Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that was developed in the mid-20th century. Wiccans follow a diverse set of beliefs and practices that center around a reverence for nature and the worship of a goddess and god. There are no set criteria for what makes someone a Wiccan, but there are several common features that many Wiccans share. One of the defining features of Wicca is its focus on nature and the environment. Wiccans believe that everything in nature is interconnected and sacred, and they strive to live in harmony with the natural world. This often includes participating in rituals and ceremonies outdoors, honoring the changing seasons and cycles of the moon, and working with herbs, crystals, and other natural elements.
"Full of wonder and real-life enchantment, Amy Ephron's Carnival Magic is a charming adventure that will make a believer out of anyone!" —Rachel Vail, author of Well, That Was Awkward and the Friendship Ring series
Internationally bestselling author Amy Ephron returns with a companion novel to The Castle in the Mist and creates a magical tale filled with adventure, mystery, fantasy, family, and fun. Before Tess can shake herself out of the hypnosis, before Max can do anything, they seem to be traveling--along with the rest of the carnival--too quickly for the two of them to jump out.
This often includes participating in rituals and ceremonies outdoors, honoring the changing seasons and cycles of the moon, and working with herbs, crystals, and other natural elements. Another key feature of Wicca is its belief in a duotheistic theology, meaning the worship of a goddess and god. Wiccans see these deities as two equal and complementary forces, representing the feminine and masculine energies present in the universe.
Carnival Magic
Tess and Max are back in England for another summer with their Aunt Evie--this time by the seashore in South Devon. And they're incredibly excited about the travelling carnival that's come to town. There are rides, games, acrobats, The House of Mirrors--and even a psychic, with a beautiful wagon all her own.
In a visit to the psychic's wagon, while Tess is being hypnotized, the wagon seems to move. Before Tess can shake herself out of the hypnosis, before Max can do anything, they seem to be travelling--along with the rest of the carnival--too quickly for the two of them to jump out. But where are they going and what awaits them? Will they be caught in a world different from their own? And do the Baranova twins, acrobats who miss their sister almost as much as Tess and Max miss their family, hold the keys to the mystery?
Internationally bestselling author Amy Ephron returns with a companion novel to The Castle in the Mist and creates a magical tale filled with adventure, mystery, fantasy, family, and fun.
Praise for Carnival Magic:
"Full of wonder and real-life enchantment, Amy Ephron's Carnival Magic is a charming adventure that will make a believer out of anyone!" —Rachel Vail, author of Well, That Was Awkward and the Friendship Ring series
"Tess is a thoroughly modern heroine: She's athletic, impulsive, and fearless . . . The siblings are authentic children [and] the fantastic elements are the stuff of daydreams. Perfect for classroom read-alouds." —Kirkus Reviews
"The short chapters filled with mystery and action will have readers eagerly continuing to discover the secrets that await them. . . . Fans of the first book will be eager for this fun middle-grade fantasy with a classic sensibility." —Booklist
"The setting is contemporary—yet the language and tone feel distinctly nostalgic. This novel, which works as a stand alone, will captivate readers who enjoy their whimsy with a dash of risk." —School Library Journal
"[Carnival Magic is] a softer otherworldly take on childhood mystery, reminiscent of classics like A Secret Garden . . . [it] is in itself an escape. Tess especially follows in that lineage of strong, intelligent female characters – a sort of Lucy Pevensie/Hermione Granger hybrid who is a leader, who believes in magic." —Teen Vogue
"Amy Ephron has always been a magical storyteller. . . . In Carnival Magic, the companion book to Ephron’s successful The Castle in the Mist . . . Tess and Max are teaching children and their parents about the power of thoughtful decision-making, loyalty, and self-confidence. Life lessons and carnival rides . . . the perfect beach read for all ages." —Parade
“Ephron renders this magical world with such assertive beauty that readers of all ages, who are fortunate enough to believe in the power of magic, will enjoy immersing themselves in the roller-coaster fun of these stories, and come to trust, even if for a short time, that in this ‘alternate universe’ it is possible for us to come together and ‘touch the sky.’” —Jewish Journal
On sale: May 1, 2018
Age: 8-12 years
Grade: Grades 3-7
Page count: 0 Pages
ISBN: 9780525625377
Run time: 6 Hours and 0 Minutes
Amy Ephron (www.amyephron.com) is a bestselling author of books for children and adults. The Castle in the Mist, her first book for young readers, was nominated for a SCIBA Award, and was followed by Carnival Magic and The Other Side of the Wall, all part of the Other Side series. Ephron is also the author of several adult books, including A Cup of Tea, which is an international bestseller. Her novel One Sunday Morning received the Booklist Best Fiction and Best Historical Fiction of the Year awards and was a Barnes & Noble Book Club selection. She also writes for TIME magazine and Air Mail Weekly and was a contributor at Vogue, Vogue.com and The New York Times T Magazine. Her work has appeared in numerous other publications as well. She was Executive Producer of Warner Bros.’ A Little Princess. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband. Between them they have five children. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @AmyEphron.
