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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #36 -- June 2003 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ message board: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ In this Issue: [01] Editorial Notes [02] Poem: Songs [03] Cauldron News [04] Cauldron Discussions [05] Review: The Quest Tarot [06] Review: Wiccan Warrior [07] Review: The Narrow Land [08] Review: The Wiccan Wellness Book [09] Review: When Someone You Love Is Wiccan [10] Received For Review (with Mini-Reviews) [11] Article: What Is Brujeria? [12] Opinion: Creatures of Myth and Legend [13] Column: TarotDeevah on the Tarot [14] Humor: The Recon and the Eclectic: A Comedy of Errors [15] Around the Planes: Notes from All Over [15-1] How Recycling Helps [15-2] Wildlife Winners and Losers [15-3] Finding Spirituality in the Workplace [15-4] Cleaning Away Allergens in your Home [15-5] Emergency Preparedness Tips for Pet Owners [16] Support The Cauldron by Volunteering to Help [17] Newsletter Information (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: June 25, 2003 +++ Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php [01] ========= ========= EDITORIAL NOTES ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= Many Pagans in the US seem at a loss as to how to easily make their views on issues important to them known to elected officials. It's not that they don't know how to write a letter or pick up the phone, but they don't have the time or know how to easily track down the little things like docket numbers and official bill names that elected officials seemingly use to make it easier to ignore their constituents. There are, however, a number of interest groups with web sites that make it easy for people to contact their elected officials on issues of interest to that group. These groups will even help you send emails and faxes (often free faxes) to the appropriate officials from their web sites. Contacting government officials has never been easier or quicker. You can peruse the sites when you wish for issues you agree with or sign up for email "Action Alerts" when the site posts a new issue. Here are action centers for three sites I use. * American Civil Liberties Union http://www.aclu.org/TakeAction/TakeActionList.cfm * Americans United for Separation of Church and State http://capwiz.com/au/home/ * Electronic Frontier Foundation http://action.eff.org/action/index.asp As you can tell from these links, some of my main interests are civil liberties, church-state issues, and the Internet. However, other issue-oriented groups often provide similar services. If you look around the Internet at interest group web sites, you'll probably find sites that deal with issues that concern you. For example, with a few minutes of searching on Google and checking web sites, I discovered two groups with environmental "Action Alerts:" * Natural Resources Defense Council http://www.nrdc.org/action/default.asp * Greenpeace USA http://www.greenpeaceusa.org/takeaction/ If you live outside the US, there may be organizations providing similar services in your country. Web sites like these make it so easy for citizens to express their opinions on issues that some federal agencies and elected officials dislike them. That is probably a sure sign of the success of these sites. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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] ========= ========= SONGS ========= A Poem by Elspeth Sapphire ========= I sing a song of passion -- Emotions in notes so true. Cascading melody Outlining all we do. I sing a song of need -- Mine for a lost part of me. Never quite sorrowful blues, Yet never letting my soul be. I sing a song of desire -- A fire that lights my day. Flickering heat in the night, Underlying all I say. I sing a song of love -- Croon it during times of strife. Carry it deep in my spirit To help define my life. I sing a song of joy -- Freely join in the chorus. Melding all the melodies.... A tune greater than us. So, join in as I do sing -- We all have our own songs. Share this timeless moment In a place we all belong. [03] ========= ========= CAULDRON NEWS ========= by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum Staff ========= ===== ===== Cauldron Delphi Message Board Top Poster -- May 2003 ===== The Cauldron's message board had 6882 posts in May. Lisa (RHEA64) had the most posts of any non-staff member in May and snagged our monthly "top poster" award. Our Runner Up was Moonwolf. As usual, there were a number of members closing in on the leaders: Jenett (JENETT), Mary (MARY926), Janna (JSPEREIRA), and Deirdre (WYVERNFRIEND). ===== ===== Cauldron Delphi Message Board Top Poster -- April 2003 ===== [As the May issue of Cauldron and Candle had to be completed and emailed before the end of April, Top Poster information for April was not available by press time last month.] The Cauldron's message board had 6707 posts in April. Mari had the most posts of any non-staff member in April and snagged our monthly "top poster" award. Our Runner Up was Moonwolf. A number of members were right behind them: Everfool, Dragonoake, Ierne, and Jenett. ===== ===== Member Weblogs Page Updated ===== The Cauldron's list of our member's weblogs has been updated several times over the last couple of weeks as members have requested the addition of their weblogs to the list. Even though some of these weblogs may never mention Paganism (and some of our members aren't Pagan to begin with), reading them is another way to get to know some of your fellow members. http://www.ecauldron.com/weblogindex.php ===== ===== Welcome New Threadstarters ===== The Cauldron has four new Threadstarters: Stephanie (SMADRONIA) Janna (JSPEREIRA) Rilwen (PIXIEMEG) Sashapablo (SASHAPABLO) You'll find them starting new threads and helping to nurse them along when things get slow. ===== ===== Special Topic Chats (Tuesdays 8-10 pm US Eastern Time) ===== Koi and Shadow are working on holding "Chat with Topics" in The Cauldron's DelphiForums chat room. These chats will generally be scheduled on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (US Eastern Time aka New York time) and lasting until 10 p.m. (New York time). Once a month we will have chats with a panel of experts; the other three or four Tuesdays each month we will have general topics, but no experts: just an open chat with a topic. First Tuesdays will generally be "Ask Anything" chats where we will assemble a panel of experts on everything from Asatru to Crafting to Interfaith Marriages to Polyamory, and any and all questions are fair game. The other nights will rotate among "Pagan Practices" (rituals, holidays, tarot, etc.), "Pagan Theology" (Afterlife, "sin," what do the Gods want?, etc.), and "Other Pagan Stuff" (anything at all - herbs, fung shui, crafting, raising babies the pagan way). (Fifth Tuesdays will be "random" chats on any topic at all.) These chats will be open chats where it's just a discussion free- for-all on the topic, although there will be someone in the chat who has prepared a list of points or questions in advance to put to the group in case discussion wanes. Chat Information Page: http://www.ecauldron.com/cmchats.php DelphiForums Chat Room: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/chat ===== ===== Minor Web Site Organization Changes ===== Some minor changes have been made to the "Pagan Features" section of menu on The Cauldron's web site during May. A "Chat Log Index" has been added. This link takes you to a new section of our web site collecting our chat logs. Chat logs used to be listed at the very bottom of our Article Index, but with our revived chat area, we decided they needed a home of their own. The chat logs for our 2003 Online Beltane ritual and the May 27th chat "Pagan Research and You" are already available on The Cauldron's web site. "Pagan Research and You" was presented by Jenett and discussed how best to use libraries and the Internet to research Pagan topics. The link formerly entitled "News and Research" is now "News and Politics." This is the first step in expanding our news section. The SubPortal area is now available from the "Research Portal" link on the menu. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ CAULDRON AND CANDLE WEB SITE The Cauldron and Candle has its own web site where we store our back issues for easy reading. http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [04] ========= ========= CAULDRON DISCUSSIONS ========= Recent Discussion Topics on our Message Board ========= In an average month, over 150 new discussion topics are started on The Cauldron's message board. Here are a few of the more interesting discussions from the last month. It's not to late to join in. === === What Makes a Pagan Book Good or Bad? === What elements are required for you to consider a Pagan book good? What elements are required for you to consider one bad? Have you found a couple books that you don't have any problems with, or are most each with their own faults and strengths? What things would render a book bad even if most of it were good, or good if were most of it bad? What would immediately turn you off a book regardless of what else was in it? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9172.1 === === When Your Spouse's Religion Isn't Yours === I was wondering about what your spouse thinks of the path you've chosen. I have been a Witch for a couple of years and I really thought my husband would have accepted it a little better by now. It gets a little old standing toe to toe all the time. Any suggestions? