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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #19 -- January 2002 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ mailing list/board: http://www.ecauldron.com/fregmb.php delphi forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ With a little help from The Witches' Thicket website: http://www.cros.net/soraya/ delphi forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start In this Issue: [01] Editorial: The "Perfect" Leader [02] Poem: Patterns... [03] Feature: Hellenic Ethics: Living Virtues in Community [04] Article: Asatru: Meet the Heathens [05] Review: Circle Round [06] Review: The Craft Companion [07] Review: The Tomten [08] Review: Runic Palmistry [09] Review: Celestial Goddesses [10] Magick: Spell to Protect Good Health [11] Magick: Enflame Desire Spell [12] Humor: Redneck Church [13] New Articles on The Cauldron's Site [14] New Web Polls [15] Support The Cauldron When You Buy at Amazon.com [16] Newsletter and Forum Info (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: January 20, 2002 +++ Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php [01] ========= ========= EDITORIAL: THE "PERFECT" LEADER ========= by Elspeth Sapphire ========= At what point in becoming a high priestess did I cease to be human? I remember rituals binding me to the coven. I remember one to tie me to the desires of the gods. I even remember the one where I received my cords as teacher and leader. Yet I keep running into students that seem to feel that becoming a leader makes me less prone to any of the "ills" of a normal person. I am not supposed to ever become ill; at least, not if it inconveniences the student. The gods forbid that I ever have a personal crisis or that the needs of my family come before the needs of the student! As for feeling emotional, well, that is strictly not allowed. The deities I follow are allowed to show more human traits according to some students! I am sorry to disappoint my students, but I am totally human. While believing in balance and control, I am subject to the same demands of body and emotions that they are. In fact, it can be worse for me and many other leaders, because we are dealing with much more than =just= our own emotions and problems; we are also dealing with the emotions and problems of everyone that looks to us as leader. In my opinion, that is why so many of us suffer from burnout at some point in our practice. Over the years, I have had several students that expect their teacher to be something more than human. Some come to realize that their expectations do not mesh with reality and move on to become a person who is sensitive to others. Others refuse to even acknowledge that their demands are unrealistic and stomp away like a child when they don't get what they want. I have come to divide these people into the following groups: === === The Sitter At Your Feet === This is the person that insists that you are so holy and blessed that they are not worthy to sit beside you. They want to sit at your feet and worship you along with the gods. When you try to tell them that you are only a human, they just smile and talk about how modest you are. Besides being very irritating, these people are the ones that will go from smiling at your feet to attacking you on all levels if you do something that doesn't fit into their "reality". Once knocked off the pedestal, you go instantly from "godlike" to demon. It doesn't take much to create this crisis; I once saw it caused by the teacher losing their temper and another time because the teacher put the needs of her child before the student. Sometimes these students aren't as easy to identify as one would think. In one case, the student didn't show her true colors until after her dedication ceremony. Once you have a commitment to them, the best you can do is hope you can open their eyes without an emotional crisis. === === The Question Demander === I had a student like this. I still shudder when thinking of her. This student is the one that has a million of questions and wants answers to all of them. You think that doesn't sound too bad? After all, isn't that what we as teachers are supposed to do? Yes and no. In my Tradition, the teacher is there to guide the student in finding the answers. It is the work done to find the answers and then further questions that leads to enlightenment. This kind of student is very impatient with any answers that don't tell them exactly what they want to know. Spirituality has so few precise answers. The student doesn't want to hear this; the student just wants the answers. When the student doesn't get the answers that he or she thinks they deserve, they become first impatient, then angry, then explode. They want an interactive Book of Shadows, where they can just punch in the question and get an answer in return. Not being a robot or machine, my student became very unhappy with me. I released her after an emotional explosion. === === The Hanger-On === There is a kind of student that is there more for emotional reasons than to learn. They aren't always easy to identify at times. They become part of the "family", in part because they seem not to have anyone of their own. They want to learn, but teaching sessions are filled with accounts of their problems with life and how that makes it difficult for them to grow spiritually. Point out