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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #109 -- August 2012 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ message board: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/ newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.net/cnc/ Please DONATE to Support our SERVER http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/view.php?pg=tcdonations In this Issue: [00] Editorial Notes: Two Months, Two Newsletters [01] Cauldron News * 2012 Annual Donation Drive: Help Us Stay Online * 2012 Suggestion Drive: How Can We Improve The Cauldron? [02] Interesting Recent Cauldron Discussions * Pendulums -- Suspended Rather Than Held? * What's your Least Favorite Pagan Holiday -- And Why? * Virginity and Religion * Ageism in Paganism * Dumbest Thing You've Heard a Pagan Say * All Pagans Should Celebrate the Wheel of the Year Regardless of Specific Religion? * Is it Possible for The Gods not to Love? * Paganism and Tithing * Isis and Her Greco-Roman Mystery Cult? * Honoring Mulitple Gods? * Deified Mortals * Neo-Wicca Bad for Feminism? * Pagan Stereotypes You Embrace? [03] Phyllis Vega's Astro Talk: Venus in Astrology [04] Flamekeeping: Moral Flame [05] Articles and Reviews * Review: Genuine Witchcraft is Explained * Review: Forbidden Rites: Your Complete Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft * Review: The Real Witches' Coven * Review: Way of the Horned God: The A Young Man's Guide to Modern Paganism * Review: Pagan Degrees for Children [06] The Cheap Web Hosting Report [07] Software Gadgets: Pinta [08] Support The Cauldron with Donations [09] Support The Cauldron with Assistance [10] Newsletter Information (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ LOOKING FOR PAGAN SUPPLIES? Visit The Cauldron's Pagan Supply Store http://www.ecauldron.net/esesf.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [00] ========= ========= EDITORIAL NOTES ========= Welcome to the August 2012 issue of Cauldron and Candle. You are receiving this issue because you subscribed. To learn how to unsubscribe, see the last section of this newsletter. Newsletters two months in a row. We've haven't done this in a long time. Perhaps we actually can return to a more regular publishing schedule. I hope saying this doesn't jinx it. We do need your articles and reviews if we are going to be able to continue this publication schedule. If enjoy this newsletter and would like to see it become a regular monthly newsletter again, please write and submit articles and reviews! Randall Sapphire Editor and Publisher, Cauldron and Candle Co-Host, The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum [01] ========= ========= CAULDRON NEWS ========= by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum Staff ========= ===== ===== 2012 Annual Donation Drive: Help Us Stay Online ===== It's for The Cauldron's Annual donation drive. (We are on time this year, instead of starting three weeks late as we somehow managed to do last year) When we moved to a VPS a few years ago our hosting costs jumped from about $200 a year to just over $800 a year (plus a few dollars more for domain fees and the like). Thanks to a number of members of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum who made either annual or monthly donations, we have managed to pay the server bill every month when it is due on the 1st of the month. It's time to refill the till for our next year of hosting -- the alternative is TC disappearing from the Internet. == Extra Goal: Linode is now offering a backup feature which == automatically makes daily, weekly, and monthly backups for $15 a == month. If we could raise at least $1000 (instead of $800 and == change) we could add this feature. Extra month raised over and == above the minimum needed, as always, is used to add new features == or otherwise support TC. We'd really like to thank everyone who gave money for the server bills over the last year. Those who donated have made it possible for The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum to remain on the Internet from September 2011 to now. However, the account is pretty bare and it's now time to raise money for the next server year. We need your donations to keep The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's message board up. There are two ways you can donate. === OPTION 1: Make An "Anonymous" Donation in Any Amount If you are not a member of the message board -- or are a member but do not want a donor button to appear on your posts or wish to donate a non-standard amount, you can make an "anonymous" donation (which will not cause any "donor" notation on your posts) in any amount via the Paypal link below. You do NOT need a Paypal account to donate. After Paypal fees, we get at least 85% to 90% of the money you donate. This is the best way to donate for many people as it only happens once and you don't have to remember that you have a monthly subscription coming out of your Paypal account. DONATE VIA PAYPAL NOW http://www.ecauldron.net/donatepaypal.php === OPTION 2: Message Board Member? Donate Through Your Settings: === Get Bronze/Silver/Gold Donor Levels and Benefits If you are logged into the message board, you can make a donation (via Donation Subscriptions in your Profile) at the Bronze Donor (US$5.00), Silver Donor (US$10.00) or Gold Donor (US$15.00) level and get a special button that will appear on your posts as well have access to our Donor only areas, more PM storage, more space for attachments, etc. These special benefits will last for one month (or one year if you elect the annual donation option) and can be renewed by extending your subscription. You can elect to make a one time donation or to set up a Paypal subscription that will automatically renew your donation each month or year until you cancel the subscription at Paypal. You can find the "Paid Subscriptions" link in your "Settings" menu on your profile. Payments are made via Paypal but you do not need a Paypal account to donate (unless you wish to set up a recurring donation subscription). Note: If you currently have a recurring monthly Donation subscription, you do not need to do anything to donate for 2011. Your current Donation subscription will continue until you cancel it (or your payment source disappears if you are paying with a credit card and forget to keep its expiration date, etc. current) at PayPal. However, if you believe you have a current donor subscription, please check your Paypal account to be sure it is still there -- Paypal has mistakenly terminated them much more frequently that usual this year. If you are able to donate, please make a donation for 2012 as soon as possible -- right now would be great. The Cauldron's web site, message board, MUX, and other features depend on your donations to continue. This is even more true this year as the continuing terrible economy reduces our small advertising income to almost nothing. DONATE VIA PAYPAL NOW http://www.ecauldron.net/donatepaypal.php ===== ===== 2012 Suggestion Drive: How Can We Improve The Cauldron? ===== It's also time for our annual "suggestion drive" when we open a topic and request your suggestions for how TC (the forum, the web site, the MUX, forum rules, etc.) could be improved. We make no promises to implement suggestions, but the Hosts and staff do look at and consider them all. (And have implemented a number of suggestions over the years). Four items are completely off the table, however: 1) Eliminating/weakening our quoting rules. (The Hosts will shut down the board first -- seriously, having quoting with the backlinks to the quoted message is that important.) 