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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #33 -- March 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] Cauldron News [03] Pagan Discussions [04] Hearthfire Guild [05] Review: The Tarot of Durer [06] Review: Tarot of the Journey to the Orient [07] Review: Praise to the Moon [08] Review: Visconti Tarot [09] Review: Tarot & Magick [10] Upcoming Reviews and New Releases [11] Article: Moral Cowardice and Pagan Hermeneutics [12] Article: Making Simple Ritual Garments [13] Column: TarotDeevah on the Tarot [14] Humor: At The Astral Helpline [15] Support The Cauldron by Volunteering to Help [16] Newsletter Information (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: March 25, 2003 +++ Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php [01] ========= ========= EDITORIAL NOTES ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= If you read these editorial notes last month, you may remember that I said the submission bin was empty of everything but reviews. Unfortunately, we did not get any submissions for articles last month. I managed to find two articles for this month myself: one from Sannion (who does not mind this newsletter using material from his web page) and one from a message posted to our message board. However, the chances of me being able to scrounge up articles every month is pretty slim, if for no other reason than with an active message board, a web site, real life work and family to handle in addition to this newsletter, I simply do not have the time to hunt up articles and beg permission to use them. This newsletter is sent to over one thousand people. I'm sure that a least a few of our readers can help by writing articles for this newsletter. There's lots of choice on topics. 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 We stress Non-Wiccan material in this list because good non- Wiccan material has been hard to find. However, Wiccan material is welcome. We have a web form you can use to submit an article for consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/persontestart.php ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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] ========= ========= CAULDRON NEWS ========= by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum Staff ========= ===== ===== Cauldron Delphi Message Board Top Poster -- February 2003 ===== The top poster on The Cauldron's Delphi Forums message board for February 2003 was Moonwolf (MOONWOLF23). The Runner Up was Mari (ARIANCRAIDD). While this is the second month that Moonwolf and Mari have taken top honors, Giraffe (WICKEDWIT), Shadow (HEARTSHADOW), Dragonoake (DRAGONOAKE), Mary (MARY926), and Erin (CERREDWNHOST) were close behind. (Full Cauldron staff members are ineligible for this honor and so aren't listed. Thread Spinners are eligible.) ===== ===== The Cauldron's Message Board Rolls On ===== February is the shortest month of the year, but that did not stop members from posting 6001 messages to The Cauldron's Delphi message board during the month. While is this is not a record number of messages, it is the second largest number of message posted in The Cauldron's history. We do seem to have a talkative group of members. And we always welcome new members, so come join us. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [03] ========= ========= PAGAN 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. === === Pagan Charities === I've seen many people complain over the years that while many Pagans will donate to non-Pagan causes, they are far more reluctant to donate to Pagan causes. Some of this is a lack of trust in some Pagan groups to last or to do much constructive with the money (compared to a more general, but non-Pagan group with a somewhat similar cause). * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8119.1 === === Christian Wiccan: A Double Standard? === I've noticed that most Pagans seem to be very liberal when it comes to accepting people who combine Wicca with other religions. If someone says they are Buddhist and Wiccan, Native American and Wiccan, Shinto and Wiccan, Hindu and Wiccan, Shamanistic and Wiccan, etc. most Pagans just nod and let it be -- even through there are usually many contradictions between the two belief systems the person claims to hold. There seems to be one major exception to this: Christian and Wiccan. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8163.1 === === Using Prayer as a Weapon? === Yesterday I saw a bumper sticker that said, "Angry? Need a weapon? Pray the rosary!" Now, it may (or may not) have been intended to give the message of taking non-violent action such as praying about problems instead of violent action such as blowing people's heads off. However, it initially came across to me as, "Prayer is a weapon!" And I'm not sure I like that... but I'm willing to admit that there may be circumstances I haven't thought about in which that might be sort of an appropriate response. What do y'all think? Are there ever circumstances under which it is appropriate to use prayer (or something like it, for those of us who consider spellwork to be similar to prayer) as a weapon? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8259.1 === === Pagan versus New Age? === I often hear either that Pagan is New Age, or it isn't New Age... but what the heck is New Age, anyway? I realize there isn't much similarity between worshipping Gods and believing in "transcending to the seventh dimension"...(shudder) but how far does one go before something is no longer Pagan? Does it matter? Does the vaunted Pagan Tolerance end when it comes to New Age beliefs, or only some of them, or what? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8265.1 === === Why Patron/Matron Deities? === I don't mean any offense to anyone who has a patron or matron deity, but I'm curious. Why have them? Why do they claim you? Why would a God want to invest in a person? What purpose does that really have? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8289.1 === === Are We Lacking In Oral Traditions? === My husband's background teaches him that if you write something down, you've killed its spirit -- that anything really important should never be committed to paper. Stories change in the re- telling, which keeps them alive and fresh. Are we lacking in oral traditions these days? I don't just mean entire lines of Wicca, I'm including things like family stories that have never been committed to paper (they lose something that way), and processes that are simple to explain but hard to write. Are there parts of your religion that aren't put to paper? Have you memorized portions of lore (rituals, poetry, sagas), and has the learning changed you? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8326.1 === === Pagan Etiquette Peeves === What bits of etiquette (regarding Pagan related stuff) do you wish more people paid attention to, or were better known? I'm thinking things along the line of "don't touch someone else's religious jewelry without asking if it's ok" or "don't pester someone with questions about what their practices are if they're obviously trying to do something else" or whatever. