Paganism is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices rooted in nature and polytheistic worship. While there is no central authority or universally accepted doctrine, there are several key tenets that are commonly embraced by many Pagans. 1. **Nature Worship**: Pagans have a deep reverence for nature and view it as sacred. They believe that the Earth is a living entity, and many engage in practices that promote harmony and sustainability with the natural world. 2.

Secret entry to Magic Castle

2. **Polytheism**: Pagans believe in the existence of multiple gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life and nature. They may honor and worship specific deities based on personal preference, ancestral connections, or spiritual guidance.

Nearby hotel offers suites with full kitchens along with coveted access to this exclusive Hollywood landmark

If you go

What: Magic Castle Hotel

Where: 7025 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, 90028

Info and reservations: (323) 851-0800 or magiccastlehotel.com

Room rates: Starting Sept. 24, $174 for studio rooms, $214 for one-bedroom suites. Summer months, $184 for studios, $244 for one-bedroom suites.

Parking: $12 a day.

Freebies: Continental breakfast, snacks, Wi-Fi, DVD rentals.

What: Magic Castle

Where: 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, 90028

Info: (323) 851-3313 or

Door charge: $20 per person Sunday-Thursday, $25 Friday-Saturday.

Houdini séance: Additional $35 per person.

Dinner entrees: $24 to $42.

No one under 21 allowed except for weekend brunch. Door charge $15, meal $19.95 for children, $36.95 adults.

This 1908 Victorian mansion in the Hollywood hills is home to the members-only Magic Castle. Jennifer Ovadia photos

“Open sesame!” I barked at a gold owl perched on a musty-looking wall bookcase in the ornate foyer of a 1908 Victorian mansion. With that secret phrase, the bookcase slid open, allowing me to enter the mystery-shrouded, members-only Magic Castle, where Irma the ghost plays requests on the piano, Houdini returns from the grave during séances, and hocus-pocus pros perform brain-bending acts in an elegant parlor, the W.C. Fields Bar, and red velvet-draped salons.

Shazam! This swanky sorcerers’ showplace casts a spell. But here’s the trick: The only folks who can get into the “most unique private club in the world” are its magician members (Steve Martin is one of them), magic-fond “associate members” (like Johnny Depp) or their invitees. Everyone else is out of luck, unless, abracadabra! you bunk next door at the Magic Castle Hotel.

Without waving a wand, guests who stay at the boutique ’50s-built hotel have access to the Magic Castle (you still have to pay the door fee). It’s a captivating combo — the hand is quicker than the eye at the whirling paranormal palace, but the vibe at the retro-decor hotel that used to be an apartment complex is hypnotically laid-back. As you levitate, err rather, lounge poolside and ponder how women are sawed in half, cheerful employees deliver lavender-infused chilled washcloths and cherry Popsicles on a silver tray. The magic theme is low-key in the 43 units (most are 500-square-feet one-bedroom suites with full kitchens), although white washcloths in the bathroom are folded to look like rabbit ears and the maid-service door hanger shows a bunny popping out of a top hat and reads “We request that our room attendant APPEAR.”

If a Castle Knight (a docent) is on duty at the adjacent now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t shrine, you’ll learn the mansion was formerly the home of real estate mogul Rollin Lane, who in 1940 died of a stroke in the bedroom where long-gone Houdini currently rattles tables, bangs a tambourine, and hovers over his displayed handcuffs and other props. “He’s very cooperative — he shows up two or three times a night,” said our Knight, Jessie Altamirano.

The Magic Castle opened in 1963; its creators were Milt Larsen, a writer on Bob Barker’s “Truth or Consequences,” and his CBS producer brother William, both magicians who wanted a hangout for bewitching brethren.

Altamirano first led us into a Gothic-groovy room where he greeted Irma the ghost at the empty piano bench “What did you do today?” he asked and the piano banged out “Makin’ Whoopee.” An onlooker requested the “Happy Birthday” song for his girlfriend. Invisible Irma complied.

As we ambled through the dimly-lit memorabilia-packed 26,000-square-foot labyrinth, our guide paused in five cocktail lounges, including the W.C. Fields Bar, where you can ogle Fields’ pool table from his “Ziegfeld Follies” and order libations at the fancy bar from the Barbra Streisand movie “Hello Dolly!”

The docent uttered the club mantra: “The more you drink, the better the magic.”

