The Pagan Wheel of the Year Festivals encompass a series of seasonal celebrations that honor the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. These festivals are derived from ancient pagan traditions and are still observed by many modern pagan and Wiccan communities. The Wheel of the Year is divided into eight key festivals, each representing a significant moment in the agricultural calendar and symbolizing the eternal cycles of birth, growth, death, and rebirth. These festivals are deeply rooted in nature-based spirituality and are often marked by ceremonies, rituals, and feasts. The first festival on the Wheel of the Year is Imbolc, which takes place in early February. Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the earth and the first signs of spring.
Social Media:
I taught Celtic literature, mythology, and folklore at numerous colleges, and am Expert Contributor in Iron Age Pagan Celtic Religion for the Database of Religious History at the University of British Columbia, and invited Old Irish translator for the upcoming Global Medieval Sourcebook at Stanford University. Clare Coleman did years of research to write a series of three fascinating books that take you to the days before South Pacific discovery of voyaging outrigger canoes, native taboos, pagan rituals, exotic dancing, and romance.
Imbolc celebrates the awakening of the earth and the first signs of spring. It is associated with the goddess Brigid and is often celebrated with rituals of purification and the lighting of candles. Following Imbolc is Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox, which occurs around mid-March.
DOCTOR STARDUST
Book DOCTOR STARDUST for a show by calling 508-793-7761.
"Very unique, imaginative, educational and fun act" is The Doctor Stardust Show as described by Speaker & Entertainment Connection, an independent resource guide. Doctor Stardust won the People's Choice Award at the International Jugglers Association Championships. In addition, he has earned a doctorate in Environmental Science. Therefore his is the only show to combine Award-Winning Juggling and high caliber education. His show includes precision juggling, improvisational comedy, and audience participation. He has been described as one of today's most original and creative performance artists. He is the originator of several props and routines such as "The Orbitals". His shows are ideal for corporate parties, educational television, arts festivals and theatrical events. Thousands of all ages have enjoyed his shows. To learn more, call Doctor Stardust and order the Doctor Stardust video!
Please contact me today to talk about what Doctor Stardust can do for your event. You may contact Doctor Stardust via:
- EMAIL [email protected]
- PHONE (508) 793-7761
- FAX (508) 793-8881
- POSTAL MAIL 6 Judith Road , Worcester MA 01602 -3213, USA
The non-stage name for Doctor Stardust is Gil Pontius.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What are your best routines?
- What are your honors?
- Where have I seen you perform?
- Are you really a doctor?
- Who are your references?
- What are your fees?
- Where are other related sites?
The 17-Object Balance: On the theme of the ball and stick models of molecules used in chemistry classes, Doctor Stardust creates the molecular balance with 5 balls, 5 rings, 2 torches, 2 devil sticks, 2 Chinese yo-yos, 1 club and no glue. I balance the construction on my chin, then remove and juggle each object, while maintaining the balance, with the help of a volunteer laboratory assistant.
The Orbitals: This is one of my most original, dramatic, and educational pieces, which helped Doctor Stardust to win the People's Choice Award at the International Jugglers Association Championships. It is too complicated to describe completely, but let me write this, it is 10 feet in diameter, one part of it flies 20 feet in the air and I use it to impersonate a hydrogen atom.
Tribute to the ozone molecule: Doctor Stardust tests the relative natural forces that bind together the three oxygen atoms of the ozone molecule, using three balls and three personally crafted sticks.
The Chinese yo-yo: The choreography of the presentation of this ancient Chinese prop slips, slides, and defies.
The Impossible Balance: While standing upon a wobbly rollabolla (a cylinder & board), one hand spins a plate on the tip of a stick, the head balances a cane with hat perched on top, and the remaining hand juggles.
And, much more, including 4 ball juggling, 5 ball juggling, plate spinning, hat & cane manipulation, and the list goes on, .
- Completed the 26-mile Boston Marathon in 4 hours 35 minutes while juggling
- People's Choice Award at the International Jugglers Association Championships
- Rated "Outstanding" on all criteria by Speaker & Entertainment Connection
- Judge at International Jugglers Association Championships
- Three-time Diabolo Speed Passing Champion
- Medalist in Numerous Joggling Races
- Two-time Club Balancing Champion
- R.I.T. Best Trick Winner
Thousands have enjoyed the performances of Doctor Stardust. Here is a list of some of the venues:
- Johnson & Johnson, Harvard Medical School , Cambridge MA
- United States Environment Protection Agency, Pittsburgh PA
- APA Corporate Reception at Science Museum, Boston MA
- Pfizer Incorporated, Central Research Division, Groton CT
- Science & Humanities Symposium, Shreveport LA
- Handel & Hayden Society, Boston MA
- ArcUsers Conference, Worcester MA
- Sciport Discovery Center, Shreveport LA
- Fringe Theater Festival, Worcester MA
- The Orange Show, Boston MA
- Ruby Slipper, Cambridge MA
- Midnight Cabaret, Primm NV
- MOBIUS, Boston MA
- Hundreds of elementary schools
- Exploration Summer Program
- State University of New York / Syracuse and Oswego
- University of Massachusetts / Amherst
- The Ohio State University
- Syracuse University
- Wheelock College
- Boston University
- Marshall+Chalue Medieval Theme Wedding, Leicester MA
- Pearl+Cornell Wedding, Syracuse NY
- Kupferman Bar Mitzvah, Albany NY
- Repeated First Night Celebrations: � Boston MA, � Worcester MA, � and � Quincy MA
- Spectacle Gala Les Jongleurs Associes du Quebec, Montreal CANADA
- International Jugglers Association Championships, Rapid Citiy SD
- European Juggling Festival, Leeds ENGLAND
- Anti-Gravity Society Festival, New Haven CT
- King Richard's Renaissance Faire, Carver MA
- Faneuil Hall Fire Juggling Team, Boston MA
- Balloon & Air Festival, Quakertown PA
- Music at the Market, East Hartford CT
- Fourth of July Parade, Burlington MA
- Parks & Recreation, Marblehead MA
- Commons Festival, Mashpee MA
- Race Unity Day, Columbia MD
It would be a pleasure to add your name to the list.
Indeed, Doctor Stardust has a doctorate. My Ph.D. is in Environmental Science. This background gives me a unique ability to perform what I call edutainment (the integration of award-winning entertainment and top-notch education).
- Jennifer Thompson, Jenny the Juggler, (617) 462-1740
- Bill Deese , Science & Humanities Symposium, (318) 247-0718
The fee for your particular event will depend on the time, location, and type of performance. The best way to determine a fee is for you and I to discuss the needs of your particular event(s). As for some guidelines: if you happen to see me doing a street performance in Boston, the usual fee is at $20 bill placed in my hat at the end of the show (Yes, I am that good.). On the other hand, if you would like for me to go on a world tour of stage shows, I will need an expense account and salary. Most shows are somewhere between those examples, usually less than $1000.
Ostara represents the arrival of spring and the balance between light and darkness. It is a time of fertility and growth, and it is often celebrated with rituals of planting seeds and welcoming the return of the sun. Next is Beltane, celebrated on May 1st. Beltane marks the beginning of summer and is associated with the goddess May Queen and the god Green Man. It is a joyous celebration of life and abundance, often observed with dancing, bonfires, and the weaving of flower crowns. Midsummer, also known as Litha, is celebrated around the summer solstice in late June. It represents the peak of the sun's power and the abundance of the earth. This festival is often marked by bonfires, outdoor rituals, and celebrations of nature. Lughnasadh, or Lammas, takes place on August 1st and marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is associated with the god Lugh and is a time of thanksgiving and the gathering of the first fruits. This festival often includes feasting, dancing, and the making of corn dollies. Following Lughnasadh is Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, which occurs around mid-September. Mabon represents the second harvest and the transition into the darker half of the year. It is a time of balance and reflection, often celebrated with rituals of gratitude and the sharing of food. Samhain, celebrated on October 31st, is perhaps the most well-known festival on the Wheel of the Year. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year. It is a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be thin, and it is often marked by rituals of honoring ancestors and reflecting on mortality. Lastly, there is Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, which takes place around December 21st. Yule represents the rebirth of the sun and the return of light. It is a time of renewal and hope, often celebrated with rituals of candle lighting, gift-giving, and feasting. Overall, the Pagan Wheel of the Year Festivals serve as a way for pagans and Wiccans to connect with the rhythms of nature, celebrate the cycles of life and death, and honor the changing seasons. These festivals are deeply rooted in the reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings..
Reviews for "The Pagan Wheel of the Year: Celebrating Nature's Bounty and the Changing Seasons"
1. John - 2/5 - I recently attended a Pagan wheel of the year festival and was quite disappointed. While I respect different spiritual beliefs, I found that the festival lacked structure and clarity. There was no clear organization or schedule for events, and it felt more like a chaotic gathering than a meaningful celebration. Additionally, there was a lack of inclusivity towards non-Pagan individuals who were curious about the festival. Overall, I left the event feeling frustrated and disconnected.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - As someone who is open-minded and curious about different spiritual practices, I attended a Pagan wheel of the year festival with high expectations. However, I found myself confused and overwhelmed by the abundance of rituals and ceremonies that were taking place simultaneously. It was challenging to fully grasp the significance of each event and engage with them on a deeper level. While the intentions of the festival were sincere, I believe there is room for improvement in terms of providing clearer explanations and guidance for attendees who may not be familiar with Pagan practices.
3. Michael - 2/5 - I attended a Pagan wheel of the year festival out of curiosity, hoping to gain a better understanding of Paganism. However, I left feeling disillusioned and unfulfilled. The festival lacked structure and meaningful explanations of the rituals and traditions. The atmosphere felt more like a commercialized event rather than a genuine spiritual gathering. I believe there should be more emphasis on education and inclusivity to make the festival more accessible and informative for outsiders like myself.