Magic Myth Marvel Magic, myth, and marvel are three elements of storytelling that have captivated audiences for centuries. They are intertwined in tales of enchantment, mystery, and extraordinary feats. These elements transport us to a world where anything is possible and ignite our sense of wonder. Magic, in its various forms, is a staple of myths and legends. It is the embodiment of supernatural powers and the ability to shape reality. From ancient civilizations to modern-day fantasies, magic has been used to explain natural phenomena, create epic battles, and convey moral lessons.
Johnson-Craft and her students gather at dusk the night before the solstice to light their Yule Log, a log with engraved symbols that is usually from pines, which are evergreen throughout the winter. They will then write out their aspirations for the coming year, place them on their Yule tree or wreath and burn them with the flames of the Yule Log when the sun comes up the following morning.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun appears at its most southerly position, directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. It s likely that on the solstices people gathered at the monument to celebrate, though little archaeological evidence remains of the ceremonies that may have taken place there.
From ancient civilizations to modern-day fantasies, magic has been used to explain natural phenomena, create epic battles, and convey moral lessons. It adds an element of surprise and awe to a story, taking us beyond the limits of our everyday lives. Myth, on the other hand, is a narrative that combines historical events and supernatural beliefs.
Why do we celebrate the Summer Solstice?
First things first! The term ‘solstice’ can be traced back to the Latin word ‘solstitium’, combining the words ‘sol’, meaning sun, and ‘-stit’ or ‘-stes’, meaning standing or still. The name derives from the Romans’ observation that during a solstice, the sun’s position in the sky at noon didn’t seem to change much throughout the day, but instead appeared motionless.
Astronomically speaking…
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the end of spring and the start of the astronomical summer. It takes place between 20 th and 22 nd June each year, the reason for the shift in date boiling down to the fact that our calendar doesn’t precisely reflect the Earth’s rotation, and so we have to allow some wiggle room!
Both the summer and winter solstices form part of a wider astronomical calendar, flanked by two equinoxes in the spring and the autumn, and other daily and monthly cycles throughout the year. Incidentally, ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin ‘equi’ meaning equal, and ‘nox’ meaning night. On these two dates, day and night are of equal length before the days begin to get either lighter in the spring, or darker in the autumn.
During the solstices, the Earth’s axis tilts us at either our closest or farthest point from the sun. The hemisphere tilted most towards the sun sees its longest day and shortest night (the Summer Solstice), whilst the hemisphere tilted away from the sun sees its shortest day and longest night (the Winter Solstice.)
Prehistoric significance
Now that’s the science of a solstice explained (phew!), but just why do we humans place so much significance on the solstices and the days surrounding them? We know that the solstices certainly held importance for Neolithic humans, who may initially have started to observe the Summer Solstice as a marker for planting and harvesting crops. Stonehenge, our most famous Neolithic monument, was certainly built to reflect the solstices, and it has long been debated whether one of its functions was to act as ancient solar calendar. The site’s megaliths are aligned with the direction of the sunrise on the Summer Solstice, with the sarsen stones lined up to trace the movements of the sun. It’s likely that on the solstices people gathered at the monument to celebrate, though little archaeological evidence remains of the ceremonies that may have taken place there.
Interestingly, Archaeoastronomers (yes that’s an actual job, amazing!) think that the midwinter solstice may actually have been the more important focus for the builders of Stonehenge, due to the entire monument’s alignment facing toward the setting midwinter sun. As you enter the site along the main avenue and walk towards the standing stones, the position of the Winter Solstice’s sunset is the main focus directly ahead, perhaps in the same way that the most important parts of a church are located ahead of you as you enter. There’s a WEALTH of information on Stonehenge’s association with the solstices on the English Heritage website, and we fully encourage you to fall down that rabbit hole and check it out!
The Summer Solstice throughout history
Our fascination with the solstices didn’t end with our Neolithic ancestors. According to some ancient Greek calendars, the Summer Solstice marked the start of the New Year, and began the one-month countdown to the opening of the famous Olympic games. In the days leading up to the Summer Solstice, the Romans celebrated the Vestalia, a religious festival to honour Vesta, goddess of the home and hearth. Before the rise of Christianity, Slavic, Germanic and Celtic tribes celebrated the midsummer with bonfires, believing that they would boost the sun’s energy and guarantee a good harvest. It was believed that bonfires could also help banish demons and evil spirits. Following the establishment of the Christian church, solstice celebrations were often combined with St John the Baptist’s Day on the 24 th June, the date of Midsummer’s Day.
