Magic Tree House Books: Merlin Missions The Magic Tree House books are a popular series of children's books written by American author Mary Pope Osborne. The series follows the adventures of two young siblings, Jack and Annie, as they travel through time and space in a magical tree house. In the books, the tree house belongs to the enigmatic character of Merlin the magician, who sends Jack and Annie on various missions. The Merlin Missions is a sub-series within the Magic Tree House books. These books, designated by sequential numbers instead of titles, involve more complex and advanced storylines compared to the earlier books in the series. The Merlin Missions take Jack and Annie on quests that require them to solve riddles, defeat mythical creatures, and face other challenges to fulfill their mission.
Celtic Pagans call the summer solstice Litha, and there are a myriad of ways to celebrate it.
To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours. Additionally, rolling around naked in the morning dew will bring you good fortune a custom still practised today by those particularly dedicated to the holiday.
The Merlin Missions take Jack and Annie on quests that require them to solve riddles, defeat mythical creatures, and face other challenges to fulfill their mission. One of the primary themes of the Merlin Missions is the importance of knowledge and learning. Each book is centered around a different time period or historical event, providing young readers with an educational experience.
5 Ways to Celebrate Litha — The Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, but that doesn’t mean it should be the most boring day of the year.
Celtic Pagans call the summer solstice Litha, and there are a myriad of ways to celebrate it.
1. Dance, dance, dance!
Litha is all about the raising of energy, since it’s the time when the world is the most warmed and alive from the sun. Hosting a drum circle, a dance party, or even just going to your local Irish pub and dancing to some traditional tunes is a great way to pay homage. Our ancestors would throw great festivals where music and dancing would be the norm. If your town has a renaissance faire, they’re always a good place to check out some traditional and awesome beats. Of course, you could also check out your local metal scene. Chances are, someone somewhere will be celebrating.
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2. Do good with your family
When I was a kid, my parents made me donate toys, food, and time on Thanksgiving. It was a good practice to make me realize all that I had. But you don’t just have to wait for one day a year to do good deeds. Litha is the perfect time to help at your local soup kitchen, clean out your closet and donate what hasn’t given you joy in a while or volunteer. If that option is unavailable to you for some reason, you could always make good with your family. Call a cousin or sibling you haven’t talked to for a while. Sent a small, unexpected gift to someone you know could really use it.
3. Learn a new skill
For kids, June is when summer break starts, which means all learning is off. That doesn’t have to be so. Make a commitment to using Litha to start learning something new: a craft, an instrument, a trade, or start working on a new project. Begin writing a novel or painting a mural on your kitchen wall. Imagine what you’ll know after ten Lithas have passed by?
4. Enjoy nature
Litha is all about nature. It’s about our planet’s natural path coming to its warmest peak before descending into the cold. Take a hike with a loved one, rent a lakeside cabin, or plan a day at the beach if you’re lucky enough to live near the coast. You could also go to a zoo or botanical garden and find out what nature from all over the world looks like.
Image courtesy of I Heart the Goddess
5. Set up a Litha Altar
Litha is all about bright, sunny colors, so when you go looking for decorations, candles, and motifs for your Litha altar, think yellows, oranges, reds, and greens. If you have a favorite mango candle, or a beautiful golden scarf, this is the perfect time to use them. You’ll also want to use sun symbols, which are thankfully plenty in the secular world’s summer decor. Look at Joanne Fabrics, Target, or Michaels’ for circular shapes, sun signs, or search online for the more pagan-appropriate symbols, like Brigit’s Cross. Flowers, fruits, and vegetables rom your garden are also most appropriate. I’m going to put a little bit of our homebrewed mead on ours this year for something extra special
From Ancient Egypt to the American Revolutionary War, Jack and Annie become time travelers, exploring different cultures and expanding their understanding of history. Another recurring theme in the Merlin Missions is the power of friendship. Jack and Annie must rely on each other's strengths and support to overcome obstacles and complete their missions. Their bond and teamwork are tested, reinforcing the message of the books about the importance of working together and valuing friendship. The Magic Tree House books, particularly the Merlin Missions, have gained worldwide popularity and have been translated into various languages. Many teachers and parents appreciate these books for their ability to engage young readers while also teaching important lessons about history, problem-solving, and resilience. In conclusion, the Magic Tree House books, particularly the Merlin Missions, are a beloved series that combines adventure, history, and magical elements. Through the travels of Jack and Annie, young readers not only get to immerse themselves in exciting stories but also gain knowledge about different time periods and develop crucial skills such as problem-solving and teamwork..
Reviews for "Discovering the Magic of the Tree House Books: Journeying through Meflin Missions"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magic Tree House Merlin Missions series. The adventures just didn't captivate me like the original Magic Tree House books did. The storylines felt forced and lacked excitement. The characters also felt flat and didn't have the same charm as Jack and Annie. Overall, I found the Merlin Missions to be quite underwhelming and not worth the read.
2. Mike - 1 star - I couldn't stand the Magic Tree House Merlin Missions. The plots were predictable and repetitive, and it seemed like the author was just trying to cash in on the success of the original series. The writing style was also subpar, with awkward and overly simplified language. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire series. I would not recommend the Merlin Missions to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The Magic Tree House Merlin Missions just didn't live up to my expectations. The books lacked the same magic and wonder as the original series. The adventures felt rushed and didn't provide enough depth or detail. I also didn't connect with the new characters introduced in the Merlin Missions, and I missed the dynamic between Jack and Annie. Overall, I found the Merlin Missions to be a letdown and would prefer to stick with the original Magic Tree House books.