A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum
website: http://www.ecauldron.com/
mailing list/board: http://www.ecauldron.com/fregmb.php
With a little help from The Witches' Thicket
website: http://www.cros.net/soraya/
message board: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start
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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #8 -- March 2001 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ mailing list/board: http://www.ecauldron.com/fregmb.php newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ With a little help from The Witches' Thicket website: http://www.cros.net/soraya/ message board: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start In this Issue: [01] Editorial: Changes upon Changes [02] Poem: Why? [03] Cauldron and Candle Submission Guidelines [04] Review: Pagans & Christians [05] Review: The Tree of Life [06] Review: The Shining Tribe Tarot [07] Review: The Buckland Romani Tarot [08] Magick: Butterfly Medicine [09] Magick: Yarrow Love Spell [10] Basic Meditation Techniques (Part 2) [11] Humor: Beyond the Necronomicon [12] Software: Catfish Disk Catalog [13] New Articles on The Cauldron's Site [14] New Web Poll [15] Support The Cauldron When You Buy at Amazon.com [16] Cauldron and Thicket Chats [17] Newsletter and Forum Info (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: March 15, 2001 +++ Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php [01] ========= ========= EDITORIAL: CHANGES UPON CHANGES ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= I'm sure most Cauldron and Candle subscribers noticed that we published only one issue of this newsletter last month. In all volunteer publications, one generally expects schedules slip from time to time. After all, the real world bites everyone in the rear end occasionally. Often, but not always. Our missing Mid-February issue wasn't caused by real world problems like illness or too much mandatory overtime. As those of you who visit The Cauldron or The Thicket probably already know, Elspeth and Soraya announced on February 14th that LyricFox and I were engaged. We missed that issue because I spent ten days in mid-February visiting my fiancee. I suspect everyone understands how easy it was to skip an issue for time spent together. LyricFox and I plan to marry in the late summer or early fall, which seems far too long a wait to us. As you can guess, we are looking forward to being together instead of being about 300 miles apart. Our marriage, however, will probably mean some changes for The Cauldron, The Thicket, and this newsletter. Our first priority in life will be each other (and our various four-footed "children"), not our respective forums or this newsletter. As our forums and this newsletter have been our main priority for the last couple of years, this will mean things will have to change a bit. With respect to this newsletter, it may end up being published monthly. It would probably be larger if it were published monthly, but some material would be a bit less timely. It will definitely go monthly if we don't start getting more submissions. At the moment, I have time to write material, find other material and beg people to write items for each issue. Once I'm married, I'll have less time for this. Our current submission guidelines are the third item in this issue of this newsletter and are always available at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php Finally, LyricFox and I would like to thank the many members of The Cauldron and The Thicket who have congratulated us on our engagement. We appreciate every message we have received. Our members and subscribers are truly wonderful people and your thoughts and well wishes have meant a great deal to both of us. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CAULDRON AND CANDLE WEB SITE The Cauldron and Candle now has its own web site where we store our back issues for easy reading. http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [02] ========= ========= WHY? ========= A Poem by Elspeth Sapphire ========= I know what's right... I know what's wrong. I know my duty -- Have sang its song. But here I sit Pen in my hand. Still not quite able To understand. Doing right is good Or so they say. Your duty strengthens More than just play. Then why sit here? Tears like the rain... Why does right hurt Despite the gain? My Lady is dark But Light's my home I do my best -- Try not to roam. I walk the Path She set for me. I have no regrets -- Don't try to flee. Duty's my watchword; Honour's my key. To be followed Unto death of me. Maybe that's when I'll finally find Understanding Of some strange kind. Why fighting wrong -- Defending right -- Brings me sorrow; Tears in the night. [03] ========= ========= CAULDRON AND CANDLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= The Cauldron and Candle email newsletter, jointly published by The Cauldron and The Witches' Thicket, is always looking for articles, reviews, and announcements of interest to the Neo-Pagan community. Original submissions (as opposed to articles already on web sites, see the final paragraph below) will normally be considered for both the newsletter and our web site. We are interested in publishing just about anything well-written, informative, and accurate related to magick and Neo-Paganism. Here's a list of a few of the things we are interested in publishing in Cauldron and Candle. Please don't take this as an exhaustive list, however. * book and tarot deck reviews * introductions to the various Neo-Pagan religions * spells and rituals * recipes for oils, incenses, and food for the various Neo-Pagan holidays * articles on Neo-Pagan beliefs and theology * articles on Neo-Pagan holidays and festivals * herbal information * reviews of Pagan-oriented movies and TV shows * reviews