the beginning of the summer season in Finland and is traditionally a time for relaxation, festivities, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. The holiday has its roots in pagan traditions and is associated with the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year and the time when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

The celebrations typically involve bonfires, barbecues, singing, dancing, and other outdoor activities. Many Finns also enjoy taking a sauna and swimming in the lakes or sea, as the holiday marks the beginning of the summer swimming season.

One of the most important Juhannus traditions is the lighting of the bonfire. This is often done at the lakeside, and it is believed that jumping over the fire can bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Another tradition is the picking of flowers, especially birch leaves and flowers, which are used to decorate homes and the maypole.

Overall, Juhannus is a time for celebrating the beauty of the Finnish summer and spending time with loved ones. It is an important cultural tradition in Finland and is widely celebrated throughout the country.

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Constitution Day

Constitution Day (Danish: Grundlovsdag) is celebrated on June 5th each year. It commemorates the signing of the country's constitution in 1849, which established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government.

Constitution Day is an important national holiday in Denmark and is marked with a range of events and activities across the country. Political parties, trade unions, and other organizations often hold rallies and events to celebrate the day and promote democracy and civil rights.

The celebrations typically include speeches, debates, music, and cultural events. Many schools and universities hold special classes and lectures on the constitution and the country's political system. In some parts of Denmark, it is also a tradition to have a picnic or gather with friends and family to mark the occasion.

While Constitution Day is primarily a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity for Danes to reflect on the importance of democratic values and civil rights. Many Danes see the day as a reminder of the need to protect and defend their constitutional rights and freedoms, both as individuals and as a society.

Canada Day

Canada Day is a national holiday in Canada that is celebrated annually on July 1st. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the enactment of the British North America Act of 1867, which united three colonies into a single country called Canada. Canada Day is a day for Canadians to celebrate their national identity, history, and culture, and is typically marked with parades, fireworks, concerts, and other festivities. The day is also an occasion for Canadians to reflect on their country's past, present, and future, and to honor the values of diversity, equality, and freedom that are central to Canadian identity.

Bastille Day

Bastille Day, also known as French National Day, is a national holiday in France that is celebrated on July 14th. The holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a symbol of the tyranny and oppression of the French monarchy, and its fall was a significant victory for the people of France. Today, Bastille Day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other festivities across France, as well as in many other parts of the world with French communities. The day is a celebration of French culture and values, as well as a commemoration of the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity that is at the heart of French history and identity.

Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela Day is an international holiday that is celebrated on July 18th to honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who became the first black president of South Africa. The holiday was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009, on Mandela's birthday. The day is a call to action for individuals and communities around the world to emulate Mandela's spirit of service and leadership, and to work towards creating a better world for all. Mandela Day is often marked by volunteerism, community service, and activism, as people come together to honor Mandela's vision of a just and equitable society. The day is a reminder of the power of compassion, forgiveness, and leadership in promoting social justice and human dignity.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice", is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The holiday commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, but at the last moment, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep, goat, or cow, and distributing the meat to family, friends, and the poor. The holiday is also a time for Muslims to gather with family and friends, pray at the mosque, and reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, faith, and devotion to God. Overall, Eid al-Adha is a time of joy, generosity, and spiritual renewal for Muslims around the world.

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Full Moon / Esbat
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Buck Moon

July's Full Moon is the Blessing Moon. The Mother Earth is beginning to bless us with her riches. This moon is a great time to do divination, dream-work and thanking for all you have. Find a way to incorporate the water's energy of the Blessing Moon into your spell crafting and ritual. Enjoy the relaxing feeling of July's full moon and use it in your personal meditation. This is a masculine moon, so it's a good time to work on the physical things in your life. Either physical in body, or things that some physical attention, like fixing things around the house. This is a good time to plan what you will do once your goals are met.

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Magickal Workings

  • Meditation/Reflection

  • Divination (especially water scrying!)