to them that difficulties give them a chance to grow, and they will frown slightly, then change the subject. Nothing is really their fault and it is because of their isolation and lack of "family" that things don't go better in their lives. Given half a chance, you will start seeing more of them than your real family. They can slip into your life so quietly that you may not even be aware of what is happening until it is too late. They will see your relationship as the most one in your life and do what they can to break up any that they see as threatening. I had one student become so jealous of my relationship with my mate that he did what he could to part us. Another would become angry if I was emotional about things going on with my kids. These can be messy to deal with, but the sooner the better. === === Expectations Meet Reality === There are other problem student types, including the one that will pit two teachers against each other, then stand back and soak it up. However, this brings me back to my original question -- how did becoming a teacher and leader take away my right to be a human being? I am not sure why people expect leaders to be something more than human. We are not superheroes or supermortals or anything more than men and women just trying to cope. We became leaders because of some need within us to pass on information or because of the desires of the deities we worship or sometimes just because there is no one else to do it. None of that negates our rights to a mundane existence or family or home. If anything, being a leader means that we need it more. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [02] ========= ========= PATTERNS... ========= A Poem by Elspeth Sapphire ========= Patterns... My life is full of patterns. I feel like I am living a Simon and Garfunkel song As I lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling I can see patterns Trace the triangles--see how they interlock? Life is like that. I move here and it affects you there Can you see the patterns of shadow and light? I do and I hurt. I know it is necessary...a part of a pattern fulfilled... Still... Knowledge doesn't do away with the pain And it creates patterns of its own Swirls of hot color with the triangles on the wall Fascinating me with their movement... Pulling me in... Driving away thought... I see patterns. [03] ========= ========= Feature Article ========= HELLENIC ETHICS: LIVING VIRTUES IN COMMUNITY ========= written by Reverend Andrew Campbell ========= [This essay was written for The Witches' Voice "Beyond the Rede" essay series and is reprinted here by permission of the author. Some Pagans mistakenly think that the Wiccan Rede is the basis of all Neo-Pagan morality. This isn't so. In this essay, Campbell presents a brief overview of the ethics of Hellenic Paganism.--RSS] The ethical principles of Hellenic Reconstructionist Polytheism rest on fundamental human virtues as expressed in community, and are derived from the teachings of our ancient Greek spiritual ancestors. Some of the virtues discussed below will be familiar, and are indeed common to other traditional religious cultures. Others may prove surprising and even challenging to modern pagans who look to the Rede for ethical direction. === === A Key Principle: Reciprocity === To most ancient Greeks, people fell into one of three categories: friends, enemies, and strangers. Underlying all of these relationships is the assumption of reciprocity. [1] Friends are those who help you and whom you are obligated to help. Enemies are those who harm you and whom you are likewise expected to harm, for doing so also helps your friends. Strangers or outsiders are those persons with whom you have no defined relationship and will probably view with a mix of suspicion and generosity, as they will you. Our relationship with the gods is also based on reciprocity: our offerings for their blessings, gift for gift. Unlike both the Christian ethical ideal ("Love your enemy" [2]) and the Wiccan Rede ("An it harm none, do what ye will"), traditional Hellenic ethics teaches that there is no shame in interpersonal conflict or just retribution; indeed, these are fundamental parts of life. (Nemesis is a goddess, after all, and the myths show the gods in conflict with each other.) Further, by not harming one's enemies, one harms one's friends, breaking down the fundamental bonds of society. It is no surprise to find, then, in one of the earliest pieces of Greek writing, a priest calling down Apollo's wrath on those who did not honor his request for reciprocity: the return of his captive daughter for a fair ransom. [3] The counterbalance to this seemingly harsh system is the virtue of xenia, often translated "hospitality" or "the laws of reciprocity as applied to hosts and guests." To offer hospitality -- food, drink, clothing, shelter -- is a sacred imperative overseen by Zeus and imposes certain obligations on both parties. A host may not molest a guest, but neither may a guest steal from, or otherwise wrong, a host. A social and ethical bond has been forged. In his Works and Days, Hesiod names the basic bonds of the social order as those between parents and children, hosts and guests, comrades, and siblings. To neglect these reciprocal bonds is to court disaster, for the gods uphold these relationships as sacred. Likewise, the whole community supports the standards