Pagan Solstice Rituals for Spiritual Growth and Renewal

The solstice is a significant event celebrated by pagans, which marks the longest day or the shortest night of the year. It is a time when the power of the sun is at its peak. The solstice rituals performed by pagans vary depending on their specific traditions and beliefs. One commonly practiced solstice ritual is the lighting of bonfires. These fires are seen as symbols of the sun's power and are believed to bring purification and renewal. Pagan communities gather around the bonfires to celebrate and honor the energy of the sun, and to invoke its blessings for the upcoming season.

Pagan communities gather around the bonfires to celebrate and honor the energy of the sun, and to invoke its blessings for the upcoming season. Another solstice ritual is the making of flower crowns or wreaths. Flowers and herbs are associated with fertility, growth, and the abundant energy of nature.

Inside Anne Hathaway's Wickedly Awesome Wardrobe for The Witches

Because this adaptation of The Witches was set in the 1960s, costume designer Joanna Johnston told E! News said she looked to "glamorous women" from that time period, including Faye Dunaway and Marilyn Monroe for inspiration.

Changing the decade the film took place in helped Johnston and Anne Hathaway establish their own unique look for the character, different from Anjelica Huston's iconic turn in the original film, which took place in the 1980s.

"I mean I did look at the film and I did really enjoy it and I love Anjelica Huston," Johnston explained. "So I just thought it needed to have its own platform and not really have anything to do with the old one. It's a new take. The dial is turned right up. But the great thing about witches is they can be anybody you know. They come in all sorts of different guises. You know, it's fun because you can go a bit over the top, really."

While Huston rocked a blunt, too-perfect long brunette bob and fringe in the original, The Witches remake subverted expectations by having Hathaway don a chic coiffed blonde 'do, reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe.

"When I was doing my research, we looked at these blonde icons and we looked at Anne blonde as well," Johnston explained of the hue choice, "she had done a couple of things with blonde hair, you know, but she's got brown eyes which is kind of interesting because it's a sort of odd look."

Because all of the witches wear wigs, the Grand High Witch needed to have a "more bombshell" look because "everything about her is a higher quality than all the other witches," she reasoned. "They don't have such good wigs."

Hoping to snag one of the Grand High Witch's covetable pieces? "It was all designed," Johnston revealed. "Everything of hers was designed and made."

The impressive task was as exhausting was it was exhilarating for Johnston's team.

"It's complex and I managed to make it particularly complicated in the design for the construction," she admitted. "It was very challenging for the Brennan's Ian Fraser Wallace, who was my main cutter. And, you know, the printing and dyeing departments—everything was difficult. But it's good because it's nice to have to create challenges and things you've never done before."

The biggest hurdle in terms of wardrobe was the purple gown with the gold snake Hathaway wears in the film's climax, that is also featured on the poster. But not because of the construction.

"Anne Hathaway became pregnant halfway through filming," Johnston said. "The results of the pregnancy became apparent halfway through. So the body clinging design with a snake wrapping round it was pretty challenging. It's funny now but it was. It was definitely quite taxing."

As for the slinky dress' main accessory, Johnston wanted to create a versatile reptile.

"It was a snake wrapped around the dress, and it comes into a jeweled head around the collar. So it's sort of partial jewelry and partial on other materials," she explained, "and the idea was that it had its own character and then it could be slightly animated. The idea that it had its own sort of character."

As previously mentioned, Hathaway became pregnant with her second child midway through production, with Johnston admitting, "I didn't know she was pregnant I thought she was just eating lots of pasta. Bad period or something."

Because Hathaway wanted to keep the information quiet, Johnston didn't learn about the pregnancy until toward the end of shooting, which meant it was "too late to change the design, so we just had to accommodate with what we could and with camera angles and what not."

Before production kicked off, Johnston and Hathaway spoke over the phone about the Grand High Witch's overall look.

"I gave some general ideas of what I was thinking and I had done some designs. Anne was really game for the super overdramatic, she was really into that," Johnston detailed. "She sent me a self-made video clip with her clacking around in mules with a dress and gown."

After receiving the tape, the costume designer knew she would "get on really well" with the star because "she just wanted it to be as dramatic as I did," Johnston said. "She was wonderful to work with."

The impressive task was as exhausting was it was exhilarating for Johnston's team.

Pagan individuals often weave these crowns or wreaths to wear during solstice ceremonies, symbolizing their connection to the earth and their intention to harness the vitality of the sun. Dance and music are integral parts of solstice rituals. Pagans believe that movement and sound help to raise energy and connect with the spiritual forces of the solstice. People joyfully dance and play instruments, creating a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the celebratory nature of the occasion. In addition to the communal rituals, solstice ceremonies often involve personal introspection and reflection. Pagans use this time to connect with their inner selves and assess their spiritual growth. They may set intentions, make wishes, or perform divination to gain insight into their paths for the coming year. The solstice is also seen as a time of transition, as it marks the turning point from one season to another. As such, pagans may incorporate elements of letting go, releasing old patterns, and embracing new beginnings into their rituals. This can be done through symbolic gestures or through the sharing of words and intentions within the community. Overall, solstice rituals are deeply rooted in the pagan belief system and aim to honor the cycles of nature, celebrate the power of the sun, and promote personal growth and transformation. They serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world, and provide a sacred space for spiritual expression and community bonding..

Reviews for "The Magic of Solstice Rituals: Pagan Beliefs Explored"

1. Jack - 2 stars

I recently attended the Solstice Ritual Pagan and was extremely disappointed. The entire event felt disorganized and lacked the spiritual atmosphere that I was expecting. The participants seemed more interested in socializing and taking photos than actually engaging in any meaningful rituals. Additionally, the event was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully participate or connect with the energy of the solstice. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with my experience.

2. Sarah - 1 star

The Solstice Ritual Pagan was a complete letdown. The organizers advertised it as a transformative and enlightening experience, but all I witnessed were a bunch of people dressed in costumes prancing around and chanting without any real purpose or meaning. The rituals felt disjointed and not well thought out, leaving me questioning the authenticity of the event. I was hoping to connect with like-minded individuals and deepen my spiritual practice, but instead, I left feeling like I wasted my time and money.

3. Paul - 2 stars

I attended the Solstice Ritual Pagan with high hopes, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The event was poorly structured, and it seemed like the organizers were more focused on aesthetics rather than creating a truly meaningful experience. The rituals felt forced and performed without much reverence or understanding of their significance. The lack of proper guidance left me feeling confused and disconnected throughout the entire event. I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone seeking a genuine spiritual experience.

Embracing the Power of the Sun: Pagan Solstice Ceremonies