  • Dream-work

  • Water Magick

  • Cleansing/Purification

  • Harvest Blessings

  • Protection, especially directed towards those rewards you will soon be reaping

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations: deer, buck, thunder, lightening, hay, wheat, water

  • Colors: Green, silver, blue-gray and burgundy

  • Plants & Flowers: meadowsweet, St. John's wort, water lily, wild rose, lavender, sunflower, mugwort, yarrow

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: Moonstone, white agate, opals, pearls

  • Trees: Ash, oak, acacia

  • Herbs: Mugwort, hyssop, lemon balm, honeysuckle, agrimony

  • Oils & Scents: orris and frankincense

  • Animals: Crab, turtle, dolphin, whale, starling, ibis, swallow

  • Nature Spirits: crop faeries, hobgoblins

  • Element: Water

  • Direction: South

  • Foods & Beverages: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, plums, apricots, grilled vegetables, meats, seafood, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, sun tea, fruit infused waters

  • Altar decorations: sunflowers, marigolds, carnelian, ruby, garnet, strawberries, cherries, peaches, water, yellow, orange, red candles, rose water

  • Deities: Juno, Venus, Cerridwen, Athena, Nephthys, Lugh

  • Activities: Fire ceremonies, use Tarot cards, runes, or other divination tools, moon-bathing, chanting, singing, performing a dance

  • Spell types: healing work, creativity

  • Other Names: Feather Moulting, Salmon, Berry, Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe, Month of the Ripe Corn, Raspberry Moon, Thunder, Halfway Summer, Blessing, Mead, Rose, Summer, Elk, Lightning, Hay, Herb, Watermelon, Summer, Planting (if closest to summer solstice), Black, Cricket, Swimming, Hamburger, Barbecue, Soda, Fun, Buck Moon – Algonquin, Blessing Moon – Unknown, Meadow Moon – Unknown, Berry Moon – Anishinaabe, Feather Moulting Moon – Cree, Halfway Summer Moon – Anishinaabe, Month of the Ripe Corn Moon – Cherokee, Moon When the Chokecherries are Ripe – Dakota, Raspberry Moon – Algonquin, Ojibwe, Salmon Moon – Tlingit, Wort Moon – Old English/Anglo-Saxon, Hay Moon – Old English/Anglo-Saxon, Mead Moon or Honey Moon – European, Guru Full Moon or Guru Purnima – Hindu

 

Other
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New Moon

The July new moon is a time for introspection, rest, and reflection. It is a time to let go of what no longer serves us and make space for new beginnings. This new moon falls in the astrological sign of Cancer, which brings with it themes of emotional healing, nurturing, and self-care. The energy of the July new moon encourages us to turn inward and focus on our emotional well-being. It is a time to set intentions for the future, plant seeds of growth, and prioritize self-love and self-care. This new moon invites us to connect with our intuition and trust our inner guidance, as we navigate our way forward on our spiritual path.

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Correspondences:

  • Symbols & Decorations:

  • Colors: silver, white, pale blue

  • Plants & Flowers: water lily, sunflower, jasmine, rose, marigold

  • Crystals/Stones/Minerals: moonstone, clear quartz, rose quartz

  • Trees: oak, holly, birch, willow, apple

  • Herbs: lavender, chamomile, yarrow

  • Oils & Scents: lavender, lemon, cedarwood, peppermint, sandalwood

  • Animals: crab, otter, butterfly, dragonfly

  • Nature Spirits:  Fire spirits, Water spirits, Flower fairies, Tree spirits

  • Element: Water

  • Direction: Spirit

  • Foods & Beverages: berries, peaches, plums, apricots, spinach, lettuce, kale, grilled foods, such as barbecue

  • Altar Decorations:

  • Activities: journaling, meditation, divination

  • Spell types: setting intentions, purification, releasing

  • Deities Apollo, Cerridwen, Lugh, Hecate, Hathor

  • Astrological sign:  Cancer, Leo

  • Planetary associations: Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury

  • Tarot card: The High Priestess, The Empress, The Chariot, The Ace of Cu

  • Divination tools: crystal balls, pendulums

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Mundane Magick
Front Yard

Making your front yard a magical space as a pagan involves infusing it with intention, symbolism, and the natural world. How comfortable you are with being "out of the closet" could have influence on what you are comfortable displaying. Fifteen years ago I would have never displayed a Pentacle and now I am loud and proud.

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Here are some ideas on how to magickally set up your front-yard.

  • Incorporate natural elements: Use natural materials, such as stones, crystals, and driftwood, to create a sacred space in your front yard. You can also use living elements, such as plants and trees, to connect with the energy of growth and renewal.

  • Rosemary is often associated with protection and warding off negativity. Consider planting it near entrances, doorways, or windows to create a protective boundary around your home or garden. This placement can help prevent negative energies from entering your space. South or West: If you follow a tradition that associates specific energies with cardinal directions, consider planting rosemary in the South or West sections of your yard. The South is associated with passion, courage, and transformation, while the West represents emotions, intuition, and introspection. Placing rosemary in these directions can align it with these energies.

  • Create an Altar: An altar can serve as a focal point for your spiritual practice and can be a place to honor deities, ancestors, or other spiritual entities. Use items such as candles, incense, and symbols that resonate with your beliefs to create a meaningful altar.

  • Use symbols and imagery: Symbols and imagery are powerful tools in pagan practice, as they can represent abstract concepts and energies. Incorporate symbols such as the pentacle, triquetra, or other pagan symbols in your front yard decor to create a magical atmosphere.

  • Celebrate the seasons: The pagan wheel of the year celebrates the changing seasons and the cycles of nature. You can celebrate these changes by decorating your front yard with seasonal items such as wreaths, flowers, and other decor that symbolize the current season.

  • Host gatherings: In many pagan traditions, community is an important part of spiritual practice. Host gatherings in your front yard, such as rituals, drum circles, or potlucks, to connect with like-minded individuals and to create a sense of community.

  • Honor the elements: The elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit) are integral to pagan practice. Incorporate items in your front yard that represent each of these elements, such as crystals for earth, feathers for air, candles for fire, and a fountain for water.

  • Create a labyrinth: Labyrinths have been used in spiritual practice for centuries as a tool for meditation, reflection, and contemplation. Consider creating a simple labyrinth in your front yard using stones, bricks, or other natural materials.

  • Host a drum circle: Drumming is a powerful way to connect with the energy of the earth and to enter into a meditative state. Consider hosting a drum circle in your front yard, inviting friends and neighbors to participate and to connect with the rhythms of nature.

  • Set up a sacred space: Creating a dedicated sacred space in your front yard can be a way to honor the natural world and to connect with pagan traditions. Consider setting up a small altar or meditation space, incorporating natural objects and ritual tools like candles, incense, and crystals.

  • Plant a tree: Trees are often seen as sacred in pagan traditions, representing growth, strength, and stability. Consider planting a tree in your front yard, choosing a variety that is native to your region and that resonates with your personal beliefs and intentions.

  • Host a plant swap: Get the positive vibes going around your house!!!!! Sharing plants with others can be a way to build community and to connect with the energy of growth and abundance. Consider hosting a plant swap in your front yard, inviting friends and neighbors to bring plants to trade and to connect with one another in a meaningful way.

  • Create a herb garden: Herbs have long been associated with pagan traditions and can be used in spells, rituals, and for cooking. Consider planting a small herb garden in your front yard, incorporating herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.

  • Set up a bird feeder or bath: In many pagan traditions, birds are seen as messengers from the spirit world and are associated with communication and divination. Setting up a bird feeder or bath in your front yard can be a way to connect with these energies and to attract birds to your space.

  • Fill a clear glass bowl with spring water; stir in a clockwise direction with your finger. Carry the bowl outdoors, or at least to a window where you can view the Moon. Raise the bowl until you can see the Blessing Moon through the water and speak these words:You who have been known by many names, and have shed your light on our Earth since time began, bless us with the bounty of the field and the vine.Gently swirl the bowl while gazing at the shimmering moonlight. In simple ritual, respectfully pour the water onto the Earth. Pause and be aware of the summer night—the stars, the crickets, and the fireflies.

  • Plant Holy by your gates it is associated with good luck, safety and used in Protection Magick. Also keeps malevolent spirits away.

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"Garden guardians" refer to various types of objects, sculptures, or features that are placed within a garden or outdoor space to serve both decorative and practical purposes. These elements often have symbolic or aesthetic significance and can enhance the overall atmosphere of a garden. Here are a few examples of garden guardians:

  1. Garden Gnomes: These small, humanoid figurines have become iconic garden decorations. They are often depicted in whimsical poses and are believed to bring good luck to the garden.

  2. Statues and Sculptures: Garden sculptures, such as statues of animals, mythological creatures, or human figures, can serve as guardians by adding a sense of beauty and charm to the garden while also acting as focal points.

  3. Gargoyle Statues: Inspired by the architectural gargoyles found on historic buildings, gargoyle statues in gardens often serve as protectors by warding off evil spirits and negative energy. They are known for their unique and sometimes grotesque designs.

  4. Wind Chimes: While not traditional guardians in the conventional sense, wind chimes add aural charm to a garden space and can create soothing sounds that add to the overall ambiance.

  5. Animal Repellent Statues: Some gardeners use sculptures of predatory animals, such as owls or hawks, to deter smaller creatures like birds or rodents from damaging plants.

  6. Fairy and Mythical Creature Figures: Statues of fairies, elves, dragons, and other mythical creatures can add a touch of enchantment and fantasy to a garden, making it feel like a magical realm.

  7. Lanterns and Lights: Garden lanterns or light fixtures can serve as guardians by illuminating the space and providing a sense of security during the night.

  8. Boundary Markers: Stone pillars, columns, or other decorative markers can be placed at the entrance or along the boundaries of a garden, symbolically demarcating the space and welcoming visitors.

  9. Topiaries: These are living sculptures created by trimming and shaping shrubs or trees into various forms, such as animals, geometric shapes, or abstract designs. Topiaries can add a sense of elegance and structure to a garden.

  10. Water Features: Sculptures incorporated into fountains, ponds, or other water features can serve as both decorative elements and symbolic guardians of the water's tranquility.

These garden guardians add personality, charm, and a sense of character to outdoor spaces, making them more visually appealing and engaging for visitors and creating a unique environment that reflects the tastes and preferences of the gardener.

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Fairy bottles, also known as fairy jars or fairy lights, are enchanting decorative items that create a magical and whimsical atmosphere. These charming creations often involve placing tiny lights or other luminous objects inside transparent containers, such as glass jars or bottles, to mimic the appearance of fireflies or fairy lights. They are often used as decorative pieces for indoor or outdoor spaces, adding a touch of fantasy and charm to the surroundings.

Here's how you can create your own fairy bottle:

Materials Needed:

  1. Glass jar or bottle with a lid

  2. Battery-operated fairy lights (LED string lights)

  3. Decorative elements (optional), such as glitter, faux flowers, ribbons, or small figurines

Steps to Create a Fairy Bottle:

  1. Select a Container: Choose a glass jar or bottle that you'd like to use for your fairy bottle. It can be clear or colored, depending on your preference.

  2. Prepare the Lights: Ensure you have battery-operated fairy lights. LED string lights work well for this purpose. Make sure the lights are functional and have fresh batteries if needed.

  3. Insert the Lights: Gently coil or arrange the fairy lights inside the jar. You can spread them out evenly or create a more random arrangement, depending on the effect you want to achieve.

  4. Add Decorative Elements: If desired, you can enhance the magical look of the fairy bottle by adding decorative elements. Consider sprinkling a bit of glitter or placing faux flowers, ribbons, or small figurines inside the jar. These elements can add texture and visual interest to the display.

  5. Secure the Lid: Once you're satisfied with the arrangement of lights and decorations, carefully close the jar with its lid. Make sure the lid is secure to prevent the lights from getting damaged or tangled.

  6. Display the Fairy Bottle: Place your completed fairy bottle on a shelf, table, or any desired location. When you turn on the lights, they will emit a soft and enchanting glow, creating a magical ambiance reminiscent of fireflies or fairy lights.

Fairy bottles can be customized in various ways to suit different themes or occasions. They are popular for home décor, parties, weddings, and other special events. The soft illumination they provide can create a cozy and whimsical atmosphere that captivates both children and adults alike.

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