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9190.1 === === Why Do You Worship? === One person told me they don't worship because they don't think the Gods are better then them. I worship because I understood it to mean showing reverence to someone of importance or a Divine figure, and understood reverence meant showing respect. So, I don't associate it with groveling or begging, but I do associate it with rituals of respect and kinship with deity - for instance, I will do rite at shrine to spend some time speaking with and thanking Netjer. It's not because I think Sekhmet is "better" then me, but that I recognize she is an ancient, wise individual who helps me on my path; that she's had many years more experience then I and is an important entity. What do you think? What is worship, and do you do it? Why or why not? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9189.1 === === Your Heritage and Your Religion === Do you feel that one's religious path has a connection to one's ancestral/ethnic/racial heritage? Should it? Is it okay for someone of Celtic heritage to 'walk' , say, the Voudon path....or someone from Greece to go for a Native American path? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9221.1 === === Divination: Where Do Readings Come From? === After I began to learn tarot I had an awakening of sorts when I realized that yes, I can do this. And with practice, study and experience, I've gained confidence in my work. But it's got to be more than my own study in this. Some things in readings come in so strongly that I all but can't understand that my querant can't see it when, to me, it's there in plain sight. So where do readings come from? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9366.1 === === Public Pagan Groups Need Non-Ritual Activities? === I was involved in a discussion and somebody pointed out that the typical Roman Catholic parish will have at least one event per night that could be seen primarily as social and not religious. I think that any pagan group that wishes to operate as a public organization needs to offer multiple events during the month, many of which do not have to be rituals; and such events have to be open to the general pagan public. The idea of a pagan group offering 8 public Sabbats and then have everything else as "coven" only is self defeating. Comments? Do people think a group can be successful in reaching out to the pagan community when they only offer 8 public events and occasional class? or do they need to offer multiple events, both ritual and social, for the public? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9382.1 === === Drawing Down The Divine Effluence? === In a book on Hasidism I once read, the writer describes magic as "the drawing down of the Divine effluence for the benefit of the community." This is an idea that has ever since been a central part of my theology as a henotheistic panentheist. But what I wonder is--for those of you who believe the Gods to be individual entities not necessarily infused within creation, does the idea of "drawing down the Divine effluence" play any part in your world view? Are/Can the Gods be infused within creation? Can the essence of that which is "of the gods" become integrated into the community? And if these things can happen, how would these be accomplished within your tradition, and would you consider such an action "magic" (by whatever definition you work with)? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9384.1 === === What is the Greatest Joy Your Path Gives You? === What is the greatest joy your religious path gives you? Is it inner peace? Connection to a higher power or the universe beyond your piece of the rock? Inner strength? Power? Is it inner peace? Connection to a higher power or the universe beyond your piece of the rock? Inner strength? Power? Other? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9284.1 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [05] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE QUEST TAROT ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Quest Tarot Author: Joseph Ernest Martin Book and Cards Set Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: January 2003 ISBN: 0738701955 US Retail Price: $34.95 View Sample Cards: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrttqt.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738701955/thecauldron The Quest Tarot is an excellent example of example of the wonderful work that a good artist can do with a computer as his main tool. Joseph Ernest Martin is obviously a magician with a mouse and the spectacular cards in this deck showcase his talent. Unless you simply loathe computer art, you will probably find the art alone worth the price of this deck. This even comes through on the sample card scan, despite the greatly reduced size of the cards. The deck itself is somewhat non-standard. There is a second zero card in the Major Arcana, the Multiverse. Several Major Arcana cards are renamed: Temperance becomes Alchemy, Judgment is called Aeon, and The World is The Universe. The court cards are Mother, Father, Daughter, Son. The suit of coins has been renamed stones. There's also a blank card that is intended be used to create a card that represents yourself. Each card has a one word phrase associated with it, for example, The Hermit is "Reflection" and the Seven of Stones is "Failure." The cards are also full of special symbols and features in their borders: runes, I Ching symbols, astrological signs, gemstones, letters, and more. While the deck has non-standard card names, card orders, and even a couple of extra cards, the meanings associated with the cards are fairly standard. An experienced reader will have no real problems giving a reading. While one might think that all the special border features would detract from the card's central artwork, they really don't. These cards are an example of good graphic design. The 300 page book included with this set, The Compass: A Guide to the Quest Tarot, is aimed at beginners and gives a good explanation of the cards and how to read them. Each card receives two pages in the book and three spreads are given, including one designed for this deck. The first part of the book also explains how to use all those special symbols in the borders of the deck. Some symbols are intended to add additional layers of meaning to a reading, while others are designed to allow different types of readings (e.g. Yes/No, time-oriented, etc.). I suspect some of these features may cause experienced readers to raise their eyebrows a bit, but nothing says one has to use them. It's hard to summarize The Quest Tarot except with words like "beautiful design" and "marvellous artwork." The special features and extra cards make the deck fairly unique, but not so unique that it is hard to read. The accompanying book is aimed at the beginner, but experienced readers will have few problems using the deck right out of the box in standard readings, especially if they ignore the extra cards and special border features. I recommend that everyone interested in a new tarot deck at least take a look at this lovely, modern deck. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trttqt.php [06] ========= ========= REVIEW: WICCAN WARRIOR ========= Reviewed by SahtYinepu ========= Wiccan Warrior: Walking a Spiritual Path in a Sometimes Hostile World Author: Kerr Cuhulain Trade Paperback, 162 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: March 2000 ISBN: 1567182526 US Retail Price: $12.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567182526/thecauldron When I saw Wiccan Warrior on the shelf at the local Barnes & Noble, I decided I'd buy it. I expected a certain level of quality, as Kerr's articles are informative, well-written, and very respectable. For the first part of my reading I was very much pleased with the book. Ideas of beneficial self-change, taking control of one's life, following one's spirituality in a sense of self-reliance without escapism. All wonderful ideas. I was hooked... And then, just as I began to really like it, I got the old Shanghai. Kerr begins cutting into anyone not like himself. Prefacing every judgment with "everyone is different" and while that's certainly true, it is not and excuse for the continuation of popular Christian-bashing. Moreover there seemed an outright drive in the book to invalidate Christianity, by demonizing it. Expressing the worst possible parts of it, and leaving out all but one example of the inspirational side. This isn't limited to Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions either, Traditional Wicca gets the treatment as well. The book is full of contradictions, in fact too many to list. One of the most profound being an attempt at invalidating the Gardnerian challenging of the initiate with a blade, then in his initiation ritual, having the Warrior initiated by being confronted by Boudicca who prods them with a spear. Later the initiate is also confronted by Cuchulainn who also brandishes his weapon around the Initiate. Followed by Scathach ordering them still, and should they be distracted by other Coveners (who are intentionally trying to distract them) Scathach then goes on a tirade, with (you guessed it) a blade in hand. In a customized initiation ritual (included as an example) he removes pretty much everything that signifies initiation, including a group into which one is initiated. Everything that remains is quite moving, and inspirational, however ... it's followed by