2) Turning the board away from its "Discussion and Debate" orientation or its "non-beginner" orientation. Post your suggestions and comments on our message board: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4439 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ PAGAN-FRIENDLY WEB HOSTING http://www.ecauldron.net/web/zdreamhost.php Dreamhost offers high-quality, low cost web hosting with a dedication to free speech. Pagan sites are welcome! Read why we used Dreamhost for The Cauldron's web site: http://www.ecauldron.net/web/whydreamhost.php Plan Features * unlimited web space * unlimited bandwidth * unlimited email boxes (POP3/IMAP) * unlimited ftp/shell accounts * host unlimited domains/subdomains * php4, php5, cgi, fastcgi, ssi * zend optimizer, ruby on rails * unlimited MySQL databases * announcement lists * discussion (aka mailing) lists * Jabber server * Crontab and Shell access * Web-based Control Panel * One-Click installs of the Wordpress blog & PhpBB forum * 1 free domain name * helpful tech support * and much more! All for $10.95 a month. Pay for a year in advance (only 9.95/month). Pay two years in advance and the price drops to $8.95 a month. (And there is a 97 day money back guarantee!) Visit Dreamhost for Affordable, Pagan-Friendly Hosting http://www.ecauldron.net/web/zdreamhost.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [02] ========= ========= INTERESTING RECENT CAULDRON DISCUSSIONS ========= Recent Discussion Topics on our Message Board ========= In an average month, over 200 new discussion topics are started on The Cauldron's message board. Here are a few of the more interesting recent discussions. It's not too late to join in. Thanks to Feedburner, you can now receive an email every night on days we post new site news items to the main page of The Cauldron's web site. These emails contain a link to the new item and the first couple of lines of the news text. You can sign up for Feedburner's free news delivery via the form at the end of the site "News and Updates" section of The Cauldron's main web page. ===== ===== Pendulums -- Suspended Rather Than Held? ===== Has anyone tried using a pendulum suspended from a hook or stand, rather than held in your hand, for either divination or dowsing? If so, what technique(s) did/do you use? What kind of results have you gotten? I'm interested in trying this method to rule out my own subconscious movements. When holding the pendulum, I usually get excellent results. But I can't quite trust them, ya know? Any thoughts? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4321 ===== ===== What's your Least Favorite Pagan Holiday -- And Why? ===== As a counterpart to our long-running What's your favorite holiday? thread, what is your least favorite Pagan holiday? The (fairly important) holiday in your religion that you just can't get into celebrating like you believe you should? Why is this holiday a problem for you? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4392 ===== ===== Virginity and Religion ===== I've heard the "virgin until marriage" and "virgin for religious reasons" many times. I know the Christian faith really pushes it, I can remember a youth group lecture or two. Which other religions have a similar concept? Are the various pagan paths the only religions that actually accept sexuality for what it is and don't use teachings of fear, guilt and shame to mask it? Any other thoughts? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4316 ===== ===== Ageism in Paganism ===== Recently we've discussed racism, sexism, fatphobia, and a host of other topics that involve stereotyping, and I figured it was time to bring up another item in the same vein: ageism. I'm willing to bet that almost all of us have experienced ageism to one degree or another - from "post-menopausal women represent the Crone" idea to "young pagans have no valid opinions", these things pop up over and over with little to no repercussions. In addition, people who don't tolerate stereotyping in other circumstances seem to overlook or ignore ageism. So, with that in mind: 1. Do you think ageism is an actual issue? 2. Have you experienced it, in either paganism or daily life? 3. Why do you think ageism isn't as hot a topic as other stereotyping? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4300 ===== ===== Dumbest Thing You've Heard a Pagan Say ===== Many years ago, a (now ex) friend of mine and I were out, talking about Wicca. I was new to it all and curious, and she'd been into it on a solitary basis for a couple of years or so. We were in a grocery store parking lot when a young woman walked by us with bright orange hair, wearing all black, sporting tattoos and piercings. I didn't think much of it, but my (now ex for many reasons beyond just this!) friend looked at her and said, "Oh. I bet she thinks she's Wiccan. She can't possibly be; look at her, she's overweight and doesn't take care of herself and she dresses like crap!" ...dumbest thing I've heard a pagan say. Ever. Your turn. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4253 ===== ===== All Pagans Should Celebrate the Wheel of the Year ===== Regardless of Specific Religion? ===== Long time members of TC known that any discussion of "Pagan Unity" can quickly become a major thread with a lot of "hostility" here, so I am sort of reluctant to bring this up here, but the idea is at least interesting (note: "interesting" does not necessarily mean "good"). I received feedback on our web site asking me why we do not stress the Wheel of the Year more as while the wheel is a property of Wicca and Wicca-like religions more than Pagan religions in general, the public tends so associate the Wheel of the Year with Paganism. The author of this note believes that all Pagans should celebrate the eight Wheel holidays in some way even if they are not a part of their specific Pagan path -- just as many Christians celebrate secular cultural holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, etc. religiously even though they are not truly holy days in Christianity. Doing so would give Pagans more of a common culture and would be more visible to the general public than each group only doing their religion's own thing. What you you think? I'm very skeptical, but I figured it would make a good discussion. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4225 ===== ===== Is it Possible for The Gods not to Love? ===== I wonder what your experiences are with this particular topic, which is a little difficult for me to face, in all honesty. Is it possible for the gods you work with not to love? I'm not talking the peripheral ones, the deities you come to now and again and don't have a strong one-on-one working relationship with. I'm talking about the Main Ones. The first and foremost in your life, your patrons. I understand that some pagan faiths, like branches of Heathenism, for example, might believe that the gods aren't as interested in you as you are them, and that's a cultural thing (right?). I get that, and maybe it's not those that I'm asking about, because that's sort of a given. The others, though. The ones that you want to love you, you expect and want to love you. Is it possible, that even though they chose you (does it make a difference if you chose them? I think so), even though you work with them every day and do offerings and want to love them, that they're not going to/don't want to/can't return that love? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4243 ===== ===== Paganism and Tithing ===== I was wondering if anyone here ever set aside money for tithing. Either for pagan organizations, non-traditional churches, or charities in your deities names. I know it's mostly a Christian concept, though to be fair the idea is in a lot of other religions just in different forms, but I wondered if it was something some pagans might feel compelled to do to. Maybe with a different motivation or a different spin. So do you tithe? If so how and why? If not, why? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4213 ===== ===== Isis and Her Greco-Roman Mystery Cult? ===== I don't fully identify with any particular tradition or religion (even if my foundation is a nebulous, recon-friendly syncretism of Celto-Germanic heathenry), but lately I've been feeling very interested in learning about, and possibly establishing a relationship with Isis. I know quite a bit about her regarding her Kemetic counterpart Aset, but feel less knowledgeable concerning her Greco-Roman mystery cult, which is the forefront of my interest. 1) Anyone have some good resources about the goddess/her cult in general? 