The summer solstice, often referred to as Midsummer, is a significant time for witches and other practitioners of witchcraft. Occurring on or around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, and December 21st in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. Witches celebrate the summer solstice as a time of abundance, growth, and the peak of the sun's power. It is seen as a time of great energy, vitality, and the flourishing of nature. Many believe that on this day, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thinnest, making it an opportune time for magical work and communication with the divine. During the summer solstice, witches often gather in groups to perform rituals and spells that harness the abundant solar energy.
That's something: While the animation wasn't a hit, there was plenty of praise for Lin-Manuel Miranda's update of the theme song
In fact, the style looks not dissimilar from the popular Flash animation that was used on many internet-based cartoons early in the 2000s - which has suggested that the filmmakers didn t shell out on top-of-the-line technology. While many fans who commented on social media seemed fine with McKinnon s casting and with the new Lin-Manuel Miranda sung-and-penned theme song , the show s overall look was blasted in YouTube comments.
During the summer solstice, witches often gather in groups to perform rituals and spells that harness the abundant solar energy. These rituals can involve the lighting of bonfires, dancing, and the creation of herbal charms or potions. The focus is often on manifesting goals, promoting personal growth, and connecting with the natural world.
25 Years of The Magic School Bus in a New DVD Set
Valerie Frizzle's mantra -- "Take chances! Make mistakes! Get messy!" -- definitely seeped into my consciousness when I began teaching science to kids. On September 4, Scholastic will be releasing all 52 episodes of the program in an 8-DVD set – including 30 which are available for the first time .
Image: Scholastic Save this story Save this storyHow did The Magic School Bus get to be be 25 years old? And why do I remember the start of that series so clearly? Twenty-five years ago, I wasn't yet a mom, but I was definitely too old to be watching kids' TV.
Whatever the reason, I remember Ms. Frizzle – voiced to perfection by Lily Tomlin – and her students with incredible fondness. I loved the theme song performed by Little Richard. As a teacher of science enrichment programs, the Friz – originally created in print by author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degan – has been my role model (down to the thematic earrings). I think of the episode where Arnold turned orange every time my healthy but hungry teen peels himself three or four huge carrots for a snack. It was always fun trying to identify the famous voices who made cameo appearances on the show – Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise, ST:DS9's Rosalind Chao.
What made the show so great wasn't just the humor and acting. The Magic School Bus made science fun by showing what hands-on experiments and observation were like. It didn't matter that the kids on the show got to explore microscopic worlds, underwater and in space through some magical intervention. Valerie Frizzle's mantra – "Take chances! Make mistakes! Get messy!" – definitely seeped into my consciousness when I began teaching science to kids.
On September 4, Scholastic will be releasing all 52 episodes of the program in an 8-DVD set – including 30 which are available for the first time. The set has a way-cool 3D lenticular cover, and comes with a little activity guide featuring experiments and coloring pages. Smaller theme packs and single 90-minute disks are also going to be available.
Although it's been a while since I enjoyed Ms. Frizzle and her crew, with the new collection of DVDs I'll be rewatching some of my favorite episodes, and sharing them with friends whose kids have yet to experience the fun and humor of The Magic School Bus. Beep beep!
Some witches also honor deities associated with the sun during the summer solstice, such as Apollo, Helios, or Sol. They may offer prayers, thanks, and ask for blessings or guidance from these solar gods and goddesses. The sun's energy and warmth are seen as a source of power, vitality, and life force that can be tapped into for healing and transformation. The summer solstice is also a time for witches to celebrate the Earth's bountiful harvest. It is a time to reflect on the abundance in their lives and express gratitude for the gifts of the Earth. Many witches incorporate symbols of fertility, such as flowers, fruits, and grains, into their rituals and altars as a way of honoring the cycles of nature and the continuation of life. In addition to celebrating the summer solstice, witches may also participate in traditional customs and festivities associated with this time of year. For example, dancing around maypoles, wearing floral crowns, and engaging in communal feasts are all practices that have historical roots in ancient pagan celebrations of Midsummer. Overall, the summer solstice is a powerful and magical time for witches, offering them the opportunity to connect with the natural world, harness the sun's energy, and celebrate the abundance of life. It is a time to honor the cycles of nature and the divine forces that govern them, while also manifesting personal goals and embracing growth and transformation..
Reviews for "Exploring Modern Traditions of the Witches Sommer Solstice Celebration"
1. John - 2/5: I found "Witches Sommer Solstice" to be a disappointing read. The plot was confusing, and the characters felt underdeveloped. The writing style also lacked depth and didn't engage me as a reader. Overall, the book felt rushed and unpolished. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1/5: I couldn't finish "Witches Sommer Solstice" as it just didn't capture my interest. The story felt disjointed, and the pacing was off. The dialogue was stilted, and the descriptions were shallow. It lacked the depth and complexity I look for in a book about witches and solstice celebrations. I was really disappointed with this one.
3. David - 2/5: "Witches Sommer Solstice" had an intriguing concept, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing felt amateurish, and the characters lacked depth. The plot was predictable, and the dialogue often felt forced. Overall, it failed to engage me and left me feeling unsatisfied. I had high hopes for this book, but I was ultimately let down.
4. Emily - 2.5/5: I found "Witches Sommer Solstice" to be an average read. While it had some interesting elements, such as the unique setting and magical elements, the story as a whole didn't fully captivate me. The pacing was slow, and the characters were forgettable. It had potential, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. There are better witch-themed books out there.
5. Alex - 2/5: "Witches Sommer Solstice" was a disappointment for me. The plot felt cliché, and the characters were one-dimensional. The writing style lacked finesse, and the dialogue was often awkward. I struggled to stay engaged with the story and ultimately found it forgettable. There are better witch-themed books available that offer a more captivating and well-executed narrative.