of music suitable for ritual or meditation * positive articles on dealing with other faiths * articles on historical pagan cultures * editorial/opinion pieces * reports on Neo-Pagan gatherings Paste your contribution into an email and send to rssapphire@ecauldron.com -- plain text is our preferred format. Submitting material is considered to be granting us permission to use the material in this newsletter and on The Cauldron's (or The Thicket's) web site. Also, if you have a web site with original articles that you would like plugged in our newsletter, the best way to get a plug is to offer one of the articles on your web site to our newsletter. If we run your article, we will include information on your web site with the article. We get an article for this newsletter and you get publicity for your web site. If you would like to do this, please query us first with information on your web site and a link to the article you'd like us to consider publishing in Cauldron and Candle. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SEND A PAGAN POSTCARD You can send a Pagan Postcard from the menu of any of our web pages at http://www.ecauldron.com/. If you haven't tried our postcard site, give it a try. It has quite a few nice features. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [04] ========= ========= REVIEW: PAGANS & CHRISTIANS ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Pagans & Christians: The Personal Spiritual Experience Author: Gus diZerega Trade Paperback, 242 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: February 2001 ISBN: 1567182283 US Retail Price: $14.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567182283/thecauldron Pagans & Christians is a wonderful, first-of-its-kind book that belongs in the library of every Neo-Pagan who has to deal with Christians who fear or object to their religious beliefs. This is perhaps the most useful "interfaith" book published since Scott Cunningham's Truth About Witchcraft Today. Where Cunningham's book presents a gentle introduction to Wicca (and by extension, Neo-Paganism) for those totally unfamiliar with it, DiZerga's book helps Christians and Neo-Pagans understand the differences and similarities in their theological and world views. Pagans & Christians has three major sections: "The Nature of Pagan Spirituality," "Christian Criticisms of Wicca," and "Pagan Criticisms of Christianity." These sections are followed by a summary/conclusions chapter. Dr. diZerega has his doctorate in the field of political science and teaches at the university level. His academic training serves him well as his book is clear, concise, generally respectful to both religions, and well-documented with endnotes in each chapter. The first section, "The Nature of Pagan Spirituality," is the only one I have real problems with. It could better be titled "The Nature of Wiccan Spirituality." DiZerega is a third-degree Gardnerian Wiccan. While he makes an attempt to capture the variety of non-Wiccan Neo-Pagan beliefs, his description of Neo-Paganism often sounds like a description of Wicca. This doesn't really detract from the useful nature of this book as a tool for interfaith understanding and discussion, but as a non-Wiccan Neo-Pagan I get somewhat tired of the wiccanization of descriptions of general Neo-Paganism. The second part of this book, "Christian Criticisms of Wicca," discusses and attempts to answer many of the questions and problems many Christians have about Wicca and other Neo-Pagan religions. DiZerega discusses the nature of suffering and evil, spiritual authority, ethics and morality, clergy, and more. He answers the standard Christian objections with respect and with numerous quotes from the Bible. While this section is unlikely to convince many Fundamentalist Christians that Pagans are not following Satan, chances are it will help the vast majority of non-Fundamentalist Christians see Neo-Pagan religions in a more comfortable light. The final major section of Pagans & Christians addresses the some of problems Pagans often have with Christianity, such as it's lack of respect for nature. This section is likely to make those Pagans who get their jollies bashing Christianity just as annoyed and upset as the second section likely will Fundamentalist Christians. DiZerega explains how most of the objections many Pagans have with Christianity simply aren't supported by the Bible and Christian tradition. In other words, many of the problems Pagans have with Christianity aren't really with the teachings of Christianity in general, but with the teachings of a relatively small number of Christian sects who shout down the larger, quieter groups. As my opening paragraph states, I strongly recommend this book. Aside from my objection to the "wiccanized" description of Neo-Paganism, my only real problem with this book is its US$14.95 price. Don't get me wrong, this book is worth every penny of the price. The problem is that price is too high for most Neo-Pagans to afford to buy copies of it to give away to those who have have sincere theological questions on Wicca and Neo-Paganism. Many Neo-Pagans I know regularly buy extra copies of Scott Cunningham's The Truth About Witchcraft Today to give away, for example. While Llewellyn normally does not do lower cost mass market editions of their trade paperbacks, Pagans & Christians is a book that begs for a low cost "buy to give away" edition some time in the future. For now, I suggest one consider buying two copies: one for your bookshelf and one to loan out. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkpactpse.php [05] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE TREE OF LIFE ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Tree of Life (3rd Edition) Author: Israel Regardie Editors: Chic and Sandra Cicero Trade Paperback, 513 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: December 2000 ISBN: 1567181325 US Retail Price: $19.