The Last Days of Magic is set in the past where Ireland is the last magical stronghold in the world.
But it is under threat. The Vatican is determined to wipe out all creatures and men with magic. All creatures and men with magic came from fallen angels mating with humans. The Vatican believes that this is against God’s will.
In Ireland you have the Morrigna (twins that wield the power of the triple Goddess and are born when Ireland is in a time of great need) Sidhe (faeries), Druids, Witches, Sorcerers and the formations. The formations are hostile creatures that live in the water around Ireland and have kept it protected from invading ships.
But a plot is underway for King Richard in England to conquer Ireland, supported by the Vatican.
The Last Days of Magic mixes mythology, magic and fantasy wonderfully. It’s a gripping story, with a wide range of compelling characters, that is easy to read, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.
It’s a novel about how Ireland falls to the English and the Vatican and the parts played by the magnificent characters which includes:
Aisling & Anya – twins and aspects of the triple Goddess.
Liam – Aisling & Anya protector. His mother is Sidhe, his father human.
Brigid – High Priestess of the Order of Macha.
Conor – Aisling’s love interest.
Jordan – Marshal/Vatican Representative.
Najia – Jodan’s lover and a Witch.
Ty – A fascinating creature and character. Immune to all spells and enchantments.
Richard – King of England.
Isabeau – Queen of France and Grand High Sorciere of a Coven.
The Last Days of Magic is an average length novel and this meant it had some restrictions.
First character growth felt like sudden jumps. This was due to the time hopping required in the average length novel to cover the scope of what Tompkins wanted to cover.
Second that only snip its from the war between the Irish and English were written about. Again for the same reason: the large scope of the idea being fit into an average length novel.
Tompkins could have turned his idea for The Last Days of Magic into a series of novels. I would have bought, read, enjoyed and recommended them all – due to Tompkins well thought out plots, brilliant description, completely real characters and engaging writers voice.
This year Simon and I celebrated Samhain together. We talked about loved ones on the other side of the veil, we did some card readings for one another – experimenting with The Crystal Ally Cards and the Chakra Wisdom Oracle Cards, burned things we would like to banish in the year ahead and made Witch Bottles.
My Witch Bottle is for Wealth. It contains: pieces of carnelian, amethyst & blue sodalite, glitter (silver, green & red), Dorothy Morrison’s Puttin’ on the Witch oil, Dorothy Morrison’s Rich Bitch oil, a scroll with symbolism on, some of my hair, energy with intention and emotion and sealed with gold wax.
This year being disorganised I missed Imbolc. I only realised a day before and hence didn’t really get round to doing anything (I know tut, tut).
So in order that I not miss any further of my pagan festivals I decided to add the dates to my diary and post them here. I will give the festival name, date and some information about the festival. Here we go:
Imbolc – 2nd February
Known as the festival of light. It celebrates the end of dark winter and welcomes the sun and the light to the world. Asking the world to wake up out of hibernation.
The goddess is seen as the maiden at this festival. Indeed the festival celebrates her as a maiden. She is still in recovery from child-birth.
The longest day of the year. It is the summer time harvest. I like this blessing:
As the sun spirals its longest dance,
Cleanse us
As nature shows bounty and fertility
Bless us
Let all things live with loving intent
And to fulfil their truest destiny Wiccan blessing for Summer
(from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/paganism/holydays/summersolstice.shtml, last accessed: 08th February 09)
The god and goddess
reaffirm their relationship and commitment to one another.
Colours: Blue, green, red and yellow.
Themes: Fruitful endeavours, child-like play, affirmations, water & emotions.
Lammas – 1st August
The harvesting of berries and grains take place at around the time of this festival. Days are getting shorter.
The autumn equinox. Light and dark are again in balance, however from this point on we shall have less sun light as it get’s darker. It’s about also giving thanks to the mother goddess for providing enough food (from the harvest) for the winter.
The god prepares for his journey to the underworld. The mother goddess is heavily pregnant but continues to rein and begins to age.
Colours: Brown, violet, indigo, blue & black.
Themes: Land & property, goals, introspection, past life regression, relaxation, letting go.
The first day of winter also known as the winter solstice. Longest night of the year. Evergreens and pine are ideal for your alter along with traditional Yule logs. Wreath’s symbolise the wheel of the year.
The goddess gives birth to the god and then goes in to hibernation being tired from child-birth.
Many pagans believe in a god and a goddess. I differ slightly. I do believe there is a god-like being, but that it is one that is genderless as it is simply energy. Some pagans would disagree with this, although like I said earlier these are my own individual beliefs.
Hope this is as useful to you all, as it will be to me.
In love and light,
Antony
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Monday 9 February 2009
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Antony Simpson - Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.
Author of eight books.
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