The new moon was at 2:53 Greenwich Mean time, or UTC as they now call it. This is the second midsummer moon, the Moon of Bees.
Where the Moon of Blossoms was the time for haymaking from the lush grasses that grow so fast as the sun warms the earth, in this moon we move from hay to the corn harvest. The corn is ripening in the fields, and the mill stones are ready to grind the grain. Pollination is so crucial to our food supplies that I like to emphasise the role of the bees who seem most active at this time.
The Native Americans in NE US called this the Buck Moon. I think of the Buck as the young male asserting his authority.
The tree in the Celtic calendar for this moon is the oak, a symbol of strength and leadership.
Several religious groups celebrate key moments in establishing their church. July 10th is the martyrdom of the Bab, spiritual leader of the Baha’i faith. July 11th is Christian St Benedict’s day. He established Monasteries which restarted western culture and learning after the fall of Rome. July 15th marks the saints day for St Vladimir the Great in the Orthodox church which was established under his rule. He saw religion as a way to bring culture to his people. In the USA Pioneer Day celebrates the establishing of the Mormon Church. On July 26 Asalha Puja celebrates the day when Buddha set out The Four Noble Truths. These all celebrate the establishing of well intentioned institutions to improve people’s lives.
Coming only a week after the longest day (shortest in the antipodes) the Moon of bees emphasises also Duir, the Oak’s role as keeper of doors and locks. His consort, Cardea, was responsible for hinges. Very practical.
Alongside them Liminus, God of Boundaries was recognised. All boundary setting gods date from the early days of settlements and farming.