a rather pointless and mocking list of problems people had with the ritual, and why they were wrong (but hey, everyone's different!). The book, being aimed at the beginner, rehashes a lot of Wiccan common knowledge. Certainly a lot of principles in this book should be addressed in the middle of one's first or (at the latest) second year. This isn't a pitfall, however, as one can always use a refresher course in the basics. Kerr pops in the Rede almost as often as he pops in with "Everyone is different," without realizing that, gee, everyone is different. The emphasis placed on the Rede goes beyond it's being a guideline, and pushes it to the point of dogma. Kerr also seems to be exaggerating situations, or paraphrasing his quotes to make them fit into his personal ideals, something he lashes out at early on in the book. The advanced principals of psycho-drama, mental training, and physical discipline are a welcomed break, but fit awkwardly with an otherwise 101 book. Little of the information is truly useful, most of it is the opinion of the author (which is to be expected) interlaced with his credentials, and iced with a sweet-tasting archetype. Before I give my closing, I will say that I did enjoy the inspirational parts of this book. In my opinion, it's pretty much worth the cover price. I did enjoy seeing things from a different perspective, and did enjoy seeing older, and eastern principals brought in to a Wiccan context, but I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed it to the tune of $12.95. This book could have expressed a path complimentary and contemporary to the existing branches and traditions of Wicca, rather than fighting them at every point, but it simply didn't. The ideas expressed in the book are obtainable in other areas without the bitter taste this book leaves. In my opinion, a Wiccan Warrior would not need this book, nor would one write this book. A Wiccan Warrior would walk the path, and lead others by his or her honor alone. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkww.php [07] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE NARROW LAND ========= Reviewed by Janna ========= The Narrow Land: Folk Chronicles of Old Cape Cod Author: Elizabeth Reynard Trade Paperback, 326 pages Publisher: Chatham Historical Society Publication date: December 1985 ISBN: 0961505109 US Retail Price: $12.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0961505109/thecauldron If you're drawn to the strange wild beauty or the rich history of the Cape, you must read The Narrow Land. This lovely book collects the tales and folklore connected to Cape Cod, and captures the poetry and mystique of the Cape. Elizabeth Reynard wrote this book in the 1930s using a variety of sources, including historical society documents, private family histories, town records and living storytellers. She wove different bits of lore and legend into complete tales, or selected the most interesting bits from several versions of the same tale. Different sections of the book tell of the traditional Native American legends of Cape Cod (Death of the Giant, Tales of the Praying Indians) and early tales of the doings of the Puritan settlers (Men of God and the Primitive Earth). Other sections of the book cover stories of local witches, pirates, spirits and ghosts. There's even a charming story about how Yorkshire "stable fairies" stowed away by mistake on a ship and ended up in Eastham. Perhaps most interestingly for a Neo-Pagan, the book provides an insight into how traditional European folklore beliefs couldn't be quelled either by Christianity or the passing years, and were taken to (and altered by) the New World. Even though the settlers were good Christians and would have been insulted by any suggestion otherwise, no one could tell them folk magic wasn't real or that fairies didn't exist. Also of interest, you can see a progression in the local Native American Wampanoag tales from a pre-Christian to a post-Christian environment. At the beginning, we have the stories that seem relatively uninfluenced by Christianity (Death of the Giant), and then the section on "Praying Indians" where Christian beliefs and non-Christian beliefs are often intermingled. Last but not least, if you want to learn more about traditional local spirits, especially in preparing to honor them and the "feel" of the land, this book is very valuable. One important thing to keep in mind, don't look to this book for history. There are inaccuracies and author's license and the love of a good story. If the book says Elisha Chase did thus-and-so in the year 1899, it'd be best to check historical records before including it in your research paper. Also, the section on Viking settlers is wildly out of date in the light of current knowledge. It would be wonderful to have a companion book to this one that covered the same ground but had a solid academic focus. Failing that, it would be great to have someone go through Narrow Land and provide annotated commentary. For example, I would enjoy knowing what a contemporary Wampanoag made of the section on Indian legends. Whether those legends are still told today, or whether more important tales were kept within the community or not included. There's a little bit of this in the Appendix, but it doesn't begin to answer all of my questions on the subject. However, for inspiration and furthering an emotional/spiritual bond to old Cape Cod, The Narrow Land is splendid. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bktnl.php [08] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE WICCAN WELLNESS BOOK ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Wiccan Wellness Book: Natural Healthcare for Mind, Body, and Spirit Author: Laura Perry Trade Paperback, 219 pages Publisher: New Page Books Publication date: January 2003 ISBN: 1564146235 US Retail Price: $14.99 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146235/thecauldron Unless you live far away from magazines and newspapers, you are bound to have noticed an increasing interest in alternative health care over the past decade. There has also been a growing interest in holistic methods, especially since changes to the medical system in the US have made it more impersonal and focused on solving the immediate problem quickly. As there are many books on alternative health care on the shelves, new books have to carve out a niche for themselves. Laura Perry, a Wiccan priestess and naturopath, has written one specially for Wiccans. The Wiccan Wellness Book presents a well-written and practical discussion of alternative and holistic health care methods along with practical wellness advice and Wiccan-style rituals. Perry begins by describing what wellness and wholeness are and by encouraging her readers to honestly evaluate where they are and where they can go. The next chapter is devoted to journaling, both as a method of keeping track of where one is health wise and as a method for improving oneself by changing/improving one's attitudes. Exercise is next up. Perry considers it just as important as any other health care professional, but suggests ways to find a form of exercise that is right for the reader. The next chapter considers improving one's health by improving one's surroundings using some of the techniques of Feng Shui. According to the author, a through "spring cleaning" of one's surroundings on both the physical and magickal level can make a big difference in one's life. Simple things like avoiding clutter in the bedroom may help one sleep better, for example. The next section is a brief introduction to a number of different systems of alternative medicine. Fourteen different systems are introduced in about 25 pages. The descriptions are brief but clear. Additional references (both books and organizations) are provided for each system so one can learn more about those that seem interesting or find a professional practitioner. The only major problem I have with this book is that the author doesn't even mention the drawbacks and possible problems associated with some of the systems. The book concludes with a chapter on plants and herbs and a lengthy chapter of wellness rituals. The book has a bibliography (in addition to the books mentioned in the text) and a useful index. My feelings on The Wiccan Wellness Book are somewhat mixed. The scholar in me would have loved some footnotes on some of the claims made, not so much because I mistrust some of the statements the author makes, but because I would love to read more about some of them. And, as I said above, I really have a problem with the way some of the alternative health systems are presented -- with little or no warning about the possible problems the system (or a bad practitioner of it) can cause. On the other hand, the book is a joy to read and many of the ideas from the early chapters can be put into practice fairly easily if the reader chooses and is willing to make the effort. Perry's book is a good introduction to alternative health techniques for a Wiccan (or member of a Wiccan-like belief system) who is willing to read more before deciding a particular alternative system is "just right" for him or her. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bktwwb.php [09] ========= ========= REVIEW: WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS WICCAN ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Co-Workers Author: Carl McColman Trade Paperback, 221 pages Publisher: New Page Books Publication date: December 2002 ISBN: 1564146227 US Retail Price: $13.99 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146227/thecauldron Most introductory books on the Wiccan religion are written for the reader who is interested in becoming a Wiccan and learning the basic beliefs and practices of one or more of the various branches of the religion. Few books have been written about Wicca for those who simply wish to learn about the basic beliefs and ideas behind the religion, but have no interest to converting to Wicca. In fact, the only book of this nature often seen is Scott Cunningham's thin paperback, The Truth About Witchcraft Today, published in the 1980s. Carl McColman's new book, When Someone You Love Is Wiccan: A Guide to Witchcraft and Paganism for Concerned Friends, Nervous Parents, and Curious Co-Workers, will help fill this void in books about religion for non-Wiccans. When Someone You Love Is Wiccan assumes that its readers will have many questions about Wicca and its beliefs and sets out to answer them in a straightforward question and answer manner. Except for a short introduction and conclusion, this book is a series of 81 questions and answers about Wicca. These questions are divided into nine sections. The first section, "When Someone You Love Is Wiccan," covers the very basics: What is it? Is it evil, safe, serious? The second section, "Understanding Wicca," covers the differences between Wicca, witchcraft, and Paganism and covers things like pentacles, magic names, and the Burning Times. The third section, "Going Beyond the Stereotypes," covers many of the stereotypes society has about Wiccans (animal sacrifice, wearing black, using drugs, having orgies, etc.). In the fourth section, "What Do Witches Believe?," the author answers questions about the basic religious beliefs of Wiccans: the God and the Goddess, morality, afterlife, etc. Questions about religious practices and activities are the fifth part, "What Do Witches Do?" The sixth section, "Magic and the Occult," explains Wiccan beliefs about magick and why all Witches haven't won the lottery. The relationship between Wicca and other religions is discussed in questions in the seventh section, "Witchcraft, Christianity, and Other Religions." The eighth part is entitled "The Role of Paganism in Society" and deals with questions about the legitimacy, rights, and general social and political views of Wiccans. The final section, "Practical Considerations," covers questions about how to deal with Wiccans one might know. McColman has a friendly but informative writing style, which is important in a book like this. The answers he provides are simple and easy to understand. Many of the answers would be considered overly-simplistic and even incomplete in a book for converts. In a book aimed at the general non-Wiccan public, however, they seem to explain enough without overwhelming the reader with more details than he probably wants. While the author does not answer some of the questions exactly like I personally think they would have been best answered, my only real problem with this book is that the author treats the words "Wicca," "Witchcraft," and "Paganism" as almost interchangeable throughout the book. To his credit, the author does explain in his answer to the very first question that they are not exactly the same thing even though he is using them interchangeably in his book and goes into somewhat more detail on the differences in the eleventh question. However, given that many among the general public and recent converts to Wicca think that the terms "Wiccan" and "Pagan" refer to the same set of beliefs and practices, I think the author's decision to use the terms interchangeably does a disservice to the greater Pagan community. In spite of the above minor problems and quibbles, When Someone You Love Is Wiccan is a wonderful book for the non-Pagan interested in discovering what Wicca is all about. McColman has successfully tackled the hard task of explaining Wicca to the non-Pagan public. I suspect many Pagans will start referring non- Pagans curious about Wicca to this book instead of Cunningham's The Truth About Witchcraft Today. It is really that good. Unfortunately, the McColman book is much more expensive than Cunningham's. Cost will probably prevent most Pagans from buying four or five copies at a time to give away -- as many have done with the Cunningham book. However, I do encourage people who can afford it to buy two copies and donate their second copy to a local library. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkwsyliw.php [10] ========= ========= RECEIVED FOR REVIEW ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= The following books and decks have been received for review in May 2003 and may be reviewed more fully in future issues. "First Glance Comments" included with these listings are exactly what they seem to be: my first impression of the item from a quick glance through the book or deck. Be aware that these views could change drastically after a more complete examination. If you are waiting for a particular review, remember that reviews appear on our web site as they are finished -- often a good while before they are published in the newsletter. As I was on vacation the first two weeks in May and playing catch up with real life the rest of the month, I did not actually review any of the many books in my review pile in May. I should get back to writing full reviews this month, so watch the web site for new reviews. Exploring Chakras by Susan G. Shumsky (New Page Books) ISBN: 1564146561 First Glance Comments: This book is a basic introduction to the seven chakras of the subtle body and the kundalini force. It provides an introductory level explanation of the theory and many practical exercises and applications. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146561/thecauldron Exploring Numerology by Shirley Lawrence (New Page Books) ISBN: 1564146510 First Glance Comments: Numerology is one of my favorite methods of divination. I've never found it all that helpful for providing advice about the future, but is a wonderful tool for figuring out what makes a person what they are. Wisely, this introductory book concentrates on this application of numerology. It looks to be well-written and easy to understand. The sample analysis of President Bush and the chapter on the significance of the numbers 9/11 are timely and interesting. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146510/thecauldron Maiden Magick by C.C. Brondwin (New Page Books) ISBN: 1564146707 First Glance Comments: Goddess spirituality for teenage women based on an (idealized) Celtic clan. It's very Wicca-like is some respects (but not Wicca and the author admits as much). While probably not a "must have" book, from a first glance it is looks better than many "Wicca for Teens" books on the market. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146707/thecauldron Earth Magick by Marion Weinstein (New Page Books) ISBN: 1564146383 First Glance Comments: Marion Weinstein's Earth Magic was one of the early complete Books of Shadows published. It was (and still is) unusual in providing a lot of theory and some advanced techniques. This revision is a major update from my previous (second edition) copy. A first glance turned up only one major problem: a few pages of very bad history (ancient matriarchies and the burning times). There really no excuse for this any more. Historical research does not support such claims and the Pagan community should not hide from reality. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564146383/thecauldron [11] ========= ========= ARTICLE: WHAT IS BRUJERIA? ========= by Juana Bruja ========= Let's dispense with the silliness right from the start. No, I'm not obsessed with Carlos Casteneda's works (though they are certainly engrossing), nor am I something out of Vampire The Masquerade (besides, the Brujah Clan -- note that's Brujah and not bruja -- doesn't seem to have much to do with Mesoamerican mysticism). Brujeria is a broad path embracing virtually hundreds of traditions of the Americas. There is no right or wrong way, but many ways. Brujeria is NOT Wicca and a brujo/bruja is not a Wiccan. We are not Druids or Thelemites or Streghe or the Golden Dawn or (insert your favorite group here). We are what we are, even if what we are is complex. So what is a brujo/bruja? With the help of my friend Felipito in Sonora, Mexico, I think I've finally hit upon an explanation most people can understand. That explanation begins, of all places, in Siberia with the Russian/Tungus word saman, who was an individual using magic to cure the sick, divine the hidden, and control events. This practice, usually referred to in American English as Shamanism, is worldwide. Taking a step back from Brujeria to examine the two practices brought me to conclude that they are essentially the same thing, with a few differences according to culture. If that's the case, when I say I am a bruja, I am also saying I am a shaman. But remember that Shamanism is as varied as the world itself, so if you don't agree with my conclusions, please investigate the shaman on your own and see what you discover. How I got here is not as important as the fact that I am here. There are no levels or hierarchy in Brujeria as I have learned it. A person is either a born brujo or not. Brujeria is a vocation in the true sense of the word -- a calling, a summons. Don't get me wrong -- I don't mean to make it sound exclusive and haughty, because it isn't. But without the calling, there is no Brujeria, and therefore no brujo. That's how it is. Many people ask me what Brujeria is, what is