The Wixcan religion is an indigenous belief system practiced by the Wixaritari people, also known as the Huichol, who reside in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range in western Mexico. This religious tradition has deep roots in the culture and history of the Wixaritari community. At the core of the Wixcan religion is the concept of shamanism, which encompasses spiritual healing and guidance through connecting with the spirit world. Central to their beliefs is the notion that the physical and spiritual realms are interconnected. Wixaritari shamans, known as marakames, act as intermediaries between the community and the gods, utilizing various rituals, ceremonies, and offerings to establish this connection. One key aspect of Wixcan religion is the veneration of nature and the belief in the divine presence within it.
One key aspect of Wixcan religion is the veneration of nature and the belief in the divine presence within it. The Wixaritari consider all elements of the natural world, from animals and plants to mountains and rivers, as sacred beings with their own spirits or deities. They believe that by showing respect and performing appropriate rituals, they can maintain harmony and balance with the natural world.
MJ 902
The MJ-902 consists of a very compact front light with four modes (three steady, one flash), a tiny rear light, a battery pack and a remote button. The 5.2Ah 7.4V battery pack provides a massive 2,000-lumen output via two Cree XM-L2 LEDs and a claimed run-time of 3.2 hours in the brightest setting, over 12 hours in its lowest. I got closer to 4 hours with the front light, so it surpassed expectations in that respect.
Our Beam Comparison test (see below) shows that the light doesn't actually achieve the claimed 2,000-lumen output. Still, in use it's undeniably a bright light and easily forges a clear path in the murky darkness and helps you to pick out hazards such as potholes and patches of gravel. While it's short on claimed output, it makes use of the available output well, with a beam pattern that is generously wide and far-reaching in depth.
Fitting the lights to the bike is easy. The battery pack can be strapped to the top tube with soft straps that do not ruin your paintwork, and the lights attach to the seatpost and handlebar with rubber O-rings. During use, the lights stayed put and the front light didn't bounce around at all.
The system doesn't add much weight to the bike. The battery weighs about 300g and the front light is just 60g. But it does look a bit messy, with cables snaking around the top tube – one good reason for choosing a cable-free setup – though there's also a benefit to not having all that weight and bulk on the handlebar.
Rather unusually, the lights come with a remote control. This could come in handy if you were using the light on a helmet for off-road cycling, as you could control it from the handlebar. I used it, but decided it wasn't necessary as it's another button on the handlebar when there's already one on top of the light, and didn't use it for the remainder of the test.
Front
The front light offers three steady modes: 100%, 50% and 30% and a flashing mode. The top rubber button cycles through the modes, but to cycle through the three steady modes you have to go through the flash and off modes – not ideal, especially when riding through dark country lanes and alternating between maximum output for descents and dimming for oncoming traffic. Being plunged into darkness isn't much fun when you're cycling through the modes back to maximum. (I always run two lights, so less of a problem than it could have been – but as with the BBB Strike that Jez tested, it's a weak point in a modern light.)
The 50% output mode is generous enough for steady speed commuting on familiar roads; I found I could pretty much leave it in that one setting for the majority of the time. (And avoid being plunged into darkness. )
Rear
The rear light similarly offers several modes and is extraordinarily bright, and because it's so small it's easy to find space on the seatpost or even seatstay. A top mounted rubber button switches through the various modes.
I've been using the lights for evening training and the 60km trip to the office, and the Magicshine has put in a decent performance. It's been reliable and has dealt with being caked in mud and blasted with water, both from the sky and hose pipe.
Its biggest attraction is offering a complete system with a front and rear light powered off the same battery. For regular commuting with lots of country roads and lanes this is a bonus, as you only have to worry about charging a single battery. While it's not as bright as claimed, it's clearly bright enough, and the beam pattern makes it a very useable light – especially if you don't have to change modes.
The front light offers three steady modes: 100%, 50% and 30% and a flashing mode. The top rubber button cycles through the modes, but to cycle through the three steady modes you have to go through the flash and off modes – not ideal, especially when riding through dark country lanes and alternating between maximum output for descents and dimming for oncoming traffic. Being plunged into darkness isn't much fun when you're cycling through the modes back to maximum. (I always run two lights, so less of a problem than it could have been – but as with the BBB Strike that Jez tested, it's a weak point in a modern light.)
Another essential aspect of Wixcan religion is the use of peyote, a small cactus with hallucinogenic properties. The Wixaritari believe that through the consumption of peyote during special ceremonies, they can communicate with the gods and gain insights into the spiritual realm. Peyote is seen as a sacred plant and is highly respected within their religious practices. Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in the Wixcan religion. These events are often community-led and involve singing, dancing, and chanting, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums. The ceremonies are performed to honor the gods, seek their blessings, and ask for guidance in everyday life. Wixcan religion also has a strong emphasis on communal living and collective decision-making. The Wixaritari community relies on consensus-based decision-making processes, with the marakames playing a vital role in providing spiritual guidance and advice in communal matters. Overall, the Wixcan religion is a complex belief system deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the Wixaritari community. It incorporates elements of shamanism, nature worship, communal living, and the use of peyote. The religion serves as a foundation for the spiritual well-being of the Wixaritari people, connecting them with their ancestors, gods, and the natural world..
Reviews for "The Relationship Between Wixcan Religion and Ancestral Worship"
- John - 1 star - I found the definition of Wixcan religion to be extremely lacking and unclear. It didn't provide any substantial information about its beliefs, practices, or history. I was hoping to gain some insight into this religion, but this definition left me with more questions than answers. Overall, a disappointing and unhelpful resource.
- Emma - 2 stars - The Wixcan religion definition didn't provide enough depth or detail to truly understand what it's all about. It felt like a superficial overview that barely scratched the surface. If you're looking for a comprehensive understanding of Wixcan religion, I would suggest seeking other sources. This definition left me wanting more.
- Michael - 2 stars - I was looking for a clear and concise definition of the Wixcan religion, but unfortunately, this definition fell short. It lacked coherence and failed to explain the key beliefs and practices of the religion. It was confusing and didn't provide the clarity I was seeking. Overall, I would not recommend relying on this definition for a proper understanding of Wixcan religion.
- Sarah - 1 star - I was disappointed with the Wixcan religion definition provided. It was vague and repetitive, not offering any substantial information about the beliefs and practices of this religion. I was left with more questions than answers and had to search for additional resources to gain a proper understanding. This definition was a waste of time and didn't provide any educational value.
- David - 2 stars - The Wixcan religion definition provided minimal information and lacked depth. It didn't offer any insights into the cultural and historical context of this religion. Overall, this definition felt shallow and unsatisfying. I would suggest looking for other sources to gain a better understanding of Wixcan religion.