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| Home > News Archive > Cauldron News Old: September 2004 | Search |
| Cauldron News Old: September 2004 |
| What is Tameran? Posted Thursday, September 30, 2004 by Randall |
I have a friend who work almost exclusively with Egyptian deities. So in my usual newbie ignorant way, I asked her if she was a Kemetic? She denied being Kemetic but said she was more like a Tameran - a sort of cross between Kemetic and Wiccan.
I've got a few links that my friend gave me and waded my way through a forum or two and a few yahoo groups, but they really haven't told me anything more than my friend. So here's the thing:
Is Tameran a well known path or a new thing that has sprung up in the last few years?
Has anybody heard of it before at all?
Is anybody here Tameran?
Would anybody care to enlighten me to what it really is rather than the bulk standard spiel I seem to be getting of it's a cross between Kemetic and Wicca, I want to know how it is a cross; is it just a case of non orthodox Kemetics practicing a more earthy form of magick rather than a ceremonial form?
| Question About the History of Recon Posted Wednesday, September 29, 2004 by Randall |
I'm trying to find out a little more about the history of reconstructionism as a practice. Currently the understanding I have is that it primarily arose in response to Wicca as it became popular and was criticized for it's lack of historical basis.
If you happen to know more or know details about the beginnings of a particular branch, please share.
| Science Fiction Based Religions? Posted Wednesday, September 29, 2004 by Randall |
I know we all talk about people that claim "Jedi" on their census every so often -- and the usual sense is that they're rather silly, or just playing, or pointing out a problem with the census or whatnot.
That said... Do you think there's ever truth in religions created for science fiction? Are these religions a sign of what we're moving to, a plot device ... a plot device that's more real than they meant it to be? Do you think any of them may someday be real?
For that matter, what do you think of things like Church of All Worlds which is based off a science fiction book? Do you think it has any legitamacy? and if so, is it because the book's religion was legit, or something else?
| Who Cast Circles in the 19th Century? Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2004 by Randall |
I'm currently researching the origin of casting magic circles. I know they originate from the grimoiries. I know Wicca borrowed elements from High Magic/grimoires when it comes to casting a circle.
However, I have a problem with this nice little linear story. Take a look at this (beautiful) picture, painted by my (favorite painter) John William Waterhouse.
It's called "The Magic Circle". It was painted in 1886.
This isn't a grimoire-type circle. The person casting the circle is a woman, not a man. She's using a wand, not a sword. She has a cauldron in the middle of the circle. She holds a sickle, and a few birds (familiars?) are walking around. No trace for High Magic/grimoire symbolism or tools. And she doesn't look like she's about to summon spirits either...
I checked Ronald Hutton and a few other sources. Cunning folk in 18th and 19th century England apparently did have access to grimoires, and to the idea of casting circles. However, there is no evidence that they ever did cast circles.
I've been busy trying to find further info all day - without much success. I was wondering if anybody can shed light on this. Who in the 19th century was casting Witch's not "High Magic" circles? Were magic circles associated with witches before the 20th century? In folklore maybe? (I checked stuff from the witch-hunts periods, and didn't find anything there).
If anybody can point me in the right direction - I'll be most grateful.
| Split Pesonalities, Split Spirits? Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2004 by Randall |
Is it possible that someone who has multiple personalities has also split their "spirit" into multiple beings?
Or... If a person is capable of developing split personalities, and be unaware of it... is it possible these personalities are various entities brought to that person during particular times of their life that just stayed with them? (like possession)
Do you believe multiple beings can share one body and it be perceived scientifically as someone who has multiple personalities?
Any suggestioned reading material on theories and studies?
| Prayer or Magick Revisited Posted Monday, September 27, 2004 by Randall |
I am pondering a variant on that old 'Gods/magick used to explain what is now explained by science' routine.
I've noticed some people who both cast spells and pray will pray when they're not sure about something or feel it is outside of their capabilities.