of reciprocity. Our personal honor cannot be separated from our community's esteem. === === Personal Virtue in Community: Moderation === In order for an agonistic society not to devolve into petty feuds, individuals must show self-restraint. Accordingly, Hellenic ethics praises this virtue (sophrosune) highly. To exercise sophrosune, one must be able to view a situation realistically and act in accordance with the principle of moderation. Every virtue, suggests Aristotle, can be seen in terms of the mean between two extremes. These extremes may not be evils in the abstract, and indeed sometimes the mean will lean more toward one than the other, but when moderated by self-restraint and rational thought, they generate the best solution. So, for example, the virtue of courage is the mean between two feelings, fear and confidence, but leans toward the latter. [4] This call to moderation is also heard from Apollo's oracle at Delphi. Two famous maxims were inscribed above its temple entrance: Nothing Too Much and Know Thyself. The former is itself a statement of the doctrine of moderation. The latter, often misunderstood as an invitation to mere self-involvement, really means, "Know that you are only human." Yet even moderation must be practiced in moderation. In other words, there are circumstances in which excess is appropriate. The worship of Dionysos calls for ritualized drinking, for example, and in this context, one may choose to drink more than usual. But common sense and self-restraint must prevail: for a recovering alcoholic, any wine at all may be too much. === === Other Delphic Maxims === In addition to the two most famous Delphic exhortations, we have copies of inscriptions from two columns at the temple itself. Although some of these injunctions are offensive to us moderns ("Rule your wife"), others continue to inspire us to virtue with the pithy common sense for which the Oracle was known. Aid friends. Control anger. Shun unjust acts. Acknowledge sacred things. Hold on to learning. Praise virtue. Avoid enemies. Cultivate kinsmen. Pity supplicants. Accomplish your limit. When you err, repent. Consider the time. Worship the divine. Accept old age. [5] === === Hellenic Ethics Today === Modern Hellenic polytheists, although not wishing to recreate ancient society, draw our ethical inspiration directly from the teachings of our spiritual ancestors. We accept that our lives as mortals are often harsh and that only strong social bonds based on reciprocity and self-restraint can mitigate some of the inevitable struggles of human existence. === === Author's Note === Readers interested in traditional Hellenic polytheism are invited to visit my Web site, http://www.nomos-arkhaios.org/, or Hellenion at http://www.hellenion.org/ for more information. This essay is drawn from material presented more fully in my book Old Stones, New Temples. [1] Joint Association Classical Teachers, The World of Athens (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1984), p. 142. [2] Matthew 5:44 [3] Homer, Iliad 1. [4] David Ross, "Introduction, " in: Aristotle, The Nichomachean Ethics (Oxford: Oxford UP, 1980), p. xi. [5] David G. Rice and John E. Stambaugh, Sources for the Study of Greek Religion (Missoula: Scholars Press, 1979), pp. 96-97. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [04] ========= ========= ARTICLE: ASATRU: MEET THE HEATHENS ========= by Selvrtanni (some editing by Hadrea) ========= Asatru belongs to the group of religions known as Reconstuctionist: pre-Christian polytheistic religions that existed in history and are now being revitalized. The main method of reconstruction for Asatru is through study of "the Lore," the body of knowledge of the historical Asatru. The effect of this is that Asatruar get very excited by articles with titles like "A Re-Interpretation of the Use of the Word Agr in Njal's Saga". This academic bent runs so deep that it is sometimes joked that Asatru is "the religion with footnotes* (*of an academic nature)." The key point is that Reconstuctionists are trying to find out (and understand) exactly how their ancestors worshiped and related to the gods. Similar movements can be found focusing on various cultures. The largest (and with most in common with Asatru) are those from Imperial Rome (Religio Romana), Ancient Greece (Hellenismos) or the Celts (Senistrognata). There is some common ground between these and Asatru, as all share a similar attitude, comparable mythologies and common religious goals. Importantly, they are all very different from various non-Reconstructionist Neo-Pagan faiths that might draw on the same cultures. Odin gave mankind the Runes; one modern school of Asatru theology suggesting that this happened in 250 BCE. Trance work (Seidr) is also practiced, but neither this nor Rune work is central to the religion of Asatru. What is central is a relationship with the Gods (this term being gender neutral). Each Asatruar builds his or her own network of relationships, ranging from a king-courtier to buddy-buddy, even adopting the gods name as part of their own, for example, Edred Thorsson or Weylandsdottir ("Weyland's Daughter"). However, this does not mean exclusion of the rest of the divine family. Asatruars are (generally speaking) hard-line polytheists, considering each of the gods to be separate and independent beings. When people first hear about Asatru, they