The Wiccan celebration calendar, also known as the Wheel of the Year, is a system of marking and honoring important milestones throughout the year. Wicca is a modern pagan religious movement that draws on ancient pre-Christian traditions, particularly those of the Celts. The calendar is divided into eight major holidays, which are often referred to as Sabbats. The year begins with Samhain, which is celebrated on October 31st or November 1st. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. Samhain is considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thin, and many Wiccans use this time to honor their ancestors.
Samhain is considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thin, and many Wiccans use this time to honor their ancestors. Next comes Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year. Yule is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of longer, brighter days.
This Orlando Magic Mobile App is a Slam Dunk!
Tim Vanevenhoven is the director of business development and strategic partnerships at Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. Tim is proud to have crossed the finish line at the 2018 Boston Marathon.
It's no secret that professional sporting venues are competing with the new 65-inch flat screen Ultra HDTV you just purchased. It probably has a soundbar with surround sound, too. Not to mention the bargain price of the beverages in your refrigerator. Why not just stay home for the next game?
Today, venues are looking to create experiences that staying at home can't duplicate. To provide fans with something that gets them off of the couch, the Orlando Magic knew that a mobile app would be a key component. Now when you walk into the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, you get the best the home court has to offer.
Created in collaboration with Aruba and VenueNext, the Orlando Magic's new mobile app is the latest example of how leveraging mobile engagement is making a difference for fans in the NBA.
Game-winning adoption rate with VenueNext
An impressive 90% of season ticket holders have used features in the app. One of the keys to this success is the integration that VenueNext provides. With the VenueNext backend platform, the mobile app isn't just for seeing the team roster (which, BTW, is part of the app), but it provides so much more value. Season ticket holders can manage their tickets, exchange tickets they can't use for "Magic Money" that can be spent like cash at the Amway Center, conveniently pay for parking, upgrade seats, and shop for team gear in the marketplace.
Getting around with Aruba
Aruba Beacons installed throughout the Amway Center make the mobile app location-aware. This enables a personalized fan experience based on their current location, and where they want to go. If a fan wants to meet friends in an onsite restaurant before the game, the app gets them there using turn-by-turn directions.
Hungry? Thirsty?
Choose Express Pickup to preorder food and pick it up on your way to your seat. And if you use the In-Seat Delivery option, you won't miss any of the game – your food comes to you. If you are feeling generous, you can even have food and drinks delivered to your friends!
Credit card information is securely stored in the app to make mobile purchases quick and easy. You can even just scan a QR code at any Quick Pay station to make a purchase without cash and grab a drink.
Keys to Success
From my point of view, the magic to the success in Orlando is the full-featured integration and personalization that the mobile app provides. Allowing fans to have unique experiences based on their preferences is helping to get fans off of their couch and into the arena. This app is a slam dunk for the Orlando Magic fans with assists going to VenueNext and Aruba!
Check out this video to hear from the CEO and CMO of the Orlando Magic on the value of location services.
Created in collaboration with Aruba and VenueNext, the Orlando Magic's new mobile app is the latest example of how leveraging mobile engagement is making a difference for fans in the NBA.
It is often marked with feasting, gift-giving, and the lighting of candles or a Yule log. Imbolc, celebrated on February 2nd, is a time to welcome the first signs of spring. It is associated with the goddess Brigid and is often celebrated with rituals of purification and cleansing. Many Wiccans also use this time to bless their homes and prepare for the coming growing season. Ostara, also known as the spring equinox, is a time of balance between light and dark. It is a celebration of fertility and the awakening of nature. Many Wiccans celebrate Ostara by decorating eggs and holding outdoor rituals to welcome the return of life to the Earth. Beltane, celebrated on May 1st, is a festival of fertility and abundance. It marks the peak of spring and the beginning of summer. Beltane is often celebrated with bonfires, dancing, and rituals to promote fertility and prosperity. The summer solstice, known as Litha, is the longest day of the year. It is a celebration of the sun at its peak and the abundance of summer. Many Wiccans mark this time with outdoor rituals, such as jumping over bonfires or walking through fields of flowers. Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is celebrated on August 1st or 2nd. It is a festival of the first harvest and a time to give thanks for the abundance of the Earth. Lammas is often celebrated with feasting, baking bread, and making corn dollies. Lastly, Mabon, celebrated on the autumn equinox, is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the coming darkness of winter. It is a time of balance and reflection, and many Wiccans use this time to celebrate and express gratitude for the abundance in their lives. Overall, the Wiccan celebration calendar is a way for Wiccans to connect with nature, honor the cycles of the seasons, and celebrate the interconnectedness of all living things. Each holiday has its own unique traditions and symbolism, but all serve as reminders of the ever-changing, cyclical nature of life..
Reviews for "Pagan Holidays: Exploring the Wiccan Celebration Calendar"
1. Amy - 1 star - I found the "Wiccan celebration calendar" to be extremely disappointing. The information provided was vague and lacked any depth. As someone who is trying to learn more about Wiccan traditions and rituals, I was hoping for detailed explanations and guidance, but this book fell short. It felt more like a basic overview rather than a comprehensive calendar. I would not recommend this to anyone serious about learning and practicing Wicca.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I wanted to like the "Wiccan celebration calendar," but I found it to be poorly organized and confusing. The dates were jumbled together without clear headings or explanations. It made it difficult to understand the significance of each celebration and how to properly observe them. Additionally, the book didn't provide any background information or history on Wiccan traditions, which would have been helpful for beginners like myself. Overall, I was disappointed with this calendar and would suggest looking for other resources for a more comprehensive understanding of Wiccan celebrations.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to using the "Wiccan celebration calendar," but I found it to be very repetitive. Many of the celebrations sounded extremely similar, and the descriptions provided lacked depth and variety. I was hoping for a diverse range of rituals and traditions, but instead, it felt like a regurgitation of the same information over and over again. It quickly became monotonous and didn't provide the enriching experience I was seeking. I would suggest looking for a more comprehensive and varied calendar for Wiccan celebrations.
4. Michael - 3 stars - While the "Wiccan celebration calendar" had some valuable information, I felt that it lacked a personal touch. It read like a dry academic textbook rather than a guide that helps individuals connect with the spirituality and meaning behind each celebration. The language was technical, and I struggled to feel any emotional connection to the descriptions. I believe a more accessible and relatable approach would have greatly improved this calendar and made it more enjoyable for practitioners of all levels.