Juwan Howard is a former professional basketball player who played a significant role on the Orlando Magic team. He was born on February 7, 1973, in Chicago, Illinois. **Howard was known for his versatile playing style and his ability to contribute in various positions on the court**. He played as a power forward and center, using his size and athleticism to dominate opponents. Howard attended the University of Michigan and played college basketball for the Wolverines. In 1994, he was selected as the No.
Persephone: Greek, Queen of the Underworld. Goddess of Fertility, her abduction by Hades is often seen as a reason for the seasons. She is allowed up from the underworld to bring to Spring and returns in the Fall.
Be spacious enough to hold it all as you offer these blessings May there be peace on earth, May the hearts of all people be open to themselves and to each other, May all people awaken to the light of their own true nature, May all creation be blessed and be a blessing to All That Is. Ostara makes the hopes and intentions of Imbolc manifest into action with new signs of life and fertility including new green growth and flowers blossoming.
In 1994, he was selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets. **His professional career spanned for 19 seasons, during which he played for several teams including the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat**.
The Wiccan Calendar: Ostara (Spring Equinox)
When is Ostara: March 19-23
Ostara pronunciation: OH-star-ah
Themes: balance, renewal, action, beginnings, hope, new possibilities
Also known as: Alban Eiler, Rites of Spring, Eostra’s Day, Vernal Equinox, March Equinox, Spring Equinox, Lady Day, Bacchanalia
Ostara is the second of three spring festivals on the Wheel of the Year. Coming in between Imbolc and Beltane, this is a time for celebrating the balance between extremes that is found amid the seasons. Although it may still be chilly in many regions, this is the official beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere—it is the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, the moment of exact balance between the light and the dark.
Though it’s typically celebrated on March 20, the exact moment of the Equinox varies from year to year. This is due to a slight misalignment between the Gregorian calendar and the actual rate of the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. The Equinox also occurs at differing local times, so depending on where you live, it may fall the day before or the day after the date listed on any given calendar. For this reason, a date range of March 19-21 is often cited in sources on the Wheel of the Year.
In the Wiccan mythology, the growing daylight is evidence of the God moving from infancy toward maturity. Likewise, the Earth becomes warmer and more fertile as the Goddess is coming into the full power of her Maiden aspect. The promise of greener, warmer, more bountiful times is becoming apparent as buds and blossoms emerge from the trees and shrubs, bees return to begin the pollination cycle, and fields of grass wake up from their winter slumber. This is a time of innocence and child-like wonder as the end of Winter finally becomes a reality and being outdoors is pleasant again. We have not yet arrived at the passion and heat of Summer, but are instead enjoying the more balanced energies of this Equinox.
To honor the energies of this time of year, you can decorate your altar with fresh flowers and a young, small potted plant or two. Use flower petals to mark the sacred circle, and fill your cauldron, if you have one, with fresh spring water to float petals upon. Images of hares, eggs and pastel colors are also traditional decorations. Foods appropriate for Ostara celebrations include eggs, sprouts, young greens, and other seasonal crops such as asparagus and fiddlehead ferns. Ostara rituals and spells often focus on balance. It is also not uncommon for Spring Equinox rituals to promote renewal.
As with Imbolc, this is a good time for purification of your home and even yourself—what habits or ruts have you still not shaken free from that you would like to let go of? This is also a good time to be planting seeds for what you’d like to manifest in the coming months—both literally, if you have a garden, and figuratively in terms of spellwork.
Before Christianity came to dominate the cultures of Europe, most pagans celebrated festivals on or near the Equinox, often honoring deities associated with fertility and abundance. One such deity was Ostara (also known as Eostre), a Northern European goddess of fertility who was worshipped in many areas populated by Germanic tribes. As part of the strategy to absorb and therefore eliminate the pagan religions, the Christians eventually adopted the name Easter for their own Spring holiday, and the Equinox festivals gradually declined over time.
However, as we know, the Old Religion never fully disappeared—just as with Yule, some traditions that are now associated with Easter actually have Pagan roots. For example, painting eggs was a custom among Druids and ancient Eastern European cultures, and the rabbit has always been a symbol of fertility. So if you grew up with these typical Easter customs, you’ve already tapped in to the power of Ostara!
—Debra Hall © Mother Tongue Ink 2021
However, it was with the Magic that Howard truly made his mark. Howard joined the Orlando Magic in 2007, and his impact on the team was immediate. **He provided veteran leadership and a strong presence in the paint, making him a crucial part of the Magic's success on the court**. In the 2008-2009 season, Howard helped lead the team to the NBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Nevertheless, his performance throughout the season and playoffs earned him recognition as one of the top power forwards in the league. Aside from his contributions on the court, Howard also made an impact off the court. He was known for his dedication to the community and his involvement in various charitable initiatives. Howard was a respected figure within the basketball community, admired for his work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to the game. Overall, Juwan Howard's time with the Orlando Magic was pivotal in his career. **He showcased his versatility and skill as a player, while also leaving a lasting impact on the team and the community**. Today, Howard is highly regarded as one of the most successful players in Magic history, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of basketball players..
Reviews for "Juwan Howard's Impact on the Magic's Playoff Contention"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars: I was extremely disappointed with Magic player Juwan Howard. Despite all the hype surrounding him, I found his performance on the court to be lackluster and underwhelming. He seemed disinterested and uninvolved in the game, making careless mistakes and missing easy shots. It was evident that he did not possess the skills or talent required to be a successful player. Overall, I would not recommend him to anyone who is looking for a reliable and impactful player on their team.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars: I had high hopes for Juwan Howard when he joined the Magic, but unfortunately, he fell short of my expectations. His playing style lacked finesse and his decision-making on the court left much to be desired. I often found myself frustrated with his poor shot selection and lack of defensive effort. Additionally, he seemed to struggle with maintaining consistency throughout the game, with moments of brilliance followed by long stretches of mediocrity. Overall, I was not impressed with his performance and would not consider him a valuable asset to the team.
3. Jessica - 1/5 stars: As a fan of the Magic, I was excited when Juwan Howard joined the team. However, my excitement quickly turned into disappointment as I watched him play. His lack of enthusiasm and effort were evident in every game. He seemed to be going through the motions, without any passion or drive to succeed. Furthermore, his skills on the court were subpar, and he failed to make a significant impact in any of the games he played. Overall, Juwan Howard was a letdown and did not live up to the expectations I had for him as a player.