invariably get a glint in their eye as thoughts of Thor or Hagar the Horrible comics start to run through their minds. To put it simply, our gods are the same ones the Vikings honored -- the Aesir. (Asatru literally means "Troth (loyalty) to the Aesir.") Some you will know: Odin, the one-eyed chief of the Gods; Thor, the red-haired muscular rugby-playing Thunder-God; Freya, the Goddess of sex, death, and Rock' n' Roll. Others are less well-known, such as Kvasir, Skadi or the ever enigmatic Heimdall. Asatru does not have a clear and comprehensive view of the afterlife. It is assumed most end up in the realm of Nifl-hel, a misty and silent realm for the more-or-less innocent, much like the classical Hades. However, the Lore also contains references to everything from grave hauntings to zombies (draugr) to limited reincarnation and, of course, Valhalla, a golden hall in Asgard, the realm of the gods, built from weapons. Here Odin collects the bravest warriors for his elite commando force -- they will be the backbone of his army in the battle at Ragnarokk, the end of the world. Until that time the Einherja (chosen warriors) feast all night and fight all day, although the exact nature of this warriors' paradise is debated. Modern thought also opens the doors of Valhalla to various kinds of "hero." The qualification is someone who will stand their ground when faced with a wolf so big it fills the sky and a poison-spitting snake that can wrap itself around the world. These images might give the impression of a warlike and violent people. The impression is not wholly deserved, although pacifism does not play a part in Asatru. The rather confused view of the afterlife means that Asatruar ethics can, at times, seem strangely secular. There is no record of the gods handing down a prescribed set of ethics. The Nine Noble Virtues -- Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-Reliance, Perseverance -- are a modern attempt at codifying ethics, however, their validity is hotly debated in the Asatruar community. There is also a thriving philosophy built on Asatru, including the debate of social concepts like Frith or the meaning of Wyrd (fate). Holidays vary as do most practices, from group to group. Yule (midwinter) is nearly universal, as is "Something in Spring" and "Something in Autumn". The latter two tend to fall around May Day and late September, commonly with the names Walpurgisnacht and Winternights. Asatru worship centers on the Blot (pronounced `Bloat'), or sacrifice. This is not sacrifice in the Judeo-Christian-Muslim sense of "appeasement;" it is more in line with inviting a friend to a meal. Animal sacrifices are generally cooked and eaten. Due to legal and cultural conditions, however, most people choose not to sacrifice an animal. A liquid, especially beer or mead, is more common. This is dedicated to the God (or Gods), some is ritually drunk by the congregation, and some is poured away. Sacral feasts are common. There is a spectrum of beliefs in Asatru that range from the "Universalist" to the "Folkish." A Universalist may say, "Anyone can be an Asatruar, but it's nearly always people from Germanic cultures who choose to be." The very Folkish might say, "Only people from Germanic cultures can ever really understand a Germanic religion." Because of the history of Germany, some people have come to associate this view with White Supremacy. Most annoyingly, some White Supremacists have come to the conclusion that Asatru supports them. However, "Germanic culture" includes not only Germany but also England, Scandinavia, most of Europe (especially the north), and (to varying degrees) colonial Australia, Asia and North America. In addition, most Asatruar fall somewhere in the middle of these views. The net result is that almost all Asatru groups you come across will have a disclaimer to say, "We are not racists". Asatru is a religion that sits well with modern society. It teaches hard work, respect, self-control and moralism, but doesn't precisely state what these morals are, and so gives a powerful love of independence and freedom. In my opinion Western culture is moving slowly towards the Asatruar mindset and it might not be long before we start to see temples to Thor springing up in our cities. === === About the Author === Selvrtanni is an Asatruar and a member of Sword & Shield, a multi-faith Reconstructionist forum. Sword & Shield can be found at: http://forums.delphiforums.com/swordnshield/start [05] ========= ========= REVIEW: CIRCLE ROUND ========= Reviewed by Jannessa Hall ========= Book Review:Circle Round: Raising Children in Goddess Traditions Author: Starhawk, Diane Baker, and Anne Hill Trade Paperback, 483 pages Publisher: Bantam Publication date: February 2000 ISBN: 0553378058 US Retail Price: $15.