So I have been wondering. Those of us who are religious *and* magick users, do we use magick for what we think we can do, and 'use' (pardon the phrase) Gods to fill in the rest... Like some people may use God/s to explaint hose things in the world that they don't understand?
If you feel this is not the case, have you noticed a consistent theme that decides whether you turn to magick, or to the Gods?
BTW, I'm assuming mundane action has already been done, so please stick to magick/Gods.
| Your Religion and Your Body Posted Sunday, September 26, 2004 by Randall |
Religion is usually focused on spirituality. It has a lot to contribute to our spirits, minds, and souls. But does your religion say anything about your body? Does it have any values, or practices related to our physical existence in the world?
(Examples: does it tell you what to eat or what not to eat? Are you supposed to be in good shape? What about sex? Or grooming habits?)
| Ouija Boards Posted Sunday, September 26, 2004 by Randall |
I would like to ask if ayone has ever used a Ouija Board, and what the sensation and experience was like?
It is quite difficult for me to believe that Ouija Boards can work. I still think, that there is a trick behind it all. Then, in a recent TV show, a well known Swiss person was interviewed and, among other questions, asked if she ever assisted to such a seance. She agreed but would not give any further explanations. She only mentioned only that it was very interesting.
What do you think about Ouija boards? Do they work?
| Protection Spell for a Teenager? Posted Saturday, September 25, 2004 by Randall |
I am a single mom of a 14 year old teenage girl who seemed to change from a sweet child to a raging monster as soon as the hormones kicked in. I know I can't cast a spell to help change her course in life unless she wishes to do so and I never felt the need to cast a spell before although I've only been practicing Wicca for about 2 months. But I would like to know if casting a protection spell to keep her out of harm's way would be going against the Wiccan Rede? If not, does anyone have any suggestion on how to do this or some sort or charm bag or talisman?
| Review: Crafts for the Spirit Posted Friday, September 24, 2004 by Randall |
Crafts for the Spirit: 30 Beautiful Projects to Enhance Your Personal Journey is a beautiful book. It is a sweet addition to the library of anyone who likes to do spiritual crafts. The projects included are all designed to heighten your spiritual awareness in some way. Rituals for their use are also included.
| Review: The Closing of the Western Mind Posted Friday, September 24, 2004 by Randall |
Although very "meaty", The Closing of the Western Mind: The Rise of Faith and the Fall of Reason is a veritable wealth of information about the origins of Christianity and its impact on learning, philosophy, thought and culture. Mr. Freeman makes his points with obvious relish, taking his time, citing plenty of names and dates and anecdotal material, as well as substantial historical references. It describes the growth of how Christianity subsumed the Pagan forms of religion and changed the way we think forever.
| Pagan Children and The Bible Posted Friday, September 24, 2004 by Randall |
Should the children of Wiccan or Pagan parents read the Bible? Why or Why not?
| Would The Real High Priestess Please Stand Up? Posted Friday, September 24, 2004 by Randall |
Somebody I know online just told me they have just become a high priestess. Now I'm a bit confused/concerned about this as I know the person is solitary and has only been studying the craft for about a year, she only cast her first circle a few months ago.
So is this a title one can just give yourself? I was under the impression that to reach that level was as a result of years of training and study and normally because you belong to a coven/grove/circle and have earned the name.
If this is a title you can just give yourself, how on earth does a seeker make sure that the title is not just self imposed.
I ask because I am considering getting in touch with some local pagan groups as I feel I may benefit from some teaching. However I am now really worried that the teacher may not be any further along than me and we could end up with "the blind leading the blind". I fear that, that situation could be quite counterproductive.
| Message Board Working Again (Sept 23, 4pm CDT) Posted Thursday, September 23, 2004 by Randall |
As of 4pm Central Daylight Time, the message board seems to be working again (although some message counts are messed up) and most posts that showed up as "deleted" when made while the board was not working seem to be showing up.
