The summer solstice is a significant event in many pagan traditions and beliefs. Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses various spiritual and religious practices rooted in nature worship. The summer solstice, also known as Litha, is a celebration of the longest day of the year and the peak of the sun's power. In pagan beliefs, the summer solstice is often seen as a time of abundance, growth, and vitality. It marks the return of the sun's energy and is associated with fertility and harvest. Many pagans celebrate this event with rituals and ceremonies that honor the natural world and the bountiful energy of the sun.
He was a great singer. He was a great singer. I don’t judge artists by how well they play. I judge ’em by how well they sing. That’s why we record occasionally people who don’t even play an instrument.
Over the joyful, rubbery shuffle of Odie Payne III s drums and Sam s simple-but-ample rhythm guitar, the true jewel of Sam s sound shines his incredible voice. All flourishes in the right place, it is Sam s subtle hand, and voice, at work again to craft a painfully perfect, tantalizingly succinct and satisfying blues bite that commands you eat everything else around it as well.
Many pagans celebrate this event with rituals and ceremonies that honor the natural world and the bountiful energy of the sun. One common practice during the summer solstice is the lighting of bonfires or the lighting of the sun wheel. These fires are a symbol of the sun's power and are believed to bring blessings and protection.
Magic Sam's West Side Soul is Literally Blues at it's Best
Though Magic Sam died tragically young, he created a versatile soul sound with the definitive Chicago blues stamp that has lasted the test of time. Many have asserted that Magic Sam’s West Side Soul album is one of the greatest blues albums to have ever been created. Whether or not that’s quantifiable, Sam’s album is, truly, magical. His dynamic, straight from the soul vocals could have easily elevated him to astronomical musical heights, but instead Sam opted to simply sing the blues. The truth in his voice has had countless listeners pouring over every word. The guitar work is nothing short of fantastic; precisely timed solos, filled with the raw emotion of long drawn single notes and electrifying guitar riffs.
Chicago’s famous Delmark Records has reissued a highly satisfying Deluxe Digipack version of Magic Sam’s aptly entitled West Side Soul. The album has already landed safely in Living Blues Magazine’s top ten blues discs, which elevates it to legendary status. The Deluxe Digipack features a careful remastering of the twelve original tracks, which cleans the tone and sound to enrich the tracks. While some listeners might enjoy the nuances of an originally recorded sound, most will strongly appreciate the depth of the sound that remastering provides.
The packaging is a wonderful addition to the original album. The extended liner notes by Bill Lindemann and Bob Koester, a well as a number of previously unreleased images give a deeper, more dynamic look into Sam’s short but musically fiery life.
Blues enthusiasts who don’t own this album have a gaping hole in their collection. West Side Soul almost certainly belongs in any music fan’s repertoire. Audiophiles that already own a previous issue may enjoy the remastered tracks, though it is up to individual preference whether or not to repurchase the latest reissue. Realistically, there are no new or extended tracks or outtakes from the last issue, but the updated tracks and extended notes, pictures and concert plug posters are a tasteful added touch.
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Matt Marshall is the publisher of American Blues Scene Magazine and owns Bluescentric.com the shop for Blues, Soul, and Rock n Roll -- authentic music t-shirts where every sale pays artist's estates directly.
People gather around the fires, singing songs, and dancing, as they celebrate the abundance of nature and honor the sun. The summer solstice is also associated with the element of fire in pagan traditions. Fire is considered a purifying and transformative force, and its energy is thought to empower and inspire people. Pagans may perform fire rituals during this time to release negative energy and set intentions for growth and personal transformation. Another aspect of pagan summer solstice celebrations is the connection to the natural world. Many pagans spend time in nature during this time, whether by going on hikes, picnicking in parks, or visiting sacred sites. They see this as a way to connect with the energy of the earth and celebrate its beauty. Some pagans also incorporate traditional symbols and mythical figures into their summer solstice celebrations. For example, the oak tree is often associated with the summer solstice due to its strength and longevity. The Oak King, a mythical figure representing the light half of the year, is often honored during this time. Overall, summer solstice paganism is a celebration of the sun's energy, the abundance of nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It is a time to honor and appreciate the bountiful gifts of the natural world and to seek harmony and growth within ourselves and our surroundings..
Reviews for "Celebrating the Turning of the Season: Pagans and the Summer Solstice"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "Summer Solstice Paganism" to be a complete waste of time. The author presented their ideas in a confusing and scattered manner, making it difficult to understand the main points they were trying to convey. Additionally, I felt like the book lacked depth and did not provide any concrete evidence to support the claims made. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in paganism.
2. Lisa - 2 out of 5 stars
While I appreciate the author's attempt to explore paganism and its connection to the summer solstice, I found "Summer Solstice Paganism" to be too simplistic and lacking in substance. The book failed to delve into the historical and cultural significance of the summer solstice in pagan traditions, which left me feeling unsatisfied and uninformed. Furthermore, the writing style was monotonous and uninspiring, making it a struggle to stay engaged throughout the book. I believe there are better resources out there for those interested in learning about paganism and the summer solstice.
3. Jessica - 1 out of 5 stars
I regretted wasting my time reading "Summer Solstice Paganism". The book was poorly written and lacked coherence. The author seemed to ramble on without any clear direction, making it difficult to follow their train of thought. Additionally, the information presented was vague and lacked depth. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of paganism and its connection to the summer solstice, but this book fell far short of my expectations. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a comprehensive and well-researched resource on this topic.