Magic Hour Lost in the Barrens In the vast expanse of the barren land, an ethereal silence hangs in the air. Time seems to stand still as the sun sinks lower, casting a golden hue over the desolate landscape. This is the magic hour, where dreams and reality blend into one. The barrens, devoid of any sign of life, hold a mysterious charm. The stillness is broken only by the distant howl of the wind, echoing through the empty plains. It is as if the land itself is holding its breath, withholding its secrets from prying eyes.
Yule, the Winter Solstice, usually falls on or around 21 December. As the shortest day and longest night of the year, the festival offers an occasion of reflection, of storytelling, of celebrating friendship, and welcoming the rebirth of the Horned God (Cernunnos or Kernunno), as represented by the return of the light. Imbolc usually falls in early February. It is a celebration of the waning winter and the early signs of spring. Because of the lingering darkness, the festival is associated with bonfires, and, in recognition of the hints of spring, it is associated with fertility and new life. Some Pagans refer to it as Brigid’s Day. Brigid was a renowned Celtic goddess in pre-Christian lore. The Roman Catholic saint—St. Brigid of Kildare (circa AD 451-525)—is believed to be a syncretizing of the Pagan goddess with a sainted Irish nun; the two sharing the same feast day (February 1), gifts for healing, and stewardship for protecting domestic animals. Ostara, the Spring Equinox, usually falls in March. As Pagans welcome the onset of spring and the end of winter, their celebrations include many of symbols of new life, like eggs, flowers, and plantings. Beltane, which usually falls on the first of May, has Celtic origins, and the name means “the fires of Bel.” Bel was another Celtic deity, one associated with the onset of summer, sexual maturity, fertility, and a celebration of life. Maypoles and dances, bonfires, and a variety of courtship rituals express a welcoming of summer. This is the festival that, for many Pagans, marks the mating of the Horned God and the Goddess (of the moon or Mother goddess), creating the possibilities of new life. Midsummer, the Summer Solstice, is the height of the sun’s power. As the longest day of the year, and the shortest night, Midsummer represents for many Pagans the full maturity of the Horned God (the masculine divine essence) and the height of the Goddess’s power. After the Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, Pagans gather again (this time in early August) for Lughnasadh—sometimes referred to as Lammas. The god Lugh was a great warrior, and his victories are symbolic for the earth’s victories through the summer. Thus, Lughnasadh is an important festival—the first of three harvest festivals—focused on thanksgiving, welcoming the early harvest, and honoring the gifts of the summer that is passing. The Fall Equinox, or Mabon, presents the fullness of autumn and harvest, and is also a celebration of thanksgiving; a time to express rich appreciation for and share the bounteous gifts of the summer. In these expressions of gratitude and sharing, it is believed that one may secure the blessings of the god and goddess during the potentially harsh winter months. Pagans use the time to reflect on the temporariness of all things and accept the transitions that life brings. Samhain, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, falls on 31 October. This is, perhaps, the most well-known of Pagan holidays in non-Pagan circles because it falls on the culturally popular holiday, Halloween. As the last festival of the Wheel of the Year and one that, in the Northern Hemisphere, takes place in increasing darkness, it becomes the opportunity to recognize the cycle of life, embrace the reality of death, and respect ancestors. For some, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased—whether family members, close friends, or even pets—by actually attend rituals performed on this Sabbat, if invited. Read more about Pagan rituals and practices here. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
For some, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased whether family members, close friends, or even pets by actually attend rituals performed on this Sabbat, if invited. In these expressions of gratitude and sharing, it is believed that one may secure the blessings of the god and goddess during the potentially harsh winter months.
It is as if the land itself is holding its breath, withholding its secrets from prying eyes. As the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, an otherworldly peace settles over the barrens. The world is bathed in a soft, diffused light that seems to hold an extraordinary power.
SABBATS | Wheel of the Year
Over time I’ve found an ease and flow of inviting the natural rhythm of the pagan Sabbats into how I live and they often guide how I show up in the world. The practice connects me to nature and the here and now - what I know is important, to me, to all of us. The combination of ritual and natural rhythm resonates deep within me. My practice has become as integral to me as breath.
Sabbats allow us to better appreciate nature, the gifts and challenges held within each season. The calendar that holds the Sabbats is often referred to as the Wheel of the Year. The celebration of each Sabbat is as individual as those celebrating, though there are some rough guidelines for each festival which you’re welcome to follow, add to, or adjust in a way that suits you and your needs. There are no hard and fast rules, simply guidelines and rationale behind the ritual choices.