We eventually landed in the Hall of Fame, next to a picture of founding Magic Castle member Cary Grant, aka “Carini” when he did his shtick here. (The current club president is “How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris). Then Altamirano whipped out a Sharpie pen and had me write my name on both sides of a swizzle stick. Presto-chango! He spun it rapidly and his name somehow replaced mine.

Earlier, in the Close-Up Gallery, a comical conjurer passed coins through a table and made spongy balls grow and vanish into thin air. In the Parlour of Prestidigitation (where I was picked to be the magician’s assistant), a wisecracking wizard changed my six of spades into a different card, had me rip it up, and changed it back to the six of spades minus one corner. The missing piece ended up in a can of pepper spray I was to use on him if he bombed.

All visitors to this classy cult must deck out (coats and ties for gents, “evening wear” for ladies) and are required to dine in the regal restaurant, where it’s possible to wash down a 12-ounce Harry Houdini Cut prime rib with Sleight of Hand Cellars “Spellbinder” red wine. You can drop the stuffy illusion, though, when you return to the mind-reading Magic Castle Hotel. Voilà! Nearly 50 different snacks — from Cokes to Cheez-Its to Kit Kat bars — are free and unlimited 24-7 at the front desk.

Hotel CEO Darren Ross also makes personal touches magically appear in vacationers’ rooms. After travelers mentioned they had tickets to a baseball game, Ross planted peanuts and Crackerjacks with a “Go Dodgers” sign in their suite; anniversary and birthday celebrants find gourmet layer cakes, congrats, and bottles of wine.

“We like to surprise our guests,” Ross said. But no, that doesn’t mean he’ll pull doves out of a silk handkerchief.

Cinderella's Royal Table

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Kids' Create-Your-Own Entrées (choose one)

Seared Fish of the Day

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice

Grilled Steak*

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice

Chicken Strips

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice

Macaroni & Cheese

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Kids' Create-Your-Own Selections (choose two)

Seasonal Vegetables

Rice Pilaf

Mashed Potatoes

Buttered Corn-on-the-Cob

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Kids' Create-Your-Own Desserts (choose one)

Build-Your-Own-Cupcake

Yogurt Parfait

Seasonal Sorbet

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Specialty Cocktails

Mimosa

Bloody Mary

Canella Bellini Sparkling Peach Cocktail

Opici Family Selection Sangria

Flights

Celebration Champagne Flight

Flight using the Enchantée Champagne. This champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunière and is exclusively sold at the Walt Disney Resort. Cinderella’s will be presenting this three ways to our Guests.

The Castle Flight

Opici Family Selection Sangria | Mimosa With Sparkling Wine and Minute Maid® Orange Juice | Canella Bellini Sparkling Peach Cocktail

Step Sisters Flight

McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand | McBride Sisters Chardonnay, Central Coast | McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Belle of the Ball Flight

Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley | Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley | Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Martinelli's Sparkling Cider (Non-Alcoholic)

McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hawke's Bay

Enchantée Champagne Brut, Champagne

Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red, Piedmont

White & Rosé Wine

McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

Trimbach Riesling, Alsace, France

J. Moreau & Fils Vouvray, France

Whispering Angel Rosé, Provence

Saracco Moscato d'Asti, Piedmont

Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio, Italy

King Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley

McBride Sisters Chardonnay, Central Coast

Drouhin Chablis, Burgundy

Silverado Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros

Kurt Russell’s Gogi Wines Goldie Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills

Red Wine

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir, Central Coast

Triennes Saint-Auguste Red Blend, France

Meiomi Pinot Noir, Coastal California

Belle Glos Dairyman Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Markham Merlot, Napa Valley

Sartori Amarone, Italy

Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

Simi Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 'Artemis' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Reserve Wines

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Trilogy Flora Springs Red Blend, Napa Valley

Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak Merlot, Napa Valley

King Estate Domaine Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

J. Lohr Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

Dessert Wine (2-oz Pour)

Emotions de la Tour Blanche, Sauternes, France

Croft Reserve Tawny Porto, Portugal

Beer

Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc, France

Kronenbourg 1664 Pale Lager, France

Stella Artois Lager, Belgium

Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian-style Wheat Ale, Canada

Trois Pistoles Dark Ale, Canada

Allergy-Friendly Appetizers

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Castle Salad

Romaine, Brussels Sprouts, Goat Cheese, Seasonal Vegetables, and Green Goddess Dressing (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies)

Soup of the Day

Braised Beef

Carrot and Coriander Purée, Shallot Jam, and Horseradish Gremolada (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies)

Chilled Jumbo Shrimp

Avocado Mousse, Crispy Peppers, Corn Purée, and Micro Cilantro (For Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies)

Allergy-Friendly Entrées

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Roasted Lamb Chops

Warm Winter Squash Salad, Pomegranate, Pistachios and Honey Balsamic Reduction (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies)

Grilled Filet Mignon*

Potato Pavé, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, and House-made Steak Sauce (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Peanut/Tree Nut, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies)

Marinated Grilled Chicken

Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Risotto, Roasted Fennel, and Black Truffle Butter (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies)

Crab-topped Catch of the Day

Roasted Pumpkin-smoked Gouda Grits, Braised Greens, and Brown Butter-Meyer Lemon Emulsion (For Gluten/Wheat, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies)

Parisian Gnocchi

Seasonal Vegetables, Celery Root Purée, and Vegetable Demi-glace (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies)

Allergy-Friendly Desserts

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

The Clock Strikes Twelve

Dark Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel and Crunchy Praline Center, served with Chocolate Sauce and Hazelnut Gelato (For Fish/Shellfish, Peanut, and Sesame Allergies)

Jaq & Gus

Cheesecake with Seasonal Flavors and Garnishes (For Gluten/Wheat, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies)

Coffee Pot de Crème

Coffee-infused Coconut 'Custard', Passion Fruit Gelée, and Crumbled Chocolate-Espresso Beans (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, and Sesame Allergies)

Allergy-Friendly Kids' Appetizers (choose one)

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Sliced Apples

Bite-sized Cheddar Cheese and Grapes

Garden Salad

with Fat-free Ranch Dressing (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies)

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Allergy-Friendly Kids' Entrées (choose one)

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Seared Fish of the Day

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, Shellfish, and Soy Allergies)

Grilled Steak*

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, Sesame, and Soy Allergies)

Chicken Strips

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies)

Macaroni & Cheese

Served with choice of two (2) Selections and choice of Small Lowfat Milk or Small Minute Maid® Apple Juice (For Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Sesame Allergies)

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Allergy-Friendly Kids' Selections (choose two)

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Seasonal Vegetables

Rice Pilaf

Mashed Potatoes

Buttered Corn-on-the-Cob

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

Allergy-Friendly Kids' Desserts (choose one)

Guests must speak to a Cast Member about their allergy-friendly request

Build-Your-Own-Cupcake

Seasonal Sorbet

Yogurt Parfait

Kids' menu items for children ages 9 and younger.
Look for the Disney Check icon on printed menus to find options that meet Disney's nutrition guidelines.

About our allergy-friendly menu items: Guests may consult with a chef or special diets trained Cast Member before placing an order. We use reasonable efforts in our sourcing, preparation and handling procedures to avoid the introduction of the named allergens into allergy-friendly menu choices. While we take steps to prevent cross-contact, we do not have separate allergy-friendly kitchens and are unable to guarantee that a menu item is completely free of allergens. Allergy-friendly offerings are reliant on supplier ingredient labels. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the contents of each food item. Allergen advisory statements (e.g., "may contain") are not regulated and therefore not taken into consideration when developing allergy-friendly meals. It is ultimately our Guests' discretion to make an informed choice based upon their individual dietary needs.

Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice.

* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.

Our plant-based menu items are made without animal meat, dairy, eggs and honey.

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The Magic Castle Restaurant Is One Of The Best Places to Eat In Hollywood

One of the best places to eat in Hollywood is the Magic Castle Restaurant. What is the Magic Castle? It is a building dedicated to the magical arts and is truly a one of a kind place. The Magic Castle is an exclusive establishment that is only open to members of The Academy of Magical Arts and their guests. I was blessed to get to visit this spectacular place a week ago.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.

How did I get in? Well, around a year ago a friend of mine went here with some friends from high school. One person in that group knew a member who set them up with a reservation. During that trip, my friend purchased a picture from The Magic Castle which included an invitation to come back for another visit. I was invited to join on the return visit.

I had been wanting to come here for a long time, but I did not know any members. My parents & Grandparents came here a long time ago and had mentioned what a cool place it was. I wanted to come and explore this special place, however, I didn’t know if I would ever get the chance. When my friend offered me the chance to go I was thrilled.

Our reservation was set for the day before Halloween. This ended up being a great time to go because for a whole week the castle celebrates Dia de Los Muertos. Everyone was dressed up in a costume which added a little something extra to the experience. It seemed like the perfect place to wear my Audrey Hepburn costume.

