The Pagan calendar cycle is a system used by various Pagan religions to mark the passage of time and celebrate different festivals and events throughout the year. Unlike the Gregorian calendar which is widely used in the modern world, the Pagan calendar cycle is based on the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. The main idea behind the Pagan calendar cycle is the recognition and celebration of the natural world and its cycles. Pagan religions often view nature as sacred and believe in the interconnectedness of all living things. As such, the Pagan calendar cycle reflects this connection by aligning with the rhythms of nature. One of the key components of the Pagan calendar cycle is the recognition of the solstices and equinoxes.
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When granite is extracted from the ocean floor, it s believed that the stone helps keep emotions calm, because it contains both elements of the ocean which represents the emotions and the grounding properties of earth. It s also considered a guardian stone that offers protection, which makes it an ideal gift for children or for people who have high-risk jobs, like military personnel.
One of the key components of the Pagan calendar cycle is the recognition of the solstices and equinoxes. These events mark the four major turning points of the year: the winter solstice, the spring equinox, the summer solstice, and the autumn equinox. Each of these events holds significant meaning and is often celebrated with rituals and ceremonies.
Salem Witch Trials Memorial
Located just off Charter Street, on Liberty Street, is Salem’s simple yet dramatic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692. Four foot high granite walls surround three sides, with granite benches representing each victim cantilevered inward from the wall. Etched on each bench is a name, means of execution, and execution date. One can read, on the stone threshold of the memorial, words of the accused taken directly from court transcripts. Visitors will note that the words – among them, “God knows I am innocent” – are cut off in mid-sentence, representing lives cut short and indifference to the protestations of innocence.
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
24 Liberty St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Salem Witch Trials Memorial Documents
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In the center is a simple patch of grass and locust trees, which are thought to be the type of tree that may have been used for the hangings. A dirt path runs beside the benches for visitors to walk and reflect.
Silently watching from just over the wall are the gravestones in the adjacent Old Burying Point Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Salem and one of the oldest in the United States. Among the interred are witch trials magistrates John Hathorne and Bartholomew Gedney.
The Salem Witch Trials Tercentenary Committee was established by the Mayor of the City of Salem on April 22, 1986, with a principle intention of creating a permanent memorial to the victims of the witch trials.
A public design competition, juried by five noted professionals, resulted in 246 entrants. The winning entry, designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler of Bainbridge Island, Washington, was presented to the press and public by renowned playwright Arthur Miller on November 14, 1991. Among the notable works by Miller is The Crucible, which used the Salem Witch Trials as an allegory for the McCarthyism of the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial was dedicated on August 5, 1992 by Nobel Laureate, Holocaust survivor, and author Elie Wiesel, who noted, “If I can’t stop all of the hate all over the world in all of the people, I can stop it in one place within me,” adding, “We still have our Salems.”
This quiet and peaceful memorial, located in the very center of Salem, provides a place for people to pay their respects, to reflect on tolerance and understanding, and to remember the inspiring stories of personal courage revealed in 1692.
Interested in learning more about the Salem Witch Trials Memorial?
In October of 2022, the Salem Witch Museum Education Department wrote “The Salem Witch Trials Memorial: Finding Humanity in Tragedy” for the Smithsonian Folklife Magazine: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/salem-witch-trials-memorial
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of the creation of the memorial, our museum hosted the virtual lecture “Memorializing the Salem Witch Trials”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEup5Pkif7E&t=8s
24 Liberty Street, next to the Old Burying Point Cemetery
"It is important that people think about real human suffering caused by witchcraft hysteria and the lessons that are to be learned from that dark period in the history of this city and this country" -Memorial designers James Cutler and Maggie Smith
Granite is an excellent stone to carry if you want to be able to see the big picture in life more clearly instead of getting bogged down in trivial details. Because the rock enhances the ability to be practical and disperses negativity, it helps overcome skepticism. It also aids in diplomacy and improves people's cooperation.
In addition to the solstices and equinoxes, the Pagan calendar cycle includes various other festivals and celebrations throughout the year. These festivals often correspond to significant agricultural or celestial events, such as the harvest festival or the full moon. Each festival has its own unique customs and traditions, but they all share a common theme of honoring and connecting with the natural world. Overall, the Pagan calendar cycle is a way for Pagans to honor and celebrate the cycles of nature and the changing seasons. It helps to create a sense of connection and harmony with the natural world and provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. By aligning with the rhythms of nature, the Pagan calendar cycle offers a unique perspective on time and encourages individuals to live in harmony with the cycles of the Earth..
Reviews for "The Summer Solstice: Harnessing the Power of the Sun in the Pagan Calendar Cycle"
1. John - 1/5 stars - As someone who isn't familiar with Pagan rituals or beliefs, I found the "Pagan calendar cycle" to be confusing and uninteresting. The book was filled with vague descriptions and esoteric practices that were difficult to understand. It seemed more like a collection of random information rather than a cohesive guide. I couldn't connect with any of the concepts or see the relevance in my own life. Overall, I found this book to be inaccessible and unengaging.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - While I appreciate the effort to shed light on Pagan traditions, "Pagan calendar cycle" fell short in delivering a meaningful and accessible narrative. The book lacked structure and clarity, making it difficult to follow along. The author jumped from one topic to another without providing enough context or explanation. Furthermore, I was expecting more historical background and cultural insights, but instead, I found myself confused and detached from the content. This book may be suitable for those already well-versed in Paganism, but for someone looking to learn, it was a disappointing read.
3. Kelly - 2/5 stars - I was hoping for a comprehensive guide to the Pagan calendar cycle, but this book left me feeling underwhelmed. The information presented was shallow and lacking in depth. It felt like the author was merely skimming the surface of each topic, leaving me with more questions than answers. Additionally, the writing style was unengaging, making it hard to stay focused and interested. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the Pagan calendar cycle.
4. Mark - 2/5 stars - As someone who was curious about Paganism, I was excited to dive into "Pagan calendar cycle." However, I found the book to be confusing and difficult to follow. The author used a lot of jargon and assumed a level of prior knowledge that I did not possess. There were also inconsistencies in the explanations and contradictions in some of the concepts presented. I believe this book could have benefited from a more structured approach and clearer explanations. Disappointingly, it failed to provide a solid foundation for understanding the Pagan calendar cycle.