Doctor Strange, also known as the Sorcerer Supreme, is a fictional character from the Marvel comic books. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange made his first appearance in 1963. He is known for his expertise in the mystic arts and his ability to travel between dimensions. Doctor Strange was originally a brilliant but arrogant neurosurgeon named Stephen Strange. After a car accident leaves his hands permanently damaged, he seeks out alternative methods of healing and stumbles upon the Ancient One, a powerful sorcerer who becomes his mentor. Under the Ancient One's guidance, Doctor Strange learns to harness the powers of magic and becomes the defender of Earth against supernatural threats.
Mistletoe fruit and leaves. Photo by Steve Baskauf.
Mistletoe, long associated with winter holiday traditions, is the common name for several families of poisonous, evergreen parasitic plants that grow attached to and penetrating the branches of a tree or shrub. Encyclopaedia Britannica s editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.
Under the Ancient One's guidance, Doctor Strange learns to harness the powers of magic and becomes the defender of Earth against supernatural threats. He gains access to the mystical artifacts known as the Eye of Agamotto, which allows him to manipulate time, and the Cloak of Levitation, which grants him the ability to fly. Doctor Strange's abilities and knowledge of the mystic arts make him one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel universe.
Plant of the Week
Many plants play an important role in many of our holiday traditions celebrating the season surrounding the winter solstice. Winter solstice, occurring on or around December 21st, is the first day of winter, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. To early cultures, the winter solstice was a day of both apprehension and celebration of the cold, dark winter and the promise of longer, warmer days to come.
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
In ancient cultures, the holly tree symbolized the waning sun commencing with the summer solstice and the oak tree symbolized the waxing sun commencing with the winter solstice. The Druids believed holly’s evergreen nature made it sacred and that it remained green throughout winter to keep the earth beautiful at a time when deciduous trees shed their leaves.
Traditional Christmas card with holly and mistletoe. Circa 1880s.
Holly was used for decoration throughout homes, hanging boughs of it over entrances to peoples’ homes or as wreaths of holly that were hung on doors. Placing a ring of holly on doors originated in Ireland. Holly, green with red berries, was one of the few plants still beautiful at this time of year. It gave the poor a means of decorating their dwellings. Decorating one’s home with holly was believed to bring protection and good luck to the inhabitants in the coming year.
The Holly Fairy.
The Yule Log
The Yule log is a large log that is burned in the hearth as part of a Yule, or Christmas, celebration or with Winter Solstice festivals. “Yule log” may also refer to log-shaped Christmas cakes.
Yule log fire. Photo by Penny Stritch.
Historically, the Yule log tradition may have included an entire tree or the largest log available to be burned in the fire hearth. Historians believe the tradition was derived from pagan worship rites, representations of health and fertility, rituals asking for blessings and protection, festivals celebrating the winter solstice, or was simply for decoration and practical use.
Some traditions included starting the Yule log fire with the remnant of the previous year's log, to bring prosperity and protection from evil. After the celebration, pieces of the Yule log would be saved to start the fire of next winter’s solstice Yule log. In some European traditions, oak was the preferred species for the Yule log, as it represented the waxing sun, symbolized endurance, strength, protection, and good luck to people in the coming year.
A Mushroom's Influence upon Winter Solstice Celebrations
The collection, preparation, and use of fly agaric mushrooms (Amanita muscaria) were central to many northern European and Asian peoples’ winter solstice celebrations and ceremonies. In the days leading up to the winter solstice, the fly agaric mushroom often appears under trees, mostly firs and spruces. Fly agaric is poisonous and has hallucinogenic properties.
Fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria). Photo by Gail Lowe.
Christmas card displaying the hanging of Amanita muscaria on a door.
The rituals surrounding the use of these mushrooms may have been harbingers of our modern traditions. A side effect of eating fly agaric mushrooms was a rosy, red flush to the cheeks and face, as well as hallucinations. This may have given rise to the representations and unusual abilities of some of the season's figures (i.e., Santa Claus).
