goldrn eye

The moon has always held a sense of mystery and wonder for humanity. Throughout history, different cultures have ascribed various meanings and interpretations to the moon's shifting phases. In pagan belief systems, the moon is closely associated with the cycles of nature and magic. Pagan moon cycles are deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of earth-based spiritualities. These cycles are often divided into eight distinct phases, each corresponding to a different stage of the moon's transformation. These phases are celebrated and honored by pagan communities around the world.

These phases are celebrated and honored by pagan communities around the world. The first phase is the New Moon, when the moon is barely visible in the sky. This phase represents new beginnings, fresh starts, and the initiation of new projects or intentions.

Dark Shadows in a Glittering Metropolis: Magic and Religion in Jaclyn Dolamore’s Dark Metropolis Series (a guest post for #FSYALit)

Today I am very excited to host a guest post as part of the #FSYALit Discussion on the Dark Metropolis series by Jaclyn Dolamore. Dark Metropolis is a book that I became familiar with as a Cybils judge and it is truly a fascinating book. Set in a dark world of fantasy, it adds a very interesting twist to the zombie tale while taking a very hard look at the issue of economic inequality. I could talk about this book forever, but instead let’s listen to what L. N. Holmes has to say. I’ve always been a fan of magic. As a Christian, that might be a controversial statement. The Bible has many verses rebuking magic and its practitioners. However, the fictional magic of fantasy novels is what I truly like, because it is an excellent literary device for examining the human condition.

Take, for example, the Harry Potter series. Some Christians despised it, but other Christians defended it as a “Book of Virtues with a preadolescent funny bone” and “a meaningful connection to the most significant principles of Christianity.” In the books, J. K. Rowling used magic as an avenue to discuss abuses of power and the consequences of good and evil choices. Jaclyn Dolamore also uses magic to discuss big ideas with her readers in her young adult series, Dark Metropolis. The heroine Thea, a waitress at a cabaret club in an alternate 1930s Germany, becomes unintentionally involved in a government conspiracy when her best friend, Nan, disappears. Freddy, a “reviver” that brings people back to life with his magical power, is connected to this conspiracy. When he starts frequenting the club where Thea works, the two form an unlikely duo against a city where people are gradually disappearing. Although not as famous or as polished as the Harry Potter series, Dolamore’s fantasy strongly relies on magic as a plot device. Neither inherently good nor evil, enchantments oftentimes serve the whims of the caster. There are people who choose to abuse it—the government in the first book and Ingrid and King Otto in Glittering Shadows (book two)—and others who simply use it for practical purposes. Many non-magic users are directly affected by these actions. In the books, Christianity and magic are not at odds. On the contrary, in Dark Metropolis, Thea notes that Father Gruneman of her church “reminded her of a fairy-tale creature himself, a wizard who had crawled out of a magic cave” (Dolamore 21) after he hands her a book of fairy tales. He later refers to Freddy’s magic as “a gift” (Dolamore 144). Father Gruneman embracing magic allows for him to deal with its existence objectively and take necessary action to help Thea and Freddy when they need it. Dolamore’s books focus more on Norse mythology than Christianity, however. This is subtly mentioned in Dark Metropolis and further explored in Glittering Shadows. Without giving too much away, the origin story of magic in book two is a direct nod to a specific Norse legend. The characters mirror the plot as they focus more on this mythology than religion. Ironically, it is an important character of book two that is connected to the Norse mythology that tries to explain the purpose of Christianity. Ingrid argues with Nan in book two that “even as you are looking for humanity in yourself, humans are looking to transcend those feelings inside of themselves. That’s why they go to church” (Dolamore, 194). While Ingrid’s motivations are not entirely pure during this argument, her ideas about religion may ring true for some Christians. Admittedly, the books were not always enjoyable reads. Oftentimes the plot dragged. Thea was irritatingly indecisive at times. There were many instances where the plot and character development could have been stronger. While the first book focused mostly on Thea and Freddy, Nan’s story was far more interesting. Finally, there were too many instances where the characters were too passive in their actions. That being said, Dolamore did well with portraying old stories in new ways. Her exploration into folklore, mythology, and religion—and how they intertwine—may be stimulating enough to readers to keep their interest. Fans of Cassandra Clare may also appreciate Dolamore’s style. Dolamore’s descriptions of magic were vastly different from Rowling’s, and yet I found it to be an interesting commentary. The serious tone in the Dark Metropolis series encouraged philosophical thought about these subjects without dictating answers for the readers. It created a world where magic and religion could co-exist.

It is a time of setting intentions and planting the seeds of what we want to manifest in our lives. As the moon grows brighter in the sky, it reaches the Waxing Crescent phase. This phase symbolizes growth, increase, and the building of energy. It is a time to nurture our intentions and take action to bring them to fruition. This phase calls for focus, determination, and perseverance. Following the Waxing Crescent comes the First Quarter phase. At this stage, the moon appears half-lit, signifying a balance between light and darkness. This phase represents decision-making, evaluation of progress, and the need for adjustments. It is a time to reflect on our intentions and make any necessary course corrections. The Waxing Gibbous phase comes next, as the moon continues to grow in its illuminated phase. During this phase, the energy intensifies, and we may feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. It is a time to refine, fine-tune, and prepare for the upcoming culmination of our intentions. The Full Moon is perhaps the most well-known and celebrated phase in pagan moon cycles. When the moon shines brightest in the night sky, it signifies completion, fullness, and the peak of energy. It is a time to celebrate achievements, express gratitude, and release any negativity or obstacles that may be hindering our progress. After the Full Moon comes the Waning Gibbous phase, as the moon begins to decrease in illumination. This phase signifies a period of reflection, introspection, and letting go. It is a time to release attachments, negative habits, and anything that no longer serves our highest good. As the moon continues to wane, it enters the Third Quarter phase. At this stage, the moon appears again as a half-lit shape, but in the opposite direction from the First Quarter phase. This phase encourages us to reassess, reevaluate, and make any necessary changes before moving forward. The final phase is the Waning Crescent, where the moon is barely visible in the sky once more. This phase represents closure, rest, and preparation for the new cycle that is about to begin. It is a time to release any remaining blockages or lingering emotions and to set intentions for the next cycle. In pagan traditions, the moon cycles serve as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The moon's phases mirror our own personal growth and journey, providing guidance, inspiration, and a sense of rhythm and flow. Overall, pagan moon cycles offer a framework for aligning ourselves with the natural world and the divine forces at play. They invite us to honor and connect with the moon's energy, to celebrate our intentions and achievements, and to embrace the ebb and flow of life in tune with nature..

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