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=8325.1 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [04] ========= ========= Hearthfire Guild Knits Communities Together ========= Charity Handcrafts Group Encourages ========= Pagan Community Service ========= [Editor's Note: One of the threads listed in the previous article, "Pagan Charities," generated quite a bit of discussion as to why Pagan charities so often fail. One of the reasons suggested is that many attempts to start a pagan charity start too big and never get beyond the grand scheme phase to actually doing anything for others. One of our member's mentioned a small charitable group he has started which is already producing results on a small scale. I asked for more information for this newsletter and Drew provided me with this press release. I think this is an excellent example of a starting small. I hope some of our readers will join in this project or be inspired to start something small, but immediately functional, in some area of need that they see. A group doesn't have to be huge and well- funded to actually help others. -- RSS] Amherst, MA -- Wand, chalice, and athame. Drinking horn and oath ring. Laurel wreath and libation bowl. Knitting needles and crochet hooks. Knitting needles and crochet hooks? Since when are these pagan "working tools"? Since the launch on August 1, 2002, of the Hearthfire Guild, a grassroots network of pagan, heathen, and polytheistic charity crafters. The Hearthfire Guild's program is simple. Volunteers select a charity from a list provided by the Guild -- or choose one in their local community -- and then knit or crochet a clothing item or toy to donate. The Guild provides free tags to identify the items as gifts of a Hearthfire Guild volunteer. The tags contain no religious text or imagery, but they do list the Guild's Web address. "I wanted to keep this program nonsectarian from the point of view of the recipients. I don't want anyone to feel that there's a religious litmus test they have to pass in order to get the hat or scarf they desperately need," says founder Drew Campbell. Likewise, anyone who supports the Guild's goals of helping others is welcome to volunteer, regardless of religious affiliation. Campbell hopes to see pagan and heathen groups getting involved. The Guild provides tags and moral support for groups that want to collect and distribute handmade items to local shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes. It's all about hospitality, says the founder. Campbell, a Hellenic Reconstructionist priest, was struck by the number of ancient myths that teach the virtue of caring for strangers and supplicants. "Our mythologies are full of stories in which gods walk the earth disguised as beggars or wayfaring strangers. The mortals who open their hearts enough to provide a meal or a warm bed are inevitably rewarded with divine favor. Hospitality is part of our religious heritage." Today, "strangers and supplicants" have many faces: they may be children or elders, soldiers or refugees, battered women or homeless veterans. Hearthfire Guild volunteers knit or crochet for them all. So what's in it for pagan, heathen, and polytheist communities? "The good will of our neighbors," says Campbell. "Our first goal is to help others, but I truly believe that in doing so we help ourselves. The Hearthfire Guild program says, in effect, 'We care about what you care about. We're not scary; we're not mysterious. We're religious people, trying to walk our talk.'" For More Information: The Hearthfire Guild c/o The Rev. Andrew Campbell P.O. Box 3355 Amherst, MA 01004 info@hearthfireguild.org http://www.hearthfireguild.org/ [05] ========= ========= REVIEW: THE TAROT OF DURER ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= The Tarot of Durer Artist: Giacinto Gaudenzi Deck Publisher: Llewellyn (Lo Scarabeo) Publication date: December 2002 ISBN: 0738702455 US Retail Price: $19.95 View Sample Cards: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrtttod.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702455/thecauldron The Tarot of Durer is a Tarot deck inspired by the art of Albrecht Durer, a German engraver and painter who lived around 1500. He was considered one of the greatest Northern European artists of the period. This deck was not created by Durer, however. It was created by Giacinto Gaudenzi in Durer's style and as Gaudenzi believes Durer might have done had he created a Tarot deck. While Gaudenzi is not Durer, his tarot cards in this deck do remind me of the Durer works I've seen. This is a standard Tarot deck in all ways, so it is very easy to read with if you are familiar with the Tarot. It does have a few unique features. Each of the cards of the major arcana have a Latin motto printed on them. This mottos are usually quite appropriate for the card. For example, the motto for the The Tower is "Stultum est timere, quod vitari non potest" ("It's foolish to fear that which cannot be avoided"). Don't worry, the booklet included with the deck provides the translation. Each suit is associated with an animal which appears on most of the cards in a suit, although sometimes not obviously. Cups features doves, pentacles eagles, wands lions, and swords foxes. This deck comes with a tiny 64 page booklet. Only one-fifth of the booklet is in English (the other languages are Italian, Spanish, French, and German). This booklet provides background information on Durer and the deck on the cards as well as brief meaning for each of the cards and the already mentioned motto translations. Very brief descriptions of for layouts for divination are also included: the spread of the week, a general situation spread, a spread for a year, and a basic three card spread. As one might expect, it would be hard for the average beginner to use this deck with just this information. The Tarot of Durer is a very pretty deck. It is one of the few decks where the illustrations for minor arcana interest me more than those of the major arcana. If you are an experienced reader, you will probably have little trouble using this deck. A total novice will need an introductory Tarot book -- just about any general one would do. If you see this deck in a store, it's definitely worth a look even if you don't believe you are in the market for another Tarot deck. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trtttod.php [06] ========= ========= REVIEW: TAROT OF THE JOURNEY TO THE ORIENT ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Tarot of the Journey to the Orient Artist: Severino Baraldi Deck Publisher: Llewellyn (Lo Scarabeo) Publication date: January 2003 ISBN: 073870282X US Retail Price: $19.95 View Sample Cards: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrttotjtto.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073870282X/thecauldron The Tarot of the Journey to the Orient (also known as the Marco Polo Tarot) is inspired by the wonders of the orient as described by Marco Polo is his book Il Milione. Severino Baraldi's illustrations combine the images and symbolism of eastern and western culture in an often brightly colored mixture. Baraldi did an excellent job of illustration. Despite the mixture of western and eastern symbolism, this is a standard Tarot deck in all ways. This makes it easy to read for anyone familiar with the Tarot. The mixture of symbols is most noticeable in the major arcana, where many of the cards show a scene from the orient in the foreground and a similar scene from the west in the background. This works far better that it reads. Perhaps the most striking major arcana illustration is The Hierophant, which depicts a monk offering incense before a statue of the Buddha with Christ on the cross outside the window. Each suit of the minor arcana depicts scenes one might encounter on a journey from west to east in the time of Marco Polo. The court cards are oriental. This deck comes with a small 64 page booklet filled with tiny text. Only one-fifth of the booklet is in English (the other languages are Italian, Spanish, French, and German). This booklet provides background information on the deck as well as a brief meaning for each of the cards. The minor arcana receive only brief two line divinatory descriptions while the major arcana are described in some detail, complete with a "quote" that sums up the card. Very brief descriptions for three layouts for divination are also included: a general situation spread, a (30 card) lifetime spread, and a love spread. It would be hard for the average beginner to use this deck with just the information given in this booklet. The Tarot of the Journey to the Orient is a well-thought-out and well-executed deck. I personally find the symbolism interesting, although a bit confusing at times. Those more knowledgeable in oriental philosophy than I will find the deck's symbolism less confusing, I'm sure. In spite of some unfamiliar symbolism, an experienced reader will probably have little trouble using this deck. A total novice, on the other hand, will need a introductory Tarot book. If you are interested the orient (or a collector of unusual Tarot decks), you will definitely want to look at this deck. Others may like it as well. I suspect it may be one of those decks that many people will either love or hate on sight. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trttotjtto.php [07] ========= ========= REVIEW: PRAISE TO THE MOON ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Praise to the Moon: Magic & Myth of the Lunar Cycle Author: Elen Hawke Trade Paperback, 216 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: November 2002 ISBN: 0738702781 US Retail Price: $12.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702781/thecauldron Elen Hawke, the author of one of the better recent introduction to Wicca books, In The Circle: Crafting the Witches' Path, has turned her attention to the Lunar Cycle of modern Wicca. While books covering the eight Wiccan festivals clutter the shelves, the monthly lunar cycle has been somewhat neglected. With Praise to the Moon, Hawke has attempted to remedy this lack with a book that blends facts, speculation, Wiccan theology, and the author's own experiences. Hawke divides her discussion into sections of the new moon, the first quarter, the full moon, the last quarter and the "old moon." Each section discusses various deities associated with that phase of the moon, provides a meditation of some type, and discusses magick and ritual techniques appropriate to that phase of the moon. Some chapters go into more detail on one area than others. For example, the full moon chapter devotes more attention to magick than the new moon chapter does. Following each of the main chapters is a chapter discussing an associated issue. Following the chapter on the new moon is a chapter on eclipses of the sun and the moon. "The Man in The Moon," following the chapter on the first quarter, dispels an "urban legend" popular with many Wiccans that no culture has a Moon God by discussing some of the world's male lunar deities. Information on initiation follows the full moon chapter. One of the most interesting chapters in the book follows the chapter on the last quarter. Hawke discusses the lunar zodiac houses of Vedic astrology. The book finishes with short chapters on the moon in the various astrological signs and the Celtic tree calendar. Five short appendixes (on circle casting, color correspondences, magickal tools, moon gardening, and ogham), a glossary and a bibliography round out Praise to the Moon. This is a very Wiccan book. This is both good and bad. It's good in that the book is very focused. It does not try to be everything to all Pagans. However, the mythology given for the deities I'm most familiar with was Wiccanized to the point where it was sometimes very misleading. So long as the reader remembers that mythology presented in this book is being related through a Wiccan filter and may not be what the ancient peoples who worshipped these deities are thought by modern scholars to have believed (even, in some cases, when the author implies otherwise), this is probably not a problem for the book's intended audience. Scholars and reconstructionist Pagans will probably be shaking their heads and sighing sadly, however. Praise to the Moon is not quite the book I hoped it would be, but it is a good book for an intermediate level Wiccan or Neo-Wiccan reader. I suggest that Pagans of a Wiccan persuasion take a look at this book if they are interested in expanding their monthly esbats. Non-Wiccan Pagans will probably not find much of interest in this book, although the chapter on the Vedic lunar houses is interesting. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bkpttm.php [08] ========= ========= REVIEW: VISCONTI TAROT ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Visconti Tarot Author: Giordano Berti and Tiberio Gonard Artist: A. A. Atanassov Book and Cards Set Publisher: Llewellyn (Lo Scarabeo) Publication date: September 2002 ISBN: 0738702935 US Retail Price: $34.95 View Sample Cards: http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrtvt.jpg Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702935/thecauldron The Visconti Tarot is printed with shining gold foil -- quite a bit of gold foil, in fact. This deck is a modern recreation (not a reproduction) of what is believed to be the world's oldest surviving complete Tarot deck. The original deck was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, in 1450 AD. It is a wonderful example of Italian Renaissance era art. I've never seen one of the reproduction decks, so I can't comment on the card box claim that they are "restored to their original splendor" by Atanassov except to say that the artwork on the major arcana and court courts is splendid. This deck, like most early continental decks, only has full illustrations on the major arcana and court cards. The pip cards are