2) Any tips on establishing a relationship with her? What sort of offerings, rituals, etc. I'll take whatever you have to give, personal experiences, scholarly sources, so on. I'm more interested in her Roman mystery form, but Kemetic view points are welcomed too. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4140 ===== ===== Honoring Mulitple Gods? ===== I know a lot of people worship and honor one or two or even three Gods. I on the other hand honor five different deities. Are there others here who honor that many Gods or even more? And how do you find it to keep a balance in honoring all of them, without them getting mad, that maybe one God is honored more or less. My gods are Amaethon, Cerridwen, Don, Belenus, and Sulis. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4172 ===== ===== Deified Mortals ===== I first grasped the title concept when reading Alan Moore's From Hell. Not the historical fiction itself, but the annotations at the end of the book that cited the extensive research he did into Victorian times, Jack the Ripper, Freemasonry, and Pagan mythology (he bemoans the lack of resources for a dragon goddess, Tiamat, outside of Dungeons & Dragons.) Moore mentioned something about the Greek gods, Apollo and Diana, that one researcher proposed to have been an otherwise ordinary prince-and-princess team from Minoan Crete who were deified as stories about them passed down through generations. I don't mean to get into alternative history, however. I mean to focus on gods that are most popularly considered (though not agreed) to have maybe possibly have started out as ordinary human beings. There's a neat thread in these parts about Herne the Hunter, and this one of Brighid though the saint is portrayed as more of a vehicle for the goddess than a real person who had a similar name as a goddess and ascended to sainthood-- sadly no threads here for Antinous Farouche or Hymen (yet...? ) So, I wonder. Not in a very organized way, unfortunately, so please do just throw any thoughts in here. I wonder: What would it mean, for your belief system, if your patron deity turned out to have been human? How do demigods fit into this, in your opinion? Or those who claim godly lineage, notably from the Tuatha Dé Danann, or Amaterasu? Do you believe that you, an ordinary mortal human being, can personally achieve godhood? If no, why not? If yes, then how (and what causes would you patronize? Feel free to have fun with this one.) * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4164 ===== ===== Neo-Wicca Bad for Feminism? ===== This opinion piece by a Canadian author is a bit more than a year old, but I just stumbled across it. I fear there's some truth to it, as well as a serious misreading of what neo-wiccan paths are all about. Wiccans and Mystical Women: How New Age is Secretly Bad for Feminism "This is why I find New Age thought, like Wicca, so much more aggravating than your average brand of magical thinking. Wicca tends to target itself to women followers. There’s a sense of female empowerment in its imagery of motherhood of Earth goddesses.... It’s a type of magical thinking which lends itself well to taking advantage of those who may indeed feel powerless, unheard, and unseen, providing them with a way to artificially inflate a sense of self-worth using cheap parlour tricks." Read the entire article then discuss. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4154 ===== ===== Pagan Stereotypes You Embrace? ===== So we often talk about pagan stereotypes that we dislike, but what about the things we embrace? For example, I love every cheesy witchy thing about Halloween. I own one of those "witch flew into the wall" decorations that I hang on the front door of my house. I think it's fun. What pagan stereotypes do you proudly embrace? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4145 [03] ========= ========= PHYLLIS VEGA'S TAROT TALK ========= VENUS IN ASTROLOGY ========= by Phyllis Vega ========= Venus is love. Venus is romance. Venus is beauty. Its planetary energy is peaceable, harmonious, unifying, and creative. Venus’ zodiacal sign defines your romantic persona. The planet’s position in your birth chart exerts a strong influence on your sensuality, self-image, and attachments to others. Venus’ natal placement is a clear indicator of the manner in which you approach relationships of the heart. Venus’ sign determines what gives you pleasure, how you express that pleasure, and how you go about sharing it. The planet Venus also denotes sensuality. Venusian energy relates to the principles of love and attraction, and the drawing together of two separate individuals to create a unified whole. If you don’t know the sign positions of Venus on the day of your birth, you can look them up on the World Wide Web at CaféAstrology.com: Venus Ephemeris Tables: http://www.cafeastrology.com/venussignstables.html The way Venus manifests itself in your chart is a clear indicator of what gives you joy. Your Venus sign defines the various ways in which you express your sensuality, how you attract love and affection, and how you go about satisfying your lover’s needs and desires. Venus also relates to the many different sides of a close relationship, and denotes friendship, compassion, and understanding between lovers. People with Venus in the Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) are romantics. They love extravagantly, passionately, and dramatically. Spontaneous, impulsive, and full of surprises, they are never boring. Since subtlety is not their style, they are very open about their feelings. Fire sign Venusian natives are bold and usually willing to risk rejection. Their attitude is that there are always more fish in the sea. Those with Venus in the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) are serious minded and practical. Their happiness lies in the material realm and they derive great pleasure from a comfortable, settled home life. Cautious and controlled, Earth sign Venusians take love seriously. Sensuous, tactile, and very aware of physical sensations, they have well a developed sensual side and a strong need for physical contact. Individuals with Venus in the Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) flirt with love and romance. Airy Venusians want a relationship that provides intellectual stimulation, companionship, and witty, engaging conversation. Emotionally cool, the air signs feel as much with their minds as their bodies. They need to connect on a mental level. For them, the exchange of ideas is paramount in a love union. People who have Venus in the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) are sensitive, emotional, responsive, intuitive, and empathetic. Psychically, there are few barriers between them and others, and they often pick up on what those around them are feeling. Watery natives tend to over-use their imaginations, and the combination of intuition and imagination can make them feel exceedingly vulnerable in a romantic relationship. === Venus in Aries Individuals with this placement are assertive, enthusiastic, self- expressive, and cheerful. You want excitement and adventure in your love life. Since you are passionate and idealistic, sex and romance are equally important to you. You're likely to experience some inner conflict between your desire for a committed relationship and your need for freedom and independence. Naturally daring and flirtatious, you tend to become competitive when seeking the attentions and affections of others. Aries is impulsive and hopelessly addicted to conquest. Venus falls in and out of love quickly. The result of this mix is lack of foresight and a general instability where long-term unions are concerned. === Venus in Taurus The planet Venus is generally well placed in sweet-tempered, indulgent Taurus. Thanks to your deep appreciation of the physical world and its pleasures, you experience love in a straightforward, sensual, tactile manner. You enjoy good sex in much the same way you take pleasure in good food and drink, luxurious surroundings, and beautiful things. Easygoing and cheerful most of the time, you