a brujo/bruja. This is a difficult question to answer. Technically, the word "brujeria" is Spanish for witchcraft, sorcery, and magical doings. A lot of this carries over into the practice of Brujeria, but Brujeria is more. In brief, I see Brujeria as an ongoing dance with the vital spirit of the Americas and my role as a bruja as a conduit for the living energy of the universe. Arguably, today's Brujeria is the continuing magical spiritual path of Mesoamerica (Mexico) which dates back 12,000 years. Brujeria is not a revival of ancient traditions, for those traditions never died out in the first place. Brujeria does not care about blood heritage. Myself, I am not Mexican or Latina by blood, yet the spirit and energies that are Brujeria have married me to these lands and made me a bruja. That is to say, to be a bruja is to answer the calling of the Great Mother of the New World. As you have probably guessed, Spanish is the lingua franca of Brujeria. Many brujos speak nothing else; many brujos speak no Spanish but "brujo/a" and "Brujeria". In my case, I'm using various Mexican dialects (and if you know anything about Spanish, you know how many variations there are) while learning Nahuatl, the language of the Nahua who are the modern descendants of the Aztecs. In all truth, it doesn't matter what language you use -- the energy is the same. However, Brujeria is also a community, and that community tends to speak Spanish of one streak or another. There is a list of guidelines which we simply call the Code (El Codigo Brujo). Here I offer a translation from the original Spanish into English. You will need to draw your own conclusions, because if it isn't said it's probably not intended to be public knowledge. The universe is a living thing (which is an idea brought into modern Brujeria from Aztec cosmology), and Brujeria is a method of interacting with the living energy of the universe. A brujo/bruja practices what could be termed magic by attuning himself/herself to this living energy. This living energy can seize a brujo/bruja at any time, or through the concentrated work of an impromptu and inspired ritual. An individual enters Brujeria through a personal encounter with the living energy. Once a brujo, always a brujo. It is something that cannot be shaken off, something like genetic makeup. Brujos/brujas are born and cannot be made, even if they do not come to realize their place in Brujeria until much later in life. As Mexican Presidente Beinito Juarez said, "Respect for the rights of others is peace." Brujos are free to use their abilities for non-brujos. Example situations are healing, spiritual counseling, and the creation of hechizos ("spellwork"). Brujeria is a community bound together by the living energy of the universe, and all brujos are brothers and sisters. A brujo is pledged to assist a fellow brujo wherever and whenever needed. Some of what makes Brujeria can be revealed to non-brujos but most of Brujeria must remain between brujos alone. Brujeria is learned from brujo to brujo, and through interaction with the living energy. Brujeria is a Pagan path, although the brujos seem to have had little to do with what has become the better-known "Pagan Community". This is about the extent of what I can tell you. No, I won't be cursed for revealing secrets or anything like that. Brujeria remains an oral path, communicated from brujo to brujo through speech, touch, taste, sensation, and experience. [12] ========= ========= OPINION: CREATURES OF MYTH AND LEGEND: ========= ARE THEY TRULY THE PRODUCT OF FANTASY? ========= by Amanda Hamilton ========= We've all heard of at least some of them. We've all pondered them in one way or another. A source of entertainment as well as intrigue, they came into our lives, evoking curiosity and wonderment. They've been a part of our human history and have captured the imagination of millions around the globe. They are the creatures of mythology and legend. No matter what generation we're a part of, no matter what culture we're from, we are told of ancient encounters with fantastical beasts, especially during the years of our childhood. Many parents (past, present, and future) tell bedtime stories to send their children into a peaceful -- and perhaps even adventurously dream-filled -- slumber, creating such images as knights battling hideous monsters to save their ladies fair. For centuries, books held readers spellbound with accounts taking place in times and civilizations long since gone, but not forgotten. Accounts such as Jason and his Argonauts rescuing Phineus, a Thracian king, from starvation at the hands -- and wings -- of harpies; Perseus procuring the head of Medusa to meet the demands of the king of Seriphus; and women succumbing to the hypnotic powers of Count Dracula in his never-ending quest for female victims. Novels printed in recent decades have continued the legacy of myth as a whole with such works as J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, the novels of Terry Goodkind, and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. It was in the twentieth century that such creatures found a new medium by which to capture the imagination of the masses: the film industry. With movies like Dragonheart, Willow, and Shrek, it's plain to see that the fantasy business is bigger than ever, drawing forth each new generation into its mesmerizing thrall and introducing them to beings that have been a part of our collective consciousness for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. One of these movies in particular, the animated children's film The Flight of Dragons, was based upon the book of the same name by Peter Dickinson. Dickinson's written creation went a step further as compared to other books and films concerning this form of mythological being. He conducted much study and research prior to writing his book to form a solid, scientific foundation for a debate with his readers: that dragons, at one point, actually existed. And it is Mr. Dickinson's conclusions, along with my own ponderings over the years, that bring me to my own debate. Now, it's safe to say that we all feel and know that there is more than one plane of existence. There's this plane in which we live on Earth and interact with fellow humans and other creatures (i.e. the animals that, like us, call this planet home) as well as, of course, the plane where the spirits of the deceased dwell, awaiting their time to rejoin the living. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are only-Spirit-knows how many other dimensions and realms that we have yet to discover or venture into. Also, it is known that all the myths and legends of Earth have some basis in fact, that they possess at least some inkling of truth. Bearing these two things in mind, is it so impossible to conceive of the idea that such beloved (and sometimes feared) legendary beings could exist in some way, shape, or form in this realm and/or others? Is it not possible that they have existed for all this time, with the majority of the human race having somehow closed themselves off to them and their world, dismissing them as being fantasies of childhood or the nonsense of a dreamer? I will freely admit that I myself am a dreamer. I always have been and I always will be. I'm not ashamed of that. During the course of my life, I've spent countless hours in front of the television, watching such films as The Fantastic Adventures of Unico and Disney's The Little Mermaid, completely awe-struck by such creatures as mermaids, unicorns, faeries, and my all-time favorite, vampires. I embrace the existence of such beings, both good and bad. I'll also admit that for so long, I've pondered whether or not they did and still do exist. Many of us have encountered them in dreams, visions, meditations, spiritual quests, etc. Sometimes they appear to help guide us along our paths, to present subliminal messages to solve problems in the waking world, to share with us their strength and wisdom, and sometimes they just like to say, "Hi!" As one would guess, Peter Dickinson certainly has his critics and skeptics who considered his theories to be bogus or outlandish. Many people say that there's no real documented or scientific evidence of the existence of mythological beings. Yet we must remember that science isn't God. Science isn't the only field of concrete truth. Science isn't always necessarily the final word in saying what is fact and what is fiction. A great example of that is the elusive faery. Science has yet to find "positive proof" that they're real....yet many people, including some of us in the Pagan community, have encountered them in some manner. The same can be said for the mysterious Bigfoot. Many non-believers, both those who hold degrees of science as well as those who don't, think it's perhaps a practical joke of sorts. A man of some large height and weight dressing up in an ape suit and making sporadic appearances in places and times where he knows he'll be seen. Yet others, including those who have captured the Sasquatch on videotape, have done some studying and conducted tests of their own. For instance, one of the footprints of the suspected ape-man was found and upon accurately measuring it, it was determined that a human being couldn't possibly have made such a footprint. In correspondence to the rest of the anatomy, the size of the foot had to be connected to a creature who's height measured far over that of even an above-average human. Now, I know what you're going to say: "Bigfoot isn't real; the man that made up Bigfoot died and his