just that: pips. The cards that are fully illustrated, however, are windows into the past, depicting things as they were seen and thought of in the 1400s. The cards generally have less detail and symbolism than many modern decks, but are still easy to read from. Some of the cards show respect for the patron who commissioned them by working his family emblem into the picture, often in clothing. All the cards are labeled in several languages within their black borders. I've heard a few people mention that they think some of the pips cards are upside down. As I haven't seen the original, I cannot comment on this. However, there are no obviously upside down pip cards. Of course, given that the pip cards are just collections of cups, wands, swords or coins, it would be hard to detect just by looking at the deck. Unlike the majority of the Lo Scarabeo decks I've seen, the Visconti Tarot comes with a trade paperback book of some 160 pages instead of a small flyer or multi-language booklet. This book was translated from the Italian by Harriet Graham and Elizabeth O'Neill. The first part of the book, written by Giordano Berti, traces the history of the Tarot and of this deck in particular. Then it goes on to talk about divination and some simple Tarot layouts. The rest of the book, written by Tiberio Gonard, details the cards. The information on the major arcana cards is fascinating. Each card is placed in a historical perspective so one has a chance to see what the illustration would have meant in the deck's own era. The major arcana cards have two pages each, while the minor arcana receive only one. While this is probably not the best book to learn the art of Tarot divination from, it is miles ahead of the usual Lo Scarabeo flyers or booklets. This deck is one which is interesting and worthy of a close look. However, my personal recommendation is neutral. I love the artwork on the major arcana and court cards, but the pips are boring even for pips. I really can't read with it. However, as the oldest Tarot deck known, the Visconti Tarot is a worthy addition to any Tarot collection. This Lo Scarabeo recreation is lovely. Take a look at this deck when you get a chance and decide for yourself. Please note that the sample card scan does not do justice to the gold foil. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/trtvt.php [09] ========= ========= REVIEW: TAROT & MAGICK ========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire ========= Book Review:Tarot & Magick Author: Donald Magick Kraig Trade Paperback, 192 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Publication date: December 2002 ISBN: 0738701858 US Retail Price: $12.95 Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702811/thecauldron Llewellyn's Special Topics in Tarot books are a series of thin volumes on advanced or specialized Tarot techniques. One of the latest books in this relatively new series is Donald Michael Kraig's Tarot & Magic. Many readers will know Kraig through his classic book on ceremonial magick, Modern Magick. I certainly approached this book with enthusiasm and high expectations. Tarot & Magic opens with a brief introductory chapter discussing the tarot and magick which is aimed at those familiar with one but not the other. It's very basic material, but should help those it is written for. The second chapter goes directly to the heart of the subject by discussing tarot spells and providing several spells using tarot cards as examples. The third chapter talks about tarot-based astral projection and pathworking. In the fourth chapter, Kraig resurrects an interesting technique for magickal change published in a long out of print book from the early 1980s: Tarot dancing. (Unfortunately, this chapter really seems too short to do the system justice.) The fifth chapter covers using charged Tarot cards as ready-made talismans and amulets. This is followed by a chapter on using the Tarot in ceremonial magick. In the seventh chapter, Kraig presents the idea that the Tarot is not just something which can be used in magick, but is magick in and of itself. The next chapter talks about using the Tarot in sex magick. The final chapter talks about how the Tarot and magick may change in the future. This is quite a bit of material to cover in a short book. While Kraig does his usual excellent job of presenting ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable way, this book tries to cram a large amount of information, ideas, and techniques in a relatively few pages. While only the chapter on Tarot dancing truly seems incomplete, most of the chapters would have had to be double or triple their length to even begin to do justice to the topic under discussion. Many could have easily filled a book this length or longer by themselves. Because of this problem, Tarot & Magic can really only be considered a brief overview on the various ways of using the Tarot in magickal work. However, it is a very practical and easy to read overview. Had the chapter on Tarot dancing been longer and more detailed, that chapter alone would have made the book worth buying. As it is, this book is a worthy addition to your library -- if the majority of the material is new to you. This review is available on our web site at http://www.ecauldron.com/bktam.php [10] ========= ========= UPCOMING REVIEWS AND RECENT RELEASES ========= by Randall Sapphire ========= === === Received For Review === The following books and decks have been received for review in February 2003 and will be reviewed 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. Witchcraft: An Alternate Path by Ann Moura (Llewellyn) ISBN: 0738703435 First Glance Comments: Another introduction to Witchcraft/Wicca by Ann Moura. Apparently this version is a generic introduction not based on her own Green Witchcraft. I'll have to read it to be sure and to be sure that it lacks the weird history and religious prejudices that marred her previous works. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738703435/thecauldron Designing Your Own Tarot Spreads by Teresa Michaelson (Llewellyn) ISBN: 0738702633 First Glance Comments: While this book provides a number of Tarot spreads, it main thrust it teaching the reader how to design Tarot spreads. It looks like a thorough and informative book on the topic. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702633/thecauldron Astral Projection Plain & Simple by Osborne Phillips (Llewellyn) ISBN: 073870279X First Glance Comments: This thin volume is an introduction to astral projection. It covers how to project and what can be done on the astral plane. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073870279X/thecauldron Garden Witchery: Magick From the Ground Up by Ellen Dugan (Llewellyn) ISBN: 0738703184 First Glance Comments: Garden folklore, magick, crafts, and even a bit of gardening advice from Master Gardener Ellen Dugan. It looks interesting. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738703184/thecauldron The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation by Silver Ravenwolf (Llewellyn) ISBN: 0738703192 First Glance Comments: This is a massive work on Neo-Wicca and magick with articles arranged in alphabetic order in five groups. Lots of information and many spells. The format will make this book hard to review, let alone comment on after a brief scan. However, from a quick look, it does look better than many of the author's recent works. Ronald Hutton is thanked for checking the historical information. I think this is a good sign. Watch for the review soon as I plan to jump this one up a bit on the schedule. More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738703192/thecauldron === === February 2003 Releases === Cooking by Moonlight by Karri Ann Allrich Paperback ISBN: 1567180159 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567180159/thecauldron Wicca Almanac (2003) Paperback ISBN: 0738702943 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702943/thecauldron Witchin: A Handbook for Teen Witches by Fiona Horne Paperback ISBN: 0007136951 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007136951/thecauldron Australian Edition (Life's A Witch) reviewed on The Cauldron: http://www.ecauldron.com/bklaw.php 10 Minute Magic Spells: Conjure Love Luck & Money in an Instant by Skye Alexander Paperback ISBN: 1931412316 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1931412316/thecauldron Wicca for Life: The Way of the Craft -- From Birth to Summerland by Raymond Buckland Paperback ISBN: 0806524553 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0806524553/thecauldron Rootwork by Tayannah Lee McQuillar Paperback ISBN: 0743235347 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743235347/thecauldron Spell in Your Pocket by Kate West Paperback ISBN: 0007146647 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007146647/thecauldron John Dee's Five Books of Mystery: Original Sourcebook of Enochian Magic by John Dee, et al Paperback ISBN: 1578631785 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1578631785/thecauldron Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation by Silver Ravenwolf Paperback ISBN: 0738703192 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738703192/thecauldron English Witchcraft, 1560-1736 by J. A. Sharpe (Editor), Richard M. Golden (Editor) Hardcover ISBN: 1851967354 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1851967354/thecauldron Magic for Lovers by Kathleen McCormack Hardcover ISBN: 0764155911 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764155911/thecauldron Spells by Tabatha Jennings Paperback ISBN: 9654941481 More Info from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9654941481/thecauldron [11] ========= ========= ARTICLE: MORAL COWARDICE AND PAGAN HERMENEUTICS ========= by Sannion ========= Judging by the frequency of it's use, I'd guess the verse of Scripture most familiar to Pagans is Jesus' injunction, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Often this is used to repel zealous Christians who have invaded the Pagan chats to share the good news that we're all going to Hell. However, I've seen it quoted a number of times when there was nary a Christian in sight, merely someone with the audacity to point out the faults of another. It usually succeeds too. Either by shutting up the judgmental person or redirecting the topic of conversation -- often to how hypocritical Christians are for not following the teachings of Jesus, or, if I'm there, why Pagans steal moral teachings from other religions instead of quoting the wise sayings of the learned women and men of their own tradition. It's unfortunate that this is the most popular piece of Christian moral teaching among Pagans, because while the Bible contains much of value, and many excellent doctrines -- this is certainly not one of them. Oh sure, it sounds good. It has a simple, homey quality to it that almost guarantees it's truthfulness. And no one really likes to be judged. But when you look at what it's really saying -- namely, "I'll let you slide, if you don't point out my faults" -- it's basically the worst sort of moral cowardice, clothed in pretty words. From top to bottom, this is bad advice. "Judge not," Jesus tells us -- despite the fact that elsewhere in the Bible the authors repeatedly make the point that discernment -- the ability to tell right from wrong -- is the most important, the most uniquely human quality that we possess. Animals have no moral sense. For them, instinct and survival govern all. It falls to man to reflect on actions and discern their moral quality. Only man can look at something that would seem to benefit him, and judge it wrong because it violates his sense of ethics. This moral awareness -- that we are not alone, that we function within a society, and that our needs and desires are not more important than those of the other members of our society -- reflects the best and noblest within man. No man is born moral. It is something that develops over time, that he is taught, that he learns by watching as it's demonstrated, that he acquires through habitual practice. It's a parent's duty to instill in their child moral responsibility and discernment. But imagine if a parent followed this bit of advice, and never judged their child. Never told them that it was wrong to hit or steal, never warned them about touching an open flame, never put into them the shame which makes potty training possible. How well do you think this child would get along in the world? Ill-prepared to face both Nature and the society of man -- all because its parent failed to judge. How high would you esteem the able-bodied young man who stood by and watched as an old woman was beaten and raped, without so much as raising his voice to stop it? I don't think there are words to accurately describe the indignation most of us would feel upon hearing of such a situation. His crime is almost greater than that of the rapist -- and yet, what exactly is he guilty of, besides not judging? Part of belonging to a society is accepting the responsibility to judge our neighbors. To condemn their actions and thoughts when they are harmful, to intercede when they will not stop themselves from doing harm. This critique and check goes both ways. We must also be willing to accept chastisement from our neighbors. I know that I am grateful for it. There have been times when I simply went too far. When a joke stopped being funny, when justifiable anger became blind hatred, when the thin line separating right from wrong became blurry, and I crossed it. Thankfully, there have always been people around me willing to offer a gentle word of reproach, who have challenged me to look at it from a different perspective, who asked me, "Are you aware of the consequences of this path?" or who simply said, "Stop it. This is wrong. If you continue, I won't be your friend any longer." We need that censure sometimes. If we could do it ourselves, no one would ever do wrong. Who chooses evil, thinking it's evil? It always seems like a good to them - sometimes a lesser good, but a good nonetheless. It's