The magic lantern is an early type of image projector that was invented in the 17th century. It is considered a precursor to the modern slide projector and film projector. The magic lantern worked by projecting an image from a glass slide onto a screen. The image on the slide would be illuminated by a light source such as candles or oil lamps. The magic lantern was often used to entertain and inform audiences. It was commonly used by traveling showmen and lecturers to show images of various subjects such as historical events, religious scenes, and natural phenomena.
Maeanna Welti (Portland, OR—unceded Chinook Land) is a writer, astrologer and witch. She is the author of the Healing Witch Samhain to Samhain workbook. Maeanna offers readings, coaching, support for ancestral and personal healing, and teaches astrology and the fundamentals of witchcraft.
The autumn marks a perfect time to work on your current goals and develop plans for new ideas, so you can relax and hibernate so to speak in the winter. com, Following the autumnal equinox, those in the northern hemisphere begin to experience the sun s rays less directly, resulting in colder temperatures.
It was commonly used by traveling showmen and lecturers to show images of various subjects such as historical events, religious scenes, and natural phenomena. The magic lantern became especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its popularity declined with the introduction of the cinema in the late 19th century.
Autumnl equinox magic
Autumn Equinox ritual ideas, plus a tarot spread (or journal reflections) and Autumn Equinox Bowl recipe.
A time of equal day and night, the Autumn Equinox is a magical threshold for change. The feeling in the air is like a surge of energy, the spark of transformation, a new direction, full of possibilities, wrapped up in an invigorating chill. It tastes like squash and pumpkin, dark leafy greens, brassicas, toasted nuts, and warming cinnamon and nutmeg.
The Autumn Equinox is a great point on the Wheel of the Year to pause and consider shedding what we don’t need. It’s a time for fire ceremonies to burn what you’re leaving behind, cozy gatherings lit by candlelight, grounding practices, and warming food.
This mid-harvest celebration is about bowing to change, expressing gratitude for how far we’ve come this year and what we have, and — as a time of nearly equal light and dark — inviting in balance. It’s a time for welcoming transitions and transformation, for getting closer to who we are at our core, and preparing to turn inward.
Ushering in the start of Libra Season, the Autumn Equinox is a time when we’re seeking deep truths, connection, and equilibrium in our lives. The key is getting to the root of what balance means to you — because everyone’s idea of it is different, and it’s rarely a clear 50/50 split.
The way we relate to others is being called on for review this season. How are you there for others and for yourself? Do you do the most and abandon yourself often? Do you tend to retreat when you don’t know how to communicate an issue? Do you sweep things under the rug to your own detriment? This is all up for review now, and especially in Libra season.
Check out your Tarotscope for more insight.
Create your own ritual
I’m a big proponent of creating your own rituals, so take what you like from the Autumn Equinox ritual below and add in elements that feel special to you.
Theme: Shedding what’s no longer serving you to find balance.
Honor with:
- Burning rituals (see below)
- Gratitude practice
- Shadow work
- Home protection magic
- Breathwork (autumn is air season)
- Foods like squash and pumpkin, apples and pears, warming spices, toasted nuts — anything that feels like fall to you (yes, even a PSL).
Burning Ritual: Whether you have a fire pit or fireplace or just a candle and a fire safe container (like a bowl full of water), you can do a burning ritual.
- First, prepare your space by cleaning it and tidying any clutter. Cleanse your space by burning herbs or incense, diffusing essential oils, or with music. Light your fire and sit down with a few small pieces of paper (this can be done with others or solo).
- Spend 2-5 minutes breathing into your belly to get into your body and declutter your mind. On your deep inhales, let your body feel into receiving, and on the exhale feel into letting go.
- Write down what you want to release to create change in your life on the pieces of paper. Burn each piece of paper one by one, speaking what’s written on them aloud before throwing them in the fire. If you’re using a candle, burn the paper and place it in the bowl of water before it burns your fingers (you can flush it or pour down the sink when you finish your ritual).
- Once all of the pieces of paper have been released, state what you’re grateful for, then what you’re calling into your life in the present tense, as if you already have it.
- Close out the ritual with music and a dish of something grounding and warming.
Autumn Equinox Tarot Spread/Journal Reflections
i. Where am I transforming?
ii. What needs to be shed to aid in my transformation?
iii. What am I ready to step into?
iv. Where am I ready to take action?
v. Where can I give more?
vi. Where can I receive more?
For more insights on this season for you personally, book a tarot reading with me here or check out my course Tarot Foundations for Intuitive Witches to make your Fall extra magical.
However, the basic principles of the magic lantern are still used in modern projectors. Overall, the magic lantern played a significant role in the development of visual entertainment and communication technologies..
Reviews for "The Magic Lantern in Literature and Art: Capturing Imagination through Visual Storytelling"
1. Jane - 2/5 - I was really excited to read "The Magic Lantern" based on the glowing reviews I had seen, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The plot was meandering and lacked direction, leaving me confused and uninvested in the characters' journeys. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed and pretentious, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I found "The Magic Lantern" to be a disappointing read that did not live up to its hype.
2. Michael - 3/5 - While "The Magic Lantern" had an interesting premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters, too, were hard to connect with as they lacked depth and felt one-dimensional. Furthermore, the dialogue often felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to engage with the story. Overall, "The Magic Lantern" had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying reading experience.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Magic Lantern" but was ultimately disappointed by the dull and convoluted plot. The storytelling seemed disjointed and lacked a clear direction, leaving me feeling confused and disinterested. Additionally, the characters were poorly developed, and I struggled to form any emotional connection with them. The writing style, while promising at first, quickly became repetitive and pretentious, making it a chore to get through the book. Unfortunately, "The Magic Lantern" was a miss for me.