The Magic of July - Growth & Fullness

July is here! It's the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere, and the world and waters are alive and thriving. The month of July usually corresponds to both fire and water - the transformative fire of the sun, and the abundance and life of summer seas. Annual feeding and mating migrations are well underway or are in full swing now. Harvests are coming in and farmer's markets are offering up seasonal fruits and vegetables. Seasonal seafood, such as steamers, oysters, mussels, lobster, crab, and a multitude of species of fish are showing up on menus and plates across the northern hemisphere. Beaches, too, are packed with people seeking cool breezes, cool waters, and the warmth of sun and sand. July is, indeed, the essence and embodiment of summer north of the equator.

While there are plenty of correspondences for July to be found in various corners of the internet, and in the pages of books on witchcraft, this post will focus on the deep water connections that July brings, and setting up your July or Peak of Summer altar. Soon, the full harvests will be in (August) and the days will grow noticeably shorter - but for now, in this moment and month, we can bask in the vitality of our summer seas.

Crystals & Stones

• Larimar - This beautiful stone is mined in the depths of the ocean itself and is the perfect stone to mark the summer seas of July. It brings calm and a deep ocean connection to offset the fiery energy of the month.

• Aquamarine - Not only does this ocean corresponding stone bring serenity and balance, it is also a powerful stone for invoking clarity, strength, and communication. It's a perfect stone to wear at the beach or out on the waters - sailors would often carry it for protection on sea voyages.

• Pearl - Not a stone perse, but a gift directly from the seas themselves, the pearl is formed in oysters, some clams, and even conch. This stone is about wealth (abundance), but also about wisdom and balance, and channeling the divine feminine - a perfect piece for celebrating abundant seas.

Colours - While red, yellow, and orange are traditional colours associated with July's fiery energy, think blues, teals, seafoam, and aqua for setting up a July altar. Use candles and altar cloths in these colours to channel the energy of summer seas the world over.

Animals

• Humpbacked Whale - July is the perfect time for whale watching in New England, and on the west coast too. The Humpback Whale is ubiquitous in our summer seas as they've migrated to their summer feeding grounds. In some cultures, these beautiful animals are believed to be divine messengers, and protectors of the sea. Their songs are hauntingly beautiful and listening to them can help open your mind's eye to receiving wisdom from the waters.

• Harbour Seals - Common along the New England and pacific coasts, Harbour Seals can be found lounging on beaches and playing in the warming waters. Channel seal's playful and carefree energy this month! We do want to note, however, that while they may not seem to fear people and seem to be fine sharing the beach with us, we remind you that they are still wild animals and you should not approach or touch them. These intelligent and oft times silly animals do attract another animal associated with July's seas though...

• Great White Shark - The Great White migration follows prey animals up the coast and sightings generally peak in July. Much maligned as vicious killing machines, the Great White is an apex predator, but it is not a depraved murderer. July is a great time to channel this shark's strength, vitality, and focus.

• Sea Otters (Pacific) - Sea Otter pups have been weaned by now, and they are striking out on their own to learn how to be, well, otters! Channel Sea Otter energy like seal energy - through play. Allow your inner child a day at the beach.

Sea Vegetation - Instead of herbs, we'll look at some sea vegetation correspondences for the month.

• Bladderwrack - Growth and harvest of this abundant sea vegetable peaks around now, and this sea veg is an excellent source of iodine. In fact, in areas where this is prolific (like New England), it contributes up to 46% of your iodine intake by simply breathing it in! Bladderwrack, like aquamarine, has also been used to protect sailors on ocean journeys, and is a great protective talisman. This particular sea veg is also perfect for ritual bathing. Seaweed "bath tea" sachets usually contain mostly bladderwrack, known for it's restorative and skincare qualities.

• Rockweed - Not to be confused with bladderwrack (although it often is), rockweed is a vital source of both nutrition and animal harborage in New England's summer seas. It is usually at full growth by July, and is harvested by humans for use as fertilizer, packing materials in bait setups on lobster and fishing boats, and to process an extract used in skin care and cosmetics too.

• Dulse - Dulse is one of the most versatile sea vegetables when it comes to culinary applications, and it's also used in sea witchcraft as a road opener, curse breaker, or even as an aid to more baneful or protective magical workings. Harvested in the summer months in northern to arctic zones, this sea vegetable is a beautiful embodiment of July's seas.

Plants/Herbs - There are some plants common to our coastal areas in New England that are coming into their own in July, and can be used in your spell craft or in creating your altars.

• Beach Rose - This once invasive plant is now considered native to New England and thrives in the sandy soil of coastal woods. The wild rose is generally ending it's bloom cycle by early July, and its rose hips begin to form for a late autumn harvest. July is still a good time to find these flowers though - and they are edible!

• Lowbush Blueberry - July is blueberry season in New England (especially in Maine). In addition to being an excellent source of antioxidants, blueberries and their leaves are also associated with protection and hex-breaking.

• Milkweed - The milkweed in my own yard is flowering beautifully right now, and will eventually (hopefully) attract Monarch butterflies to lay eggs there, but did you know that milkweed is also associated with healing and protection? We recommend using the fluff and flowers in your magical workings - the sap itself can be mildly toxic if not treated properly.

Shells - Shells along our beaches and shorelines tend to vary on a seasonal basis too, especially if you live in an area where beaches are groomed during the summer season. Late autumn through early spring are my favourite times to walk the shores and collect shells on wild beaches, but July does offer some beautiful species too. My more common finds here at this time of year are large surf clams, quahogs, and slipper shells, but even this can vary from beach-to-beach. When you get to know your own beaches and sacred spaces, you'll learn the seasonal cycles of the animals of your area, and what shells are best found when.

Take the time this month to slow down and take in the life and abundance around you. The long summer days don't last, so be sure that you channel this wild and beautiful energy while it's here!