family admitted it was all a joke! It was on the news!" Yes, I, too, recall the news bulletin in December of last year in which the family of Ray Wallace, who passed away the month before, finally revealed that Bigfoot was his creation and that it died with him. At least, supposedly it did, I would think. After all, that particular sighting captured on film in 1967 (not to mention the creature's footprints seen nine years prior) is not the only account of it recorded in the world. In China, a large ape-like beast covered in long, reddish hair has been sporadically spotted over the past twenty years or more. There have also been numerous sightings of the Sasquatch in other countries, such as Russia, Indonesia, and the region of the Himalayas. So, you see, we cannot say with absolute conviction that mythological creatures are just that -- mythological. It's simply because there's far more that we don't know in this universe and its dimensions as compared to the little that we do know. But it is up to us to expand our horizons and to not completely rely on scientific observations and findings. Sometimes, we just need to rely on our gut. [13] ========= ========= COLUMN: TAROTDEEVAH ON THE TAROT ========= by TarotDeevah ========= === === Ibis Tarot === by Joseph Machynka Published by AGMuller Copyright 1991 by AGMuller ISBN 3905021595 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/ibispics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/3905021595/thecauldron Ibis Tarot is an Egyptian deck, and my knowledge of Egyptian systems, symbolism, pantheons, etc. is minimal. Since I feel I am unqualified to critique the deck, I will just describe it as I have done with other decks that are over my head. I will say that I was annoyed that my deck came (still shrink wrapped) in no particular order. I assume it was random, since it did not match the number order printed on the cards. This is an attractive deck with beautiful artwork. The majors and courts are illustrated, but the pips are not. The cards of the major arcana are: I, the magician; II, the gate of the santuary (I don't know if that should be "sanctuary" or not); III, Isis- Urania; IV, the cubic stone; V, the master of the arcanas; VI, the two paths; VII, the chariot of Osiris; VIII, the balance and the sword; IX, the veiled lamp; X, the Sphinx; XI, the tamed lion; XII, the victim; XIII, the reaping skeleton; XIV, the two urns; XV, Typhon; XVI, the thunderstruck tower; XVII, the star of the magicians; XVIII, the twilight; XIX, the beaming light; XX, the resurrection from death; XXI, the crown of the magicians; XXII, the crocodile. Suits are sceptres, cups, swords and pentacles. Courts are master, mistress, warrior and slave. The cards measure about 2.5 by 4.75 inches and handle well. They could be a little thicker for my tastes, but I wouldn't call them flimsy. I have no reason to doubt their sturdiness, but I haven't used mine much at all. Since I know so little about Egyptian decks, I really can't make recommendations fairly. I do recommend it for collectors, though, for the beautiful artwork alone. === === Le Tarot de Marseille === by Maritxu de Guler Published by Heraclio Fournier S/A ISBN 0880790644 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/ltdmpics.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880790644/thecauldron This deck is in Marseille style. Majors and courts are illustrated, but pips are not. The colors are predominately blue, red, yellow and black. Other colors (brown, green and gray) are used quite sparingly. Titles are in French. Suits are baton (wands), coupe (cups), epee (swords) and deniers (pentacles). Court cards are roy (king), reyne (queen), cavalier (knight) and valet (page). The cards measure about 2.5 by 4.25 inches and handle well. They are the thickness of good playing cards. I got this deck second hand, and have used it a fair amount. They have held up very well, and I expect they will continue to do so. I recommend this deck for collectors and for those who like the Marseille style. It may be difficult for beginners because the pips are not illustrated and because the titles are in French. === === Londa Tarot === by Londa Published by US Games Systems, Inc. Copyright 1993 by US Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 0880796642 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/londapics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880796642/thecauldron This is a very interesting deck. It is in Rider Waite style, although Justice is 8 and Strength is 11. All cards, including pips, are illustrated. The art is very interesting. The creatures are humanoid, but not human. I'd almost categorize this as Gothic, but not quite. For the most part, the deck has adequate symbolism, although a few of the cards are lacking. Personally, I like the art and find some of the scenes and characters sexy. Everyone is long and lean, with long flowing hair (even the guys). The cards measure 2.75 by 4.75 inches. The stock is medium, not too stiff but not too flimsy. I prefer a little stiffer, but they handle well and are durable. I recommend this deck for anyone who likes the style of art. It's usable for beginners through advanced. Its probably more appealing to young people from teens through twenties. I also recommend it for those who like the gothic style, although it isn't quite gothic. Collectors, of course, will want to add it to their collections as well. === === Nigel Jackson Tarot === by Nigel Jackson Published by Llewellyn Publications Copyright 2000 by Nigel Jackson ISBN 1567183654 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/njpics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567183654/thecauldron What an absolutely beautiful tarot deck! Nigel Jackson did a wonderful job. The deck follows Marseilles style of order and naming but Rider Waite in that all cards (even pips) are fully illustrated. A couple of modifications (although not really modifications as they are true to the original Marseilles) should be noted: the magician is the juggler, high priestess is the popess, heirophant is the pope, and strength is fortitude. The art is truly beautiful ... captivating even. Symbolism is quite plentiful, so the deck will be excellent for beginners to advanced readers. Cards measure a whopping 3.75 by 5.75 inches, which is my only complaint about the deck. The cards are too long for me to bridge shuffle, which is my preferred method. I'm a bit torn, though, since I wouldn't want these fabulous images to be any smaller. So, I just deal with it, and it is well worth it. Card stock is ideal, not too stiff but not flimsy either. I have the deck and book set, which is packaged very well. Llewellyn and Jackson truly did a marvelous job. I recommend this deck for everyone! It's really that good in my opinion. I highly recommend the deck and book set, as the book is just as fabulous as the deck! Go out and get this deck! ===== ===== About This Column ===== TarotDeevah's column will feature monthly articles or reviews selected from her web site or written for this newsletter. You can find TarotDeevah's web site at: http://www.angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/home.html [14] ========= ========= HUMOR: THE RECON AND THE ECLECTIC: A COMEDY OF ERRORS ========= by Ravendas ========= [Author's Disclaimer: As an eclectic myself, I am more than aware that not all Recons are like this. It is only meant as a playful exaggeration of some of the conversations I've witnessed and engaged in with Recons. Also, as a non-Recon who has no ties whatsoever with the Greek pantheon...and little to no knowledge of Greek culture...the references made to the Greek culture and sources will not necessarily be accurate.] Recon: "Oh look, archeologists have just discovered that the swirl design on this 300 B.C. Etruscan vase are actually vines signifying the fertility aspect of the household goddess of this noble household! Oh...and there's a whole scholarly paper out now on the significance of the vine symbolism in Etruscan art and religion! This is exciting!" Eclectic: "Umm..yeah...okay...umm...that's nice, I guess." Recon: "How can you not be excited about this?! It's such an important discovery. You worship a Greek goddess, don't you? If you're really serious about it, then you should look into this stuff because it's important!" Eclectic: Hmm...well, yes...I do worship Artemis. Can you recommend a good book on Her? Recon: "You need to check out 'Ancient Greek Civilization: A Treatise on Socio-Religious Culture on the Aegean'. You'll probably find it at a major university. Oh...and bring a hand- truck, it's rather heavy....but it is the best source you'll find, if you're *really* interested." Eclectic: "Ummm...well, all I really wanted was just some basic info. You know, correspondences, sacred holidays, what She rules over..." Recon: "Oh...I see...you're just another one of *those* Pagans who don't really want to really know the proper way to worship Artemis. Another quick-fix fluffhead...humph." Eclectic: Well, no, I'm not a 'fluffhead', thank you very much. I just don't need to know every little last detail about the Greek civilization, just about Artemis. Recon: But...but...you *have* to delve into the socio-economic-political structure of the ancient Greeks if you want to even scratch the surface on their religious beliefs. I mean, how can you even begin to truly understand why Artemis was worshipped if you don't come to understand the subtle intertwining of the culture and its effect on spiritual life?! Eclectic: But