The problem was caused by a disk partition on the server filling up. Bob has threatened the server with a large hammer -- err, I mean he reset the cleanup routines -- and it has started to behave again. We apologize for this down time.
| Message Board Problems: 23 Sept Aftertoon Posted Thursday, September 23, 2004 by Randall |
The message board is having some type of problem. New posts are not often appearing and "fake"(??) deleted posts are popping up all over. Our Server Admin, Bob, is looking into this and we hope we be able to figure out and correct the problem soon.
| Too Scared To Cast Spells Posted Thursday, September 23, 2004 by Randall |
Lately I have felt that I am ready to take my first steps into spell work... I've studied vigorously, purchased necessary items (mainly desired items) and I have a couple of spells I would like to try. I've even written one to help my mind not be so scrambled with webs of information and be focused in my studies.
My problem is, I'm scared. Why? Well I've thought about that...
I've always felt that interfering with the forces 'that be' could lead to mayhem. I think most of that was because I wasn't educated much. Now that I have learned more and understand more... for some reason still I can't shake the feeling of 'tampering.'
Also -- I have been down for quite a while with back issues- though feeling much better- it still intrudes on my concentration. This is another concern... what if I'm interrupted... what if my focus is off and something is misconstrued into a problem instead of a solution?
Is it just getting over all the "What if's?" Would just trying one spell change my feelings... or should I just wait until I naturally feel comfortable?
How did you guys who practice feel when you cast your first serious spell?
| Does your Religion Require Ritual Purity? Posted Thursday, September 23, 2004 by Randall |
Some religions require some type of "ritual purity" before one should participate in most rituals. These religions often have certain acts that make one impure. For example, Shinto priests who come in contact with the dead are ritually impure.
Does your religion have anything like this? If so, what types of things cause impurity and what is require to remove the impurity?
| Home Schooling Posted Wednesday, September 22, 2004 by Randall |
What do you think of home schooling for kids?
Some people say that public school is character building, but whenever I think of
kids going into school I think of all the bullying thats actually going on. I mean, 70% of calls to childline is kids being bullied. If you decide to teach your kid at home, there will be a lot of sacrifices and they probably won't mix with other children, but they also won't be having people beating them up for their hair colour, name or race.
My sister was bullied, and it made her so insecure and her self esteem was so low. She couldn't read or write, She started smoking to try and impress them, and believed them when they said she wouldn't be anything when she grew up. She was put on home schooling and now she's in a well-paid job with good friends and her old friends are all parents and are working at McDonalds.
What do you think, is home schooling a better option than public schools?
| What To Do With Acorns? Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2004 by Randall |
I'm blessed (cursed?) with three very large and very old oak trees. These trees are dropping acorns by the bushel and I just know there's bound to be some use for them besides sweeping them up and bagging them as trash.
If anyone has any ideas for their use, I'd be thrilled to hear them.
| Fitting Pagan Practices Into A "Normal" Life? Posted Tuesday, September 21, 2004 by Randall |
How do you practice within the 'confines' of your so-called normal lives? If you have a 9-5 job, how do you fit in the god/dess? How do you fit Pagan practices into the modern world?
I need help assimilating my practices into my life, so, I'm asking advice for me.
| Major Cauldron Staff Reorganization Posted Monday, September 20, 2004 by Randall |
A long time ago when we first started The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum, the plans were that Elspeth would mainly handle the message board and I would handle the technical stuff (website, etc.) and the newsletter. As the saying goes, the best laid plans of mice and men do often go astray. For various reasons, I ended being the main person behind almost every aspect of The Cauldron: the message board, the web site, the newsletter, etc., etc. When LyricFox became our third Co-Host she got over-involved as well.
LyricFox and I have tried to step back before, especially since our marriage. However, we have not had a lot of success. I especially have not had a lot of success stepping away from the message board (which takes a huge amount of my time). Therefore it is time for some drastic measures.