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567181325/thecauldron Whenever I read that a new "improved" edition of a classic book is being published, I cringe. All too often, modern revisions and additions ruin classics. I am pleased to say that Llewellyn's third edition of Israel Regardie's classic 1932 survey of the practices of the Western (ceremonial) magickal tradition, The Tree of Life, gave me no reason to cringe. The text is faithful to the original and the additions and changes are useful. The Tree of Life is the introduction to the Western magickal tradition in its many forms and practices. It is a classic because it is readable. Many authors have tried to present this complex material in a manner that the average interested layman can understand without devoting a few years to magickal studies. Most have failed. Their works either require a great deal of prior knowledge (Crowley's Magic in Theory and Practice, for example) or they talk down to the reader. Regardie was gifted with the ability to explain complex material well without talking down to the reader. While this is true in all of his books, he seemed to take special care with this book. If you have any interest in understanding the practices -- and even some of the basic theory -- of the Western magickal tradition, this is probably the best book to start with. This book will not teach you to be a ceremonial magician, but it will give you much of the background you will need to understand books by other ceremonial magicians. This book introduces the reader to magick and yoga, Qabalah, the microcosm and the macrocosm, the Gods, magickal correspondences and tools, the Will, scrying, astral projection, grimoires, initiation, alchemy, and more. The editors of this third edition, Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, have wisely refrained from trying to improve upon Regarde's basic text. Instead these two adepts of the Heremetic Order of the Golden Dawn have expanded upon Regardie's material with: * Informative annotations adding commentary and explanatory notes to the end of each chapter. * an extensive (over 50 pages) glossary. * many more illustrations. * a bibliography and index. The only change made to the actual text of the book is that the Askenazic Hebrew Regardie used in his early books has been translated to the more common Sephardic Hebrew. Regardie used Sephardic Hebrew is his later books, so I consider this change an improvement. This edition of The Tree of Life is excellent, probably the best one I've seen. Not only is the additional content worthwhile, but the book is printed on heavy paper and seems -- for a paperback -- designed to last. I strongly recommend this book (and Regardie's A Garden of Pomegranates, an excellent introduction to the Qabalah) to anyone interested in learning about the Western magickal tradition. I especially recommend this book to Wiccans who are interested in understanding some of the material that Gerald Gardner understood and used when he created Wicca. Many people dismiss Llewellyn as publisher because they seem willing to publish an almost infinite number of Wicca 101 books, some of which are very bad. If one looks beyond their Wicca/Witchcraft line, however, one will find that Llewellyn keeps an amazing number of good to excellent books on magick, astrology, and other esoteric subjects in print. This is one of those excellent books. The Tree of Life belongs on the bookshelf of anyone seriously interested in magick. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkttol.php [06] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE SHINING TRIBE TAROT ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Shining Tribe Tarot Artist: Rachel Pollack Author: Rachel Pollack Book and Cards Set Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: March 2001 ISBN: 1567185320 US Retail Price: $34.95 Sample Cards Link: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrtstt.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567185320/thecauldron The Shining Tribe Tarot is a slightly revised and renamed version of the out-of-print Shining Woman tarot deck, with an expanded (330 page) reference book. The original deck was named after the "Shining Woman" card (its "World" card), but Pollack reports in her introduction to the revised edition that the "Shining Woman" name made many think that the deck was aimed at women. Personally, I think the new name fits this deck much better. The images on the cards are inspired by Stone Age rock art, Native American art, Australian Aboriginal art, and similar "primitive"/tribal sources. While the deck is firmly based in the traditional tarot, it does not look very traditional at first glance. The suits have been renamed. Instead of wands, cups, swords, and pentacles, the Shining Tribe deck has trees, rivers, birds, and stones. Each suit has four "vision cards" (place, knower, gift, and speaker) instead of four court cards. Two cards of the major arcana have completely different names (Tradition for the Heirophant and Awakening for Judgement) and several others have slightly different names. The artwork can best be described as primitive. I've heard it described as enlightened by those who like the deck and as kindergarten art by those who don't. The cards are interesting and fairly symbolic, whether one likes the primitive style of art or not is a matter of personal taste. It doesn't do a lot for me, but I know people who love it. One thing I like about this deck is that the people on the cards are of multiple races. Like my fellow reviewer, Symitar, I get tired of seeing decks where every person is caucasian. Such decks don't resemble my neighborhood, let alone the world. The book that comes with this deck is truly excellent, as one might expect from an author of Rachel Pollack's experience and award-winning caliber. She has a number of tarot books to her credit (including the classic 78 Degrees of Wisdom) and it really shows in the book. Reading the Shining Tribe book really makes me wish I liked the artwork on this deck better. Pollack makes the material interesting. Reading the book makes it clear that she knew what she was doing when she designed this deck. The Shining Tribe Tarot is one of those decks that most people will either love or hate on flipping through the cards. If you are into shamanism or like primitive/tribal art, you will probably want to strongly consider picking up a copy the Shining Tribe deck. Even if you aren't, the deck is at least worth a look if you see it in the store. You might just like it. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trtstt.php [07] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE BUCKLAND ROMANI TAROT ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Buckland Romani Tarot Artist: Lissanne Lake Author: Raymond Buckland Book and Cards Set Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: January 2001 ISBN: 156718099X US Retail Price: $34.95 Sample Cards Link: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrtbrt.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156718099X/thecauldron The Buckland Romani Tarot deck is a gorgeous deck. Artist Lissanne Lake did a truly inspired job of bringing Buckland's visions of English Gypsy life around the time of the Second World War to life. The borderless cards allow plenty of room for the art. If you collect tarot decks for their art, you'll probably want to just skip the rest of the review and go buy the deck. While some cards are more detailed than others (particularly with respect to faces), the overall artistic quality of this deck is high. The scan of sample cards I made does not do this deck justice. Although the symbols are drawn from English Gypsy life, this is a fairly traditional deck which makes it easy for the average tarot reader to use. The suits are renamed Bolers (Wheels), Koros (Cups), Kosh (Staves), and Chiv (Knives) and the major arcana are numbered but not named. While these minor changes only take a few minutes to get used to, they enhance the Romani feel of the deck. The deck can be used with the traditional "Rider-Waite" interpretations, however, Buckland provides expanded descriptions/interpretations for each card in the 239 page trade paperback book that comes with the set. I have often criticized Buckland books for talking down to the reader. I'm happy to say that I did not really notice any of that in the Romani Tarot book. In the book, Buckland gives long description of each card filled with interesting tidbits about Gypsy life (his father was a full-blooded English Gypsy). To accompany the traditional meanings, he usually asks questions about the card. For example, for the Two of Koshes he asks questions like: "Is the Rom waiting for someone? If so, is that person late in arriving? Or is the Rom seeing off someone who has been there with him?" Buckland's intent seems to be to get the reader to focus on the card image and the multiple things it could be saying instead of on the traditional "book meanings." The book also includes advice on giving readings and some spreads to use. The Buckland Romani Tarot deck is one of the better new decks I've seen recently. Of course, I'm a bit biased because it looks like one of the few decks that I will be able to read with regularly. If you are in the market for a new -- or first -- Tarot deck, I strongly suggest taking a look at this one. The Romani Tarot beautiful to look at, different enough to spark your senses as you read with it, yet traditional enough to be easy to use. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trtbrt.php ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UPCOMING REVIEWS Reviews of the following are planned for our next few issues: BELTANE (Grimassi), SILVER'S SPELLS FOR LOVE and WITCHES' NIGHT OF FEAR (Ravenwolf), ISIS MAGIC (Forrest), IN THE CIRCLE (Hawke), BUD, BLOSSUM, & LEAF (Morrison), A WITCHES' BOOK OF DREAMS (Allrich). Watch The Cauldron's web site if you can't wait as they will be appearing there as they are written. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [08] ========= ========= MAGICK: BUTTERFLY MEDICINE ========= A Spell For Binding a Perpetrator From Doing Harm ========= by Catherine Sullivan ========= Summary: The intent of this spell is to prevent one individual from harming others by word or deed. Note, if the person you are aiming this spell at is not doing anything to harm another, the spell will have no effect. It does not limit or infringe upon the free will of the individual in any way except to keep that person from harming another. It is self-limiting, in that when the subject grows spiritually to the point that he/she chooses freely not to harm others, the spell dissolves. 1) A poppet or doll is made and identified as the perpetrator. 2) Appropriate herbs and oils are burned. 3) A candle is inscribed with appropriate symbols, anointed with oil, and burned. 4) The poppet is wound with cord in a cocoon-like fashion while the chant is repeated. 5) If more than one person is performing the work, the poppet and cord are passed from hand to hand, each person winding the cord as all continue to recite or chant the words of intent. 