know how to have a good time and to help others to do the same. Venusian bulls need a certain measure of predictability and dependability in their romantic relationships. Basically a materialist who dislikes disruption and change, you can be quite possessive of the people and things you love. === Venus in Gemini For the sociable individual with Venus in Gemini, friendship is as important as romance in a love relationship. Driven by a powerful intellectual curiosity, you yearn to taste whatever life has to offer. With your restless nature and diversity of interests, you're difficult to pin down. Easily bored, you resist relationships that might become too settled and comfortable. Variety, change, and excitement provide the spice you're looking for in your love life. You have an excitable, playful attitude toward romance and approach each new affair with optimism and high-expectation. Communication and mental stimulation are your absolute musts for any relationship to have a chance of becoming permanent. === Venus in Cancer The emotional Venusian crab is sentimental, nostalgic, kindhearted, moody, and unpredictable. Easily hurt, and extremely self- protective, you're seeking a safe, secure, solid love relationship with few surprises. Deeply sensitive and easily hurt, you try to hide your vulnerability behind a dignified facade. Despite your total emotional involvement in a loving union, there is a sense of caution as well. Love to you is all about home and family, and your relationship style is nurturing and motherly. You can be clingy and rather possessive of those you care about. Rationality leaves you cold. You want a life partner who is romantic and affectionate and not afraid to show it. === Venus in Leo In Leo, Venus is dramatic, enthusiastic, and self-confident. Warm- hearted and exceedingly generous, you are lavish with your affections and attentions. Glamour, excitement, and charm mark your courting style, and you relish your role as star of your own romantic drama. Venusian lions make passionate, ardent partners, and your love is sincere and whole-hearted. A born show person, with tons of physical and emotional magnetism, you enjoy being noticed and popular. Although never one to discourage or ignore your admirers, you are innately loyal and faithful in love. Your pride and ego are so wrapped up in your relationships that any break-up is likely to be extremely difficult. === Venus in Virgo The Venus in Virgo person is seeking an ideal lover on the one hand, and a solid, down-to-earth partnership on the other. The perfectionist in you yearns to place your beloved on a pedestal and worship from afar. Your earthy, practical side wants a loving union that functions orderly and efficiently from day to day. Either way, you are extremely selective in your relationships. Despite a sensual, romantic nature, you would rather be alone than with someone who does not measure up to your high standards. You need to feel needed and appreciated by your loved ones; you demonstrate your affection by working hard for them. === Venus in Libra The gracious peacemaker with Venus in Libra is polite, tactful, considerate, and generally aware of what other people are feeling. Innately civilized and refined, you are upset by bad manners and go out of your way to avoid disagreements or discord. An aesthetic as well as a romantic, you like being surrounded by beauty and harmony. Love makes your world go around, and you tend to fall in love easily and often. You are charming and agreeable, traits that attract many admirers. In Libra, Venus is at her most seductive. However, your seductiveness manifests in subtle ways that are never vulgar or overtly sexual. === Venus in Scorpio In Scorpio, Venus confers magnetic intensity and a deeply emotional romantic and sexual nature. In a love union, you're straightforward, direct, and determined. An extremist in life and in love, you give yourself totally and demand the same type of involvement in return. Your intimate relationships are based on loyalty, commitment, and complete focus on your partner. Because your desires are so powerful and overwhelming, you can become very jealous and possessive of your loved one. When Scorpio is involved, control is almost always an issue. Although you may express your domination in minor ways, there is little doubt that you're the one pulling the strings. === Venus in Sagittarius The idealistic roamers and seekers with Venus in Sagittarius have a rather carefree attitude toward relationships. You are upbeat and easy to like, but not particularly dependable where affections are concerned. In fact, you can be downright fickle, and your flirtatious behavior may cause problems with potential partners. You fall in love easily, but prefer that things stay casual for as long as possible. Threats to your freedom make you extremely nervous. The key to your romantic nature is companionship and shared interests. Your ideal partner is easy-going, open-minded, willing to accept you on your own terms, and respects your need for some personal space. === Venus in Capricorn Venusian goats are proud, dependable, loyal, and controlled. Your romantic feelings can be very strong on the inside, yet you respond with reserve and caution when it comes to expressing them. You want a loving, committed relationship, but you're basically insecure and fearful of rejection. You would rather repress your emotions than risk exposing yourself to ridicule. Consequently, you tend to come across as lacking in warmth and spontaneity. In truth, you're a rather romantic soul who yearns for a caring partner to share your life. When you find that person, you expect your spouse to be a helpmate as well as a lover. === Venus in Aquarius In Aquarius, Venus is emotionally challenged. Essentially an intellectual, you live more in your mind than in your body. Despite a friendly, open nature you come off as cool and detached. Your freewheeling attitude concerning standards of behavior is unusual to the point of eccentricity. You set your own rules, with little regard for what others think. With a sex drive that is not particularly strong, romance is often the last thing on your mind. Since your head is usually off somewhere in the clouds, you may be totally oblivious when someone is attracted to you. When you do find love, it's likely to be rooted in friendship and companionship. === Venus in Pisces Venus in this sign is romantic, idealistic, sensitive, dreamy, and sentimental. You possess a type of vulnerability and ethereal charm that is both attractive and attracting. Naturally kind and unselfish, you willingly give whatever is necessary to help others. Yet you're highly dependent yourself, and very much in need of a caring, nurturing mate or partner. In your search for someone to share your deep, intense feelings, you spend a lot of time falling in and out of love. Strong emotions and a vivid imagination sometimes cloud your reality. What you are seeking is an otherworldly romance that is exceedingly difficult to find on the Earth plane. === === About Phyllis Vega === Phyllis Vega is a practicing astrologer and tarot reader and has been a New Age counselor and teacher for 39 years. The author of eleven published books and two self-published ebooks (Magick With A “k”: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92699 and Phyllis Vega’s Tarot Seminars: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/136614, Phyllis may be contacted via email at pvega@bellsouth.net or through her personal website http://phyllisvega.com/. Astrology and Tarot columns and other works by Phyllis are archived at http://tarottalk.ecauldron.net/. Phyllis Vega's Astro Talk copyright (c) 2012 by Phyllis Vega. All rights reserved. [04] ========= ========= FLAMEKEEPING ========= MORAL FLAME ========= by HeartShadow ========= HeartShadow is following her own religious path. She calls it FlameKeeping. This regular column will present articles on FlameKeeping, many taken from HeartShadow's FlameKeeping blog at: http://www.flamekeeping.org/ ===== ===== Moral Flame ===== What is the point of a religion? Is it to dictate morality, or to define