I don't want to know why the ancient Greeks worshipped Her. I just want to learn how to incorporate Her into my spiritual path. Recon: Well, you really do need to know the whole background if you want to worship Her properly. But, if you pick up the book I recommended to you, you'll find that it does mention Her sacred days, votive offerings, and requirements for Her priesthood. Oh....I do hope you're a virgin.... Eclectic: Well....no.... Recon: Whhhaaatt?! How can you be a devotee of Artemis and not be a virgin?! That's....that's....just not right! You *have* to be a virgin! There was not a single priestess of Artemis that wasn't a virgin in ancient Greece! Eclectic: But this isn't ancient Greece, it's modern-day America....things change. Recon: Not the gods! They did things a certain way back then for a reason! Eclectic: Ummm...maybe because it made the most sense and fit in best with the way things worked back then? Which is, of course, very unlike the way things work now? Recon: Well, of course we do have to adapt some things to fit in with modern society. We certainly can't be sacrificing white bulls to Zeus in our back yard, you know. But...still...to worship Artemis and not be a virgin?! You might as well just be worshipping Isis...or Quan Yin. Eclectic: Well, I do worship them too. Recon: At the same time?! But....they're entirely different pantheons! Eclectic: Well, yes....I know this. It works for me. Recon: And what's your source for doing this? What ancient precedent led you to start believing this way? Eclectic: It just...felt right. I mean, they're all part of the same Spirit, after all. Recon: Oh good gods....no they're not. They're individual deities who *must* be worshipped in accordance with ancient precedence! Eclectic: That's not what they told me. Recon: You're delusional. Eclectic: And you're anal. Both: Meanwhile, the gods look down upon the fray with more than a little amusement and sadness before going about their business, convinced that humans will, indeed, never learn. [15] ========= ========= AROUND THE PLANES: NOTES FROM ALL OVER ========= Corporate America (and many large non-profits) keep a small army of publicists busy writing copyright-free articles that busy newspaper and newsletter editors can use in their publications. Many are nothing but shill worthy only of a cartoon version of used car salesman. Others contain useful information with only a subtle plug. Your editor has found a good online source for these and will be including a few that he feels may be of interest to Cauldron and Candle readers in issues of this newsletter. Remember that publication of an article in this newsletter is not an endorsement of the authors' position or any products and companies mentioned therein. [15-1] ===== ===== How Recycling Helps ===== Americans' recycling efforts have amounted to more than just a drop in the bucket. They have made a splash with both the environment and the economy. In 2001 alone, Americans' recycling efforts saved enough energy to power Washington, D.C. for four and a half years. In addition, people received a collective one billion dollars for their efforts. Recycling helps eliminate the need to create millions of tons of new aluminum each year. That means less air pollution, less production of greenhouse gases and less impact on the environment. However, statistics from Alcan show that nearly half of the 100 billion cans sold in the U.S. in 2001 were not recycled (2001's recycling rate was a 15 year low). Fortunately, a number of organizations work to encourage people to recycle. For example, consumers can visit http://www.alcan.com/ to learn ways to organize or participate in area can drives. Experts say the recycling efforts can help sort out a number of environmental problems. In 2001 Americans recycled enough aluminum cans to fill a hollowed-out Empire State Building 24 times. [15-2] ===== ===== Wildlife Winners and Losers ===== The whooping crane and the Florida panther are both featured in a new report from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) highlighting the nation's recent wildlife victories and setbacks. In The Best and Worst for Wildlife report, whooping cranes come out the wildlife winners thanks to a trio of successes over the past year. For example, a group of birds recently migrated on their own without help from an ultralight plane. The number of whoopers, America's tallest bird, has increased in this country from 15 to 400 birds over the last several decades. The Florida panther on the other hand, ranks as the report's wildlife loser. Fewer than 100 Florida panthers remain in the wild due to habitat destruction in southwest Florida. To turn this situation around, NWF believes the government must do more to protect panther habitat by better controlling development. The full Best and Worst for Wildlife report with other conservation winners and losers can be viewed on NWF's Web site at http://www.nwf.org/bestandworst/. [15-3] ===== ===== Finding Spirituality In The Workplace ===== For millions of Americans, spirituality is more than a part-time interest, it's a full-time commitment and something they carry with them always-even to work. A recent national survey found the majority of respondents believe workplaces would benefit from having a greater sense of spirituality. The statistic could be an indication of many adults' tendency to use spirituality to get through their everyday lives. The same survey, which was run by spirituality.com, found that 52 percent of adults have daily "personal spiritual practices." Of those, 95 percent believe their spiritual practice helps them face and deal with challenges in their work. A "Spirituality @ Work" online conference, covering such topics as Workplace Issues, Ethics, Unemployment and Balance/Purpose and featuring perspectives from a variety of experts, authors and business leaders was recently hosted by www.spirituality.com. The site offers information about spirituality in the workplace-in addition to other topics-as a means for individuals to share and receive insight into ways to build a spiritual practice that supports work life. "Over the past few years we've seen more and more people looking for an open, safe and supportive community to gain inspiration with practical benefits," said Christine Raymond, general manager and executive director of spirituality.com. A number of workplaces nationwide have implemented ways to bring a sense of spirituality into their work environments. Whether it's turning a conference room into a "meditation room," starting an office volunteer program or offering sabbaticals and personal coaching services, such efforts have brought relief to numerous employees. "So many people wrestle with difficult work situations on a daily basis," says Cheryl Peppers, Ph.D., author of Bringing Your Soul To Work: An Everyday Practice. "And there are many easy, yet significant ways to maintain your sense of spirituality at the workplace, such as viewing difficulty as an opportunity to cultivate wisdom, or approaching others non-defensively, with openness." For more information visit http://www.spirituality.com/. A recent survey found 61 percent of Americans want a greater sense of spirituality in the workplace. [15-4] ===== ===== Cleaning Away Allergens In Your Home ===== For many homeowners, the "white glove" has become the ultimate test of whether or not their home is clean. However, the glove only scratches the surface and may not always be a good indicator of a home's true cleanliness. One thing missed by the white glove test: allergens. Allergens are present in every home and not easily detectable. Whether they come from dust mites that live throughout the house, pet dander that can be spread from room to room even if you don't own a pet, or other sources in your home, managing these allergens can be a real challenge. And, they can be especially hard to reduce in upholstered furniture, bedding, curtains, window treatments, area or throw rugs, and other soft surfaces, which can make up to 75 percent of the surfaces found throughout the house. "Many people associate allergens only with being outside during the spring and summer months, but allergens are actually present indoors all year long," says Bill McLin, executive director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "It is important to take steps to reduce allergens in your home, including those released from fabrics and other soft surfaces." There are a number of measures people can take to reduce allergens in their homes, many of which can be incorporated easily into an existing home cleaning routine. According to AAFA, homeowners can: * Regularly replace filters on forced-air furnaces or central air conditioners. * Frequently dust hard surfaces-including ceiling fans, blinds, floors, and furniture-with an electrostatic cloth that attracts and traps allergens. * Wash all bedding-pillowcases, sheets, comforters, mattress pads, and blankets-in hot water (130 degrees) every week. * Use an allergen-reducing spray, like Febreze Allergen Reducer, on soft surfaces and upholstered items-like couches, throw pillows, curtains, carpeting, and pet beds-to reduce the amount of allergens from cats, dogs, and dust mites that become airborne from those surfaces. * Regularly clean rooms in the home that have high humidity, including bathrooms, the kitchen, and the basement. For more cleaning tips on how to reduce allergens in your home, the experts at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Febreze have developed a brochure with a variety