There is something undeniably enchanting about the feeling of magic in the air. It is as if the world around us is charged with an invisible energy, sparking our imaginations and inviting us to explore new possibilities. This magical atmosphere can be felt in certain places or during special moments, evoking a sense of wonder and awe. One of the most common times to experience this magical feeling is during the holiday season. As the air turns crisp and cold, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement that fills the atmosphere. The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful music all contribute to the enchantment of this time of year.
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In an effort to prevent specters of the accused from flying free and accosting the afflicted, the jail keepers used shackles to hold the condemned the young, old, and ill included. The building, at the corner of Prison Lane and County Street present-day Federal Street measured thirteen feet stud, and twenty feet square, accommodated with a yard when built as the county jail in 1684.
The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cheerful music all contribute to the enchantment of this time of year. Whether it is the joy of giving and receiving gifts, the magic of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer, or simply the collective happiness that seems to radiate from people's hearts, there is no denying the special magic that fills the air during the holiday season. In addition to holidays, there are other moments in life that can create a magical ambiance.
Salem Jail in 1692, Site of
In 1692, the Salem jail was located on Prison Lane, today known as St. Peter Street. The building, at the corner of Prison Lane and County Street (present-day Federal Street) measured “thirteen feet stud, and twenty feet square, accommodated with a yard” when built as the county jail in 1684. It is thought to have had two stories. It was one of four jails where the majority of the accused witches were held (the others were in Boston, Cambridge, and Ipswich).
4 Federal Street, Salem, MA, USA
4 Federal Street. The old jail was at the intersection of St. Peter and Federal Streets.
4 Federal Street, Salem, MA, USA
More About Salem Jail in 1692, Site of
The conditions in the prison were appalling. It was dirt-floored, lice-ridden, dark, dismal, and stank of tobacco and dung. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Iron bars covered the windows. In an effort to prevent specters of the accused from flying free and accosting the afflicted, the jail keepers used shackles to hold the condemned – the young, old, and ill included. The imprisoned would be charged for their room and board (approximately two shillings, sixpence a week), plus a fee for their chains. It is uncertain whether there were any below ground cells; “dungeon” likely meant the main room on the first floor.
It was in Salem jail where Martha Corey was excommunicated before her hanging on September 22. It was from here that Giles Corey was taken to an open field and crushed to death, in an effort to force him to stand trial. The 17-year-old granddaughter of George Jacobs, who had implicated her grandfather of witchcraft, wrote a letter asking for his forgiveness while he awaited his execution in Salem jail. Margaret Jacobs had been accused herself and in fear, had confessed to witchcraft and accused several others, including her grandfather. It was also here where Mary Warren, the servant of John and Elizabeth Proctor, was examined by the magistrates and the reverends. Warren had claimed to be afflicted, accusing her employers. When she recanted, she too was accused of witchcraft.
Once a person was convicted of witchcraft, it was usually only a matter of days before they were executed. Essex County High Sheriff George Corwin would collect the condemned at the jail, and they would be taken by cart, with mounted guards alongside, to the execution site on the edge of town.
A new Salem jail was constructed in 1813, across Prison Lane where it intersected with Bridge Street, closer to the North River. The old jail’s timbers were used to construct a residence on the old location in 1863 by Abner Cheney Goodall. The Goodall family, who still owned the building in the 1930s, opened Salem’s first “Witch City” attraction in that decade. They recreated a jail and charged admission to visit the “Old Witch Jail and Dungeon.”
In the mid-1950s, the New England Telephone Company razed the building to make way for their new office building, located at 10 Federal Street. There was little outcry about the loss of the historic site. The old attraction moved to a building on Lynde Street, which had originally been built as a chapel for the East Church and then was home, from 1908 to 1980, to Salem’s Christian Science Church. Opening in 1980, the attraction still operates today as the Witch Dungeon Museum. During the excavation for the new telephone building on Federal Street, beams from the old jail were discovered. Today, one is on display at the Salem Witch Museum, one is on display at the Witch Dungeon Museum, and one is in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum.
The conditions in the prison were appalling. It was dirt-floored, lice-ridden, dark, dismal, and stank of tobacco and dung. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Iron bars covered the windows. In an effort to prevent specters of the accused from flying free and accosting the afflicted, the jail keepers used shackles to hold the condemned – the young, old, and ill included. The imprisoned would be charged for their room and board (approximately two shillings, sixpence a week), plus a fee for their chains. It is uncertain whether there were any below ground cells; “dungeon” likely meant the main room on the first floor.
Nature has a way of captivating our senses and stirring our souls. The soft rustling of leaves in a forest, the gentle lapping of waves on a beach, or the mesmerizing dance of a waterfall can all evoke a sense of awe and wonder. These natural wonders remind us of the beauty and mystery that exist in the world, and they have the power to transport us to a magical realm where anything is possible. Furthermore, there are certain places that seem to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, infusing the air with a touch of magic. Historical landmarks, ancient ruins, and sacred sites all hold a mysterious allure that captivates our imagination. These places often have a rich history and are steeped in legends and myths, allowing us to transport ourselves to a different time and place. Standing in the shadow of such sites can make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, evoking a sense of wonder and magic. Ultimately, the feeling of magic in the air is a reminder that there is more to life than what meets the eye. It is an invitation to embrace the unknown, to believe in the extraordinary, and to let our imaginations roam free. Whether it is during the holiday season, in the presence of nature's wonders, or at a place of historical significance, the magic in the air beckons us to open our hearts and minds to the endless possibilities that exist in the world..
Reviews for "The music of the wind: Exploring the mystical sounds of nature"
1. John - ★★☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "Feel the Magic in the Air". The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The writing style was also quite bland and didn't engage me as a reader. I was hoping for a magical and captivating story, but instead, I found it to be dull and unoriginal. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting fantasy read.
2. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
I couldn't get through "Feel the Magic in the Air". The prose was overly flowery and filled with unnecessary descriptions, which made the story drag on. The pacing was slow, and the plot didn't offer anything new or interesting. The characters were also one-dimensional and didn't evoke any sense of emotion or connection. Overall, I found the book to be tedious and would not recommend it to fellow readers.
3. Robert - ★★☆☆☆
"Feel the Magic in the Air" had potential, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The world-building was weak and lacked imagination, and the magical elements felt forced and contrived. The dialogues were overly simplistic, and the characters didn't have believable motivations. I struggled to stay engaged in the story, and it was a disappointment. I'd recommend skipping this one and seeking out better fantasy books.
4. Amanda - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Feel the Magic in the Air" to be a mediocre read. The writing style was average, and the story lacked originality. The plot was predictable, and the characters were forgettable. There were some moments that showed promise, but overall, it didn't capture my attention or leave a lasting impression. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy novel.