and aid in connection with the Divine? FlameKeeping does not speak directly of morality. There are moral implications, but not a code of defined behavior. The only true moral stricture is that we must all treat each other as Divine, with all the respect and care that implies. So how will people be moral? That is up to each individual, as it always has been. There are extremely immoral people of all religions, and moral people with no religion whatsoever. God does not and really never has inspired any to be truly moral people. FlameKeeping believes that humankind is Divine. This implies that we are good people, or at least have within us the ability to be good people. Lists of rules, and an assumption of humanities “fallen” nature, does nothing but encourage lists of laws, and just as many attempts to get around these laws. Assume humankind is fallen, and it will live up to that assumption. Assume we have within us the ability to be Divine and surpass ourself, and we will do our best to live up to what is expected of us. So there will be no lists of rules, no commandments. Those who need them would probably not follow them anyway, and those who do not need them would be more likely to be led astray by those things that are not mentioned than guided by those things that are. There are only two clear moral strictures, and all else comes from them. 1. We are all Divine, and must be loved and respected as such. By this I mean that we need to treat ourselves and other humans with as much respect and love as we can. Every time we treat another person as a means, every time we denigrate someone because they are not what we wish they are, we are going against our own nature and against the Divine. We are ALL holy, not just the people we like, not just the people like us. Everyone. Even the people we hate. And we need to respect them as such. 2. We must improve the Divine as we can. The Universe is not already perfect, it moves towards perfection, and we are a part of that. When we see something we think is wrong, we should act to fix it as we can. And we should also be aware of what lies behind the problems we see whenever possible: it is easy to say poverty is bad and to place a few dollars in a fund drive once a year. It is much harder to look at the systems that benefit us but encourage poverty, and to try and find ways to change the system to keep poverty from happening. (In the meantime, of course, we should also continue to give those dollars. There is no virtue in working for the long term and letting the short term suffer needlessly). ===== ===== Questions: ===== * What does morality mean to you? Do you judge it in positive terms (you should) or negative (you should not)? * What does it mean to see everyone as Divine? Is this hard for you? What moral strictures does that rule impose on you? * What does it mean to improve the Divine? Is this one difficult? Again, what strictures does this impose on you? [05] ========= ========= ARTICLES ========= The following articles and reviews give the viewpoint of their author. Reviewers may have received a free copy of the item they are reviewing. ===== ===== REVIEW: GENUINE WITCHCRAFT IS EXPLAINED ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Title: Genuine Witchcraft is Explained: The Secret History of the Royal Windsor Coven and the Regency Author(s): John of Monmouth Published February 2012 by Capall Bann Publishing ISBN: 1861633343 ISBN-13: 978-1861633347 Paperback, 486 pages List: $17.95 View this Book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncbook.php?asin=1861633343 If your concept of Witchcraft is composed exclusively by the Neo- Pagan movement and modern-day Wicca, this book is going to be a real eye- opener. For the majority of Wiccans and Witches in the U.S., where I reside and write my reviews, there have been few choices - one either "trained" as an eclectic (usually by means of reading one or more books) or one looked for a "tradition" to follow (many of which touted themselves as having a long, distinguished linage, but failed to provide any substantiation of those claims). Within the past couple of decades the concept of initiation by another has fallen into disrepute and "self- initiation" has become the norm. This is a massive book, but fully one half of it is composed of data which supplements the first half. The supplemental section includes photos of original documents from the Royal Windsor Coven (no connection to British royalty - just a heads-up to American readers). A large number of the documents which appear in the photos are almost indecipherable, since they were either hand- written, heavily amended, or carbon copies of originals. This is, in my opinion, not a shortcoming. The fact that these documents still exist at all is nearly miraculous; and the fact that they are being preserved and made available is a real benefit for those who wish to explore the development of Witchcraft in the 20th Century. Following these reproductions are transcripts of the documents which make it possible to read and understand the preceding illustrations. There have been lots of rumors about the early days of public witchcraft in England. The few facts which have made it into print have been circumspect and scattered through a variety of books and magazine articles. This is one of the few books I have seen which contain not only the real information, but citations which allow the reader to check sources for themselves. It has gathered together, in one easily accessible place, a multitude of sources and details. The first portion of this book covers the Royal Windsor Coven and the Regency, two influential groups in Britain. This is followed by "The New Pagan Handbook" which offers suggestions (and nothing more) for the celebration of Pagan rituals. "The New Pagan Handbook" was authored by one of the individuals responsible for the running of the Royal Windsor Coven, and thus offers insight which differs substantially from the more modern conception of Paganism. For those individuals who are interested in the history of the early development of modern-day Paganism and Witchcraft, this book is nothing less than an invaluable resource. This book deserves to be in every Coven library (do Coven's even maintain libraries any more?), as well as in Public Libraries. Every once in a while I recommend purchasing an extra copy of a book so a copy can be donated to a University or Public Library. This is one of those books. I feel that the value is especially good for those readers who do not reside in the U.K., and thus may not be familiar with either the Royal Windsor Coven or the Regency. Reading this book will expand your knowledge of the Craft outside the Gardnerian/Alexandrian model, and that is an excellent idea. Discuss and Comment on this Review: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?4403 ===== ===== REVIEW: FORBIDDEN RITES ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Title: Forbidden Rites: Your Complete Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft Author(s): Jeanette Ellis Published 2009 by O Books ISBN: 1846941385 ISBN-13: 978-1846941382 Paperback, 635 pages List: $39.95 View this Book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncbook.php?asin=1846941385 One of the hardest things to convey to students of witchcraft, in my opinion, is the difference between "Traditional" and "traditional" Witchcraft. See, you're confused already, aren't you? Traditional Witchcraft (capital "T") generally refers to what has become known in the U.S. as one of the British Traditional Wiccan groups (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, etc.), whereas traditional Witchcraft (lower case "t") generally refers to hedgewitchery, folk magic, and the cunning (wo)man of the local village. The problem is that, short of using the phraseology "capital 'T'" and "lower case't'," which is awkward, there isn't any easy way to distinguish between them. Frustrating, isn't it? There are hundreds, if not thousands of books on Traditional Witchcraft, but not so many on traditional versions. This book, by Jeanette Ellis, is one of the few I have seen