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553378058/thecauldron Although this book is obviously written with a Wicca-style tradition in mind, it would be an excellent manual for most parents in Neo-Pagan traditions to have on hand. It is a 438-page book chock-full of ideas for incorporating the family into worship. The book is divided into four basic sections. The first section, entitled "Welcome to the Circle" is about introducing children to magick and/or nature based religions, and making religion accessible to children. The second section entitled "Cycles of the Sun and Moon" covers the cycles of the sun and moon, as well as the eight Sabbats traditionally celebrated as part of the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. The third section, entitled "The Life Cycle" focuses on transitions from one part of life to another. This section includes writings on pregnancy, coming of age, handfasting, death, and other events that commonly mark important changes in people's lives. The fourth section focuses on the five elements of air, fire, water, earth and spirit. I appreciate this book because if fills an important niche that many Wicca 101 books seem to ignore. People have children and they want their children to become part of their spiritual lives. This book provides ideas for structuring rituals with children in mind, how to talk to kids about the nature of the Divine, how to deal with tough spiritual questions such as when a family member dies and many other important issues that all mommies and daddies have to face. The three authors (all parents) write in a very down to earth style and share their own difficulties and how they managed to overcome them. If you are thinking of teaching religious courses to younger Pagan children (or supplementing the instruction of your own kids), this book is invaluable. It is full of stories from many traditions, songs with words and music, games, crafts, rituals and recipes to help explain and get kids involved with spirituality. Even if you are dealing with older kids, (like teens) I think this book is still helpful. Many of the activities and stories could still be quite useful. In particular, many of the sections dealing with adolescence and coming of age are written by teens. There are also ideas for helping teens to construct their own rituals, such as first-blood rituals. In summary, I found this to be an excellent book with ideas and advice for adults, teens, and young children on how to more thoroughly incorporate spirituality into daily living. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkcrrigt.php [06] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE CRAFT COMPANION ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Craft Companion: A Witch's Journal Author: Dorothy Morrison Spiralbound, 240 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: July 2001 ISBN: 0738700932 US Retail Price: $14.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738700932/thecauldron This Dorothy Morrison book is obviously intended by the publisher to be a companion to the author's recent book, The Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows. However, as this book is a journal designed for recording one's own thoughts, magickal operations, rituals, etc., it stands quite well on its own. Most bookstores carry diaries and bound blank books designed for recording one's one thoughts and ideas. The Craft Companion is one of these blank books with a magickal twist. Only every other page is blank. Facing each blank page is a simple spell. If I counted correctly, there are 111 spells in this volume. Most are purely verbal. None require elaborate rituals. There are, however, a wide variety of spells. As with most Morrison spells, the chants she gives are well-written and rhythmic. Most flow well, helping the user to focus his or her full energy on the magick intent of the spell. Morrison has a brief introduction explaining how one might use the book. Also included are a version of the Wiccan Rede and glossary of one line descriptions of the deities mentioned in the book. There is also an index of the titles of the spells presented in the volume. If you would like a nice, spiral bound, lined journal to record your magical process, your thoughts, or to be a first Book of Shadows, The Craft Companion might serve you well. The spells, while nothing spectacular, are a nice bonus. My only real problem with this book is the price. It's a bit high for a blank journal. Even the spells can't quite make up for this. If you are mainly looking for Morrison spells instead of a journal, I'd suggest buying her Everyday Magic instead. It's cheaper, has more spells, and goes into much more detail on each spell and on magick in general. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bktccawj.php [07] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE TOMTEN ========= Reviewed by Janna ========= The Tomten Author: Astrid Lindgren Artist: Harald Wiberg Paperback, 32 pages Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Publisher: Paper Star Publication date: September 1997 ISBN: 0698115910 US Retail Price: $6.99 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0698115910/thecauldron Astrid Lindgren is best known in the United States for her books about Pippi Longstocking, the irrepressible little girl with the red braids. However, she also adapted, from a Viktor Rydberg poem, a tale about a tomten. What exactly is a tomten? Nordic folklore has spirits associated with virtually every natural feature or site associated with human activity, including houses and farms. Popular depictions of gnomes fit fairly well with how these latter spirits are envisioned. My first exposure to The Tomten was when my first grade teacher read it to our class. I remember listening to her soft, sweet voice read the story, and being perfectly content. This particular tomten is associated with a farm, and the reader follows him on a long wintry night as he