the outsider's perspective we get when someone judges us. That helps us reevaluate the problem. And if we still do it, at least we're doing it with our eyes open. Which brings us to the second part of this teaching, "lest ye be judged." What this is saying is that if you judge, you open yourself up to being judged. Why should one fear that? Why should one hide their faults? If you accept that it's a fault, you should welcome the chastisement, and openly work on bettering yourself. Hiding it, pretending it doesn't exist, protecting yourself from embarrassment -- allows the sin to take root in you, gives it nourishment and shade in which to grow. One must expose it to the light, and work to weed it out of your heart. This can only be done in the open, and by accepting the judgment of others. The second option -- that what the person is judging, you do not feel to be a fault, is not made better by hiding it. If you accept it as a part of yourself, and value it, then don't hide it. Openly, boldly proclaim it, and tell them that you don't accept their value judgment. Because that's an important thing I haven't mentioned during the course of this. Not everyone's opinion matters. Yes, you should feel free to let people know when you think they're doing wrong, and yes, you should be willing to listen when people give you the same advice -- but just because it's said, doesn't mean that will stop it from happening. The person still chooses whether or not they will do the action or think the thought. Opinions are like assholes, the saying goes: everyone has one. And not everyone's opinion is equally valid. (Or is that asshole equally fresh?) I'm more inclined to follow the advice of someone I know to be wise, successful, and who has some familiarity with the topic than, say, a complete stranger off the street. (Though one shouldn't discount them just because they're a stranger off the street.) And, even though this person has been wise in the past, that doesn't guarantee that their advice is correct on this matter. After all, Jesus had a good many fine things to say. But he also said, "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Copyright (c) 2002 by Sannion. Reprinted with permission. ===== ===== About Sannion ===== Sannion is a Hellenic Reconstructionist who writes some thought- provoking "rants" on Pagan issues. Sannion has kindly allowed us to reprint some of these rants as editorials. You can find more of Sannion's writings at Sannion's Sanctuary: http://sannion.bravepages.com/ [12] ========= ========= ARTICLE: MAKING SIMPLE RITUAL GARMENTS ========= By SahtYinepu ========= ===== ===== Men's (or Woman's) Egyptian Waist Garment ===== (Just like in The Mummy!) ===== Image: http://members.aol.com/shellgirlk/egyptc.jpg You'll Need: * About two yards of basic fabric depending on measurements. * Some scraps of accent fabric (if desired) First you'll want to measure your waist, and the length from your waist to your knees. From your basic fabric cut a half-circle of the waist measurement by the length measurement (at the longest part). This will be the "tush cover" for the most part. We’ll call this piece A. Now, cut a piece of fabric about 7" wide by your waist measurement plus 15", fold this in half, width-wise to make a 3" wide piece. Press and set aside. (Remember, if it's a print or velvet, to press inside out!!) We'll call this piece B. Cut another strip of 1 1/2 times the length as piece B by about 12" wide. Fold over and sew all the loose edges. This is piece C. Take piece B and sew the entire length with it still turned inside out. Basically, you want to make a long, thin tube. Turn this right-side out (it's tedious, I know), fold over the ends, and sew closed. You've just made your waist band and successfully hidden the seams! Congrats! Lay piece B flat on a table and center the long edge (the waist measurement) of piece A on it. Leaving about 1/2" overhang. Pin this down and sew it in place. Retrieve piece C, center it at the same seam level on piece A (which is now attached to piece B) pin and sew. There, it's done. Now, how do you put the blame thing on? Simple! Loosely tie the loose ends of piece B around your waist. Bring piece C up between your legs, and thread it under the knot in piece B. There should be a free end (hopefully!) that will hang over the knot in front. If you don't like this "the guy who cut pharaoh's wheat" look, try folding piece C against your stomach, and tying the knot over piece C. Pin knot to underlying fabric to prevent embarrassment (see illustration of finished garment tied both ways here). Embellish the front piece (the "tail" of piece C) for a good time. ===== ===== Skimpy Priestessy Robe-dress. ===== (For those who want skyclad, without a LOT of sky) ===== Image: http://members.aol.com/shellgirlk/skimpyc.jpg You'll Need: * About four yards of fabric (depending on measurements) * About three yards of cord (depending on measurements) As above, take measurements of waist, chest, hips, from shoulder to ankles (or wherever you want the hemline) and from shoulder to armpit (for arm holes). Cut out two panels the length (shoulder-to-?) by the widest measurement above (if it's the chest, go with that, hips, go with that...etc). If your fabric has a pattern or is a velvet, you'll have to match the pattern/grain later. Split one of the panels all the way down the middle lengthwise. This will be the front of your robe-dress. Sew at the shoulders to the second panel, turn inside out, and sew the sides closed. REMEMBER - you have to leave armholes! Leave open the armhole measurement at the top. Sew the bottom hemline and the seams of the front pieces. Get out your cord. Cut a piece that is your waist measurement plus 24". There's your belt! Slip on the dress for a moment, just to make sure everything's going well with it. Mark where you want the waist (and belt) to be with eyeliner or appropriate sewing marker. Get out some spare scraps of fabric and make about three small Strips about 2" wide by 4" long. Fold the edges over on all of these, sew, and then sew down to the dress where you previously marked. There, belt-loops! I recommend one in the middle back, and two at the front at the very edge of the front pieces. slip the cord through the belt loops, and you're done. This is what I meant by, skimpy. It's intended to be pretty much skyclad, but will work nicely over the next dress. Also, worn on a man, it can and will look manly. Quite a lot like a martial-arts robe, actually. ===== ===== The Egyptian Queen Dress ===== Image: http://members.aol.com/shellgirlk/egquc.jpg You'll Need: * A piece of fabric that is your largest measurement from pattern above, by the length measurement from above. * A strip of elastic (same width measurement as above) and a piece of cord the measurement of your waist plus 24. * A large safety pin. Sew along lengthwise seam, fold over hemline, sew, and fold over top. Sew but leave a gap of about 2" to thread the elastic through. Tack one end of the elastic down inside of the "tube" created