written from the inside, as it were. I can guarantee one fact about this book - you WILL disagree with at least some of the statements contained herein. If you don't, I feel sorry for you, because you have no opinions of your own. Based solely on this book, I have to assume that Ms. Ellis speaks in sentence fragments. They litter the book like pixie dust. Once you get used to them, however, (it only takes a few pages, honestly), you stop noticing them. What I couldn't stop noticing, however, was that personal bugaboo of mine - sloppy spelling. I understand that most authors (and publishing concerns) rely on automated spell checking programs, but these won't pick up "there" when it should be "their" (for example, on page 35). Before a book makes it into print, it really needs a go-through by a proof-reader who doesn't have any connection to the book. Another problem with this book, which should have been caught before publication, is punctuation. On page 69 appears this sentence: "All over the world colors are an important part of ritual in the Manchu Period of China, the emperors wore girdles of stones according to the different ceremonies that they presided over." From this it appears that colors all over the world are important to the Manchu emperors of China. I know that isn't what is meant but that is what it appears to say. For me, reading a book is like taking an extended journey. Generally I plant to take a week or so to enjoy the "trip". However, once in a while I get so excited that I drive straight through in only a few days. Sometimes I "have car trouble" and it either takes longer than I had planned on, or I am more concerned about making it to my destination and I am distracted and unable to enjoy the journey. This was one of those books. Between the lack of punctuation on the one hand, unusual spelling (what is "funa"? Is it supposed to be "fauna" as I suspect from context?), and just the overall "feel" of the book, I found it hard to concentrate on what Ms. Ellis was trying to convey. In one of my English classes in high school, my teacher gave each assignment two grades - one for what you said and one for how the technical details of writing were observed. On the first half of that grading system, this book COULD be as high as a "B minus," but the second half couldn't hope for more than a "C". I really wanted to enjoy this book but, quite honestly, if I had paid the cover price, I would have been (at least) disappointed by the sheer sloppiness. For someone who has run a coven for over twenty years; who organizes two major festivals a years; and who makes their living selling Pagan jewelry, she presents a very poor image. The "blurbs" on the back cover make me wonder if those individuals were working from what they assumed were "uncorrected proofs" (as I sometimes do), and assumed that defects in structure would be cleaned up before publication. There is a lot of potentially valuable information in this book although I have to question whether many people will be able to ferret it out. There are a lot of suppositions and personal anecdotes, to be sure. And, honestly, not being a traditional Witch (I was trained Alexandrian, so I am a Traditional Witch) I can't say if these suppositions are representative of all traditionals, or only represent Ms. Ellis' interpretations. While I would like to be able to give this book a hearty recommendation, I must hold back because of my reservations. While I am inclined to accept her statements regarding gems and metal (she is in the jewelry business), even there problems exist in the way information is conveyed. I respect Janet Farrar, Gavin Bone, and Professor Ronald Hutton, but I honestly feel their praise is, in this instance, misplaced. I would certainly not recommend this book for the novice - unless there is a more experienced guide available to help sort things out (and then there really isn't any need for the book). There are profuse illustrations of charms and amulets. There are also herbal illustrations, and examples of various magickal scripts and runes. The above items make it a handy reference work, but I tend to hold reference works to an even higher standard than other books, and all of the previously mentioned difficulties make it hard for me to offer more than a lukewarm recommendation. Evaluating this book, in spite of the good points, it ends up being no more than average. I would not say that it is a "must have" addition to a coven library; but if you have a spare $40, it may be useful. If you are put off by grammatical errors and such (like me), you probably should save your money. If you are an information junkie (again, like me), you will probably want it on your bookshelf. This one is a toss-up, I have to say. It will all come down to personal opinion. I've had good experiences with other books from this publisher, and they are by no means the only ones to put out works with editing problems. There have always been errata which slip through. So don't let this review sour you on O Books. Check out their website (at the top of this review) for other offerings. Discuss and Comment on this Review: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?3563 ===== ===== REVIEW: THE REAL WITCHES' COVEN ===== Reviewed by Mike Gleason ===== Title: The Real Witches' Coven Author(s): Kate West Published 2010 by Llewellyn ISBN: 0738715824 ISBN-13: 978-0738715827 Paperback, 225 pages List: $17.95 View this Book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncbook.php?asin=0738715824 I must offer an apology before I begin this review. Over the past five years I have read, and reviewed, nearly 500 books. And, once in a while I simply forget to check my records before requesting a review copy (but, hey, this is one of less than half a dozen times when that has happened). When I saw that Llewellyn was bringing out a book by Kate West, whose writing I really enjoy, I sent off a request. It wasn't until it arrived in my mailbox that I realized I had already done a review of it, when it was originally published by Thorsons. That review ran at the end of 2004. In any case, I decided to look at this book as if it were the first time I had seen it. Next I must offer my standard disclaimer when reviewing ANY of Kate's books in this series. "The Real Witches..." refers not to "the one true and right way to do it," but rather to "doing it" in the real world, where concerns about child care, bill paying, and resolving schedule conflicts are a part of daily life. This book occupies a semi-unique niche. On the one hand it is an introductory ("101") book, but it is on a topic which is most decidedly not a beginner's topic - the forming, running and dealing with a coven. It is sort of a "101" book for a second level class. Kate skims over a lot of the basics about rituals and festivals, and concentrates on how to avoid some of the pitfalls of running a coven. It is aimed at the individual who is "starting from scratch," without an established "up-line" which could provide guidance and resources for a new coven leader. Kate's earlier book, The Real Witches' Handbook, deals with the major "101" points and I highly recommend it. It, like the present book, is written in a no-nonsense style, and should be a welcome addition to every newbie's library. The Real Witches' Coven contains suggestions from Kate's experience of things which have worked for her in training Witches and running a Coven as well as some pitfalls to watch for, as well as a few "horror stories" from her own experience (and some shared by other High Priest/ esses). It is deigned to encourage and guide, not discourage. By the same token, it does not downplay the potential difficulties one may encounter along the way. In my earlier review I commented that I enjoyed this book, and looking back on it after five years, I find no reason to change that statement. For those who instantly "distrust" anything published by Llewellyn, all I can say is "Get over it." This is the kind of book the Craft community needs to see. It is not dogmatic or preachy. Nor is it all happiness and light. It is a story told by an individual who is