The Litha Witch Festival, sometimes referred to as Midsummer, is a celebration that honors the summer solstice. It is a significant event in various pagan and witchcraft traditions, marking the peak of the sun's power and the longest day of the year. The festival is observed between June 20th and June 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is celebrated between December 20th and December 23rd. Litha has its roots in ancient pagan practices when people would gather to pay homage to the sun god and celebrate the abundance of the earth during this fruitful time. The festival is linked to fertility, growth, and the power of nature. It is a time to appreciate the bountiful harvests, embrace the warmth of the sun, and connect with the energies of the earth and the natural world.
Hoopshype orlando magic
Over his last 14 games, Anthony Davis is averaging:
– 30.3 points (60% shooting)
– 11.4 rebounds
– 3.6 assists
– 2.3 blocks
– 1.4 steals
Darvin Ham responded "it's up there" when asked if this is Davis' best stretch since he began coaching him last season: pic.twitter.com/OM0IPgD38D
D'Angelo Russell declined to speak to reporters postgame for the second consecutive game.
Darvin Ham says Cam Reddish is getting looked at right now after getting elbowed in the face by Immanuel Quickley late in the 4Q.
Final: Lakers 132, Raptors 131.
Anthony Davis with a regular-season high 41 points. Lakers back to .500, at 19-19.
End of 3Q: Raptors 89, Lakers 88.
Raptors, leading 70-62, have made five of seven 3-pointers through the first 5½ minutes of the 3Q.
Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett have 19 points apiece on a combined 15-of-23 shooting.
Halftime: Raptors 53, Lakers 51.
Only 1 FGA (1-2 on FTs) for Anthony Davis (19 points, five rebounds, four assists) in the 7:17 he played in the 2Q.
End of 1Q: Lakers 28, Raptors 24.
Anthony Davis (16 points and three assists) was directly responsible for 23 of the Lakers’ 28 points. Lakers shooting 54.5% from the field, 18 PITP.
Final: Timberwolves 113, Magic 92
Moe Wagner - 21 pts, 8 rebs
Jalen Suggs - 20 pts, 5 rebs
Paolo Banchero - 18 pts
Trevelin Queen - 11 pts
ORL - 36.2% FG | 31% 3PT
MIN - 53.8% FG | 40% 3PT
Rui Hachimura remains day to day, per Darvin Ham, who said Hachimura had "some great days" including yesterday.
He's still listed as doubtful for tonight but doesn't sound like he'll be available against Toronto.
HoopsHype: Jonathon Simmons one of the biggest free agency steals
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against Langston Galloway #9 of the Sacramento Kings during the game on March 19, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
It is a time to appreciate the bountiful harvests, embrace the warmth of the sun, and connect with the energies of the earth and the natural world. Many traditions and rituals are associated with the Litha Witch Festival. Bonfires are often lit as a symbol of purification and renewal.
The Orlando Magic got a huge bargain in signing Jonathon Simmons to a three-year, $18 million deal. And HoopsHype says it was one of the NBA’s steals.
The NBA is still catching up to the new reality of its TV deal and the money it brought into the league.
Last summer, the league spent like gangbusters to get up to the new reality — a nearly $20 million increase in the salary cap. This year saw a more modest gain and increase. And teams were not as willing to spend. There are still a few players — not to mention several restricted free agents — who are still waiting for their turn.
At this point — and to the Orlando Magic’s benefit — those players appear to be taking whatever they can get so they can get back into the free agency cycle next summer.
The Magic did not have a ton of money to spend this summer after spending a good chunk of change last summer. Orlando had to be shrewd with how they spent. And so patience was the order of the day. The team needed to find bargains and strike when the opportunity was right.
By all accounts, they did that. And they did that with Jonathon Simmons for perhaps the biggest free agency steal of the summer.
Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype named Simmons and his three-year, $18 million deal with the Magic, one of the biggest steals of the free agency period.
"At the end of the day, this is a low-risk, high-reward signing for Orlando. Simmons turned heads throughout his time in San Antonio and showed glimpses of the player he could become if given more minutes and responsibilities. This is the first splashy move for Jeff Weltman and John Hammond since taking over Orlando’s front office, and it’s a smart pick-up. If Simmons breaks out and reaches his full potential, the Magic landed a steal on a great contract. If this doesn’t work out, they protected themselves by inking Simmons to a relatively short deal that they can easily get out of after two seasons."
Simmons certainly seems like he is on the cusp of breaking out if he could get a larger role.
He averaged just 6.2 points per game in 17.8 minutes per game. But in the Playoffs, when his minutes increased to 20.4 per game, he averaged 10.5 points per game. And when Kawhi Leonard went out with an injury, Simmons stepped his game up further. He averaged 15.3 points per game in 27.5 minutes per game in the Western Conference Finals.
Simmons still has his struggles as a shooter. And the Magic are not likely handing him a starring role — or even a starter’s role. But Simmons’ role overall will take a step up in Orlando.
That was something Simmons was looking for in eventually leaving the San Antonio Spurs.
Simmons said he felt sometimes constrained in San Antonio. He believed moving to a more wide-open style would be a better fit for him. That is something the Magic might be able to provide.