for it at the top of the dress, attach the safety pin to the other end, and begin to thread it through the tube. The pin will help the process by creating less friction with the inside of the fabric. When your pin comes out the other end, tack the remaining end of elastic down and finish the tube's seam. It's done. When you feel fancy, tie the cord around the waist. ===== ===== Plain, all-purpose Robe Of Doom (kidding) ===== Robe Image: http://members.aol.com/shellgirlk/robec.jpg Hood Image: http://members.aol.com/shellgirlk/hoodc.jpg You'll need: * About four yards of fabric. Cut the fabric into two panels that are about two feet wide by your comfortable shoulder-to-? length. Out of the front panel, cut a V at the top. This is your "neck hole". Sew along major seams leaving armholes, sew hemline. Sew neck hole edges over. A hood? Well, okay, a simple hood is easy enough. Cut two of hood image of appropriate size to fit neck hole. Sew along seams, then sew to cloak and you're finished. It slips over the head, you can tie another length of that lovely cord around the waist (hey, why not use the same cord for all of 'em!?) and you've got a functional, sleeveless, all-around cloak that wont catch fire from the big dangly pretentious sleeves hanging in the fire... (Of course, you could tell everyone the sleeves burned off... with you in them...) [13] ========= ========= COLUMN: TAROTDEEVAH ON THE TAROT ========= by TarotDeevah ========= === === Faery Wicca Tarot === by Kisma K. Stepanich Illustrated by Renee Christine Yates Published by Llewellyn Publications Copyright 1998, 1999 by Kisma K Stepanich and Renee Christine Yates ISBN 156718684X See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/fwpics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156718684X/thecauldron It is my understanding that this deck was designed for use within the faith/religion of Faery Wicca. I am not a practitioner/follower of Faery Wicca, or even Wicca for that matter. While I know some about Wicca, I know absolutely nothing about Faery Wicca. Since I'm not informed enough to make comments as to the value of this deck within its intended use, I will merely comment on it as if it were just another tarot deck. If any practitioners of Faery Wicca would like to comment on the deck, I would certainly include those comments. Although I can see influence of both Marseilles and Rider-Waite type decks, I can't really say this deck follows either style. What I would call major arcana are actually called ancient ones. These ancient ones (major arcana) are divided into 3 sections known as paths: the path of the moon (00 through 9), the path of the sun (10 through 20) and the stillness of center (21). The ancient ones (majors) are as follows: 00-the tree of life, 0-the seeker, 1-druid, 2-high priestess, 3-Mother Goddess, 4-Father God, 5-guide, 6-beloved, 7-chariot, 8-poetical justice, 9-holy man, 10-sun wheel, 11-strength of will, 12-hangman, 13-banshee crone, 14-holy water, 15-old one, 16-round tower, 17-star, 18-old witch moon hill, 19-sun child, 20-judgement, and 21-Weaver Goddess. Court cards are called helper cards and consist of: Ainnir (page), Ridire (knight), Ard Ri (queen, except that it's a man), and Banrion (king, except that she's female). Suits are tine (wands), uisce (cups), aer (swords) and domhan (pentacles/discs). Pip cards are called element cards and are not fully illustrated. That's a shame, because the art is absolutely wonderful. I would have liked to see 40 more of R.C. Yate's illustrations. In addition to the extra major arcana card (00-the tree of life), there are 4 other extra cards. These are called the gift of Faery cards and consist of: apple branch, crane bag, hazel wand and holy stone. My Faery Wicca Tarot came as a deck and book set. The book (which isn't full-size, but isn't a booklet either) has loads of information on how to use this deck. It has detailed descriptions of many tarot spreads, and relationships between cards. The book is excellent! If the deck is available without the book (and I'm not sure if it is or not), I recommend you hold out for a deck and book set. I'd have been lost without the book. All in all, I can remove the additional 5 cards and use this deck just like any other tarot deck. Some of the cards (especially in the major arcana) cause a little difficulty, but certainly not anything an intermediate to advanced reader can't overcome. Cards measure about 2.75 by 4.5 inches and are slightly large for me. Those with larger hands wont have any trouble, and those with smaller hands (like me) can master them with a little effort. Card stock is good, although a little thin. I don't know whether I recommend this deck for practitioners of Faery Wicca or not, having no knowledge of the faith/religion. I do recommend this deck for collectors and for anyone looking for a new approach to tarot. The art alone makes this deck a keeper! Beginners may have trouble and probably wouldn't want to use this as a primary reading deck. Intermediate to advanced readers wont have any difficulty adjusting. === === Fantastical Tarot === by Nathalie Hertz Published by US Games Systems, Inc. Copyright 1999 by US Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 1572812028 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/fantasticalpics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572812028/thecauldron Fantastical Tarot follows Rider-Waite style without deviation. The cards are gilded, which I like. The art would be good except for the creatures. I just cant get past the creatures in this deck. The humanoids featured in this deck look like zombies. They have very sharp, angular features, and appear to be anorexic. About 90% of them appear to be pouting or moping or something. The happiest cards in the deck seem to be the ones lacking one of these creatures. Cards measure about 2.75 by 4.75 inches and are a bit long for me to handle easily. This is a common size for tarot cards, though, so I wouldn't call them large. Card stock is good, and I suspect the cards will be durable. I recommend this deck for collectors. Beginners may have trouble since all (or most) of the characters seem to be depressed. It may be difficult to get past them to get positive messages in the meanings. === === Gareth Knight Tarot === Instructions by Gareth Knight Cards by Sander Littel Published by US Games Systems, Inc. Copyright 1985 by US Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 0880790407 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/gkpics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880790407/thecauldron Gareth Knight Tarot is adequate, as far as tarot decks go. Symbolism is present, although I can't say I understand why some things were done the way they were. For instance, the dog in the fool is attacking the fool, the lion in strength is green, etc. The art looks like it was done by someone in a high school art class rather than by a professional artist. That isn't to say it isn't good, just that I prefer a more polished finish and more