willing to open her heart and feelings to others. I can sympathize, if not agree, with most of her suggestions. This book in particular (and any of Kate's works in general) should find a place in any Coven library. There are no "secrets" here; no tables of correspondence; no detailed ritual scripts; merely good, solid advice, suggestions and guidance. Anyone can benefit from the advice given herein - Priestesses and Priests can learn how to help their Coveners become better Witches and Coveners can gain some insight into what they can do to ease the burden of Coven leaders. Whether just beginning your journey; preparing to set up your first coven; or looking for help to salvage a situation which is starting to go bad, you will find this book to be a valuable tool. You will glad to have it to turn to. Discuss and Comment on this Review: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?3561 ===== ===== REVIEW: WAY OF THE HORNED GOD: THE A YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE TO ===== MODERN PAGANISM ===== Reviewed by Mike Gleason ===== Title: Way of the Horned God: The A Young Man's Guide to Modern Paganism Author(s): Dancing Rabbit Published 2010 by O Books ISBN: 1846942675 ISBN-13: 978-1846942679 Paperback, 194 pages List: $24.95 View this Book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?3560 Given the fact that I prefer books written by people whose name you would likely find on their Driver's License or other IDs, I wasn't sure about a book authored by "Dancing Rabbit", especially since he is of an age with me, and thus there is no possibility that was his birth name. Still, I was willing to give it a try, if only because there are precious few books written for the male followers of neo- Paganism (and many of them are intended for gay and/or transgendered guys) and this book in intended for young, straight males. The author is an eclectic Pagan, with a base in the Unitarian Universalist Church, not a combination I am normally comfortable with as a result of my own "traditional": training. Still, it is a rapidly growing segment of our Pagan community and one which looks like it will continue to influence our growth for the foreseeable future. As with many writings by eclectics, I found myself disagreeing with some of what he has written (his interpretation of the Goddess/God positions in particular are at major variance with what I learned),but my disagreement simply means that we have differing backgrounds and experiences. His suggested rituals are extremely basic (not surprising as this is a beginner's book), which should help to allay parental fears. Also, he deal right up front with the topic of how to deal with parents, offering some basic, common sense advice for dealing with various potential reactions. He de-emphasizes the need for tools, while still explaining what they are and what they are used for. This book is aimed at the young male Pagan (or Pagan wannabe) who is still living at home with his parents and, as such, is a very low-key, non-ceremonial approach. It won't suit everyone, but it is a book which has been needed for quite a while. It deals with the young man growing up in a modern urban environment. The author offers variations of The Charge of Goddess, and of The Charge of the God, which I found quite moving and inspiring. Most variations I have previously encountered have been simple reworkings of established (published) standards, but these off some interesting concepts and insights. Discuss and Comment on this Review: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?3560 ===== ===== REVIEW: PAGAN DEGREES FOR CHILDREN ===== Reviewed by Mike Gleason ===== Title: Pagan Degrees for Children Author(s): Shadaramon Published 2009 by Astor Press ISBN: 055709867X ISBN-13: 978-0557098675 Paperback, 236 pages List: $17.99 View this Book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncbook.php?asin=055709867X This is a book which will engender strong feelings in its readers. I expect it will polarize the community, just by the title and ever before the first page is read. Many will find the concept of "degrees" to be counter to their expectations of paganism (Wicca okay, but Pagan degrees?). Then there will be those who feel that degrees imply competition, and they perceive that as undesirable. And, of course, the entire concept of structure sets off some people (if it feels good, and it's kind of Pagan-ish, it's good enough). On the other side of the divide (and with little or no middle ground) will be those who perceive structure as the most efficient way to convey information. Without structure, curricula and tests, how can you judge if your young Pagan has absorbed the lessons you have labored to instill into their hearts and minds. This book is one of those "good news/bad news" situations. The good news is that it is very flexible and easy to alter for individual circumstances. The bad news is that it is NOT designed to be part of a nation-wide movement, so there is minimal support available. On a personal note, I wasn't real thrilled with the type-face chosen for the headings (the lower case "r" can easily be mistaken for an "i"); but that has no effect on the value of the book itself. This book will be most valuable to Pagan parents (and groups) which are fairly isolated. Patterned on the world-wide scouting organizations it can provide a local equivalent to Spiral Scouts ® where no branch exists. There is a companion book which contains all of the achievement badges and awards in color (as opposed to the black and white illustrations in this volume). If you plan to use this system, go to Astor Press' website and check out the color volume. This is the archetypal beginner's book. Having said that, I must also say that I feel it has been oversimplified for the final (Mage) degree. Youngsters working in this degree are expected to be at least 12 years of age, and they should be capable of absorbing more complex concepts ('The Wiccan Rede states that "as it harm none, do as you will"' is the complete explanation given on page 89). I've always believed in challenging children by encouraging them to be mature, and this final degree does not, in my opinion, do that. In spite of my personal reservations, on the whole I have to say that this is a book which does what it sets out to do. As such, I suggest that if you have youngsters in your family who are interested in learning more about the Pagan way of life, this is a good basic guideline, and worth the price. Discuss and Comment on this Review: http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/showthread.php?3554 [06] ========= ========= CHEAP WEB HOSTING REPORT: SHARED HOSTS AUGUST 2012 ========= by Gridspace ========= [Editor's Note: Purchasing web hosting through the links provided in this article helps support The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum.] The Cheap Web Hosting Report covers affordable web hosting providers in several categories: Shared Hosting, Ecommerce Hosting, VPS Hosting, and Dedicated Hosting. This month's article lists the Shared Hosting providers selected in August 2012. For other types of hosting, please see the Cheap Web Hosting Report web site at http://www.cheapwebhostingreport.com/ ===== ===== Recommended Shared Hosting Providers for August 2012 ===== The following hosting providers are our recommended shared hosting providers for August 2012. All of the following hosting plans include a web control panel, a cgi-bin directory, php, perl, and at least one mysql database. Hosts with Windows hosting plans include some version of ASP and at least one Access or MSSQL database (but may not include a mysql database). Many offer a number of additional features. Be sure to carefully check the provider's web site to ensure that they have the exact features you need than that you can live with their Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policies. While we try to ensure that their are no obvious "gotchas" only you know your exact needs. 