Pagan holidays refer to the traditional celebrations and observances that are aligned with ancient Pagan beliefs and practices. These holidays have their roots in ancient cultures and are often associated with the cycles of nature and agricultural events. In the United States, the celebration of Pagan holidays has gained popularity among modern Pagans and those interested in alternative spiritual practices. In the year 2023, there will be several Pagan holidays observed in the United States. One of the most significant is Ostara, also known as the Spring Equinox. Ostara falls on March 20th or 21st and marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2015
To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher - one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual a bowl carved from the tree of life. When a mysterious package arrives with an ancient diary and brings with it the destruction of her bookshop, Sam becomes determined to uncover its origins.
Ostara falls on March 20th or 21st and marks the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This holiday celebrates the balance between light and darkness, and the reawakening of nature after the long winter months. It is a time to honor fertility, growth, and new beginnings.
CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, this is the first entry in a series starring puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox.
Sam, whose father was killed during the Great War, has remained in her rural Illinois town to work in an antiquarian bookshop owned by the father of her childhood friends, siblings Joana and Bennett Steeling. One day, a package from Ireland with a mysterious book containing a coded letter is delivered. Before Sam can properly examine it, two Irishmen try to steal it, in the process setting fire to the shop. Sam, wisecracking sidekick Joana, and love interest Bennett learn that a centuries-old club is trying to enact an ancient curse to call forth Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war and death. Traveling by train and steamship, the trio make their way to Dublin, encountering an array of additional characters along the way. With each chapter ending in a cliffhanger, the plot unfolds quickly. Classic elements include hidden clues, narrow escapes, a magical ritual object, and a fearsome mythical creature. Sam is an appealing heroine: smart, well-read, gutsy, and introspective. While solving the mystery (and discerning friend from foe), Sam comes to terms with the lingering effects of her grief, a plot element that provides unexpected emotional depth. However, repetitive bickering among the main characters proves tedious. All characters appear White.
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal. (Adventure. 13-18)
Pub Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-06398-2
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
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Another notable Pagan holiday in 2023 is Beltane, which falls on May 1st. Beltane is a celebration of the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility and the abundance of the Earth. It is a time to honor the union of the God and Goddess, and many rituals involve dancing around a Maypole and lighting bonfires. Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice, is celebrated on June 20th or 21st. This Pagan holiday marks the longest day of the year and the peak of summer. It is a time to honor the power of the sun and the abundance of nature. Many Pagans gather to watch the sunrise or sunset and participate in rituals that celebrate the fire element. On October 31st, Samhain is celebrated, which is considered the most important Pagan holiday of the year. Samhain marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is a time to honor ancestors and the thinning of the veil between the spirit world and the living. Many Pagans engage in divination and reflective rituals to connect with their ancestors and seek guidance for the coming year. Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, occurs on December 21st or 22nd. This Pagan holiday marks the shortest day of the year and the return of the sun. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the promise of new life. Many Pagans decorate evergreen trees, exchange gifts, and light candles to symbolize the return of the sun's warmth. Overall, Pagan holidays in 2023 in the United States will provide opportunities for Pagans and those interested in alternative spiritual practices to connect with nature, honor ancient traditions, and celebrate the cycles of life. These holidays offer a chance to cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and a greater appreciation for the natural world..
Reviews for "Paganism and Mental Health: Exploring the Healing Power of Nature"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Pagan Holidays 2023 US". I was expecting an in-depth exploration of Pagan traditions and celebrations, but instead, I found a superficial overview that barely scratched the surface. The book lacked the depth I was seeking and felt more like a skimmed Wikipedia article rather than a comprehensive guide. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Pagan holidays.
2. Sarah - 1 star - This book was a complete waste of money. Not only did it lack any substantial information about Pagan holidays, but it was also poorly organized and riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. The author seemed to have little knowledge or understanding of the subject matter, and it showed throughout the entire book. I regret purchasing this and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Mark - 2 stars - As someone interested in learning about Pagan traditions and holidays, I was excited to find "Pagan Holidays 2023 US". However, I was quickly disappointed by the lack of cultural sensitivity and depth in the book. The author failed to provide accurate information and instead relied on stereotypes and generalizations. It felt like a missed opportunity to educate and promote understanding about Paganism. I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in an authentic exploration of Pagan holidays.
4. Emily - 1 star - I found "Pagan Holidays 2023 US" to be nothing more than a glorified calendar. The book simply listed the dates of various Pagan holidays without providing any context or explanation. It felt like a lazy attempt at cashing in on the growing interest in Paganism without putting in the effort to create valuable content. I would not recommend this book to anyone who wants more than a basic calendar of Pagan holidays.
5. Michael - 2 stars - I was really hoping for a comprehensive guide to Pagan holidays in the United States, but this book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was rudimentary and lacked any depth or insight. I would have liked to see more historical background, cultural significance, and personal anecdotes about the holidays. Unfortunately, "Pagan Holidays 2023 US" failed to deliver on its promises.