The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop is a quaint little store located on the bustling streets of a charming town. As soon as you step inside, you are immediately transported to a world of wonder and enchantment. The shop is filled to the brim with all kinds of magical items and tricks, catering to the needs of both amateur magicians and seasoned professionals. The shelves are lined with colorful boxes containing decks of cards, disappearing coins, and levitating objects. It is as if each item has a story of its own, waiting to be discovered by those who dare to believe in the power of magic. The air is filled with the scent of mystery and excitement, making it impossible not to be drawn into the enchanting atmosphere.
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Mistletoe was seen as sacred by the Druids, but we have no sources indicating it was hung up or used in fertility rites, although it was seen as having properties relating to fertility. I have found a reference to one Horus being born on December 25th but I can t date it back earlier than a 1907 book whose purpose was to connect Horus to Jesus so I just don t find it at all credible.
The air is filled with the scent of mystery and excitement, making it impossible not to be drawn into the enchanting atmosphere. The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop is not only a haven for magicians, but it is also a place for aspiring magicians to learn and grow. The shop hosts regular workshops and classes where participants can learn the secrets behind some of the most baffling illusions.
Living Liminally
I've started a new thing on my social media page, which I call "fight the bad meme", because it seems like every single pagan holiday that rolls around sees an influx of poorly researched memes purporting to 'educate' people about the real history of that holiday and it's traditions. Usually most to all of the information presented in the meme is utter bollocks. So after I've seen the bad info going around enough to think its probably catching on as urban legend-ish fact I'll research the actual history and then post a little educational blurb. After some thought I decided that its worth sharing that information here as well, because really the more the accurate information is spread the better.
- No, Horus wasn't born on Christmas Day. Neither Horus nor Osiris were born on or around December 25th. As far as I know the major deity births in the Egyptian pantheon were celebrated in early August and were tied to the cyclic flooding of the Nile. There are however more than a dozen figures named Horus in Egyptian mythology so it is not entirely impossible that one could have been celebrated on December 25th but it would have been an odd time given the way the calendar system worked - lunar based would have meant timing to a specific day each year in general would be unlikely*. I have found a reference to one Horus being born on December 25th but I can't date it back earlier than a 1907 book whose purpose was to connect Horus to Jesus so I just don't find it at all credible. I'll keep looking but as of now unless someone can show me actual evidence of an ancient pagan Egyptian festival on that date, I am standing by my statement that Horus was born on an epagomenal day, one of the five extra days in the Egyptian calendar year which occured in late August. Also Horus wasn't born of a virgin - since there's a story about a golden penis being involved in his conception its pretty clear on that point - Horus wasn't baptized, didn't have disciples, didn't raise a dead guy, wasn't crucified, and didn't have all the same epithets as Jesus. Horus does have some very interesting mythology, you should read up on him if it interests you.
- Kissing under the Mistletoe isn't a pagan holdover. Kissing under the mistletoe as far as I can find is a later practice, referenced in print to the 1800's, and is neither specifically Druidic nor Norse. Mistletoe was seen as sacred by the Druids, but we have no sources indicating it was hung up or used in fertility rites, although it was seen as having properties relating to fertility. It was hung in the middle ages by several western European cultures to ward off witches and baneful magic, but again no kissing underneath it. In Norse myth it was the plant used to kill the God Balder, and may or may not have become associated during the pagan period as symbol of peace (I can't track down anything definitive). Only during the Victorian period did a story emerge as far as I can find of Balder not dying/being resurrected and the mistletoe being a symbol of Frigga's joy at his return. And we all know what I think of the Victorians rewriting the myths. What is clear is that it was during this period that it became a Christmas practice to hang mistletoe and kiss beneath it, with a berry being removed for each kiss given, until all the berries were gone.
- There is no Scandinavian fertility God named Yule - Yule, in Norse Jol, is the name of the midwinter holiday and is applied to deities like Odin as byname, as in "Jolfadr" but is not itself the name of a God.