Common winter rituals also included the drying and stringing of fly agaric mushrooms near the hearth. Many people all over the world still decorate the family hearth and Christmas tree with strings of popcorn, cranberries, and mushroom ornaments. It is a reminder that many winter solstice traditions have surprisingly long-forgotten histories brought forward into modern festivities.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe, long associated with winter holiday traditions, is the common name for several families of poisonous, evergreen parasitic plants that grow attached to and penetrating the branches of a tree or shrub. The mistletoe plant that is commonly used as a Christmas decoration in North America is generally one of a number of Phoradendron species.
The ancient Greeks, Druids, Celts, and Norse revered mistletoe as sacred, having traditions regarding its collection and use for protection, blessing, and medicine. According to some Christmas customs, believed to have originated with Norse legends, couples who meet under hanging mistletoe are obliged to kiss, plucking a single white berry from the bush until the final berry is removed.
Mistletoe fruit and leaves. Photo by Steve Baskauf.
Mistletoe attached high in the branches of an oak tree. Photo by Steve Baskauf.
The Yule Tree
The “Yule tree,”, or Christmas tree, is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer species, such as pine, fir, cedar, juniper, or spruce. The tradition has origins with ancient civilizations in the middle east, Asia, and Europe. Our modern custom flourished in Germany and spread to other European nations and North America in the 19th century. The Yule tree's brightly colored decorations and lights symbolized stellar objects, spirits of those who died, religious events and figures, and provided edible treats.
Happy Christmas, painted by Johansen Viggo.
Christmas tree (Fraser fir, Abies fraseri). Photo by Larry Stritch.
Cutting a tree for the holidays on the national forest is a family affair.
Many families begin their holiday seasons by cutting their own Christmas tree from the national forests. All you need is a permit purchased from a local Forest Service office and you may cut and remove a tree from designated areas on National Forest land. Also, take a look at these articles and videos:
- Our Christmas Tree Permit Tradition
- O' Christmas Tree: Tips for Successful Tree Hunting
He can cast spells, create illusions, project energy blasts, and even enter other dimensions. His magical prowess is often used to protect Earth from mystical and extradimensional threats. In addition to his magical abilities, Doctor Strange is a skilled martial artist and tactician. He is known for his strategic thinking and ability to outsmart his enemies. His intelligence and resourcefulness make him a formidable opponent and an asset to the superhero community. Doctor Strange has appeared in various comic book series, animated television shows, and films. He was portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he played a crucial role in the films "Doctor Strange" and "Avengers: Infinity War." Overall, Doctor Strange is a complex and fascinating character who combines elements of science and mysticism. His journey from arrogant surgeon to mystical superhero showcases his growth and transformation. As the Sorcerer Supreme, he is known as the protector of Earth's reality and the guardian of the realm of magic..
Reviews for "Through the Astral Plane: Doctor Strange's Ascension to God of Magic"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Doctor Strange: God of Magic." I found the storyline to be confusing and convoluted, making it hard to follow and connect with the characters. Additionally, I felt like the special effects were overused and became distracting rather than enhancing the story. Overall, I was expecting more from this movie, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me.
2. Mary - 3 stars
While I appreciate the visual effects in "Doctor Strange: God of Magic," I felt like the plot lacked depth and substance. The characters felt one-dimensional, and their motivations weren't properly explored. The pacing was off, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on. Overall, I found the movie to be entertaining on a superficial level, but it didn't leave a lasting impact or fulfill its potential.
3. Mark - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Doctor Strange: God of Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The dialogue felt forced and cliché, and the performances lacked depth. The action sequences, while visually impressive, failed to engage me emotionally or capture my interest. The film seemed to prioritize style over substance, leaving me feeling empty and unsatisfied by the end. Overall, I couldn't connect with the story or the characters, and it left me wanting more in terms of storytelling.
4. Sarah - 1 star
"Doctor Strange: God of Magic" was a complete disappointment for me. The story was filled with plot holes and inconsistencies, which made it frustrating to watch. The character development was lacking, and I found it hard to care about their struggles or journeys. The film seemed more concerned with showcasing elaborate visual effects than delivering a compelling narrative. I had high hopes for this movie, but it failed to live up to my expectations.