6) The poppet is the burned to release the energies of the working. If burning is not feasible (as for many apartment-dwellers) the poppet may be buried in a place where it is sure to remain undisturbed. This work is ideally performed in the dark (waning) phase of the moon (for limitations and for rest), or at the new moon (for sleep followed by rebirth) and on a Saturday (for Saturn) or Tuesday (if Tyr or Tiwaz, is to be invoked) but if the need is immediate, any time will do. Materials and Tools: * A figure to represent the subject A poppet, or doll, may be made out of any flammable material. (You're going to burn it or bury it, so plastic or nylon is probably a bad idea!) Dried plant stalks or small dry twigs and paper towel or light-weight cotton rags held together with thread and wax work well, as does cotton stuffed with dry grass or any dry, flammable material. (I have used mullein stalk and fir twigs bound together with string and wax, with a "head" of dried mullein flower-head covered with bee's wax, and paper "clothing" to make a sort of miniature scarecrow.) * A candle, black (to absorb negativity) or white (for purity of intent). The candle should be small, as you must keep focused on your intent until the candle is burned completely. * A stylus to inscribe the candle * charcoal and a fire-proof container for the incense (WARNING: You need a ventilated area to use charcoal.) * some safe container (iron cauldron, habachi, or barbecue grill) for a fire OR a piece of silk to wrap the poppet in if you have to transport it to the place where you will bury it * black string or yarn (hemp is best; cotton next choice. Again, do not use nylon or polyester if you plan to burn the poppet.) * container of water. * container of salt Herbs and oils for incense: Any of the following herbs/oils are appropriate, as are many others. You MUST include at least one herb for cleansing and purification and one for protection. Use what is available. cypress &/or patchouli oil for Saturn cedar, juniper or lavender oil for protection peppermint leaf or oil for cleansing and purification sage (Artemesia) for cleansing and purification sweet grass for cleansing and purification basil for cleansing and purification and protection bay leaves for cleansing and purification and protection garlic or onion for cleansing and purification and protection cedar or juniper for protection nettle for protection "dragon's blood" for protection and strength mullein for protection and for Saturn bindweed &/or morning glory for binding hemp (shred a bit of cord) for binding and strength Procedure: Cleanse and ward the work-space. Use whatever ritual you are most familiar and comfortable with for this, OR Light a cleansing incense (see above). Circle your work space, wafting the smoke into every part of it, concentrating on cleaning and purifying the area. Say: With air and fire I cleanse this space. Mix some salt into the water. Circle your work space, sprinkling drops of salt water throughout, concentrating on cleaning and purifying the area. Say: With earth and water I cleanse this place." After preparing the workspace, invoke any entities you have a personal relationship with and whose influence is appropriate to the work. Invoke Butterfly spirit. After making the figure (this may be done in advance), prepare the fire-container, light your charcoal and sprinkle incense on it. Inscribe the candle with symbols appropriate to your specific purpose. (This may also be done in advance.) If the subject is a criminal, particularly if the courts are involved, the rune Tiwaz may be used to invoke the Norse deity Tyr/Tiwas who ruled that culture's version of courts of justice. (WARNING: Before invoking Tyr, it is best to examine your own conscience carefully. Be sure that Justice is what you want before you ask for it!) If protection for the innocent is your whole purpose, the rune algiz may be more appropriate. The inscription need not be runes. If you have not studied the runes, other symbolism may work better for you. Astrological glyphs (particularly Saturn, for limitations) are appropriate. Use a symbol for which you have an affinity, one which stands for your intent in your mind. You may also use words or initials. Apply a drop of oil to the candle with your finger. Light the candle. Concentrate on your intent. Visualize the doll as the person you wish to restrain. Begin winding the cord around the doll, cocoon-like, as you repeat the following chant. If more than one person is working, pass the doll to the next person as you reach the end of the chant and begin again. Continue winding and chanting until the doll is completely enclosed in it's cocoon. If there is cord remaining, burn through it, rather than cutting it. If you are going to burn the doll, do so now concentrating your will upon it as it burns, visualizing the power spreading out, seeking the subject and settling over him/her, binding as the doll was bound. DO NOT visualize the person burning! If you plan to bury the figure, do so while visualizing the power sinking into the earth and spreading out to find the subject. (If you must transport the figure to the place where you will bury it, wrap it carefully in a scrap of silk to insulate it. Transportation, of course, will be done after releasing the wards/opening the circle.) Continue to concentrate on your purpose, chanting if you wish, until the candle burns out. Thanks any spirits whose aid you invoked. Release the wards/open the circle. Chant for Binding a Perpetrator From Doing Harm Chorus No harm shall you speak No harm shall you do No hurt shall you cause to anyone First Verse By this spell you are bound By our will you are bound No hurt shall you cause to anyone {Chorus} Second Verse In this cocoon you will dwell To transform your true self 'til you've learned for yourself to do no harm {Chorus} [09] ========= ========= MAGICK: YARROW LOVE SPELL ========= Author Unknown ========= Take the leaves of the yarrow, which has qualities that comfort, heal, and protect; and tickle the inside of the nostrils, murmuring to yourself this old country charm: Green yarrow, green yarrow, you bear a white bow; if you love me, love me, my nose will bleed now; If my love don't love me; it won't bleed a drop, if my love do love me, 