Pagan Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, is a significant holiday celebrated by modern Pagans and Wiccans. It marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun, symbolizing the end of darkness and the beginning of light. In 2022, Pagan Yule will take place on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal as people gather to honor nature and the cycle of seasons. Many Pagan traditions and rituals are associated with this special day. One common ritual is the lighting of the Yule log, which represents the rebirth of the sun.
As per my disclaimer above: Edward Eager would figure high on my list of magical books for children.
For anyone growing up in the 60s - 80s who frequented the children s section of their libraries and who loved magical books, more than likely you bumped up against Edward Eager s classic Half Magic and maybe a few of his others. But when Jane wishes inadvertently for a fire, a playhouse burns, and when Martha thoughtlessly wishes the cat could talk, the semiarticulate feline engages in an exasperating flow of half-meaningless words.
One common ritual is the lighting of the Yule log, which represents the rebirth of the sun. A large log is traditionally chosen and burned throughout the night, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Participants may also decorate the log with symbols of their intentions for the coming year.
Half magix Edward eager
Mark, Katherine, Jane, and Martha, the children of a single mother, find themselves entrusted with a lot of responsibility when they discover a magic coin that works by halves. Their mother unwittingly has the first adventure with the coin, during which she suddenly finds herself halfway home from visiting her aunt and uncle, but soon the children are making carefully calculated wishes that take them to far-flung points in time and space.
My husband and I listened to the full cast audiobook recording of this book on a car trip years ago, but I believe I slept through some of it and therefore didn’t add it to my Goodreads shelves because I hadn’t read the full story. This time around, I read the book aloud to my three oldest daughters (ages 2, 4, and 6) and enjoyed it much more. My intended audience was really the oldest two girls, and they both loved the idea of the magic coin and its tricky way of granting wishes. Each time we sat down to read, they were curious to know who was going to have a turn with the coin next and how they were going to use it.
For me, the appeal was largely that, despite the magical elements, the story is grounded in reality. I have a hard time diving right into fantasy worlds, so I always appreciate it when an author begins in the real world and slowly introduces magic. I also thought it was a fun way to encourage my kids to think mathematically, and also a great excuse to introduce them to the legend of King Arthur, which figures heavily into one child’s adventure with the coin.
Half Magic will appeal to readers who like old-fashioned family stories, like Elizabeth Enright’s Melendys series or Eleanor Estes’s Moffats books, as well as to those who enjoy stories where magic enters the real world a la The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit. I plan to read aloud the sequel, Magic by the Lake, possibly during the upcoming school year.
My Disclaimer
Another prominent tradition is the use of evergreen decorations, such as wreaths and garlands, to symbolize eternal life and hope during the winter months. These greenery arrangements are often adorned with lights, crystals, or other meaningful items. Feasting and sharing meals with loved ones is an integral part of Pagan Yule celebrations. It is a time to enjoy hearty and comforting foods that symbolize the abundance and sustenance of the earth. People gather around the table to share stories, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. During Pagan Yule, many Pagans and Wiccans also honor and connect with the elements of nature and the spiritual energies surrounding them. They may engage in meditation, divination, or spellwork to gain insight and set intentions for the coming year. Overall, Pagan Yule is a time of joy, celebration, and deep connection with nature and the divine. It is an opportunity for individuals to come together, reflect on the past year, and embrace the renewal and potential of the approaching year. The rituals, traditions, and symbols associated with Pagan Yule provide a rich and meaningful experience for participants, fostering a sense of spiritual growth and community..
Reviews for "Pagan Tule and the Return of the Sun: A Journey through Darkness"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I found "Pagan tule 2022" to be a complete disappointment. The storyline was weak and poorly developed, leaving me feeling bored and uninterested throughout. The characters lacked depth and their actions and motivations seemed forced and unrealistic. The writing style was also lackluster, with awkward and choppy sentences that made it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-executed read.
2. David - 2/5 stars - "Pagan tule 2022" had potential, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was intriguing, but it lacked coherence and struggled to maintain a steady pace. I found myself confused at times, trying to piece together the disjointed events and character interactions. Additionally, the world-building was insufficient, leaving several aspects unexplained and leaving me wanting more depth. While there were moments of brilliance, the overall execution of the book left much to be desired.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I wanted to love "Pagan tule 2022," but unfortunately, it just didn't resonate with me. The writing style felt forced and pretentious, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in their journey. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of unnecessary detail and minimal action. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered. Overall, while I appreciate the author's attempts at creating an atmospheric and thought-provoking novel, it missed the mark for me.