makes his rounds. He visits all the inhabitants of the farm (human and animal), tends the animals, and generally sees that all is well. It was one of those books that stay with you, and I was curious enough to pick it up in a bookstore as an adult. Much to my delight, I found that it was as charming a story as I remembered. This book is an institution in Sweden, and well it should be. It is prettily written, and endearingly illustrated. There is repetition of language in the way that young children find soothing, but not so as to bore adults. It is a book steeped in winter, and might be a good story to make part of your Yuletide tradition, yet another way of making the season special and full of magic. In short, this book is highly recommended, and happily, is widely available at a reasonable price. Additional Notes of Interest There is also a sequel called The Tomten and the Fox available. Viktor Rydberg, the author of the original poem that inspired this book, was a noted author and scholar in 19th century Sweden. Among other works, he produced a book on Nordic mythology that contains his highly personalized perspective on the Norse mythos. This work could be best compared to Robert Graves' The White Goddess, interesting, but to be read as poetic inspiration, not as a scholarly work. Web site, possibly of interest about The Tomten and Viktor Rydberg: http://www.lib.chalmers.se/cthb/system/engtomten.html Reviewed by Janna This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bktomten.php [08] ========= ========= REVIEW: RUNIC PALMISTRY ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Runic Palmistry Author: Jon Saint-Germain Trade Paperback, 240 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: July 2001 ISBN: 1567185770 US Retail Price: $14.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567185770/thecauldron Although it may not be obvious, palmistry is traditionally based on Greco-Roman mythology. Many of the mounds and lines are named after Greek and Roman deities and their interpretations are generally related to those deities. I'd never given this much thought until I picked up Jon Saint-Germain's Runic Palmistry. This book describes a system of palmistry based on the runes and Northern European ("Norse") mythology. In his introduction, the author says that the system has been handed down in his family for four generations. His great-great-grandmother learned it from a Scandinavian. Just another "granny story"? There's no way to tell, but it doesn't really matter. The system holds up well on its own, whether it was passed down for generations or created just for this book. The first part of Runic Palmistry describes how to read a hand. The actual procedure is very much like standard palmistry. The difference is in the interpretation. The mounds, lines (branches in this system), and areas of the hand have their names and characteristics drawn from Northern European mythology. For example, instead of the mounds of Jupiter, Saturn, Apollo, and Mercury, the Runic system has the mounds of Odin, Hoenir, Bragi, and Loki. Often the interpretations aren't that different from standard palmistry, but some of the subtle shades of meaning are different even where the general interpretation is quite similar. While this section is clear and has some illustrations, like most palmistry books, it could benefit from many more illustrations. The second part of the book, while shorter, is far more interesting. The author begins with a description of the runes and their basic interpretation. Then he goes into what truly makes this system of palmistry unique, how to interpret the runes one might find formed by lines on the hand. The interpretation comes from the rune's traditional meaning combined with where it appears on the hand and the importance of the branches (lines) that form it. Runic Palmistry concludes with three case history which demonstrate the system in use, an appendix loosely retelling one of the stories of Thor and Loki from mythology, a cheat sheet on runes, and a bibliography. Runic Palmistry presents one of the few truly different systems of palmistry I've heard of. It does so in a readable and interesting manner. The only major problem with this book is the lack of sufficient illustrations for this very visual subject, but this is a fault unfortunately found in many books on palmistry. If you are interested in applying the Runes to palmistry (which is a very interesting idea which could be used in standard palmistry), reading this book will give you an excellent start. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkrp.php [09] ========= ========= REVIEW: CELESTIAL GODDESSES ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Celestial Goddesses: An Illustrated Meditation Guide Author/Artist: Lisa Hunt Hardcover, 122 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: October 2001 ISBN: 0738701181 US Retail Price: $24.