'twill bleed every drop. [10] ========= ========= BASIC MEDITATION TECHNIQUES (PART 2) ========= by Bill Witt ========= In this second section of the "Basic Meditation Techniques" course, we will discuss various relaxation procedures and how they will aid you in entering a trance or meditative state. You will also be given some ideas about types of music and other "tools" which can help you achieve these relaxed states of mind. Let's begin. First, let's set the stage for our meditation practice. You should pick a place which is as private and safe as possible. An altered state of mind, as in meditation, lessens your awareness of the outside world. For this reason, it is not advisable to practice these techniques in a public place where there is a chance of being mugged, robbed, or molested. If you are at home, with other family members or friends present, ask that you not be disturbed and that all other noise in the house be kept to a minimum. When you have found a place suitable for meditation, you may begin. "The seekers of new mind states-the mind control devotees, the encounter group enthusiasts, the drug takers, the psychics, the meditators - all are on a journey into the interior universe trying to burst the limits of the socially conditioned mind. Weither acceptable or unacceptable, moral or immoral, wise or foolish, the mind of man is stirring toward a new evolution." -- Dr. Barbara Brown [New Mind, New Body, New York, Bantam Books, 1975, Page 17] As I said in section one, trance or meditative states, alter the way your mind deals with the realities it accepts as normal. Things which are experienced in a trance state are often not easily expressed in everyday language. You will at some level, experience a heightened state of awareness. Colors, smells, and sounds may seem amplified from what they normally are. People who can achieve very deep states of trance often leave their bodies in astral projection, or have psychic experiences. I highly recommend, that if you wish to enter deep states of meditation, you do so under the guidance and teaching of someone who is well trained in the practice of such techniques. The key thing to remember is that it's not what level your working on as much as what you are learning. There is a lot to be gained in wisdom and knowledge at all levels of trance. Now let's learn some simple and useful relaxation exercises. You want to be sure that the time you pick to practice your meditation is a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. You should not be overly tired or have just finished eating as both of those conditions may cause you to fall asleep. Even though you wish to achieve an altered state of consciousness, you do want to remain conscious to some degree. If you fall asleep when you are meditating, no harm is done and you will awaken quite refreshed and rested. Unfortunately though, you may not be able to recall all the things you experienced while in trance. If you are lying down, be sure your back and neck are properly supported so as not to fatigue the body. If you are sitting, be sure that both feet are flat on the floor and that you are sitting as erect as possible without being too stiff or strained. You should have your arms resting comfortably in your lap with palms up. In either case, it is important that your body not become strained or fatigued for at least thirty minutes. This is a good length of time to begin with as it should put neither a physical or mental strain on your being. Next, visualize a yourself in a cocoon of white light. You should surround yourself completely. See the light as bright and warm. You may play with this sphere of light making it bigger or smaller until it "feels" right for you. Say to yourself, "I am protected by the pure white light of all that is good and truthful. I am surrounded by the pure light which keeps out all unwanted and evil influences." This is a good idea to do for several reasons. There are those, and I am one of them, who believe that each of generates an aura which protects us from outside influences when we are in trance. This aura may be strengthened by visualizing the light as growing brighter at our command. Even if you do not accept this idea, the practice lends a feeling of safety and security to you. Nothing which is outside of you may enter or touch you without your permission. Learning to control and pay attention to your breathing is the next step. You should start by taking a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for the mental count of 4 and then let it all out slowly through your mouth. Repeat this until you begin to feel at rest and relaxed. Allow your breathing to settle into a steady, rythmic rate. Just this simple technique can relax and refresh you at any time. When you are only doing the breathing exercise, it is not necessary to go through the white light sphere visualization. Some people use a muffled metronome or recording of some other rythmic sound, such as ocean waves, to aid them in setting the pace of their breathing. A good source of recorded sounds which can help you in meditation is a series of records and tapes which have been produced under the title Environments. Now, as you are breathing, see yourself lying in the warm light of the sun. The light is warm and pleasant to be in. Starting with the tips of your toes, feel the light warming all of your body, slowly moving up into your legs, your trunk, and then into your arms and fingers. As you feel this warming become more and more relaxed, going deeper and deeper into a calm and quiet place. When you fell totally relaxed and at peace, bring a single thought into your mind. It should be of a pleasant experience or of an idea such as love, joy, peace, or compassion. Focus on this one thought and if some other thought should try to intrude, picture it as being written