N.B. The Summer Solstice and Midsummer’s Day are actually separate dates, with the later falling on the 24 th June. Midsummer is often now referred to as the period of time commencing with the Summer Solstice and leading up to Midsummer’s Day.
Significance of the solstice in Paganism
Today, the celebration of the solstices is mostly strongly associated with Paganism. The Pagan festival of Litha is one of the most important in the Pagan religion, commencing on the eve of the Summer Solstice it celebrates the midsummer and the power of the sun god. Magic is thought to be strongest during the Summer Solstice, and it’s also the time when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest, eep! According to Pagan folklore, evil spirits in particular may walk the earth more freely at this time, and in order to ward them off, people wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of these is the ‘chase devil’, also known as St. John’s Wort, because of its association with St. John’s Day.
Other Summer Solstice traditions surround the ashes from a midsummer bonfire, which can be used as a protection against misfortune by being formed into an amulet, or spread across a garden to ensure a good harvest. ‘Sunwheels’ were also used to celebrate midsummer in some Pagan communities. A wheel or ball of straw was lit on fire and rolled down a hill into a river. It was believed that if the fire went out before hitting the water then a good harvest was guaranteed.
Maypole in Eaton Socon c.1914 – picture credit: Cambridgeshire Community Archive Network
Local traditions
Over the centuries, the June solstice has inspired many midsummer celebrations involving bonfires, singing, and Maypole dancing. Many towns and villages across Britain still mark the day with fairs and festivals, like the one that takes place on Midsummer Common in Cambridge.
Local historian C.F. Tebbutt records in his writings a few other local traditions that took place in Huntingdonshire. In Bluntisham in the late 19th century, a midsummer feast was once held, with stalls selling sweets and gingerbread, and a garlanded hoop hung over the street. Records from Waresely in 1679 record the firing of blanks from guns at a midsummer festival, intended to scare away fairies and evil spirits. Finally, court records from Stilton in 1830 tell of one Thomas Wade, who was brought before a court for “walking up and down disguised by having a pair of painted ram’s horns on his head and a green veil over his face… at the same time also making strange and frightful noises…” Though whether this was actually to do with midsummer celebrations is anyone’s guess!
And there we have it! It can’t be denied that the Summer Solstice is a significant occasion astronomically, spiritually and historically. However you choose to mark the day (though we’d recommend not taking inspiration from Mr Wade), be sure to enjoy the longest day to its fullest!
https://www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Capture1.png 548 794 Kelly Garner https://www.stneotsmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/st-neots-museum-logo.svg Kelly Garner 2020-06-19 10:38:30 2020-06-19 10:40:32 Why do we celebrate the Summer Solstice?
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Yule is the Pagan and Wiccan celebration of the winter solstice that is celebrated every December. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, and it heralds the daylight hours growing longer again.
Myths often involve gods, goddesses, and other mythical creatures, serving as a way for cultures to explain the world around them. They can be cautionary tales, showcasing the consequences of hubris or the importance of moral values. Myths have been passed down through generations, shaping our collective imagination and leaving a lasting impact on our cultural heritage. Marvel, as the name suggests, refers to something that provokes wonder and astonishment. It is often associated with superhero stories, where ordinary individuals acquire extraordinary abilities and embark on heroic journeys. Marvel showcases the triumph of good over evil and the capacity of individuals to rise above adversity. It inspires us to believe in our own potential and to dream of accomplishing the seemingly impossible. When magic, myth, and marvel converge, they create a tapestry of storytelling that captivates and inspires. These elements invite us to suspend our disbelief and immerse ourselves in a world where dragons roam, gods intervene, and superheroes save the day. They remind us of the power of imagination and its ability to transport us beyond the confines of reality. Whether it be through the epic quests of legendary heroes, the enchanting spells of sorcerers, or the awe-inspiring abilities of superheroes, the magic, myth, and marvel in stories remind us of the limitless possibilities that lie within our own imaginations. They ignite our sense of wonder and leave us yearning for more, reminding us that there is always more to discover and explore..
Reviews for "Unlocking the secrets of the mystical realm of Avalon"
- John - 1 star - I really did not enjoy "Magic Myth Marvel". The plot seemed convoluted and confusing, and none of the characters were likable or relatable. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow and it took me a long time to even finish the book. Overall, I found it to be a big letdown and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic Myth Marvel" but ultimately found it disappointing. The world-building was lackluster and left me with more questions than answers. The writing style was also a bit awkward and at times it felt like a chore to keep reading. While there were some interesting elements, they were not enough to save the book for me.
- David - 2.5 stars - "Magic Myth Marvel" had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of slow development followed by rushed and confusing action scenes. The dialogue also felt stilted and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by the book's potential and was left wanting more.