Magical Thinking Book: The concept of magical thinking has fascinated humans for centuries. It is the belief that one's thoughts, actions, or words can influence events or outcomes through supernatural means. This belief has been prevalent in various cultures and religions throughout history. In recent times, the idea of magical thinking has found its place in literature and self-help books. One notable book that explores this concept is "Magical Thinking" by psychologist and author Augusten Burroughs. "Magical Thinking" is an autobiographical collection of essays that delves into the author's experiences and beliefs surrounding magical thinking.
Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus.
Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices. Nat King Cole famously sang, Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, and when we deck the halls, we re expected to troll the ancient yuletide carol.
"Magical Thinking" is an autobiographical collection of essays that delves into the author's experiences and beliefs surrounding magical thinking. Burroughs shares anecdotes and insights from his own life, giving readers a glimpse into his unique perspective on the power of thoughts and beliefs. The book touches upon various themes related to magical thinking, such as superstitions, rituals, and the power of positive thinking.
Yule
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Article History Table of Contents children hauling a Yule log Category: History & Society Related Topics: feast Christmas modern Paganism winter solstice . (Show more)Yule, festival observed historically by Germanic peoples and in modern times primarily by Neo-Pagans, coinciding with the winter solstice (December 21–22 in the Northern Hemisphere; June 20–21 in the Southern Hemisphere). The pre-Christian festival originated in Scandinavia and was later subsumed, along with other pagan celebrations, into the Christian holiday of Christmas. Some modern celebrations of Yule attempt to re-create ancient traditions, while others have been adapted or reimagined to suit contemporary personal and religious practices.
Yule is one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, with origins among the ancient Norse thousands of years ago. Its roots are complicated and difficult to trace, although there are several theories about how and why the festival was celebrated. It is generally agreed that Yule celebrations began as a Norse festival called jol, although assessments of the purpose and traditions vary. Like most winter solstice festivals, themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads. Some historians think that sacrifices were an important part of the observance, either to the gods and other supernatural beings (such as elves) or to the dead or both. In the harsh climate of northern Europe, most cattle were slaughtered because they could not be fed during the winter. Meat, therefore, was plentiful for a midwinter feast or to leave out as an offering. Some contend that the original festival was a sort of Norse Day of the Dead, with the god Odin as a major player; among Odin’s many names was Jolnir, and among his many duties was acting as a god of the dead. However, this has been disputed in recent years, at least one historian positing that jol was a new year festival intended to set the tone for the months ahead.
Britannica Quiz Everything You Need To Know About Christmas QuizOne of the earliest known references to Yule is from English monk and historian Bede, who wrote in the early 8th century about “giuli,” a period in the old pagan calendar used by Germanic groups such as the Norse and the Anglo-Saxons. Giuli was a two-month span that marked the time when sunlight began to increase again at the winter solstice. It was not a festival per se but a marking of the passage of time.
“Yule” became a name for Christmas about the 9th century, and in many languages yule and its cognates are still used to describe that holiday—jul in Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish; joulud in Estonian; joulu in Finnish; and jol in Icelandic. The Christmas holiday is still referred to as Yule in the Scots language. According to the saga of King Haakon Haraldsson (also known as Haakon I Adalsteinsfostre or Haakon the Good) of Norway, who ruled in the 10th century, the Norse Yule celebration and Christian Christmas celebration were merged during his reign. Haakon became Christian after a visit to England, and after his return to Norway he put into law that Yule should be celebrated at the same time as Christmas. Everyone was required to have ale from a measure of grain and keep the holiday while the ale lasted or else be subject to a fine.
From this point Christmas continued to overtake Yule, although some vestiges of the original celebration remain. One of these is the Yule log, still popular today although usually in altered form. It is thought that the original Yule log was a large log that burned throughout the entire multiday festival, for as many as 12 days. A popular modern take on the Yule log is a roulade-style cake decorated to look like a log.
Another remaining tradition is that of the Yule goat. In towns and cities throughout Sweden during the Christmas season, large goats are constructed out of straw. It is thought that the tradition originated in ancient times, perhaps as a tribute to the god Thor, who was said to ride in a chariot pulled by goats. In Sweden the goat came to be associated with the Christmas celebration, and the Yule goat is now considered by many to be a companion or counterpart to Santa Claus.
Yule, or the original 12-day solstice festival celebrated thousands of years before Christmas, is considered one of the oldest celebrations of wintertime in the world. It begins the shortest day of the year on the winter solstice and ends 12 days later. This year, that would mean yule marks December 21, 2022 through January 1, 2023.
Burroughs explores how these beliefs and practices can impact one's life and well-being, sometimes in unexpected ways. One of the key messages in "Magical Thinking" is that our thoughts and beliefs have the power to shape our reality. By harnessing the power of magical thinking, one can tap into a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in life. However, Burroughs also acknowledges the dangers of excessive magical thinking. He warns readers about the pitfalls of becoming too reliant on superstitions or relying solely on positive thinking to achieve their goals. The book serves as a reminder that balance and critical thinking are crucial in navigating the world of magical thinking. "Magical Thinking" has received mixed reviews since its publication. While some readers appreciate Burroughs' humor and storytelling ability, others criticize the book for lacking depth or providing concrete evidence to support its claims. Despite the criticism, "Magical Thinking" remains a thought-provoking read for those interested in exploring the power of thoughts and beliefs. Whether one embraces or questions the concept of magical thinking, the book offers a unique perspective on the complex relationship between our minds and the world around us. In conclusion, "Magical Thinking" is an intriguing book that explores the concept of magical thinking through personal anecdotes and reflections. While it may not provide definitive answers or concrete evidence, it sparks curiosity and encourages readers to ponder the role of thoughts and beliefs in shaping our lives..
Reviews for "Magic and the Law of Attraction: Using Magical Thinking to Manifest Your Desires"
1. Lisa - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magical Thinking Book". The author's writing style was convoluted and difficult to follow. I found myself constantly re-reading paragraphs trying to understand what was being said. Additionally, the content of the book was not what I expected. It was vague and lacked concrete examples or practical advice. Overall, I did not find any value in this book.
2. John - 1 star - "Magical Thinking Book" was a complete waste of my time. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their own philosophical ideas rather than providing any useful information. The book lacked structure and coherence, jumping from one topic to another without any logical flow. I also found the writing to be overly pretentious and inaccessible. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for practical guidance or actionable steps towards improving their thinking.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Magical Thinking Book" to be incredibly repetitive. The author kept rehashing the same ideas and concepts without offering any new insights. It felt like a never-ending loop of vague assertions and unsupported claims. The lack of clear examples or real-life applications made it difficult to connect with the material. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with this book.