Magic is often seen as something mystical and unattainable, reserved for a select few with special powers or training. However, there is a perspective that suggests magic is accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or abilities. This idea stems from the belief that magic is not an external force that only a few people can tap into, but rather an inherent power that exists within each individual. It is said that everyone possesses a certain level of energy or life force that can be harnessed and directed to create change in the world. In this view, magic is seen as a natural extension of our own being, much like any other talent or skill. Just as some people are naturally gifted artists or athletes, there are those who naturally excel in the realm of magic.
For Áine Órga of HeartStory.org, the Winter Solstice celebration begins on the night before the solstice itself. She performs a ritual in celebration of the dark, still moment of the solstice, and looks towards the returning light of the dawn the following morning. On the morning of the solstice itself, she sit with the sunrise, feeling the moment of the shortest day:
Because Earth s orbit around the sun marking years isn t tethered to how the Earth spins on its own axis marking days , the date of Winter Solstice can shift a little from year to year. Some Pagans use the log as a stand for candles, and light the candles especially for apartment dwellers, or those without a fireplace on Solstice eve.
Just as some people are naturally gifted artists or athletes, there are those who naturally excel in the realm of magic. However, this does not mean that others are incapable of accessing their own magic. The key to unlocking this inner magic is self-awareness and intention.
A Yule Poem and Solstice celebration…..
Merry Meet my lovely friends. How is your Yule/Christmas preparations going? If you’re like me, you’re as busy as can be..running everywhere…shopping, wrapping, baking, visiting and feeling a bit run down, tired and stressed. This time of year can be very hectic but because we are witches we know how to fix that don’t we? Be sure to take quiet time every day. Meditation, altar work, ritual baths, moon gazing, fire gazing, candle spells, scented oils and incense and grounding and centering are all ways for us to relax, regroup, and to re-energize our minds and bodies so that we feel better and don’t get so stressed out and tired that we don’t enjoy this time of year.
For us christmas day is about spending time with family, feasting, opening gifts and having a fun filled day. Yule or Winter Solstice is something quite different. It’s more about quiet peace, the glow of candles, a yule log burning, a simple meal and reflecting on the past year and what you hope to manifest in the next. There are many things you can do as a family to celebrate the solstice that will be rewarding and memorable and make the day lovely and relaxing at the same time.
*Instead of buying gifts, make some together on Yule Day. My daughters, sister and I love to knit and crochet. There are so many things you can make with that skill for loved ones. Or make something and donate it to a charity such as chemo caps, preemie caps, and blankets for hospice patients. Or you can make homemade decorations for your Yule tree, wreath, or Yule log. Cinnamon or Salt dough ornaments shaped like stars, moons, pentacles, apples etc would be a fun family project!
*Go on a nature walk in a nearby woods or nature preserve or on a beach. Look for a Yule Log for the fireplace or a smaller one simply to decorate the home. Look for natural decorations such as ivy, mistletoe, and pinecones, taking care to only pick what has already fallen. If its snowing, take bird seed, dried corn or shelled peanuts to put out for the birds and furry creatures. Make snow angels. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. Sing carols outloud.
*Collect evergreens to make a Yule Wreath or to put on your Yule log…the scent when you burn the log will be delicious!
*While sitting around the burning Yule Log, share the stories of Winter Solstice. Each member of the family throws some dried holly sprigs into the fire, saying a farewell to the old year. Talk about your past year together and what you’d like to have happen in your next year. Perhaps everyone has a favorite memory that could be recorded in a journal or blog.
*Have a Solstice Meal. Make it as big or as simple as you wish. Make a cake for the return of the Sun King…maybe put a sunburst on the cake with icing. Each person can light a candle on the cake and make a wish for the coming year.
*Have the family do a ritual together to wish the Holly King a pleasant journey til he comes back again.
*Stay up all night and watch the sunrise and toast the Sun King’s return with fresh orange juice or mimosa..then have a nice breakfast and take a long winter’s nap!
Can you think of a tradition you would like to start with your family? I know you can…you may have some in place already! One thing I do too..is for myself, I take time at my altar..or outside with the Moon Goddess…to give thanks for the blessings in my life. I value my time to reflect and be with the Goddess anytime I can.
I found this poem this evening and just loved it…thought I would share it here with you.
“So the shortest day came, and the year died,
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
…They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive,
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us – Listen!!
All the long echoes sing the same delight,
This shortest day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, fest, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!!”
– Susan Cooper, The Shortest Dayj
I don’t know who Susan Cooper is but I salute her writing! She captured Yule perfectly in her beautiful words. So my dear friends, look for ways to find calm in the raging busyness of the season. Embrace some time for solitude to regroup and reconnect with the Goddess and your soul. Have a glass of wine or eggnog in the evening by a fire or a lit candle. Put your jammies on early and watch a holiday movie. Kiss under the mistletoe with your honey. Call old friends you haven’t talked to for awhile…just reconnect with loved ones. It’s going to be a long winter but each day the sun shines a bit longer and spring will come soon and Mother Earth will wake up and it WILL be green again! 🙂
Because Earth’s orbit around the sun (marking years) isn’t tethered to how the Earth spins on its own axis (marking days), the date of Winter Solstice can shift a little from year to year. This is similar to the reason we add an extra day to a leap year every 4 years. In general, Solstice will usually be either the 21st or 22nd of December. Once in a blue moon however, the date of the Solstice can shift as early as the 20th or as late as the 23rd.
It requires individuals to become attuned to their own energy and tap into it with purpose. This can be done through various practices such as meditation, visualization, and energy work. By cultivating a deep sense of self and an understanding of their own power, individuals can begin to access and wield their magic. It is important to note that accessible magic does not necessarily mean everyone will become a master spellcaster or perform extraordinary feats. It simply means that everyone has the potential to shape their reality and create positive change through their own unique abilities. Magic becomes accessible when individuals approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore and experiment. Removing the belief that magic is reserved for a chosen few allows people from all walks of life to tap into their innate power and forge their own path. In conclusion, the idea of magic being accessible to anyone suggests that it is not a limited resource available only to a select few. Rather, it is a natural extension of our own being that can be harnessed and directed with intention. By cultivating self-awareness and tapping into their innate power, individuals can access their magic and create change in the world around them..
Reviews for "The Science of Magic: Understanding the Psychology Behind Illusion"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "Magic accessible to anyone" as I love magic and was hoping to learn some new tricks. However, I found the book to be quite disappointing. The author claims that anyone can perform magic, but the explanations and instructions were often vague and unclear. As a result, I couldn't properly understand or execute the tricks. Additionally, some of the tricks required expensive props, which contradicts the premise of magic being accessible to anyone. Overall, I don't think this book is suitable for beginners or those looking to learn magic on a budget.
2. Mike - 1/5 - I found "Magic accessible to anyone" to be a complete waste of time and money. The book lacks any depth or substance, with basic tricks that even a child could figure out. The author's writing style is dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged. Furthermore, the instructions are poorly explained and often leave out crucial details, leading to confusion and frustration. I was really disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking to learn magic.
3. Emily - 2/5 - I was intrigued by the title of "Magic accessible to anyone," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to its promise. The tricks described in the book were not particularly impressive or unique. Many of them are commonly known tricks that can easily be found with a quick Google search. Additionally, the explanations and illustrations provided were not clear and concise, making it frustrating to follow along. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this book.