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Easy CGI provides hosting on Windows Server 2003 servers or on Windows Server 2008 servers -- your choice. ASP.net 2.0/php4/cgi/50 mysql databases, unlimited Ms Access databases, .NET Framework 3.0, Persits AspUpload/AspEmail/AspJpeg, ServerObjects AspHTTP, Frontpage available. Uptime guarantee. Public customer forum. For More Information: http://www.cheapwebhostingreport.com/z.php?id=easycgi ========= ========= SOFTWARE GADGETS: THE COLUMN ========= Interesting Items From The Software Gadgets Blog ========= http://softwaregadgets.gridspace.net/ ========= The Software Gadgets Blog aims to present a different "software gadget" every weekday. A software gadget is a program or addon that is both interesting and useful -- and often free. This column highlights one of the programs listed recently. Many more were listed and you'll find more gadgets like these added regularly at the Software Gadgets Blog at: http://softwaregadgets.gridspace.net/ ===== ===== Pinta -- Free Paint Program for Linux, MacOS, and Windows ===== Paint.net is a nice program. It is far more powerful than programs like Windows Paint, it is easy for the average person to use (unlike programs like Photoshop), and it is free. Unfortunately, it is a Windows only program. If you work on different computers with different operating systems, it can be a pain to learn different paint programs -- especially if you only use them once in a while to create an icon or retouch an important photograph. Pinta to the rescue. Pinta is a cross-platform freeware paint program running on Windows, MacOS, and Linux. While it is not as powerful as some, it is far more powerful than the free paint programs that come with most operating systems. It is fairly easy to use, but has a good number of powerful features, including unlimited layers, full history undo (making it is to backup when you find that your multi-step "improvement" wasn't quite the improvement you expected it to be), a good number of adjustments and effects, the the basic drawing tools you expect from any good paint program. While it will never replace Photoshop, Pinta is an excellent paint program to consider if you would like to use the same program on your Windows box at home and your Mac or Linux box at work. The only drawbacks are the extra requirements for some system. Mono for OS X needs to be installed on a Mac and GTK# needs to be installed on a Windows system (along with .Net 4, but most modern Windows setups already have it). Links to both are available on the Pinta download page. Rating: 4.5 Operating System: Linux, Mac OS X, Windows License: Freeware (MIT X11 License) Price: Free Version Tested: 1.3 Web Site: http://pinta-project.com/ [08] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= SUPPORT THE CAULDRON'S SERVER WITH DONATIONS ========= As mentioned in the October 2008 newsletter, we now need over US$60 in donations every month to keep the server online. No donations, no server. No server, no message board. Well, not really "no message board" as there is always the free backup board, but the limitations of the free backup board drive staff and many members nuts. Your donations are needed to keep The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's message board up. We now have two ways you can donate. 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Donor members also receive increased space for personal messages, photographs, etc on our message board as well as the right to create more social groups. Silver and Gold Donors also are allowed slightly larger (file size) avatars. These special benefits will last for one month (or one year if you elect the annual donation option) and can be renewed by extending your subscription. You can elect to make a one time donation or to set up a Paypal subscription that will automatically renew your donation each month or year until you cancel the subscription at Paypal. You can find the "Paid Subscription" link in the "Settings" area when you are logged into the message board. Payments are made via Paypal but you do not need a Paypal account to donate (unless you wish to set up a recurring donation subscription). If you are a member of our message board, this link will take you directly to the subscription area of your account Settings (with a stop to log in if you are not already logged in): http://www.ecauldron.com/forum/payments.php [09] ========= ========= 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 over 300 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 new 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://www.ecauldron.com/forum/ ===== ===== 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.net/bnbarticleform.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.net/bnbbkreviewform.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.net/linktous.php ===== ===== 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.net/zamazon.php If you are a regular user of the US version of Amazon, you can help The Cauldron by replacing the URL of your ebay bookmark in your browser with the above link so that TC gets credit every time you visit Amazon.com. To do this in Internet Explorer or Firefox, find Amazon in your bookmark list. RIGHT click on it and select Properties from the popup menu which will appear. A dialog box describing your bookmark will appear. You'll see the standard Amazon url -- probably http://www.amazon.com/ -- in an edit box (labeled "Location" in FireFox and "URL" in IE). Erase that url completely and replace with one listed above, then click on OK. If you use Amazon UK, you can use this address http://www.ecauldron.net/zamazonuk.php If you use Amazon Canada, you can use this addess: http://www.ecauldron.net/zamazonca.php ===== ===== Pagan Supplies Purchases ===== You can now order from Meta Pot via our affiliate links and get the items you need while helping to fund TC (at no extra cost to you). You can go to this page -- Buy Pagan Supplies -- to start shopping. If you like Meta Pot, please bookmark our Buy Pagan Supplies page and use it to shop from so we get credit for your purchases. * Buy Pagan Supplies http://www.ecauldron.net/esesf.php They have a wide variety of Pagan Supplies as this list of Meta Pot item categories shows: * 3 x 6.5 Inches Pillar Candles * 7 Knob Candles * Altar Cloths * Amulets & Talismans * Anklets * Anna Riva Oils * Athames * Bags and Boxes * Bath Oils and Salts * Beeswax Candles * Blank Books, Book of Shadows * Bottles and Containers * Bowls and Chalices * Bracelets * Bumper Stickers A-G * Bumper Stickers H-M * Bumper Stickers N-Z * Candle Holders * Candle Snuffers * Cat Candles * Charmed Ritual Candles * Cloaks & Cologne * Crystal Balls and Runes * Dripless Candles * Earrings * Essential Oils * Foxcraft Oils * Gemstones * Head & Hair * Herbal Teas * Herbs and Powders * Human Figure Candles * Incense Burners * Incense Cast Iron Cauldrons & Charcoal * Incense Cone * Incense Granular * Incense Holders * Incense Powder * Incense Sticks by Others * Incense Sticks by Us * Indian Oils * Jar Candles * Mixes & Aids * Mortar And Pestle * Necklaces * Oil Diffusers, Oil Rings * Oil Essences * Original Oils * Other Candles * Other Wiccan Jewelry * Patches * Pendants * Pentagrams * Pins * Posters * Rings * Ritual Kits * Ritual Tools * Scented Votive Candles * Smoking Herbs * Smudge Sticks * Statues * Taper Candles * Tea Bags & Strainers * Unscented Votive Candles * Wands, Brooms, Mirrors * Writing Tools * Ziplock Herbal Storage Bags Remember, click on the "Buy Pagan Supplies" in the left hand menu of any The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum web page to visit Meta Pot and The Cauldron will get credit for any purchases you make. ===== ===== 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.) [10] ========= ========= 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) 2010 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.net/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 (lyricfox01@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com) or Randall Sapphire (rssapphire01@.ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com). Typos are, as usual, courtesy of the Goddess Eris.

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