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738701181/thecauldron Lisa Hunt's beautiful artwork has graced a number of books, games, and Tarot decks. Celestial Goddesses is a collection of twenty watercolor paintings of Goddesses executed especially for this volume. Each illustration is accompanied by a page of information on the goddess and a very short guided meditation about the Goddess, but I doubt many people will buy this book for just these features. Most people are going to buy it for the enchanting paintings. Lisa says in the introduction that she has always felt drawn to goddesses associated with the heavens. She has selected twenty such goddesses from around the world for this book and illustrated them in watercolor. While the quality of the paintings varies, most are very nice. Two of them, Amaterasu and Luonnotar, could easily have spots on my wall if I were wealthy enough to buy the originals. Only one painting (of Arianhod) does nothing at all for me. The paintings vary stylistically. Some of them are very realistic. Others, more symbolic, would be right at home on a Tarot deck. The book cover is a montage of parts of four of the paintings. Isis is at the top with Amaterasu, Artemis, and Mawu at the bottom. While the cover can show you the quality of Lisa's work, it only hints at the beauty of the full paintings of these four goddesses. You really need to open the book and feast your eyes on the wonders within. Any one of the paintings could serve as a substitute for a goddess statue on a Wiccan altar. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, each painting is accompanied by a one page introduction to the goddess and a short one page guided meditation. Lisa also talks about what meditation is and how to meditate at the beginning of the book. While Celestial Goddesses includes a general bibliography, it would have been nice if a specific book or two were listed for each goddess for readers who want to find out more information on a specific goddess. As a meditation guide or a mythology book, Celestial Goddesses would be a waste of money. As an art book, it is worth every penny if you like even a few of the paintings within it. If you like art books, you owe it to yourself to take a look at this one. Celestial Goddesses would also make a nice birthday or holiday present for anyone who likes watercolors. One does not have to be Pagan to appreciate Lisa's talent. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkcgaimg.php ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UPCOMING REVIEWS Here are a few of the books we'll be reviewing in future issues: SISTERS OF THE DARK MOON, ASTROLOGY & RELATIONSHIPS, THE PYTHAGOREAN TAROT, INVOKE THE GODS, THE MAGICIAN'S WORKBOOK, MAGIC OF QABALAH, WICCAN BELIEFS & PRACTICES, and MAGICAL USE OF THOUGHT FORMS. Reviews often appear on our web site first, so check there for new reviews if you can't wait for the next issue of the newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [10] ========= ========= MAGICK: SPELL TO PROTECT GOOD HEALTH ========= Author Unknown ========= Supplies: 1 red candle 1 black candle 1 green candle Procedure: Light a red candle. Say: I invoke Gangida, great protector! May we look after your treasures, as our bodies are your treasures! Light a black candle. Say: Nullify disease as it approaches this body Arm my blood with guards To slay all intruders! Light a green candle. Say: Gangida, grant protection from all imbalances in the heavens, from the earth, from plants, from air; from my past and from my future. Protect me from east to south, from west to north! May my body be rendered healthy under Gangida's protection! [11] ========= ========= MAGICK: ENFLAME DESIRE SPELL ========= Author Unknown ========= Note: This spell designed to be worked on someone you desire who also desires you but is shy in expressing his/her feelings. Timing: Perform this spell on a Friday night with a waxing moon Supplies: 3 hairs from the head of the person A candle in the shape of phallus (for a man) or a womb (for a woman) The candle can be red for sex and passion, or green for love and affection Olive oil Plain piece of paper Procedure: If you make your own candle, wait until Friday to prepare the wax. Then add the three hairs to the soft wax as you mold the candle with your hands. However, if you bought the candle already made, just soften the wax a little with a lighter and then embedded the hairs in it. On a Friday night with a waxing moon, take the candle into your hands and think hard on the relationship you desired to have with your loved one. See yourself with this person in the present, doing all you desire to do. Now anoint the candle with olive oil, using sensuous, caressing motion, as you were attending your lover. Never stop imagining how it is when you are together. Finally, light the candle and pray that your lover will come to you. Write your lover's name three times on a plain piece of paper, and burn it in the flaming wick. While the paper burns, chant the name of your lover out loud three times. Blow out the candle. Now be patient and wait for your lover to respond. [12] ========= ========= HUMOR: REDNECK CHURCH ========= Author Unknown ========= It might be a redneck church if... 1. People ask, when Jesus fed 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch 'em. 2. The pastor says, "I'd like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering," then five guys and two women stand up. 3. Opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday. 4. A member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel drive truck because "It ain't never been in a hole it couldn't get out of." 5. The choir is known as the "OK Chorale". 6. Boone's Farm "Tickled Pink" is the favorite wine for communion. 7. In a congregation of 500 members, there are only seven last names in the church directory. 