No, we aren't shutting down the message board, we are reorganizing staff to divide up the tasks and authority better. These changes described below are effective immediately.
The Hosts primary duties are now to set site/board/chat/etc. policy, hear final appeals from staff decisions, supervise senior staff, and handle things that no one else can (like the web site). Just as we are not involved in the day-to-day running of the chats, we will no longer be as directly involved in the running of the message boards.
The day-to-day operation of the message board is now in the hands of our new Message Board Coordinator (Star), our new Assistant Message Board Coordinator (Koi) and our message board staff (currently Chabas, Jenett, Loreley, and Sashapablo). If you have problems with a staff decision, you now need to email Star about it. Only after Star has issued a ruling may a message board problem be appealed to the Hosts.
The day-to-day operation of chats remain under the control of our Chat Coordinator (Shadow). Shadow hopes to expand our chat schedule sometime soon.
You probably will not notice much change immediately, except that there will not be nearly as many posts from me -- nothing like my current 700 or 800 posts a month, at least.
You discuss these changes or ask questions in the thread linked below.
| New Message Board Coordinator: Star Posted Monday, September 20, 2004 by Randall |
As first mentioned in the staff reorganization announcement above, Star will now be handling the day to day operations of The Cauldron's message board as our new Message Board Coordinator. You can congratulate Star on her new position (or sympathize with her) in the thread linked below:
| New Assistant Message Board Coordinator: Koi Posted Monday, September 20, 2004 by Randall |
As first mentioned in the staff reorganization announcement above, Koi will now be assisting Star in coordinating the day to day operations of The Cauldron's message board as our new Assistant Message Board Coordinator. You can congratulate Koi on her new position (or sympathize with her) in the thread linked below:
| Magick Without Resources? Posted Monday, September 20, 2004 by Randall |
I find it quite difficult to collect alot of the things I need for spells and such, is it possible to do spells just sitting on the floor meditating focusing on what you want with the appropriate type of incense burning?
| Private Religious Matters? Posted Monday, September 20, 2004 by Randall |
We all know that some religions or traditions have oathbound stuff. Their initiates don't talk about certain details, symbols, workings, etc. One of the explanations to something being oathbound, is that it's private. However, the need for privacy is not restricted to the initiates of those traditions.
Are there details about your religion that you consider private? What wouldn't you share with other people? Why? Do you think there are things that are inappropriate for public discussion? When is silence appropriate?
(I'm not asking anybody to actually share private details here, of course. I'm wondering more about general types or categories of private religious matters).
| Review: World of Myths Posted Sunday, September 19, 2004 by Randall |
This volume, co-published by the British Museum and the University of Texas Press, represents a compilation of five shorter pamphlets, each about 80 pages in length, from a successful series named The Legendary Past. The five titles to hand -- Greek, Roman, Norse, Egyptian and Celtic Myths (in that most curious order) -- have cousins in Aztec and Mayan, Chinese, Inca, Mesopotamian, Persian and Russian Myths. The originals are sold in chain bookstores and museum gift shops, by which observation I mean high-level critical scholarship is nearly absent.
| Review: Roman Religion Posted Sunday, September 19, 2004 by Randall |
This most recent volume in the Edinburgh Readings on the Ancient World series is a collection of fourteen papers spanning a century of scholarship on Roman religion from some of the most distinguished scholars. All the work presented is superlative and not only explores the stipulated theme but develops several inter-related sub-topics as well. The rather general title, Roman Religion, belies the contents and aims of the book, which might properly be titled "Theory and Practice in Roman Religion." The selections investigate the nature of Roman religion, as much as possible from a Roman point of view. Each also advances a new approach to or a significant interpretation of the source material, and even the oldest papers make salient points that are not as dated as may first seem.