The Sabbats are divided into two types: Greater and Lesser. The designation has nothing to do with importance but to what they represent. The Greater Sabbats celebrate agricultural cycles, the natural cycle of life, death and rebirth. They take place on the same calendar date each year:
Lughnasadh, 01 August
Samhain, 31 October
Imbolc, 02 February
The Lesser Sabbats are solar celebrations that honour where the sun is located in the sky. They coincide with the two solstices and two equinoxes. The dates of the Lesser Sabbats are determined astronomically so they fluctuate from year to year.
Mabon, 20 - 23 September (Autumn Equinox)
Yule, 20 - 23 December (Winter Solstice)
Ostara, 20 - 23 March (Spring Equinox)
Litha, 20 - 23 June (Summer Solstice)
The Major Sabbats are Beltane, which focuses on life; and, Samhain, focused on death, two distinct and opposite aspects. These two events take place when the veil between the earthly dimension and the spirit dimension are the thinnest. What does that mean? Communications between the two dimensions are more likely to be successful for a week or so before and after each of these two events.
Any and all Sabbat observances are fluid and dependent upon your personal beliefs and comfort level. There are no rules for behaviour or participation, there are some loose guidelines. For my personal spiritual practice, I particularly enjoy the option to keep what I like, leave what I don’t, and add what works better for me. Practicing paganism does not have to be complicated to be authentic and caring.
Though I’ve studied and have great knowledge about the subjects of paganism, magic and witchcraft, I consider myself to be a light practicing neo-pagan witch. I am not interested in converting anyone to how I believe, as I stated from the start, it is a practice that resonates deep within me, like breath.
NOTE: I am no expert but have learned a lot over the years, I’m open to learning more in the future. I will share my experiences here.
The Sabbats are divided into two types: Greater and Lesser. The designation has nothing to do with importance but to what they represent. The Greater Sabbats celebrate agricultural cycles, the natural cycle of life, death and rebirth. They take place on the same calendar date each year:
It is in this liminal space, between day and night, where the magic hour resides. In the heart of this desolation, one can feel the presence of unseen forces at play. It is as if the barren land holds a profound wisdom, waiting patiently to reveal itself to those who dare to venture into its depths. The magic hour acts as a gateway, a fleeting moment when this wisdom can be accessed. Those who have lost themselves in the barrens during the magic hour can attest to its transformative power. Time seems to stretch, allowing for a connection to a deeper reality. It is a time when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the impossible becomes possible. The lost souls who have found themselves in the barrens during the magic hour speak of encountering strange creatures, guardian spirits, and divine revelations. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest, allowing glimpses into the unknown. But the magic hour is not without its dangers. As the darkness creeps closer, there is a sense of urgency to find one's way back to safety. It is easy to become trapped in the barrens, forever lost in its enchanting grasp. As the last traces of daylight fade away, the spell is broken. The barrens return to their desolate state, seemingly unchanged by the profound experiences that took place during the magic hour. But for those who have tasted its magic, it leaves an indelible mark on their souls. In the vastness of the barrens, the magic hour serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders that lie just beyond the surface. It is a fleeting invitation to dive into the unknown, to embrace the mysteries that the barren land conceals. But to do so is to risk becoming lost in its enchantment, forever entangled in the beauty and solitude of the barrens..
Reviews for "Illuminated Beauty: Magic Hour in the Barrens"
1. John - 1 star - I found "Magic Hour Lost in the Barrens" to be incredibly boring and unengaging. The plot was weak and unoriginal, and the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was monotonous, with overly descriptive passages that seemed to go on forever. Overall, I couldn't connect with the story or feel any kind of emotional investment. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting or captivating read.
2. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Hour Lost in the Barrens" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story lacked any significant tension or suspense. The main characters felt underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with them on any level. Additionally, I found the writing to be tedious and overly descriptive, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who enjoy fast-paced and gripping stories.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Magic Hour Lost in the Barrens" had an interesting concept, but the execution left a lot to be desired. The narrative felt disjointed, with abrupt shifts in perspective that made it challenging to follow. The dialogue was stilted and lacked natural flow, making it difficult to connect with the characters or believe in their interactions. I also found the pacing to be sluggish, with long stretches of nothing happening. While the setting was vividly described, it couldn't make up for the overall lackluster storytelling. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations.