Pagan holidays, also known as pagan festivals or sabbats, are celebrations observed by individuals who follow pagan and earth-based spiritual traditions. These holidays are usually based on the cycles of the seasons and the natural rhythms of the Earth. The dates of pagan holidays vary depending on the tradition and the hemisphere in which the individual practices. However, there are eight primary pagan holidays that are widely celebrated by many pagan communities. The Wheel of the Year, a concept that represents the annual cycle of the Earth's seasons, is often used to organize these holidays. It is divided into two halves, one representing the light or waxing part of the year and the other representing the dark or waning part of the year.
It is divided into two halves, one representing the light or waxing part of the year and the other representing the dark or waning part of the year. The pagan holidays that fall in the light half of the year are: 1. Imbolc: Celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, Imbolc marks the beginning of spring.
Graphic Novel Review: “The Midwinter Witch” by Molly Knox Ostertag
With The Midwinter Witch, author Molly Knox Ostertag wraps up the series she began with The Witch Boy and The Hidden Witch. Aster’s friend Ariel has become a ward of the Vanissen family, learning the healthy and safe way to do magic alongside Aster and his cousins.
But though the whole Vanissen clan is gearing up for the Midwinter Festival, a yearly celebration and family reunion, Ariel isn’t sure if she belongs. When she meets a previously unknown relative in a dream, who urges Ariel to follow a power-hungry path different than the one charted for her by Aster and his family, her feelings are complicated even further. Meanwhile, Aster grapples with the difficulty of revealing to his extended family his penchant for witch magic instead of shapeshifting.
I’ve really enjoyed both of the previous graphic novels in this series, and The Midwinter Witch is no exception. Ostertag is thoughtful and compelling in her rendering of the Vanissen family dynamics, and it continues to be a pleasure to immerse myself in their world and traditions. I read the book in record time, and, as always, was left eager for more.
This eagerness is the root of the only critique I have of this installment since it is meant to be the conclusion of the series. In terms of plot, I think The Midwinter Witch hits a lot of the same beats as The Hidden Witch (Ariel has a secret, she almost yields to the dark side of magic, the power of friendship is victorious in the end), and the parts of the story that are new feel like they open a lot more questions than they answer. Aster’s story felt more resolved, but this installment also didn’t feel necessary for his journey. His role in the story felt like it served Ariel’s story more than his own.
In short, The Midwinter Witch is really fun as an episode in the world Ostertag has created but a little unsatisfying as a finale.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Scholastic, for review.
Since I reviewed both The Witch Boy and The Hidden Witch, it seems only appropriate that I share with you my thoughts on The Midwinter Witch, which is the conclusion to the series (to the best of my knowledge).
It is a time of purification and new beginnings. 2. Ostara: Celebrated on the Spring Equinox, around March 21st, Ostara welcomes the arrival of spring and the return of longer days. 3. Beltane: Celebrated on May 1st, Beltane is a fertility festival that heralds the beginning of summer. It is a time of joyous celebration and feasting. 4. Litha: Celebrated on the Summer Solstice, around June 21st, Litha is the longest day of the year. It is a time to celebrate the sun's peak strength and the abundance of nature. The pagan holidays that fall in the dark half of the year are: 5. Lammas: Celebrated on August 1st, Lammas is the first harvest festival of the year. It is a time to give thanks for the fruits of the labor and to prepare for the coming autumn. 6. Mabon: Celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, around September 21st, Mabon marks the second harvest and the beginning of the descent into darkness. It is a time of balance and reflection. 7. Samhain: Celebrated on October 31st, Samhain is considered the most significant pagan holiday. It represents the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. It is also a time to honor and connect with ancestors and spirits. 8. Yule: Celebrated on the Winter Solstice, around December 21st, Yule is the darkest and longest night of the year. It is a time of introspection and renewal and is often associated with the birth of the sun. The pagan holidays are often marked by rituals, ceremonies, and community gatherings. These celebrations vary depending on the specific pagan tradition and the individual's personal practices. Pagan holidays are seen as opportunities to connect with the natural world, celebrate the changing seasons, and honor the divine within and around us..
Reviews for "Mabon: Welcoming the Autumn Equinox"
1. John - 2/5
I was really disappointed with the movie "Pagan Holiday Dates". The story was confusing and the characters were completely unrealistic. The humor fell flat and I didn't find myself connecting with any of the jokes. The plot was all over the place and it felt like the writers were trying too hard to be funny. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time watching this movie.
2. Sarah - 1/5
"Pagan Holiday Dates" was a complete disaster. The acting was terrible and the dialogue felt forced. The whole premise of the movie was ridiculous and there were so many plot holes that it was hard to keep track. The humor was cringeworthy and I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire film. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Michael - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Pagan Holiday Dates" but it fell short of my expectations. The story had potential but it was poorly executed. The characters lacked depth and the dialogue felt unnatural. The movie tried too hard to be funny and ended up being more annoying than entertaining. I was disappointed with the overall experience and can't say I enjoyed watching it.
4. Emily - 2/5
"Pagan Holiday Dates" was a letdown for me. The humor was juvenile and the jokes were predictable. The plot was weak and it felt like there was no real direction. The acting was subpar and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the entire film. It's definitely not a movie I would recommend to others.