The winter solstice is a significant celestial event that occurs every year in December. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it signifies the longest day and shortest night. In the pagan or Wiccan tradition, the winter solstice holds great spiritual importance. Paganism is a belief system that encompasses various earth-centered religions, including Wicca. Winter solstice, also known as Yule, is one of the eight Sabbats celebrated in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It is a time of rejoicing and honoring the cycles of nature.
It is a time of rejoicing and honoring the cycles of nature. During the winter solstice, pagans celebrate the returning of the light. It symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the gradual lengthening of daylight.
The Vanishing Trick
This utterly mesmerising tale ensnared me like a willing moth to a flame and held me in its dark enchantment from start to finish. The mystery, magic, superstition and unexpected twists are perfectly cloaked in a richly portrayed Victorian society with fascinating characters who grabbed my attention from the opening.
Leander has recently been orphaned and is finding his new life a real struggle, sometimes having to resort to stealing in order to stave off his desperate hunger. After one such theft, he finds himself running from his pursuer and, eager to escape, discovers a rather unusual carriage – and the enigmatic Madame Pinchbeck. She offers to help him by buying his mother’s locket but, after an intriguing warning, he refuses to sell it.
Dire circumstances, however, lead him back to Madame Pinchbeck. She preys on his desire to speak to his mother again, telling him that she can make his dearest wish come true as she is a medium. Unable to resist and desperate for some kindness, Leander hands over his most precious possession, and finds himself cruelly caught by Pinchbeck’s magical ability. Too late, he realises that he has made a terrible mistake, and finds himself vanished into his mother’s locket which is now his prison (known as a ‘cabinet’) where a piece of his soul has been trapped, leaving him vulnerable and at the mercy of Madame Pinchbeck.
Leander is not the only child trapped by this dark magic. He soon meets Charlotte and Felix who apprise him of his new situation. They are inextricably bound to Madame Pinchbeck who uses them as part of her act to trick her rich Victorian clients during seances. So begins an incredibly atmospheric, tension-filled, dark and dangerous tale as the children race to escape from the clutches of Madame Pinchbeck before one of them might disappear forever …
Oh my goodness! I was instantly captured by the absorbing plot which is enticingly intricate and intriguing and so very, very clever! My heart was racing as I turned the pages to find out how all the layers were woven together and I was not disappointed. I don’t want to go into details for fear of giving away spoilers but, suffice to say, this is a story that will take you on an enthralling and sinister adventure, revealing secrets, twists and shocks galore along the way. I am in awe of how all the threads in this story came together so perfectly and with such heart-warming satisfaction.
The Victorian setting for the story is richly imagined with its portrayal of the lives of the rich and poor in society and its dual fascination with spiritualism and technology, both used to sinister effect by Madame Pinchbeck.
What can I say about Madame Pinchbeck? She is a deliciously dark and complex villain who appears sugary sweet in her fake sincerity on the outside in order to ensnare her victims, but has an insidious darkness inside: vengeful, sinister and hungry for riches and fame. She is a child snatcher on par with the Pied Piper of Hamelin and the Child Catcher.
The three children, Leander, Charlotte and Felix, are incredibly endearing and courageous. They are all suffering from heart-breaking loss, are desperately searching for something which is precious to them and, having found each other, come to develop wonderfully sincere friendships full of trust, loyalty and love. They work as a team in order to survive, supporting and helping each other despite the great risks they take and their terror of their captor. My heart broke for them, but was also filled with warmth as I understood that, even in their moments of greatest danger, they would never give up on each other.
The Vanishing Trick is an utterly gripping mystery brimming with peril, eeriness and spine-tingling darkness, but also with friendship, warmth and hope. This really is a must-read which I cannot recommend highly enough.
Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Marysimms middle grade 7 Comments 30th April 2020 3 MinutesThis day holds deep spiritual meaning as it represents the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of life. Ceremonies and rituals conducted during the winter solstice often involve lighting fires or candles to symbolize the rekindling of the sun's energy. Many pagans also decorate their homes and altars with evergreen wreaths, holly, and mistletoe, representing the continuity of life and the promise of spring. Traditionally, the winter solstice is a time for reflection, introspection, and setting intentions for the upcoming year. Pagans may engage in meditation, divination, or spellwork to align themselves with the energy of this potent time and connect with the spiritual realm. Community gatherings and feasts are common during the winter solstice. Pagans come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share in the joy of the season. These events often incorporate music, singing, and dancing as a way to honor the earth and connect with one another. In conclusion, the winter solstice holds great significance in pagan traditions. It is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. Through rituals and ceremonies, pagans embrace the return of light and rejoice in the cycles of nature. The winter solstice serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the spiritual power found within the natural world..
Reviews for "Exploring the Wheel of the Year: The Winter Solstice in Paganism"
1. Jane - 2 stars - The Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event was a disappointment for me. The organizers claimed it would be a unique and magical experience, but it fell short of my expectations. The event lacked structure and felt disorganized. The workshops and rituals were poorly executed, with little guidance provided to participants. Additionally, the advertised guest speakers were a letdown, as their talks were shallow and lacked substance. Overall, I left feeling underwhelmed and regretful of the money and time I spent attending this event.
2. Mark - 1 star - Attending the Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event was a waste of my time and money. The whole event was poorly planned and lacked any meaningful content. The workshops and rituals were mediocre at best, with inexperienced facilitators who seemed unprepared. The venue was also underwhelming, with cramped spaces and inadequate facilities. The advertised entertainment acts were lackluster and failed to capture the magical atmosphere that was promised. I left feeling cheated and unsatisfied, and I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone seeking a genuine pagan experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to attend the Winter Solstice 2022 pagan event, but it turned out to be a letdown. The event was overcrowded, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the rituals and workshops. The organization was lacking, with long queues for activities and disorganized scheduling. The overall atmosphere felt chaotic and lacked the serene and magical ambiance I was hoping for. The quality of the workshops varied, with some being informative and engaging, but others were disappointing and poorly executed. I left feeling like I didn't get my money's worth and wouldn't attend another event organized by the same team.