There is something truly magical about summer. The long days, warm nights, and sense of freedom create an atmosphere that is unparalleled. And what better way to capture that magic than through music? Songs have the power to transport us to different times and places, to evoke emotions and memories. In the case of summer, songs have the ability to transport us to lazy days at the beach, road trips with friends, and nights spent under the stars. **One song that perfectly captures the magic of summer is "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.** Released in 1991, this hip-hop classic is all about enjoying the carefree days of summer.
Melee
As a former cat owner, I ve jokingly refer to myself as a witch who needs a familiar and these comments have sometimes caused an expression of disquiet to pass over the faces of people around me. You can tell just the word, witch, conjures up unsettling images of supernatural spells, dark places, steaming cauldrons and women with nefarious intentions and wart-topped noses perched on broomsticks.
** Released in 1991, this hip-hop classic is all about enjoying the carefree days of summer. With its laid-back beat and catchy chorus, it's hard not to feel the sun on your skin and the sand between your toes when listening to this song. It's a reminder to slow down and savor the season, to let go of worries and simply enjoy life.
Every Witch Needs a Familiar, Or A Wart On Her Nose
There’s an old saying about witches and their cats: “Every witch needs a familiar”. It’s believed the cat (familiar) and the witch are drawn to each other intuitively and form a lifelong connection.
As a former cat owner, I’ve jokingly refer to myself as a witch who needs a ‘familiar’ and these comments have sometimes caused an expression of disquiet to pass over the faces of people around me.
“But you’re not really a witch, are you?” they’ve asked. You can tell just the word, witch, conjures up unsettling images of supernatural spells, dark places, steaming cauldrons and women with nefarious intentions and wart-topped noses perched on broomsticks. She might even have green skin (if you watched The Wizard of Oz as a child).
At this point, I usually make a joke and lightly move the conversation on to other subjects because I know they feel confronted and perhaps a little afraid of what I’m saying.
I don’t usually refer to myself as a witch because it’s not a term I’ve felt overly drawn to. But I know that in centuries past, someone with my psychic skillset would have been called a witch. In those times I might have been sought out as a healer, a soothsayer, a maker of potions and so on. I may have been feared, ostracised or burned at the stake for my naturally-occurring gifts, even if I used them to help others.
In those times it was wise to keep a low profile.
If you fast forward to the 1960s and 70s, women with metaphysical gifts were depicted in television shows like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. Samantha and Jeannie (the respective main characters) were bright, creative and energetic women who were forced to hide who they truly were because their husbands could never feel comfortable with their special gifts and worrying about what the neighbours might think was a big concern.
Shows like these gave my mother’s generation very clear messages about conformity and that openly claiming your metaphysical gifts could not occur in mainstream society. The underlying themes of masculinity being unable to hold space for gifted women was also very revealing (but that is a subject better dealt with in another post).
Fast forward to Halloween 2018 and many little girls across the world donned black hats, wigs and false noses (with the obligatory wart) and (cackling witchily) they moved from house to house asking, “Trick or treat?”
Clearly, the somewhat negative perceptions of witches persist today.
The women I know with metaphysical gifts (and I know quite a lot of them) do not look different from any other person you might meet on the street. They do not have green skin or nefarious intentions for the world around them. They are flawed humans who have special gifts they use to help others and make a difference to the planet in whatever way feels right for them.
They may call themselves witches or herbalists, clairvoyants, psychics, channels, healers, shamans, lightworkers, empaths or any other name that feels right to them.
Their gifts in another time and place would most certainly have defined them as witches.
It’s part of my mission to draw the veil back from the mystery of metaphysics and help others understand that psychic and energetic skills should not be feared, but should be embraced and owned. As I sit here in my make-up and stilettos, writing this post, I also want people to know we are often living in our suburban homes or apartment buildings and participating in mainstream life, just like you.
We’re not weird and we don’t usually have warts on our noses. Some own cauldrons (shout out to my close friend S, you know who you are) but a lot of us don’t. Others work with crystals while some have never used a metaphysical tool in their life. We are all as diverse and unique as the rest of the human race.
And fortunately, in most places in the world, we can no longer be burned at the stake.
Lucretia is an author, psychic channel and transformational teacher who helps women harness their intuition so they can live their Soul’s Mission. You can find more of her work on Facebook and Instagram.
Their gifts in another time and place would most certainly have defined them as witches.
Another summer anthem that captures the essence of the season is "California Gurls" by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg. **This upbeat pop song is all about the sunny, carefree lifestyle of California. With its catchy melody and infectious energy, it's impossible not to feel the joy and excitement of summer when listening to this song. It's a celebration of youth, freedom, and the endless possibilities that come with the season.** One classic song that instantly transports you to summer is "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley. **Released in 1984, this rock classic is both nostalgic and bittersweet. With its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, it perfectly captures the feeling of summer coming to an end. It's a reminder to cherish the moments and memories made during the season, as they can never be recreated.** Lastly, **"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & The Family Stone** is a groovy funk track that embodies the spirit of summer. Released in 1969, it's all about letting loose, having fun, and enjoying the good times that summer brings. **With its infectious rhythm and soulful vocals, this song is a reminder to embrace the spontaneity and joy that summer brings.** In conclusion, there are numerous songs that capture the magic of summer. Whether it's the carefree vibes of "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, the sunny energy of "California Gurls" by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg, the nostalgic sentiments of "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley, or the groovy funk of "Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly & The Family Stone, each song has the ability to transport us to those magical summer moments. So, put on your favorite summer playlist, close your eyes, and let the music take you back to those long, lazy days of summer..
Reviews for "Sunny Days and Good Vibes: Songs for a Blissful Summer"
1. Maria - 2 stars
I was really excited to listen to "Songs that capture the magic of summer" as summer is my favorite season and I love upbeat and catchy tunes. However, I was disappointed with this album. The song selection was predictable and cliché, with tracks that have been played on the radio a million times before. I was hoping for more original and fresh songs that truly capture the essence of summer, but this album felt like a compilation of generic summer hits. Overall, it failed to evoke any magic or create a unique listening experience.
2. John - 3 stars
While "Songs that capture the magic of summer" has a few good tracks, overall, it falls short of its promise. The album starts off strong with a couple of energetic and fun songs, but as it progresses, the quality declines. Some of the songs feel forced and out of place, ruining the overall flow of the album. Additionally, I was disappointed with the lack of diversity in the music genres represented on this album. It heavily leans towards pop and mainstream music, leaving out other genres that could have added more depth and variety. Overall, it's an average album that doesn't fully capture the magic of summer.
3. David - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Songs that capture the magic of summer" but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The album lacks originality and creativity, with most of the tracks feeling generic and forgettable. The songs all have a similar sound and style, which makes the album monotonous and uninteresting to listen to. It would have been nice to see more experimentation and innovation in the selection of songs. The lack of standout tracks also makes it difficult to connect with the album as a whole. Overall, it's a forgettable summer album that doesn't leave a lasting impression.