sophisticated art. To each his own, I guess. Gareth Knight Tarot follows the Marseilles style of order and naming, except that the world is called the universe. Majors and court cards are illustrated, but pips are not. Suits are swords, cups, discs and wands. Court cards are king, queen, prince and princess. Cards measure about 2.75 by 3.75 inches and handle very well. I prefer these smaller decks, as my hands are rather small. Card stock is a little stiff, but that's better than thin in my opinion. The cards appear to be quite durable. Upon opening my deck (still shrink wrapped), I discovered that the emperor was out of place. All other cards were in order, save the emperor was before the fool. Also, instead of two extra cards, this deck came with three extra cards. Since most tarot decks are printed in sheets of 80, I was worried that this meant I had a card missing. I did not. All cards were present, plus three extra cards, totaling 81 instead of 80. I recommend this deck for beginners who prefer the Marseilles style and for collectors. === === Gendron Tarot === by Melanie Gendron Published by US Games Systems, Inc. Copyright 1997 by US Games Systems, Inc. ISBN 1572810653 See Cards From This Deck: http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/gendronpics.JPG Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572810653/thecauldron This seems to be one of those decks you either love or hate. Personally, I love it and use it quite a lot. It is in the Rider- Waite (RW) style in that all cards, even the pips, are illustrated, and in that the cards closely follow RW names, order and meaning. There are a few exceptions in the names: the Magician is called the Magus, the Hanged Man is the Hanged One, Death is Transition, the Devil is the Deceiver, and the World is the Universe. Suits are wands, cups, swords and pentacles. Courts are king, queen, prince and princess. The images are a far cry from RW, though. Gendron takes a fresh new approach to tarot card illustrations. The deck has a feminine feel without excluding or downplaying men. The colors are wonderful, and there are lots of translucent figures and angel- type beings of light. The cards are 2.75 by 4.75 inches and handle easily. They aren't stiff, but are durable. My deck is used frequently and holds up very well. The little white booklet that comes with the deck is the best I've seen so far. It's about twice as thick as others and gives lots of information. For each card, associated Goddesses are listed according to their directions, Hebrew letter, astrology, animal significance, associated symbolism meanings, card meaning and reversed meaning. I recommend this deck for collectors, feminist readers, those who love strong visual decks, and intermediate to advanced readers. Beginners may do better with a deck that more closely follows RW symbolism, but could use this deck as well. The symbolism is there and is explained well in the little white booklet. There are a couple of nudes, and the deck does have an overall Goddess- based feel to it, so I don't use it for my more easily offended clients. This is one of my favorite decks for personal use. ===== ===== 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: AT THE ASTRAL HELPLINE ========= By Faerie K. ========= [ring] - Astral Helpline, how may I help you? - Yes, hello? I got through? [nervous laughter] - Yes, you got through. How may I help you? - Well, um...... [embarrassed silence] Well, I think I'm pregnant. - Are you sure you called the right number? This is Astral Helpline, you can reach your local hospital thro...[interruption] - Yes, yes, I want the Astral Helpline! You see, I have this astral lover and... - Oh, I see. Now your belly is growing at an alarming rate, you feel an overwhelming urge to eat strange herbs and you have very lively and disturbing dreams? - No.... not really. But I do get this terrible morning sickness! - And the astral lover is the only lover you've had for quite some time? - [angry voice] Yes, of course! What do you think I am!! - Sorry, Ma'am, I'm just doing my job, I need to ask questions. - Oh... OK... But I don't have any other lovers! There was this guy at the party but he's not my lover, he doesn't count!! - Did you have s.. [interruption] - Ooops. [click] [ring ring] - Astral Helpline, how may I help you? - Hi! I'm half a God and I have a problem. - Eh... I'm not sure I quite caught you. You are a half-God? - No! Stupid! I'm half a God! - OK, I think I caught you now. You are half a God. How may I help you? - I need you to go astral with me! - This is Astral Helpline, we offer help on matters astral over the phone, this number won't offer group astral tra... [interruption] - I am half a God and I want you to go astral with me! You have to help me find my other half so I can become a whole God! - Sir, I understand that being just half a God can be frustrating, but...[interruption] - I'm still a dormant half a God, my skills aren't fully developed yet! I need to awaken! I got bored of being just a spirit and took over a mortal body and then got split in two! - And how could I help with that? - I command you to go astral with me! - Sir, here at Astral Helpline, we really don't offer group astral travels, we offer help over the phone. - No need to be so sulky! - Sir, I can give you the number to Astral Group Travels, Inc. - Stupid mortal! [click] [ring] - Astral Helpline, how may I help you? - [sounds of sobbing] - Madam? Calm down, breath, I'm here to help you. What is your problem? - I.... I went astral traveling and now... [sobbing] now I can't get back to my body! - Oh.... OK. How do you know this? - I tried to come back but now I can't see anything! - Right. So, I'll talk you through this, are you ready? - [sobbing] Yes... - I need to ask something first, did you go astral with only a candle giving you light? - Yes.... - All right. Can you envision yourself back in the room you left? Imagine it in your mind's eye. - I'm doing it right now. I still can't see anything, tho!! - Just relax. Do you know where the nearest light switch would be in your room? - Yes... - Could you reach it from where your body is? - I think so, yes. - Good, very good. Now, imagine moving your hand towards the light switch. In fact, move your astral body's hand towards it. Are you with me? - Yes, I am moving my hand. - Can you feel the light switch? - Yes, I can! What do I do now? - Switch the light on! - Yes! Yes! It worked! I got back! I can see! Thank you!! - That's what we're here for, Ma'am. Astral Helpline at your service. [click] [15] ========= ========= 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 150 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. 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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.) [16] ========= ========= 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) 2002 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. 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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