Items of Interest The Birthstone for July is the Ruby The earliest record for the mining of rubies goes back to more than 2,500 years ago in Sri Lanka. Historically, many believe that mystical powers lie within this intensely colored red gemstone. When inserted beneath the skin, the ancient Burmese believe that the stone generates a mystical force, which protects the wearer from accidents and attack. In the ancient world, many believed rubies to contain prophetic powers, enabling wearers to predict their future based on the color changes of their gemstones. The ancient Hindus enchanted by the color of rubies considered them to be "Ratnaraj" or the "King of Precious Stones". Perhaps no gemstone has been as prized throughout history as the ruby. Celebrated in the Bible and in ancient Sanskrit writings as the most precious of all gemstones, rubies have adorned emperors and kings and inspired countless legends and myths with their rich, fiery hues. As the ultimate red gemstone, rubies have symbolized passion and romance for centuries. The fiery color of the ruby symbolizes devotion and desire. It was once believed that the wearer of a ruby was blessed with health, wealth, wisdom and outstanding success in affairs of the heart. Ruby is the birthstone for July and the anniversary gemstone for the fifteenth and fortieth wedding anniversaries.. Also the color of blood, the stone is symbolic of courage and bravery. Warriors were said to have implanted rubies under their skin to bring them valor in battle and make them invincible. The stone has also been used as a talisman against danger, disaster, to stop bleeding, and a number of other ailments. Its intense color was thought to come from an undying flame inside the stone - or, as some legends would have it, a piece of the planet Mars. The Flower for July is the Larkspur Larkspur was discovered in the mid-1800's across North America's prairie lands. It is a tall and slender flower, with a wide color range of white, blue, purple, red and various shades of green, which account for the species Latin name meaning "to become green". According to legend, during the time of the famous Gold Rush of 1849, the Crane boys, a pair of mischievous youths searching to strike it rich, began an adventure from their midwest home to the California coast. Throughout the journey across the midwestern plains, the boys encountered countless waves of poisonous snakes and other harmful species. To combat these horrific attacks, the Crane boys used tall larkspur--a stout and lengthy species of the flower-- as a guarding device and defense tool while they rested. The larkspur and the delphinium are close relatives; both are named for the shape of their flowers. The spur, looks like parts of the lark; hence "Larkspur", "Lark's Heel" , and "Lark's Claw. Its more delicate foliage differentiates it from the delphinium. Larkspurs symbolize lightness and swiftness. The larkspur of Delphinium is named for the shape of their flowers. The flower resembles the bottle - like nose of a dolphin. The name rose comes from the Latin word rose which means red. The spur, on the other hand, reminded some people of parts of the lark; hence "larkspur," "lark's heel", and "lark's claw." According to greek legend, Achillaes' mother requested that her son's armor be given to the most heroic Greek warrior during the Battle of troy. To the dismay of the brave warrior Ajax, the armor was awarded to Ulysses. Dejected, Ajax threw himself on his sword, and small blue delphiniums of Larkspurs sprung from the blood that fell to the ground. Delphinium petals are marked with the Greek letters Al, the Greek cry of mourning Delphiniums, (larkspurs) signify an open heart and ardent attachment; Larkspurs generally symbolize lightness and swiftness. Astrology Signs for July Click The Horscope Symbols To View Today's Horoscope! About Cancer (June 21 to July 20) The sign of the crab. Cancerians are tender loving and kind, they also have immense sympathy for those less fortunate than themselves., which in turn makes them very emotional people. A Cancerian will gladly sacrifice something they love for the ones they love. They are very homey people, preferring a quiet night in to a party. Quality: Negative Ruler: Moon Triplicity: Cardinal Quadruplicity: Water Traditional Cancerian Traits Emotional and loving Intuitive and imaginative Shrewd and cautious Protective and sympathetic On the dark side.... Changeable and moody Overemotional and touchy Clinging and unable to let go Likes Hobbies Romance Children Home and Country Parties Dislikes Aggravating situations Failure Opposition Being told what to do Advice (good or bad) About Leo (July 21 to August 20) The sign of the lion. Leo's are forceful, demanding and sometimes bossy, but despite this they also have a generous nature, when need be. Leos like to be the centre of attention all times, and are prone (if need be) to draw attention to themselves. They have much respect for family life and children and admire others who do so too. Leos are very big on Authority, but deal with all situations with integrity and fairness. Quality: Positive Ruler: Sun Triplicity: Fixed Quadruplicity: Fire Traditional Leo Traits Generous and warmhearted Creative and enthusiastic Broad-minded and expansive Faithful and loving On the dark side.... Pompous and patronizing Bossy and interfering Dogmatic and intolerant Likes Speculative ventures Lavish Living Pageantry and Grandeur Children Drama Dislikes Doing things safely Ordinary, Day to day living Small minded people Penny pinching Mean spiritedness Birthday Corner Main Page Mystickal Realms Main Page   MR Birthday Corner Designed & Maintained by Corvus the Familiar ©2003 & Up All rights reserved Mystickal Realms