Magic sand, also known as kinetic sand, is a type of sand that is commonly used for sensory play and educational purposes. It is made from a mixture of sand and a special binding agent that gives it unique properties. One of the main characteristics of magic sand is its ability to stick together and form shapes. Unlike regular sand, which can easily crumble and fall apart, magic sand can be molded and sculpted into various forms. This makes it a popular choice for children's play and creative activities. Magic sand is also known for its tactile stimulation properties.
Father Christmas is a pagan shaman from the grey mist of a distant European past. This might seem strange to a lot of people in our day; they may even think that this is an extremely far-fetched claim. Can you prove something like that?
--Appleton 2002, 53
He then received a fellowship from the German academic service for foreign research, the Deutsche Akademische Auslandsdienst DAAD , to realize his doctoral thesis on healing spells and incantations of the Lacandone-Maya at the University of Hamburg, Germany. As early as the Old Stone Age, reindeer were sunk in moors as sacrificial offerings--for example, in the Hamburg steppe of Meiendorf and Stellmoor and in Magdalénien Pohlhausen 1953.
Magic sand is also known for its tactile stimulation properties. It has a soft and squishy texture that can be satisfying to touch and squeeze. This sensory experience can be calming and relaxing for individuals of all ages.
Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Origins of Yuletide (Paperback)
The day on which many commemorate the birth of Christ has its origins in pagan rituals that center on tree worship, agriculture, magic, and social exchange. But Christmas is no ordinary folk observance. It is an evolving feast that over the centuries has absorbed elements from cultures all over the world--practices that give plants and plant spirits pride of place. In fact, the symbolic use of plants at Christmas effectively transforms the modern-day living room into a place of shamanic ritual.
Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling show how the ancient meaning of the botanical elements of Christmas provides a unique view of the religion that existed in Europe before the introduction of Christianity. The fir tree was originally revered as the sacred World Tree in northern Europe. When the church was unable to drive the tree cult out of people’s consciousness, it incorporated the fir tree by dedicating it to the Christ child. Father Christmas in his red-and-white suit, who flies through the sky in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, has his mythological roots in the shamanic reindeer-herding tribes of arctic Europe and Siberia. These northern shamans used the hallucinogenic fly agaric mushroom, which is red and white, to make their soul flights to the other world. Apples, which figure heavily in Christmas baking, are symbols of the sun god Apollo, so they find a natural place at winter solstice celebrations of the return of the sun. In fact, the authors contend that the emphasis of Christmas on green plants and the promise of the return of life in the dead of winter is just an adaptation of the pagan winter solstice celebration.
About the Author
Christian Rätsch, Ph.D. (1957 – 2022), was a world-renowned anthropologist and ethnopharmacologist who specialized in the shamanic uses of plants for spiritual as well as medicinal purposes. He studied Mesoamerican languages and cultures and anthropology at the University of Hamburg and spent, altogether, three years of fieldwork among the Lacandone Indians in Chiapas, Mexico, being the only European fluent in their language. He then received a fellowship from the German academic service for foreign research, the Deutsche Akademische Auslandsdienst (DAAD), to realize his doctoral thesis on healing spells and incantations of the Lacandone-Maya at the University of Hamburg, Germany.
In addition to his work in Mexico, his numerous fieldworks have included research in Thailand, Bali, the Seychelles, as well as a long-term study (18 years) on shamanism in Nepal combined with expeditions to Korea and the Peruvian and Colombian Amazon. He also was a scientific anthropological advisor for expeditions organized by German magazines such as GEO and Spektrum der Wissenschaften (Spectrum of Sciences).
Before becoming a full-time author and internationally renowned lecturer, Rätsch worked as professor of anthropology at the University of Bremen and served as consultant advisor for many German museums. Because of his extensive collection of shells, fossils, artifacts, and entheopharmacological items, he had numerous museum expositions on these topics.
