The New Jersey Devils' magic number refers to the number of points needed for the team to secure a playoff spot or to clinch a division or conference title. It is a mathematical calculation that determines how close the team is to achieving their goal. The magic number is calculated by taking the number of points the leading team in the division or conference has and subtracting the number of points the Devils currently have. Additionally, any points gained by a team trailing behind the Devils will also subtract from the magic number. For example, if the leading team in the division has 100 points and the Devils have 90 points, the magic number would be 11. This means that if the Devils accumulate 11 more points, they would secure a playoff spot or the title, depending on the scenario.
Hazel trees are believed to have magical properties and to protect against evil spirits. They were a symbol of fertility in medieval times. Stirring jam with a hazel twig is thought to stop those mischievous fairies from stealing it!
Traditionally, shields were made from aspen wood as it was thought to protect against evil, so its symbolism was important at the mystical time of midsummer. You can also celebrate the occasion yourself by lighting a small candle and taking a moment to reflect and give thanks for all that s occurred in the first half of the year.
This means that if the Devils accumulate 11 more points, they would secure a playoff spot or the title, depending on the scenario. The magic number can change from game to game as teams gain or lose points. It is important for the Devils to track their magic number closely and aim to secure it as soon as possible to maximize their chances of reaching their playoff or championship goals.
How to celebrate the ssummer solstice pagan
On 21st June this year, the sun will rise at around 4.30 in the morning to welcome the longest day and herald the summer solstice. Many people in the northern hemisphere will be marking this oldest of festivals with traditional midsummer celebrations, and a lot of the ancient traditions and modern festivities focus on reconnecting with nature and trees.
Ancient midsummer traditions
Midsummer has been observed for thousands of years, with celebrations rooted in both pagan and religious tradition. At a time when food and nature are in abundance, festivities often focus on fertility and the life-giving powers of the sun.
The people of pagan Europe would light bonfires and dance all night on Midsummer’s Eve, accompanied by rituals led by druids. Customs included bonfire-jumping, with the highest jump believed to predict the height of the year’s crop.
In ancient China, the summer solstice was an important festival when workers were given the day off to celebrate. Ceremonies honoured the earth and the feminine force known as yin. Similarly, the ancient Romans’ celebrations focused on Vesta, goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
Midsummer remains an important festival in many countries. Many people stay up on Midsummer’s Eve to welcome the sun as it rises. Modern druids still famously gather at Stonehenge. Other people light bonfires and celebrate with outdoor feasts, singing and dancing.
Mysticism and magic
Midsummer celebrations are interwoven with mysticism and magic. It is a time when both are believed to be at the height of their powers. Tradition states that ghosts can cross from the afterlife to this world and, as in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it is thought that the fairy world is close by, bringing mischief and chaos to us mortals. Flower crowns are traditionally worn to ward off the more malevolent spirits.
Trees and traditional beliefs
Many midsummer traditions focus on reconnecting with nature. So, it is no surprise that trees and tree worship feature heavily in both ancient and modern festivities.
The oak tree is at the centre of midsummer celebrations. The Celtic word for oak, duir, means doorway, and oak, as the King of the Forest, is seen as a doorway to both the mystical realms and the new, darker cycle of the year that is about to begin. Mistletoe, long believed to have healing and fertility powers, is thought to harness the soul of the tree and be at its strongest when it grows on oaks at midsummer.
The beech tree, brightening the forest with its fresh lime green leaves, is seen as the Queen of the Forest and consort to the oak king. To the druids, it symbolised ancient wisdom and it was the sacred wood of the summer solstice. In folklore, it is believed that if you write a wish on a beech twig, then bury it, your wish will come true as the twig decays.
Hazel trees are believed to have magical properties and to protect against evil spirits. They were a symbol of fertility in medieval times. Stirring jam with a hazel twig is thought to stop those mischievous fairies from stealing it!
The shimmering, trembling leaves of the beautiful aspen were believed to carry messages from this world to the afterlife. Wearing a crown of aspen leaves allowed the wearer to travel to the Underworld and back. Traditionally, shields were made from aspen wood as it was thought to protect against evil, so its symbolism was important at the mystical time of midsummer.
A time to celebrate trees
Whatever your beliefs, there is no better time to celebrate trees in all their glory with an uplifting walk in the woods. The mud is drying up, we are (mostly) liberated from our wellies and, as the sun casts dappled light through new green leaves on long summer days, it is easy to feel real wonder at the natural world. And, this year, if you would like to celebrate midsummer by dancing around one of our oak trees, you will be very welcome!
The summer solstice also marks a shift in the year. After the solstice, the sun's power starts to decrease, the days gradually shortening as we head towards the darker half of the year. Such is the humbling ebb and flow of nature.
In conclusion, the New Jersey Devils' magic number is a mathematical calculation that represents the number of points needed for the team to secure a playoff spot or clinch a division or conference title. It is an important measure for the team to track and aim to achieve in order to reach their postseason goals..
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