| Review: Revelation Posted Sunday, September 19, 2004 by Randall |
At last, a comprehensive socio-rhetorical commentary on the entire Book of Revelation (Apocalypse of St. John)! This commentary is for serious readers only. A solid piece of scholarship on the last book of the Bible, this New Cambridge Bible Commentary (NCBC) volume is written by the general editor of the series. Commentaries in this recently established biblical series are aimed at elucidating the Scriptures for scholars as well as a wide audience. New Testament scholars will enjoy the academic rigor and scholarly perspective found in this work, while the intellectual non-specialist will appreciate the intelligent, careful exposition of the text that is mostly free of discipline-specific jargon and discussed in terms of its relevance for culture and religious and political life.
| What is a Kitchen Witch? Posted Sunday, September 19, 2004 by Randall |
The other day, someone called me a Kitchen Witch. I suppose because I like to cook for my friends when they come over for circle. But an absent friend was dismayed by that appellation. She says I'm most certainly not a Kitchen Witch, and that it has nothing to do with enjoying cooking once a month for friends.
So, my question is, what exactly is a "Kitchen Witch"?
| Religion and Political Activism Posted Sunday, September 19, 2004 by Randall |
The recent involvement of Reclaiming witches in protests at the Republican National Convention in NYC made me think about politics and religion.
Part of what made me turn away from Judaism was the constant involvement of religious leaders and clergy in political matters, and the sallying of spirituality with political agendas. On the other hand, I do sometimes feel the need to express my (new, witchy) value of self-responsibility in more public ways.
Are you involved in political activism? Do you think religion and politics can be combined? Do you feel obligated to translate religious values to political action? Do you think your God(s) want you to be politically involved?
| What Are The Fae? Posted Saturday, September 18, 2004 by Randall |
Called by many names, the Fae, Faeries, Fay, Sidhe, etc. have been experienced by many cultures across the world for several hundred years or more.
I believe they are creatures that are closely related to nature and live in a plane of existence slightly less dense then ours, but close enough so we can sometimes get a glimpse of them and if they will it, more then a glimpse.
What to you believe?
| Mythology In Your Religion? Posted Saturday, September 18, 2004 by Randall |
How much does mythology and the ancient gods play a role in your religion? How do they play this role?
| Eight New First Glance Reviews Posted Friday, September 17, 2004 by Randall |
The following new "First Glance Reviews" of books are now available:
| Beliefs and Superstitions Posted Friday, September 17, 2004 by Randall |
Something that happened last night at a holiday dinner party (Jewish New Year/Rosh Hashanah) made me think about the differences between beliefs and superstitions.
I have been instructed by the hostess not to sit at the corner of the table because I'm a single girl and it would be bad luck. The corner of the table, apparently, has the power to prevent me from finding a husband for 3 years.
My first thought was "oh what a silly superstition!" My second thought was that as a witch, who believes in all sorts of incredible things not completely based on solid facts (like magic, or the astral light, or that the gods can manifest themselves in humans) - I really have no right to laugh off the hostess' beliefs or even call them superstitions.
So, I'd love to hear thoughts about this. Where is the borderline between a belief and a superstition? Are all religious people really superstitious? What makes something a superstition? What do you think?
| Judgement and the Pagan Norm? Posted Friday, September 17, 2004 by Randall |
In another thread, it was mentioned that the current Pagan norm is to not judge anything. Do you agree--is this what is expected of us by "the Pagan community" (such as it is)? Do you believe the Gods expect it of us as well?