We were able to take photos outside but the only place inside that you can take pictures is in the lobby. I would have loved to have been able to take pictures on the inside to share with you. Especially, so that I could show you the Magic Castle restaurant and what the food looks like. I respect that they don’t want the magic being performed being photographed or videotaped.

By not allowing photography they are able to protect the magic and keep most of the inside of the castle a secret. I was hoping we could find one of the photographers. Not only so I could have at least one good picture inside the castle but also so that I could hopefully come back. Unfortunately, on the night of my visit, there were no photographers working. We had also been told about a photobooth but later found out that it was not available that night either.

I will be very brief and vague in sharing about the inside of The Magic Castle. I want to respect the rules and intimacy. We had an 8 pm dinner reservation which ended up being a great time. This gave us time to explore before dinner and provided us with tickets for the 10 pm show. We moved around the different levels watching various magic tricks being performed. In a lot of cases, we were able to be part of the tricks ourselves. I was amazed by what I was seeing and truly impressed.

Due to our invitation back to the castle we had to pay the door fee and were each required to order one entree at dinner. I ordered the 6oz filet mignon which came with mashed potatoes and veggies. The filet was fabulous. I would recommend it ordering it.

Following dinner, we went to the big show. I didn’t know what to expect and it was even more spectacular than anything I could have imagined. As far as I’m concerned this is the place to come to see as well as appreciate the magic. The workers are so welcoming and talented. If you are ever given the opportunity to go to the magic castle take it. Valet parking is available for up to two cars per reservation.

I am so thankful that I got to have this opportunity.

About The Author

Michelle Ares is the founder and creative director of LA Dreaming. I have a passion for Southern California and love sharing my adventures and experiences with you. I love to travel, find new places to check out, and watch movies. You can follow me on Instagram @la.dreaming

3. **Sacredness of Immanence**: Pagans view the divine as immanent and present in the natural world, rather than transcendent and separate from it. They believe that all things possess a spark of divinity, and seek to foster a direct and personal relationship with the divine through rituals, meditation, or other spiritual practices. 4. **Ritual and Magic**: Rituals are an integral part of Paganism, serving as a means to connect with the divine and tap into spiritual energies. Pagans may perform ceremonies that mark the changing of seasons, honor specific deities, or celebrate important life events. Many also practice forms of magic, harnessing their own intentions and energy to effect change in the world. 5. **Personal Responsibility**: Pagans believe in taking personal responsibility for their actions and choices. They emphasize the importance of living in harmony with nature, practicing ethical behavior, and being accountable for the consequences of their actions. 6. **Embracing Diversity**: Paganism celebrates diversity and is inclusive of different cultural traditions, spiritual paths, and perspectives. Pagans value individual autonomy and encourage each person to seek their own spiritual truth through personal exploration and study. Overall, Paganism is characterized by a deep respect for nature, a belief in multiple gods, a focus on immanence, the practice of rituals and magic, personal responsibility, and an acceptance of diversity. These key tenets shape the worldview and spiritual practices of many Pagans, while allowing for individual interpretation and variation within the broader Pagan community..

Reviews for "Uncovering the Root Values of Paganism"

1. Samantha - 2 stars: I found "Key Tenets of Paganism" to be a highly disappointing read. The content was shallow and lacked in-depth explanations of the different tenets of paganism. The author merely scratched the surface of each topic without providing any substantial information or insights. I was really hoping to learn more about the rich history and practices of paganism, but this book fell short of my expectations.

2. Michael - 1 star: I regret spending my money on "Key Tenets of Paganism." The information provided in this book was extremely basic, and it felt like a regurgitation of generic facts that could easily be found with a quick online search. The writing lacked depth, and I didn't feel like I gained any new knowledge or understanding of paganism. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of the subject.

3. Jennifer - 2 stars: As someone who is genuinely interested in pagan beliefs and practices, I was disappointed by "Key Tenets of Paganism." The book seemed more like a superficial overview rather than a deep dive into the topic. There were no personal anecdotes or real-life examples to engage the reader, and the explanations felt rushed and incomplete. It left me wanting more, but not in a good way. I would recommend searching for alternative resources if you are seeking a more thorough understanding of paganism.

4. Nicholas - 1 star: "Key Tenets of Paganism" is a perfect example of wasted potential. The book promises to provide a comprehensive guide to paganism, but it fails to deliver. The information provided is basic and lacks substance. It felt like the author was just going through the motions without adding any real value or insights. I would advise anyone interested in paganism to skip this book and seek out more reputable sources for a truly enlightening exploration of the subject.

The Central Ideals that Guide Pagan Practices