The Yuletide season is a time of celebration and joy in the Wiccan tradition. It is a time to honor the winter solstice and the return of the sun, as well as to connect with the cycles of nature and the divine. One of the main customs during Yule is the lighting of the Yule log. The log is typically a piece of wood, often oak or ash, that is chosen and decorated with ribbons, herbs, and other symbolic items. It is then burned in a ceremonial fire to symbolize the returning light and warmth of the sun. In addition to the Yule log, Wiccans also celebrate the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs and wreaths into the home.
In all, it’s very smart business sense and as an added bonus, if these films can play well enough to all audiences then we benefit too, in at least being able to take a peek at what’s playing well around the world. And, in fact, Disney’s unmistakable mark is all over The Magic Gourd, especially in the attention lavished on the character animation of the Gourd himself. In this English-language dubbed version, his voice is provided – as the marketing is all too eager to tell us – by High School Musical’s Corbin Bleu, one of the current crop of Disney Channel moppets, but it turns out to be an interesting choice since he sounds much more mature than one would expect and the Gourd is actually intended to be some kind of man-child character in any event. It’s a nice pairing, and Bleu suits it well.
In all, it s very smart business sense and as an added bonus, if these films can play well enough to all audiences then we benefit too, in at least being able to take a peek at what s playing well around the world. Following production under directors John Chu and Frankie Chi Hang Chung from the pages of the original book, through casting, live-action photography, special effects stage work, animation and music, this is a fully rounded look at the entire making of the picture, as considered and reflective as you might expect the Chinese to be.
In addition to the Yule log, Wiccans also celebrate the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs and wreaths into the home. These evergreen plants symbolize the enduring life force during the winter months when most other plants are dormant. They are adorned with candles, ribbons, and other festive decorations to bring joy and beauty to the home.
The magi gourd
Walt Disney Pictures/Centro Pictures/China Film Group (June 29 2007), Walt Disney Home Entertainment (January 27 2009), single disc, 84 mins plus supplements, 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 English, Mandarin and Cantonese Surround, Rated G, Retail: $29.99
During Yule, Wiccans also engage in divination and reflection. This is a time to look back on the past year, evaluate personal growth and goals, and set intentions for the coming year. Divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors are often used to gain insight and guidance. Feasting and sharing food is another important aspect of Yule. Wiccans gather with family and friends to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring traditional seasonal foods such as roast meats, root vegetables, and spiced desserts. Sharing food symbolizes the importance of community and the abundance of the earth. Overall, Yule is a time of celebrating the winter solstice, connecting with nature, and reflecting on personal growth. The customs of lighting the Yule log, decorating with evergreen boughs, engaging in divination, and sharing a festive meal all contribute to the joyful and spiritual experience of this sacred Wiccan holiday..
Reviews for "Incorporating Magic and Spells into Yuletide Wiccan Practise"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really hoping to learn more about the various Yuletide customs followed in Wicca, but this book fell flat for me. The author barely scratches the surface of the topic and fails to provide enough information to truly understand the significance or practice of these customs. It felt more like an overview than an in-depth exploration, leaving me disappointed and wanting more. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to Yuletide customs in Wicca.
2. Mike - 2/5 - As someone new to Wicca, I was excited to read this book and gain a deeper understanding of Yuletide customs. However, I found the author's writing style to be dry and lacking in substance. The information provided was very basic and could easily be found on the internet with a quick search. Additionally, the book felt disjointed, with abrupt transitions between topics. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and dissatisfied with this book. I would advise others to seek out more comprehensive and engaging resources on the subject.
3. Emily - 1/5 - I regret purchasing this book. It was poorly organized and lacked any real depth. The author repeated the same information multiple times, making it seem like filler content. The few Yuletide customs that were discussed felt rushed and lacked the necessary context for understanding their significance. This book did not provide the in-depth exploration of Yuletide customs in Wicca that I was hoping for, and I would not recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive guide on the subject.
4. David - 2/5 - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was disappointed by the lack of new information in this book. The author simply rehashed commonly known Yuletide customs without providing any fresh insights or perspectives. Additionally, the writing felt repetitive and dull, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the customs and their symbolism, but this book failed to deliver on that front. I would not recommend it to experienced practitioners or those seeking in-depth knowledge of Yuletide customs.