of cleaning ideas and suggestions. For a free copy, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to AAFA/Febreze Brochure Offer, P.O. Box 8797, St. Louis, MO 63101-8797. For additional information, visit http://www.aafa.org/ or http://www.febreze.com/. [15-5] ===== ===== Emergency Preparedness Tips For Pet Owners ===== Following a few tips from the experts can help pet owners prepare for an emergency when a matter of minutes can make the difference between life and death. "In today's world, we must be ready for anything," said Anne Culver, director for Disaster Services at The Humane Society of the United States. "Pets are part of our families too, and we need to plan now for their safety and well-being if an emergency should occur. It's better to get ready now than to be caught unprepared later. We believe that a reasonable approach will address most situations." The HSUS suggests that all pet owners have an emergency supply kit for their pets. This kit should include: * A three-day supply of food and water, as well as bowls, cat litter and litter box and a manual can opener. * Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them should you and your pets become separated. Pets should wear up-to-date identification, including the phone number of someone out of your area, in case your pet becomes lost while you're away from home. * Medications, medical records and a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container. * Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your pet until you can return home. * If the need arises to evacuate an area, keep your pet with you. If it isn't safe for you to stay in the area, it isn't safe for your pets. Pets that are turned loose or left behind to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Evacuation shelters might not accept pets, so it's best to plan in advance where you will go. "No Pet" restrictions at local hotels and motels might be lifted in an emergency, so it's best to ask. Check with friends and family members who live outside your area to see if they can shelter you or your pets if needed. For more information, visit http://www.hsus.org/disaster/. If the need arises to evacuate the area, keep your pet with you. Your pet will be safer under your supervision. [16] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= SUPPORT THE CAULDRON BY VOLUNTEERING TO HELP ========= The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum was founded in December 1997 to provide a friendly but serious discussion area for Pagans on the Internet. We've grown a bit over the years. We now have an active message area, a large web site with around 700 pages of information (including well over 200 book and divination deck reviews), and a monthly email newsletter. To continue to provide and expand these services, The Cauldron needs lots of volunteer help from our members and supporters. Here are some of the things members and supporters can do to help The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum thrive: ===== ===== Actively Participate In Our Message Board ===== While our Delphi message board welcomes readers, we encourage members to actively participate by posting their comments and views in our discussions. One of the easiest ways to help The Cauldron is to actively participate in our message board. The staff especially appreciates members who start new topics for discussion based on their own questions, opinions, or interests. http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start ===== ===== Articles! Essays! Tutorials! ===== We are in constant need of original, well-written and accurate articles, essays, tutorials, and other written items for both our web site and for our Cauldron and Candle newsletter. There's no real limit on length for web site articles. Here are a few areas in which we always need articles: * information on the beliefs and theology of the various Pagan religions, especially non-Wiccan religions * information on holidays and festivals of the various Pagan religions, especially non-Wiccan religions * recipes for oils, incenses, and food for the various Pagan holidays * magick, spells, and ritual information * herbal information * positive articles on dealing with other faiths * information on historical pagan cultures * editorial/opinion pieces Non-Wiccan material is stressed not because we don't want Wiccan material but because good non-Wiccan material has been hard to find. We have a web form you can use to submit an article for consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/persontestart.php ===== ===== Book Reviews ===== While The Cauldron receives some review copies from a couple of Pagan publishers, there are many books that can only be reviewed on our web site if a member has a copy and writes a good, objective review. The Cauldron is interested in reviews on the more academic books used by reconstructionist Pagan religions as well as on the books one finds on the Pagan/New Age shelf in the bookstore. We have a web form you can use to submit a book review for consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/persontestbr.php ===== ===== Graphic Assistance ===== The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum is purposely a low graphics site as we value page download speed over flashy graphics. However, we are always willing to talk with artists who have ideas for well-designed small graphics (small in both physical dimensions and file size) that might enhance a specific article or page. ===== ===== Invite Your Friends ===== If you have friends or acquaintances who you believe would find The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum useful, please tell them about our site. If you are active in our message board and have friends who might enjoy them or have information to contribute, please invite them. ===== ===== Link To The Cauldron ===== If you have a web site where linking to The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum would be appropriate, simply providing a link to this web site is a big help. Our Link to this Site page explains how you can do this if you need help or want some simple graphic buttons to use: http://www.ecauldron.com/linktous.php ===== ===== Donations ===== As The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum uses as many free services as possible, our need for money to operate our site is currently lower than our need for the many items we list above. However, if you have a few dollars to spare, we would be honored to have your help in paying for our web site. You can donate by using the Amazon Honor System button below (we get about 85% of what you donate). http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P3903JRFVQVDN ===== ===== Amazon Purchases ===== The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum also receives a small percentage (usually 5%) from most items purchased from Amazon.com when you go to Amazon.com from one of the links to Amazon on our web site. If you purchase a lot of books, CDs, and other items from Amazon.com as many members do, going to Amazon.com through one of our links when you are going to make a purchase there is a painless way to help fund this web site. http://www.ecauldron.com/fradambooks.php ===== ===== Have Questions or Suggestions? ===== If you have specific questions, proposals or other ideas we haven't mentioned here, please email them to rssapphire00@ecauldron.GETRIDOFEME.com. (Unfortunately, Randall has to answer general "Tell me more?" type questions with a request for a more specific question. He's not trying to be rude, he just can't think of anything general and useful to say that isn't said here.) [17] ========= ========= NEWSLETTER INFORMATION ========= (Including how to subscribe and unsubscribe) ========= Cauldron and Candle is a free publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. The Cauldron intends to publish this newsletter once a month and often actually succeeds in doing so. We tried to publish it twice a month for a while, but real life interfered too often. This issue of Cauldron and Candle as a whole is copyright (c) 2003 by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. 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. The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of newsletter, The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum, or its staff. Publication of an article in this newsletter is not an endorsement of the authors position or any products and companies mentioned therein. 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 OR CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS ===== 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 method mentioned above. If you need to change your subscription to a new email address, unsubscribe your old email address and subscribe your new email address. Note that you have to make these changes yourself. Yahoo Groups does not allow the list owner to make them for you. ===== ===== 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/ ===== ===== 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. ===== ===== SUGGESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME ===== Don't forget that your suggestions for this newsletter are always welcome, either posted on the message board or via email to LyricFox (lyricfox@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com) or Randall Sapphire (rssapphire00@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com). Typos are, as usual, courtesy of the Goddess Eris.

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