And of course the big question: Do you try to follow that guideline, to not judge anyone?
| Review: The Homeric Hymns Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
This stylish new Penguin Classic contains Jules Cashford's free verse translation of the Homeric Hymns and Nicholas Richardson's introduction to and notes on the hymns. The introduction contains short pieces exploring the nature and purpose of the Homeric Hymns, composition and performance, authorship and dates of composition, structure and themes, style and poetic quality, and, in a novel finale, influence, firstly in general terms and secondly in relation to the Hymn to Demeter. There follows a short conclusion, notes, hints on further reading and a one-page translator's note. Appended at the end of the book are 55 pages of explanatory notes on the Homeric Hymns.
| Review: The Female in Aristotle's Biology Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
Natural philosophers make mistakes. Descartes got the laws of inertia wrong, Kant misunderstood the primacy of Euclidian geometry, and almost everyone (except perhaps Aristarchus of Samos) prior to the discovery of the telescope mistakenly thought that the solar system was geocentric. That we find Aristotle mistaken on questions in the life sciences -- questions which required advances such as the microscope to even articulate -- should come as little surprise. There seems nothing remarkable in the fact that Aristotle mistakenly thought that the constitutive elements of the world were four (earth, wind, air, fire) or that the "organ" of thought was not the brain, but the heart.
| Review: Landscapes, Gender, and Ritual Space Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
Susan Guettel Cole's new book, Landscapes, gender, and ritual space: the ancient Greek experience, is a wide ranging investigation of how ancient Greek political communities defined themselves through the organization of space and gender. This includes the ways in which Greek poleis claimed their territories, created productive and ritual spaces within them, and invoked gender to forge and maintain spatial divisions. This is a very important book and will be especially welcome to scholars working on Greek religion, gender, drama, and the polis. It is elegantly written, copiously documented, and filled with fascinating information drawn from epigraphic sources. In a very real sense this book is in the details. The main points are meticulously documented over the course of seven chapters. For purposes of this review, I will discuss some of the highlights of each chapter, emphasizing those issues for which C. offers a new or controversial interpretation.
| Give 'Til It Hurts!? Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
To what extent does your religion tell you to give and why? And, perhaps, what as well. Are you required/requested to give money? Time? Fruits of your labor? Why are those requested and not other things? To whom are you supposed to give them? does the attitude of how you give matter?
How does one look outward generously and why? (or even, if)
| Apocalypse in Your Path? Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
Most of the "main-stream" world religions have a prophecy, story or mythos about a world-ending apocalypse (usually, of course, their faithful either survive or are transported to the appropriate paradise). Does your spiritual path have an apocalyptic mythos or prophecy? Or do you have a personal belief about the "end of times" ?
I am currently studying Asatru and they have their Ragnorok. It is fairly specific about events, but not dates. The Mayans were real specific with their calendar (supposedly the end of this creation will occur sometime between Oct 28th 2012 and Dec 31st 2012 from what I have read).
Do you have a belief in a specific date in your path? Or are there signs which will foretell the apocalypse?
| Why Act Morally? Posted Thursday, September 16, 2004 by Randall |
Most religions have some kind of moral or ethical code that states how we are to behave towards each other. I guess we've all on occasion thought life would be so much easier if we did not have to stick to that.
So why do it? Why should we all act morally, and stick to codes of behavior? Why not just go for the right of the strongest, smartest or fittest, go for whatever opportunity we see to advance ourselves, to hell with codes of ethics and other people?
| Source of Magick? Posted Monday, September 13, 2004 by Randall |
Something Isi said in the Magick Without Religion thread made me think. A poster expressed a belief that God is the source of magic (hence, magic being religious in nature -- but that's a different topic). I said that I disagreed -- and I do, I don't see deities as the source of magic -- but then I realized something.
I'm not sure where it does come from. "The Gods" doesn't feel like the right answer to me, and neither does "nature". I do feel like it just is there... But where is it? We pull energy in from somewhere, push it out to somewhere... Where? (Did that make sense?)
What do y'all think? Where does magick come from?
| Is Magick for "All"? Posted Monday, September 13, 2004 by Randall |
I'm pulling this idea from Aleister Crowley's Magick, in which he makes his statement that Magick is for all, and says "I have written this book to help the Banker, the Pugilist, the Biologist..." (it goes on for a few lines.
Do you think that Magick should be for everyone? Do you think it shouldn't? Or think that it should be, given certain circumstances? If so, what circumstances?
| Magick Without Religion? