July's flower - Water Lily and Delphinium

Water Lilies are one of the longest cherished flowers across the centuries symbolising purity, beauty, longevity and enlightenment. In ancient Egypt, this beautiful jewel of a flower was often referred to as 'the lotus', symbolising rebirth and creation. Depicted in art as a symbol of and used in jewellery to represent the cycle of life, spiritual rebirth and peace. Water Lily motifs were often worn to enhance divine connection and promote eternal life.

Delphiniums are also known as 'larkspur' due to its petals, which resemble a lark's claw. Their tall vibrant flowers symbolise an open heart, deep emotional bonds and new beginnings. The name, Delphinium, comes from the Greek word 'delphis' meaning 'dolphin' due to the shape of the flower buds. During the Middle Ages, they were believed to have magical properties and were worn or used in potions for protection against negative energies.

July's birthstone - Ruby

The blood red or rosy pink of a Ruby - and every shade of red inbetween - is the stone of the heart. Its powerful energy facilitates the ability to give and receive unconditional love. It promotes a passion for life and instils a renewed energy of vigour and vitality. At the heaight of Summer, Ruby's promote sexuality and intimacy in a loving and generous way, and never in a self-destructive way.

Not only does this beautiful stone stimulate the heart chakra, it also balances the deepest of emotions, heals hidden wounds, soothes disappointment and alchemises negative energy. The Ruby encourages harmony and realistic expectations while providing the energy to bring about desired change. 

July's Folklore

• Fog in March, thunder in July
• A shower of rain in July, when the corn begins to fill, is worth a plough of oxen, and all belongs there till.
• When the months of July, August and September are unusually hot, January will be the coldest month.
• If the 1st of July it be rainy weather, it will rain more or less for four weeks together.
• If ant hills are high in July, Winter will be snowy.
• In July, shear your rye.
• A Summer fog for fair, a Winter fog for rain.
  

July's Quote

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a Summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.
                                                                                                                                                            John Lubbock

I hope you enjoy making the most of Nature through July for your good health, happiness and wellbeing. I look forward to seeing you here for the next Almanac on 1 August 2026.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf