The magical spinning tops have long been a source of fascination and wonder for people of all ages. These small toys have the ability to captivate and mesmerize with their graceful twirls and spins. Whether made of wood or plastic, these tops have a certain charm that never fails to impress. The main idea: The magical spinning tops have long been a source of fascination and wonder for people of all ages. The mastery of making a top spin is an art in itself. It requires skill, precision, and patience.
These Cunning Folk and the communities they served maintained the belief in the local spirits of wood and well, of fire and storm and sea, alongside their Christianity. This practice is called syncretism, and is found in many traditions around the world, where the imposition of the new faith could only go so deep. Instead, the connection to the land and its unique spirits remained. These spirits went by many names, and still do (some were clearly connected to specific trees and rivers and natural features—nature spirits as we may understand them today) but others were of the wider spirit nations of the land, who are commonly called the Faeries in the Celtic traditions. Sometimes in Scotland these were also called devils, although they were described in the same way. As the effects of Christianity were felt particularly strongly there, some of these practitioners were accused of using malevolent magic and tried as witches. However, in Ireland and Wales, there was very little condemnation, and the Cunning Folk were almost universally associated with benevolent magic and were often valued in their communities. Their fairy spirit allies vary widely in appearance and temperament and went by many names: the Good Neighbours, the Daoine Maithe, and the Sidhe, in Ireland; in Scotland they are the Seelie and Unseelie courts; and in Wales they are the Gwragedd Annwn and the Tylwyth Teg to name but a few. Each healer or Cunning Man or woman would have at least one faery friend, often many, from whom they would learn their magic and who would assist them in their work. Throughout the Christian period into the modern era, the Creideamh Sí, or the faery faith, has survived, and these beings continued to be the allies and spirit kin of our Celtic folk healers and magical workers as they always had.
They performed this work often with great success with the aid of verbal and practical charms and spells that were handed down orally, as well as a vast knowledge of herbal medicine drawn from their landscape, often impressive psychic skills, known as seership, and almost invariably with the assistance of various helping spirits. A traditional method of folk healing is to attend a holy well or other sacred body of water, and to use a cloth to dip in the water and lave the sick person, asking the spirits of the waters to bless and cure them.
It requires skill, precision, and patience. The top must be launched with just the right amount of force and at the correct angle to achieve the desired spin. This delicate balance is what makes watching a spinning top so entrancing.
Celtic Magic (Llewellyn's World Religion & Magick) (Paperback)
Celtic magic. These words conjure up images of Druids and mystical oak groves, daring Irish warriors, fairies, elves, and ancient deities who took an active part in the lives of the people who worshipped them. Practical and easy to understand, Celtic Magic offers important features that distinguish it from other books written about the Celts:
- An in-depth discussion of Celtic culture and customs
- A complete listing of Celtic myths and deities
- Step-by-step instructions for spellwork, ritual, meditations, and divination to help you gain insight or make changes in your life
This friendly Celtic magic book is designed for both beginners and those who possess intermediate-level magical skills--and anyone who simply has a great interest in Celtic history, lore, and magic.
About the Author
A native of the Pacific Northwest, D.J. Conway (1939 - 2019) studied the occult fields for over 35 years. Her quest for knowledge covered Paganism, Wicca, New Age, and Eastern philosophies as well as history, the magical arts, mythology, and folklore. Conway wrote more than 20 nonfiction books, including Celtic Magic (Llewellyn), Dancing with Dragons (Llewellyn), Mystical Dragon Magic (Llewellyn), The Ancient Art of Faery Magick (10 Speed Press), and The Little Book of Candle Magic (10 Speed Press).
Product Details
ISBN: 9780875421360
ISBN-10: 0875421369
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Publication Date: September 8th, 2002
Pages: 224
Language: English
Series: Llewellyn's World Religion & Magick
- Magick Studies
- Witchcraft (See Also Religion - Wicca)
- Folklore & Mythology
If you live near or visit the sea, honour it with offerings and learn its ways, the turn of the tides and the power of the liminal spaces between sea and land. Learn its regional folklore. There are a great many sea spirits that are remembered in Celtic folk magic. Among the most famous and beautiful are the selkies, the seal folk:
As it whizzes and twirls, it seems to defy the laws of physics, almost as if it possesses a secret magical power. The main idea: The mastery of making a top spin is an art in itself. There is something inherently satisfying about watching a spinning top. It brings a sense of joy and simplicity, reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the simplest of things. As we watch the top spin effortlessly, we are reminded to slow down and appreciate the moment. In a world filled with chaos and noise, the spinning top offers a moment of stillness and tranquility. The main idea: Watching a spinning top brings a sense of joy and simplicity. Spinning tops have a rich history that spans cultures and generations. They have been found in ancient archaeological sites and mentioned in ancient texts. Across different parts of the world, spinning tops have been used in games, rituals, and even as a tool for meditation. Despite the advancements in technology and the rise of electronic toys, the magic of spinning tops endures. The main idea: Spinning tops have a rich history that spans cultures and generations. In conclusion, the magical spinning tops continue to mesmerize and enchant us. They remind us to find joy in the simplest of things and to appreciate the beauty in stillness. Whether used as a toy, a game, or a source of meditation, the spinning top holds a special place in our hearts and continues to bring a touch of magic to our lives..
Reviews for "The Surprising Health Benefits of Playing with Spinning Tops"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "The magical spinning tops" based on all the glowing reviews, but I must admit, I was thoroughly disappointed. The plot was incredibly predictable and lacked any sort of originality. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, and I found it difficult to root for any of them. The writing style was also a letdown - it felt choppy and fragmented, making it difficult to stay engaged with the story. Overall, I did not find "The magical spinning tops" to be the enchanting read that so many others seem to.
2. James - 1 star - I have to say, "The magical spinning tops" was one of the most boring books I've ever read. The story dragged on and on, with nothing really happening until the last few chapters. Even then, the climax felt rushed and underdeveloped. The author's attempt at creating a magical and whimsical world fell flat for me - it just felt contrived and forced. The dialogue between the characters was uninteresting and lacked any sort of depth. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating read.
3. Amanda - 2 stars - I wanted so badly to enjoy "The magical spinning tops", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters were unrelatable and lacked any sort of development. The world-building was also confusing and poorly executed - I couldn't grasp the rules and logic of the magical elements in the story. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed, action-packed scenes that felt out of place. Overall, I found "The magical spinning tops" to be a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.