He is the author of numerous articles and more than 40 books, including Plants of Love , Gateway to Inner Space , Marijuana Medicine , The Dictionary of Sacred and Magical Plants , and The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants . He is also coauthor of Plants of the Gods , Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas , Witchcraft Medicine , Pagan Christmas , and The Encyclopedia of Aphrodisiacs and was editor of the Yearbook of Ethnomedicine and the Study of Consciousness . A former member of the board of advisors of the European College for the Study of Consciousness (ECSC) and former president of the Association of Ethnomedicine, he lived in Hamburg, Germany.
Claudia Müller-Ebeling, Ph.D., is an art historian and anthropologist and coauthor, with Christian Rätsch, of Shamanism and Tantra in the Himalayas , Witchcraft Medicine , and Pagan Christmas . She lives in Hamburg, Germany.
Praise For…
"The authors and the translators richly deserve congratulations on what is without doubt one of the finest books about Pagan Christmas written in recent times."
— Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Dec 2006
"The illustrations and photographs are excellent. The text is concise, and accurate. Pagan Christmas is a fine reading experience!"
— Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, Dec 18, 2006
- Religion / Paganism & Neo-Paganism
- Religion / Christianity / History
- Religion / Holidays / Christmas & Advent
- Kobo eBook (October 23rd, 2006): $21.99
An examination of the sacred botany and the pagan origins and rituals of Christmas
Another interesting feature of magic sand is its ability to flow like a liquid when not compressed. This fluid-like behavior allows it to easily pour and flow through fingers or containers. This can be intriguing to observe and explore, making it an ideal material for science experiments and demonstrations. In addition to its tactile and visual appeal, magic sand is often used in educational settings to teach various scientific concepts. Its unique properties can help children understand concepts such as cohesion, adhesion, and the behavior of granular materials. It can also be used to explore concepts related to volume, density, and pressure. Magic sand is available in different colors, allowing for more vibrant and creative play. Some variations even come with glitter or other additives to enhance sensory experiences. While magic sand is generally safe to play with, it is important to supervise young children to prevent ingestion or inhalation. It is also recommended to keep magic sand away from water sources, as it can become sticky and difficult to clean up once wet. In conclusion, magic sand is a fascinating material that offers a range of sensory and educational benefits. Its ability to stick together, flow like a liquid, and be molded into shapes makes it a versatile tool for play, creativity, and learning..
Reviews for "Magic Sand: Unlocking Creativity in the Classroom"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I really wanted to like "Magic Sand Typo" based on the hype and positive reviews, but I was unfortunately disappointed. The gameplay felt repetitive and lacked any real challenge. The graphics were also underwhelming, with outdated visuals that didn't immerse me in the game. Additionally, the storyline was predictable and cliché. Overall, "Magic Sand Typo" failed to live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 1/5 - I can honestly say that "Magic Sand Typo" is one of the worst games I've ever played. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating and difficult to enjoy. The levels were poorly designed, with confusing layouts and no clear objectives. The lack of variety and depth in the gameplay quickly became boring and tedious. In my opinion, "Magic Sand Typo" is a complete waste of time and money, and I regret purchasing it.
3. Emily - 2/5 - While "Magic Sand Typo" had potential, it ultimately fell short in several key areas. The game mechanics were confusing and poorly explained, leaving me feeling lost and frustrated. The difficulty curve was inconsistent, with some levels being too easy and others being impossibly difficult. The lack of a tutorial or guidance made it difficult to progress and understand the game's mechanics. Overall, "Magic Sand Typo" was a disappointing experience and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Mike - 2/5 - Despite the positive reviews, I found "Magic Sand Typo" to be an underwhelming game. The gameplay lacked depth and innovation, feeling like a generic and forgettable experience. The graphics were average at best, with nothing particularly impressive or visually appealing. The story was also lackluster, failing to engage me or make me invested in the game. While it may appeal to some casual gamers, "Magic Sand Typo" didn't offer anything new or exciting to capture my interest.