on a clear board between you and your focal thought. Then picture it being erased from that board as it might be from a piece of paper. Deal with any thought, other than your focal thought, quickly. Try to maintain concentration on your focal thought for at least five minutes. Picture it as being real and experience it as if it were. When you are able to do this and can exclude all other thoughts as they attempt to enter your mind, you will have learned the single most important technique of meditation. It is now time to begin coming back to normal consciousness. slowly let the thought fade from your mind and again become aware of the warm light of the sun. As you feel the light bathing you in its' warmth, start to reconnect your mind with the physical sensations of your body. Become aware of your breathing and the room around you. Do this slowly and calmly. When you are fully aware of your surroundings, open your eyes slowly. Enjoy the sense of calm and peace. If you succeeded in doing this exercise, you should feel more relaxed and calm than normal. It is important to remember that you are comparing it to normal for you, not to what you think others would or should feel. If you do not feel you succeeded try again in a day or two. Between meditation sessions, practice your deep breathing exercises. If you keep trying, you will soon reach a calm and meditative state. Do not attempt to meditate when you are ill, tired, or hungry. Those feelings only serve to make your efforts more difficult. A very important part to remember is that you can not force yourself into a meditative state. You must flow into it and surrender to it calmly. Some things which are found to be helpful in meditation follow. Try concentrating on the flame of a candle when focusing. You could also use a crystal ball. The later is rather expensive but small crystal window ornaments or pyramids also work well and cost much less. Music is also an aid to some. The music should be quiet and rhythmic. It should bring on feelings of peace and comfort. Such music may range from New Age recordings to classical. Another useful device is to focus on a symbol which holds special meaning for you. It may be an well known symbol or one you design yourself. As long as it holds a special meaning or expresses a special concept, it is a useful focusing tool. This brings section two of this course to a close. In the next part I will give you some practical ways in which to use what you have learned. Also, a list of books for further reading will be included. [This is the second part of a three-part article written by Bill Witt and posted on the New Atlantis BBS in May 1987. This material may be reproduced and distributed only if the by line, and BBS info remain part of any such reproduction. The first part appeared in the February 2001 issue of Cauldron and Candle.] [11] ========= ========= HUMOR: BEYOND THE NECRONOMICON ========= Author Unknown ========= Ahhh....the dreaded Necronomicon!! Veiled in mystery and surrounded by scandal and controversy, this tome has always served admirably as a red herring to prevent the uninitiated from discovering the true secrets of the universe which are to be found, not in the Necronomicon, but in the even more mysterious Necrotelecomnicon, the Book of Dead Telephones. This dark grimoire reveals the hidden methods of establishing contact with powerful extra-terrestrial intelligences through worship and sacrifice at remote, faulty public telephone booths. It is whispered that Aleister Crowley himself established ongoing contact with Aiwass by using the foul incantations to be found in this accursed book. But I must say no more!! Even now, I can hear the sounds of approaching technicians, coming to put me to a slow and excruciating death for daring to reveal such things openly. I fear it is too late for me now, so hear my final warning - stick with the Necronomicon! Do not look beyond its obviously fraudulent content, for fear that you may discover the dreadful truth, that hanging around phone booths late at night is far more dangerous than anything in the Necronomicon.... [12] ========= ========= FREE SOFTWARE: CATFISH DISK CATALOG ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= If you have purchased a new computer in the last year or so, it probably came with a CD-RW or a zip drive. These are wonderful replacements for floppy disks. Or they are until you have to find a file you stored on one of your 15 or 20 CDs or zip disks. Catfish to the rescue. Catfish is a small program that will store disk catalogs of CDs, zip drives, and other large media on your hard drive and let you quickly search through them to find the file you are looking for. No more slowly loading and unloading 20 or 30 disks to search each one separately. You can find the file in Catfish and then go right to it. Well, you still have to find the disk or CD-ROM you stored it on. The latest version removed the 8000 directories per disk limit, so it should be ready for the new (huge) DVD-ROMs just now coming to market. If you write data to CD-ROMs, zip disks, or other large removable media and have to find a specific file months later, you will love this small program. You will find this free Windows program at: http://www.equi4.com/catfish/ [13] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= NEW ARTICLES ON THE CAULDRON'S SITE ========= The following new articles have been added to The Cauldron's web site since our last issue. * Moving Beyond Pagan 101 http://www.ecauldron.com/opedpagan101.php The following book and tarot reviews (some included in this newsletter) are new to the web site: * The Buckland Romani Tarot http://www.ecauldron.com/trtbrt.php * Greek Religion http://www.ecauldron.com/bkgr.php * Pagans & Christians http://www.ecauldron.com/bkpactpse.php * The Shining Tribe Tarot http://www.ecauldron.com/trtstt.php * The Tree of Life http://www.ecauldron.com/bkttol.php [14] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= NEW WEB POLL ========= Our new polls are working nicely and without all the problems we had when they were hosted offsite. You'll find them on their own web page at: http://www.ecauldron.com/pollindex.php Our newest poll, opened March 1, asks: * Where have you obtained most of your religious instruction and training for your religious path? http://www.ecauldron.com/cldpoll16.php Make your opinion known, take this poll today! [15] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= SUPPORT THE CAULDRON WHEN YOU BUY BOOKS AT AMAZON.COM ========= If you wish to purchase books or other items at Amazon.com, you can help fund The Cauldron's web site by using this link to access Amazon.com when you make your purchases: http://www.ecauldron.com/fradambooks.php Just use this link to go to Amazon.com via our web site and almost every purchase you make that visit will earn The Cauldron a small amount to help pay for our web page -- at no extra charge to you. You can also use the Amazon link on the menu of every Cauldron web page and not have to remember this long link. Unlike the Amazon link listed in some prior issues of this newsletter, you can simply visit this site and save the link in your bookmark list. If you then use this bookmarked link every time you wish to visit Amazon.com, any purchases you make while there will help fund The Cauldron's web site. [16] ========= ========= Cauldron and Thicket Info ========= CAULDRON AND THICKET CHATS ========= +++ +++ CAULDRON IRC CHATS: TUESDAYS, 10-11PM CT +++ Cauldron Co-Host Randall Sapphire hosts a one hour general chat almost every Tuesday evening from 10pm to 11pm Central (Daylight) Time in our channel (#thecauldron) on the PaganPaths IRC server. We usually have a pretty good turnout. Discussions cover a wide range of topics, depending on what the folks present want to discuss. You'll find all the information you need to connect to our chats either with your own IRC client or via the Java IRC client (including images of the various Java windows which pop up) on our Chats web page at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cmchats.php You can open a Java chat client directly to #thecauldron by clicking on the "IRC Chat" link in the menu of any of our web pages, but we strongly suggest you visit the above page first and read a few paragraphs on how to use it. This page is also available from the "[Info]" link right next to the "IRC Chat" link on our web page menus. If you have your own IRC client program, the address of the main PaganPaths server is: madison.wi.us.paganpaths.org (port 6667) If you'd like to host a chat for members of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum on a regular, weekly schedule, please let us know. If "Central Time" doesn't mean anything to you, there's an online time converter at http://sandbox.xerox.com/stewart/tzconvert.cgi might help. I think Central Time is listed as something like "US - Central" in the drop down box. +++ +++ THICKET DELPHI CHATS +++ The Thicket hosts several chats each week in their Delphi (Java-based) chat area. You have to be a member of Delphi and The Thicket to participate. You will find the chats by pointing your browser to The Thicket's Start Page at: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start Chats are normally being held on the following days and times (all times are Central Time): * Monday at 11:30pm * Wednesday at 12:00 noon * Friday at 11:30pm Please check on The Thicket's message board for changes to this schedule. If "Central Time" doesn't mean anything to you, there's an online time converter at http://sandbox.xerox.com/stewart/tzconvert.cgi might help. I think Central Time is listed as something like "US - Central" in the drop down box. [17] ========= ========= NEWSLETTER AND FORUM INFO ========= (Including how to subscribe and unsubscribe) ========= Cauldron and Candle is a free publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum with assistance from our sister form, The Witches' Thicket. The Cauldron and The Thicket aim to publish this newsletter twice a month and often actually succeed in doing so. Copyrights on individual items in this newsletter are retained by their author, please contact the editors if you need to contact an author for permission to reprint an article and the editors will do their best to put you in touch with him or her. No one involved in producing this newsletter has any money to speak of so suing us if you don't like something we do is a waste of time and money. ++++ ++++ HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE ++++ You are receiving a copy of this newsletter because you signed up to receive it. 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You are also welcome to forward a copies of this newsletter to interested friends and associates provided you forward the entire newsletter. ++++ ++++ LINK TO THE CAULDRON: A PAGAN FORUM ++++ If you like The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum please invite your friends to visit. If you have a web page, we'd really appreciate it if you put a link to The Cauldron's web site on your web pages. If you'd like some graphic buttons to use to link to our web site, check the following URL: http://www.ecauldron.com/linktous.php Thanks in advance. ++++ ++++ SUGGESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME ++++ Don't forget that your suggestions for the forum are always welcome, either posted on the message board or via email to Elspeth Sapphire (elspeth.sapphire@worldnet.att.net) or Randall Sapphire (rssapphire@ecauldron.com). Typos are, as usual, courtesy of the Goddess Eris. Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet again! |
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