- The Oak and Holly Kings don't pre-date 1948. The oak and holly kings are thoroughly modern and neither ancient nor Celtic, although they are based on older motifs. The idea for the two kings comes from Robert Graves book "The White Goddess", not from pagan Irish or Celtic culture.
*I'm editing to clarify for those who may not be understanding my larger point here - I am not contesting that the motif of seasonal rulers fighting for dominion of portions of the year exists historically. However my point remains, and I stand by it, that the Oak King and the Holly King as named personages do not pre-date Robert Graves book. There are multiple memes circulating that claim explicitly that they do, and arguing that a modern creation based on older motifs is itself ancient is akin to arguing that since modern paraffin candles are based on older theories paraffin candles are ancient, even though paraffin wasn't invented until the 1850's.
- Christmas Trees are a 16th Century Protestant Christian Tradition - I hate to ruin everyone's "they stole our pagan traditions" fun but the Christmas tree as it is today is a Christian thing developed in Protestant Germany circa the 16th century. The practice of bringing in evergreen boughs and such to decorate is far older and can be found in cultures from China to Egypt to Europe, and seems to represent a basic human urge to be reminded that life still exists in the depths of winter. It is also clearly true that trees in general were sacred in several pagan faiths and specific sacred trees, groves of trees and the concept of a world tree can be found in both Celtic and Norse pagan religions, as well as the use of carved God posts or God poles. But the killing an evergreen tree and decorating it at midwinter thing simply has no evidence to back it up prior to about 500 years ago. This does not however diminish the sacred symbolism of trees in paganism, or the value of the practice in modern paganism . I suspect it was a conflation of the older pagan veneration of trees and the practice of decorating with evergreen boughs with the later Christian practice of bringing in a tree and decorating it that caused the confusion with this one.
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The experienced staff are always on hand to offer advice and guidance, ensuring that everyone leaves with a newfound understanding of the art of magic. But the enchantment doesn't stop at the items on the shelves or the workshops offered. The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop also hosts live performances and shows, dazzling audiences with mind-boggling tricks and illusions. The small stage at the back of the shop becomes a portal to a world where anything is possible, where imagination becomes reality. Beyond the merchandise and the performances, the Jocus Pocus Magic Shop is a place that fosters a sense of community. Magicians from all walks of life gather here to share their experiences, swap tricks, and connect with others who share their passion. It is a place where friendships are forged and dreams are nurtured, a place where the love for magic binds people together. So, whether you are a seasoned magician, an aspiring apprentice, or simply someone with a love for the extraordinary, the Jocus Pocus Magic Shop is a place that will capture your imagination. Step inside and let the wonders of the magical world unfold before your eyes..
Reviews for "The Magic Effect: Showcasing Illusions from The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop"
1. Rebecca - 1/5 stars
I had high hopes for "The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop," but I was sorely disappointed. The store had a dingy and unkempt appearance from the outside, which immediately put me off. Once I stepped inside, the staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful, making it almost impossible to browse and ask questions about the products. The selection of magic items was lackluster and outdated, giving me the impression that they hadn't restocked in years. Overall, my experience at this magic shop was underwhelming, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a quality magical experience.
2. Kevin - 2/5 stars
As someone who enjoys the art of magic, I was excited to visit "The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop." However, the experience left much to be desired. The shop felt cramped and cluttered, making it difficult to navigate through the aisles and find what I was looking for. The staff seemed more interested in chatting with each other than assisting customers, which was frustrating. Additionally, the prices were quite steep for the mediocre quality of the products. Overall, I left feeling unsatisfied and unlikely to return.
3. Michelle - 2/5 stars
"The Jocus Pocus Magic Shop" lacked the charm and excitement I was hoping for. The store had a musty smell, and the aisles were so narrow that it felt claustrophobic. The staff seemed unenthusiastic and unhelpful when approached with questions, showing little knowledge about the products they were selling. The selection of magic tricks and props was limited, and I was disappointed to see that they didn't carry some of the more popular and innovative items. Overall, the lack of atmosphere and subpar customer service left much to be desired, and I wouldn't recommend this shop to avid magic enthusiasts.