Description: In Sumer is Icumen we discover new and exciting ways of surviving (and enjoying) the truly pagan excesses of the Midsummer Festival. Here we can establish and instigate a new smorgasbord of traditions of our own for the purpose of celebration and observance and, in time, even though we must never lose sight of our authentic history, they may even be integrated into future pagan revels.

Verdict: Dedicated entirely to the Midsummer Festival whilst being perfectly crammed chock full of folklore celebrations culled from around the world, Pagan Portals - Sumer Is Icumen In: How to Survive (and Enjoy) the Mid-Summer Festival by Mélusine Draco is a How-To book to enable the reader to go away and build their own traditions or incorporate various practices into their own various activities, festivals and gatherings.

For those unaware, Midsummer takes place in June and is a celebration of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is one of the most celebrated holidays in Sweden. A maypole is created and raised during the day, which people gather around to dance and sing.

Traditionally, Midsummer us celebrated by incorporating everything from flowers to folk costumes, making a Midsummer festival a truly visual feast.

As we learn from both its very own folklore and throughout this short, yet fascinating book, colorful tablecloths, dishware, and food will all enhance the festive atmosphere. A color scheme of white, blue and yellow brings a traditional touch to the day although flowers are very prominent in Swedish Midsummer celebrations.

With that being the traditional, historical even, aspect of the Midsummer festivals, this one is more orientated toward the subtitle of the book, Pagan Portals. For it is here that traditional witch Mélusine show us how to integrate our celebrations with those of our ancestors.

Observing how solstice was brought forth in ancient times, she delves into the history of why megalithic monuments were first created on through to the depiction of so many festivals that took place all over the world in its honor. The book also includes solitary activities and coven-based rites, as well as covering summer customs from May Eve onwards in many different pagan traditions.

About the Author - Mélusine Draco is an Initiate of traditional British Old Craft and originally trained in the magical arts of traditional British Old Craft with Bob and Mériém Clay-Egerton.

She has been a magical and spiritual instructor for over 20 years with Arcanum and the Temple of Khem, and writer of numerous popular books. She now lives in Ireland near the Galtee Mountains.

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