What was truly surprising is the Magic, with their limited cap room were able to get him on the deal he signed.
At the beginning of the summer, it looked like Simmons was due for a major payday. Even though he was a restricted free agent. But his market never really developed. And he sat on the heap waiting for an offer to come. The Spurs did a favor rescinding his qualifying offer and letting him into unrestricted free agency.
The Magic struck from there. And even if he ends up being exactly what he was in San Antonio — a strong defender who can go on scoring bursts — Orlando got a good bargain.
Undoubtedly, the Magic got a bargain and one of free agency’s biggest steals.
Orlando Magic Rumors
Josh Robbins: Mo Bamba, on putting his jersey over Devin Cannady’s open ankle fracture: “I just saw my teammate was down, and I just did what he would probably do for me. I just thought quick and I didn’t want him to see (the injury). I just took my shirt off my back and gave it to him.”
Magic rookie Devin Cannady suffers gruesome injury
Josh Robbins: Devin Cannady has been wheeled off the court following his lower right-leg injury after he challenged a shot and landed awkwardly. Cannady raised his right hand as he was wheeled off and gave a thumbs-up sign.
Steve Clifford likely to miss multiple games
Adrian Wojnarowski: Magic coach Steve Clifford will not coach vs. Pacers tonight and could miss multiple games, source tells ESPN. Clifford will be out until he can pass league’s health and safety protocols. Clifford tested positive for the coronavirus, but has been asymptomatic and feeling well.
Team officials are holding out hope that the test results were a false positive, but the most encouraging news is that Clifford has shown no ill effects, at least so far. He has not had a fever. His blood oxygen levels are normal. “I was shocked that it was positive,” Clifford said Saturday night after The Athletic reported that he had tested positive. “I feel 100 percent.”
On Saturday night, Clifford sounded more concerned that basketball fans might hear the news about his positive test and mistakenly conclude that vaccines are not effective or worth getting. Indeed, Clifford was not fully vaccinated when he likely was exposed to the virus. But he added that, if the tests were not false positives, he hopes the initial vaccine will make it less likely he develops COVID-19 symptoms. “I just don’t understand why anybody would be against the vaccination,” Clifford said. “I think that the more people that do it in our country, it’s better for all of us.”
People may jump over the flames to symbolize leaving behind negativity and walking into a brighter future. In some communities, fire wheels or sun wheels are rolled down hills, representing the sun's journey across the sky. Many witches and pagans also take part in rituals and spellwork during Litha. This could involve creating flower crowns or garlands, which are worn during ceremonies and may be burned in the bonfire as an offering. Some practitioners also choose to perform divination or engage in meditative practices to connect with the energy of the solstice. As with many pagan celebrations, feasting and communal gatherings are a significant part of the Litha Witch Festival. People come together to share food, drink, and stories, often incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into their meals. It is a time of socializing, merriment, and appreciation for the natural world and its abundant gifts. Overall, the Litha Witch Festival is a time of celebration, gratitude, and connection with the environment. It serves as a reminder to honor the sun, embrace nature's cycles, and find balance within ourselves and the world around us. Through rituals, feasting, and communing with others, participants can tap into the powerful energies of the solstice and align themselves with the harmonious flow of life..
Reviews for "The Magic of Litha Fire Ceremonies: Release, Transformation, and Manifestation"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited to attend the Litha Witch Festival, but I was left disappointed. The event was poorly organized, with long lines for everything - from the entrance to the food stalls. The workshops were also underwhelming, lacking depth and substance. The vendors at the festival were selling overpriced and cheaply made items, making it hard to find anything of quality. Overall, I felt like the festival was more of a money-making event rather than a celebration of the Litha festival and witchcraft. Sorry, but I won't be attending again.
2. Chris - 1/5 - I had high hopes for the Litha Witch Festival, but unfortunately, it fell way below my expectations. The venue was incredibly crowded, making it difficult to move around or fully enjoy the activities. The workshops were disorganized and lacked structure, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. Additionally, the food options were limited, with overpriced and mediocre quality. I regret attending and would not recommend this festival to anyone looking for an enjoyable and authentic witchcraft experience.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I attended the Litha Witch Festival hoping for a spiritual and insightful experience, but unfortunately, it was far from it. The event was chaotic and overcrowded, making it impossible to fully immerse myself in the activities. The workshops were too crowded to participate in, and those that I managed to attend were lacking depth and knowledge. The vendors had limited variety and sold mostly mass-produced, commercially-made items. Overall, the festival felt more like a marketing scheme rather than a genuine celebration of the Litha festival and witchcraft traditions. I left feeling disappointed and disillusioned.
4. Alex - 1/5 - The Litha Witch Festival was a huge disappointment for me. The entire event felt disorganized and lacked any real substance. The workshops were poorly planned and executed, leaving attendees without any real guidance or knowledge. The vendors were overpriced, selling low-quality items that were not worth the investment. The overall atmosphere was lackluster, and it felt more like a commercialized gathering rather than a true celebration of witchcraft and spirituality. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this festival.