Wiccans celebrate their new year, known as "Yule," with joy and festivities. This holiday, celebrated on the winter solstice, is a time of rebirth and renewal. Wiccans believe that the goddess gives birth to the sun god on this day, marking the turning point of winter and the beginning of longer, sunnier days. During the jubilant new year celebrations, Wiccans gather in groups, known as covens, to perform rituals and ceremonies. The main focus is on honoring the goddess and welcoming the sun god's return. Candles and fire play a significant role in these celebrations, representing light and warmth amidst the darkness of winter.
Candles and fire play a significant role in these celebrations, representing light and warmth amidst the darkness of winter. The Yule log, a large log burned in a fireplace or bonfire, is a central symbol of the Wiccan new year. It is believed to bring good luck and blessings for the coming year.
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem
At the age of seven, Tituba watched as her mother was hanged for daring to wound a plantation owner who tried to rape her. She was raised from then on by Mama Yaya, a gifted woman who shared with her the secrets of healing and magic. But it was Tituba's love of the slave John Indian that led her from safety into slavery, and the bitter, vengeful religion practiced by the good citizens of Salem, Massachusetts. Though protected by the spirits, Tituba could not escape the lies and accusations of that hysterical time.
As history and fantasy merge, Maryse Condé, acclaimed author of Tree of Life and Segu, creates the richly imagined life of a fascinating woman.
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Genres Historical FictionFictionFeminismWitchesHistoricalFranceFantasy
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
Book details & editions Loading interface. Loading interface.About the author
Maryse Condé
72 books 687 followersMaryse Condé is a Guadeloupean, French language author of historical fiction, best known for her novel Segu. Maryse Condé was born as Maryse Boucolon at Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, the youngest of eight children. In 1953, her parents sent her to study at Lycée Fénelon and Sorbonne in Paris, where she majored in English. In 1959, she married Mamadou Condé, an Guinean actor. After graduating, she taught in Guinea, Ghana, and Senegal. In 1981, she divorced, but the following year married Richard Philcox, English language translator of most of her novels.
Condé's novels explore racial, gender, and cultural issues in a variety of historical eras and locales, including the Salem witch trials in I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem and the 19th century Bambara Empire of Mali in Segu.
In addition to her writings, Condé had a distinguished academic career. In 2004 she retired from Columbia University as Professor Emeritus of French. She had previously taught at the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, the Sorbonne, The University of Virginia, and the University of Nanterre.
In March 2007, Condé was the keynote speaker at Franklin College Switzerland's Caribbean Unbound III conference, in Lugano, Switzerland.
“Condé is one of the most prolific writers of the Caribbean and perhaps the most powerful woman’s voice in contemporary literature of the Americas. Her interpretation of the Salem witch trials, recast from her own dreams, is a remarkable work of historical fiction that is a haunting and powerful reminder of the dangers of intolerance of differences.” ‑Choice
As the log burns, Wiccans gather around it, singing songs and sharing stories. Feasting is another important aspect of the Wiccan jubilant new year. Wiccans believe in celebrating the abundance and fertility of the earth, and so they enjoy a lavish meal together, often incorporating seasonal foods like roasted root vegetables and spiced desserts. Gift-giving is also common during Yule, as Wiccans exchange presents with loved ones to mark the beginning of a new cycle. These gifts are often handmade or significant in terms of their spiritual meaning. Overall, the Wiccan jubilant new year is a time of joy, celebration, and reverence for nature. It is a time to honor the cycles of life, embrace the return of light, and set intentions for the upcoming year..
Reviews for "The Power of Sound: Chanting and Singing on the Wiccan New Year"
1. John - 2/5 - Although I appreciate the effort put into "Wiccan jubilant new year", I found the overall experience underwhelming. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing at times, making it difficult to connect with the characters or follow the plot. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with many of the performances feeling forced and lacking in authenticity. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unengaged throughout the duration of the film.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "Wiccan jubilant new year" was an absolute disaster. The plot was convoluted and made no sense, leaving me feeling frustrated and confused. The acting was abysmal, with wooden performances that felt completely unconvincing. The special effects were cheap and poorly executed, leaving much to be desired. Overall, I found this film to be a complete waste of time, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2/5 - As a fan of the Wiccan genre, I had high hopes for "Wiccan jubilant new year", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt cliché and lacked originality, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. The pacing was uneven, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the film. While the production value was decent, it failed to compensate for the shortcomings in other areas. Overall, "Wiccan jubilant new year" missed the mark and left me feeling disappointed.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I found "Wiccan jubilant new year" to be predictable and unoriginal. The film followed the typical Wiccan storyline, without offering anything unique or innovative. The performances were lackluster, and the dialogue felt forced and unconvincing. Additionally, the pacing was slow, making it difficult to maintain interest in the plot. Overall, I was unimpressed with this film and would not recommend it to others.