8. Baptism is referred to as "branding". 9. There is a special fund raiser for a new church septic tank. 10. Finding and returning lost sheep isn't just a parable. 11. High notes on the organ set the dogs on the floor to howling. 12. People think "rapture" is what you get when you lift something too heavy. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DONATE TO HELP SUPPORT THE CAULDRON'S WEB SITE If you like The Cauldron and have a few extra dollars, please donate via the Amazon Honor System and help us pay the web site bills. http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P3903JRFVQVDN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [13] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= NEW ARTICLES ON THE CAULDRON'S SITE ========= The following new areas have been added to The Cauldron's web site since our last issue. * Witch Bottles The history, use, and creation of witch bottles, both traditional and modern. http://www.ecauldron.com/witchbottles.php * What I Expect From My Church An essay on what should be expected from a Pagan church. http://www.ecauldron.com/opedexpect.php The following book and tarot reviews (some included in this newsletter) are new to the web site: * The Craft Companion http://www.ecauldron.com/bktccawj.php * The Tomten http://www.ecauldron.com/bktomten.php * Runic Palmistry http://www.ecauldron.com/bkrp.php * Celestial Goddesses http://www.ecauldron.com/bkcgaimg.php * Astrology & Relationships http://www.ecauldron.com/bkaartfhpc.php * The Pythagorean Tarot http://www.ecauldron.com/trttpt.php ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PAGAN SHIRTS, CAPS, AND MUGS Check The Cauldron's Gift Shop for an assortment of Pagan-oriented shirts, caps, and mugs from CafePress. The Cauldron gets three dollars from each item sold which goes to pay web site costs. http://www.ecauldron.com/gsframemain.php ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [14] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= NEW WEB POLLS ========= Two polls have opened since the last issue of Cauldron and Candle: The first new poll, opened December 16, asks: * Which of the following do you believe is the most important reason that there is often conflict between followers of Pagan religions and followers of Christianity? Possible answers include: + A mutual fear of one another born of ignorance of the others beliefs + Resentment from wrongs done to one another throughout history + Incompatible beliefs make it impossible to coexist without conflict + The negative attitude of Christian Fundamentalists toward other beliefs + The negative attitude of new Pagans who had bad experiences with Christianity + Not Sure + No Opinion You will find this poll at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cldpoll35.php Our newest poll, opened January 1, asks: * What would be your primary interest in joining an organized group of 100 to 200 people that followed your preferred religious path? Possible answers include: + Scheduled worship multiple times a month + Socializing with co-religionists + Group religious study + Other reason + Not interested in large groups You will find this poll at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cldpoll36.php Make your opinion known, take one or both polls today. You'll find a list of all of our polls (over 35 now) at: http://www.ecauldron.com/pollindex.php [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] ========= ========= 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 once a month and often actually succeed in doing so. We tried to publish it twice a month for a while, but real life interfered too often. 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. You can subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter via your web browser at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cauldronandcandle/join Or you can unsubscribe via email by sending a blank message to cauldronandcandle-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Be sure to send this message from the email account actually subscribed to the newsletter. If you have trouble unsubscribing by email, please use the web browser mentioned above. If you need to change your subscription to a new email address, unsubsribe your old email address and subscribe your new email address. ++++ ++++ NEWSLETTER WEB SITE AND BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE ++++ The Cauldron and Candle web site contains information on this newsletter and an archive of back issues. http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ ++++ ++++ CONTRIBUTE TO CAULDRON AND CANDLE ++++ Cauldron and Candle is always looking for articles, reviews, and announcements of interest to the Neo-Pagan community. Submissions will normally be considered for both the newsletter and our web site. For more information, please see our submission guidelines at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php ++++ ++++ PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE ++++ If you have Pagan friends who you believe would be interested in Cauldron and Candle please invite them to subscribe. You can either drop them a note yourself or -- better yet -- send them one of The Cauldron's email postcards with the information. 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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