Magix and machines, two seemingly unrelated concepts, actually have a fascinating relationship. Magix, often spelled as "magic" in common language, refers to the supernatural or inexplicable phenomena that cannot be explained by science or logic. Machines, on the other hand, represent the pinnacle of human ingenuity and technological advancements. At first glance, magix and machines appear to exist in completely different realms. Magix invokes a sense of mysticism, enchantment, and wonder, while machines are associated with rationality, efficiency, and practicality. However, upon closer inspection, one can find interesting connections and intersections between these two concepts.
Handfasting is possibly the oldest documented recognised wedding custom. It is associated with Pagan, Neopaganism Viking/Norse, Wicca, folklore, Celtic, Judaic and Hindu weddings. Attributed to perhaps be where we get the phrase ‘tying the knot’ from.
Nordic paganism was suppressed in 999 with the rise of Christianity, but faith in the power of nature and supernatural entities persisted in the countryside and isolated areas. The area is considered sacred, as it is near an ensemble of three rocks believed to relate to the life and powers of Odin, the supreme god in the Nordic pantheon.
However, upon closer inspection, one can find interesting connections and intersections between these two concepts. One way in which magix and machines intersect is through the concept of automation. Machines are designed to automate tasks and processes, making them faster and more efficient.
Ásatrú Temple
Of the many construction projects in development in Reykjavík, the most extraordinary has to be the sanctuary for the Ásatrú religion, the first pagan temple erected in Iceland in a millennium. The sanctuary will be the central hub of the Ásatrú society, a neopagan spiritual organization that has restored the ancient religion of the Vikings based in the pantheon of the Nordic gods.
Nordic paganism was suppressed in 999 with the rise of Christianity, but faith in the power of nature and supernatural entities persisted in the countryside and isolated areas. Today, a modern version of the ancient religion is on the rise. Founded on the first day of summer in 1972, the Ásatrú society (Ásatrúarfélagid in Icelandic) now has almost 5,000 active members and is the fastest-growing religion in Iceland. And soon, it will have a dedicated structure for ceremonies and gatherings.
The Ásatrú temple—or more accurately, hall (or “hof” in Icelandic)—will honor the ancient gods such as Odin, Thor, Frigg, and Baldur. It is still under construction as of this writing and is estimated to be completed by the fall of 2019. The sanctuary will be situated on the Öskjuhlíd hill, on a magnificent site surrounded by forests and a panoramic view of the sea. The area is considered sacred, as it is near an ensemble of three rocks believed to relate to the life and powers of Odin, the supreme god in the Nordic pantheon.
Designed by architect Magnús Jensson, the temple will be a monument to the cosmic forces of nature. It includes a spectacular dome aligned with astronomical events. The numbers three and nine, considered magical, have a special significance in the construction, according to the principles of sacred geometry. The interior of the temple will be a sober and majestic space hosting the statues of the deities, under the changing sunlight depending on the season and time of day. A commemorative memorial also stands at the entrance of the temple as a tribute to Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson, the founder of the society and first “Allsherjargodi,” or highest priest.
Rituals, known as “blóts,” will be held at the temple, from weddings to feasts to funerals. The most important rituals are the first day of summer (“Victory blót”) and the winter solstice (“Yule blót”). Though the structure is not yet complete, some rituals have already be held at the site, such as a ceremony to thank Mother Nature for the wood used for the construction.
The Ásatrú sanctuary will also be open and welcoming to other religions and institutions. Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, the current Allsherjargodi, stresses that Ásatrú is a religion of tolerance and peace. He plans to invite artists, musicians, and writers from across Iceland to the opening ceremony and is confident that the new temple will contribute to a more diverse and respectful society for future Icelandic generations. The temple was planned to open in 2019, but as of 2023, the construction was not completed yet.
Know Before You Go
Go to Perlan Hill and hike south, and you will find the temple construction site. It is located not far from Reykjavík University.
When Handfasting became more mainstream for Christians as well as Pagans, it was a pre-wedding ritual. There are once again various sources online and in books suggesting handfasting was an engagement period before a marriage took place. Engagement and wedding rings were very expensive items and not affordable to the average person.
Similarly, magix often involves the use of spells, rituals, or objects that automate certain actions or bring about desired outcomes. In this sense, both machines and magix aim to streamline processes and achieve specific results. Furthermore, magix and machines both tap into the human desire for control and power. Humans have always sought ways to exert control over their environment, whether through the use of machines or through the practice of magix. Both concepts offer a means to manipulate the world around us and shape it according to our desires. Another interesting connection between magix and machines lies in their potential for both creation and destruction. Machines have the ability to create and build, whether it be constructing buildings, manufacturing products, or generating electricity. Similarly, magix is often associated with creation, as practitioners can shape and mold energy or elements to create something new. On the flip side, machines can also be used as tools of destruction, capable of causing immense damage or harm. Magix, too, has the potential for destruction, as its powers can be used to harm or manipulate others. In conclusion, while magix and machines may initially seem like disparate concepts, there are various connections between them. Both magix and machines offer ways to automate tasks, provide a sense of control and power, and have the potential for creation or destruction. Exploring the relationship between these two concepts can provide insight into the ways in which humans interact with and shape the world around them..
Reviews for "The Magic in Our Hands: The Magic and Nchines of Everyday Life"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Magix and Machines". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were one-dimensional with no depth or development. The animation was also subpar, with choppy movements and lackluster graphics. Overall, I just couldn't connect with the film and found it quite boring.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I honestly don't understand all the hype around "Magix and Machines". The plot felt disjointed and incoherent, leaving me confused throughout the entire film. The animation was also lackluster, lacking the details and polish that I would expect from a modern animated movie. I couldn't develop any emotional connection to the characters, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. I was really disappointed with this film and wouldn't recommend it.
3. David - 2/5 - "Magix and Machines" had so much potential, but it just fell flat for me. The story felt rushed and underdeveloped, with too many plot holes and unanswered questions. The animation was mediocre at best, lacking the smoothness and vibrant colors that are expected from a modern animated film. The characters were forgettable and lacked any depth or relatability. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed with this movie.
4. Lisa - 3/5 - While "Magix and Machines" had a unique concept and some visually stunning moments, it ultimately failed to live up to its potential. The storyline was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to fully engage with the film. The animation was a mixed bag, with some scenes being beautifully rendered while others felt unfinished. The characters, although interesting in concept, lacked development and felt underutilized. While I appreciated the effort put into this film, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by the execution.
5. Mark - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Magix and Machines", but it turned out to be a major letdown. The plot was predictable and cliché, following the typical formula of a hero's journey without any unique twists or surprises. The animation was decent, but lacking the attention to detail and fluid movement that I would expect from a modern animated film. The characters were forgettable and failed to leave a lasting impression. Overall, I found "Magix and Machines" to be a forgettable and unremarkable film.