Praise for Carnival Magic:
"Full of wonder and real-life enchantment, Amy Ephron's Carnival Magic is a charming adventure that will make a believer out of anyone!" —Rachel Vail, author of Well, That Was Awkward and the Friendship Ring series
"Tess is a thoroughly modern heroine: She's athletic, impulsive, and fearless . . . The siblings are authentic children [and] the fantastic elements are the stuff of daydreams. Perfect for classroom read-alouds." —Kirkus Reviews
"The short chapters filled with mystery and action will have readers eagerly continuing to discover the secrets that await them. . . . Fans of the first book will be eager for this fun middle-grade fantasy with a classic sensibility." —Booklist
"The setting is contemporary—yet the language and tone feel distinctly nostalgic. This novel, which works as a stand alone, will captivate readers who enjoy their whimsy with a dash of risk." —School Library Journal
"[Carnival Magic is] a softer otherworldly take on childhood mystery, reminiscent of classics such as The Secret Garden . . . [it] is in itself an escape. Tess especially follows in that lineage of strong, intelligent female characters – a sort of Lucy Pevensie/Hermione Granger hybrid who is a leader, who believes in magic." —Teen Vogue
"Amy Ephron has always been a magical storyteller. . . . In Carnival Magic, the companion book to Ephron’s successful The Castle in the Mist . . . Tess and Max are teaching children and their parents about the power of thoughtful decision-making, loyalty, and self-confidence. Life lessons and carnival rides . . . the perfect beach read for all ages." —Parade
“Ephron renders this magical world with such assertive beauty that readers of all ages, who are fortunate enough to believe in the power of magic, will enjoy immersing themselves in the roller-coaster fun of these stories, and come to trust, even if for a short time, that in this ‘alternate universe’ it is possible for us to come together and ‘touch the sky.’” —Jewish Journal
Audiobook Download $18.00 May 01, 2018 | 360 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780525625377 --> Buy
Some Wiccans may worship specific gods and goddesses from various mythologies, while others may choose to worship a more general concept of the divine. Wiccans also practice witchcraft, which involves utilizing magical techniques and rituals to manifest desired outcomes. Unlike the stereotypical portrayals of witches in popular culture, Wiccan witchcraft is not about causing harm or manipulating others. Instead, it is seen as a way to connect with the natural and spiritual forces of the world and to bring about positive change. Wiccans often gather in small groups known as covens, though some may practice as solitaries. Covens provide a supportive community where members can learn from one another, celebrate the sabbats (seasonal festivals), and perform rituals together. However, solitaries can also practice Wicca on their own, adapting and personalizing their beliefs and practices to suit their individual needs. In addition to these features, Wicca is a religion that values personal responsibility, ethics, and self-discovery. Wiccans are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to act with integrity and kindness. They also believe in the importance of personal growth and the development of one's own spiritual path. Overall, the features of a Wiccan include a reverence for nature, the worship of a goddess and god, the practice of witchcraft, participation in group or solitary rituals, and a focus on personal responsibility and self-discovery. While these features are common among many Wiccans, it's important to remember that Wicca is a diverse and individualistic religion, and the beliefs and practices of each practitioner may vary..
Reviews for "The Significance of the Pentacle in Wiccan Symbolism"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Define the features of a wiccan". The book promised to provide a comprehensive understanding of Wiccan practices, but instead, it was filled with vague generalizations and limited information. The author failed to dive deep into the history, rituals, and beliefs of Wicca, leaving me with more questions than answers. I expected a more in-depth exploration of the subject, but this book barely scratched the surface.
2. John - 2 stars
As someone who was curious to learn about Wicca, I found "Define the features of a wiccan" to be lacking in substance. The author seemed more focused on explaining the basics of Wicca rather than delving into its more intricate aspects. The book felt rushed, and the information provided was overly simplistic, often stating the obvious. I was disappointed by the lack of depth and felt that it failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Wicca as promised in the title.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Define the features of a wiccan" didn't meet my expectations. While it briefly touched upon the main features of Wicca, it failed to provide a thorough analysis of the subject. The book lacked examples, historical context, and explanations of the underlying beliefs. As a beginner, I was looking for more guidance and a deeper exploration of Wiccan practices, but this book seemed more like a basic introduction rather than a comprehensive guide. I would not recommend it to those seeking an in-depth understanding of Wicca.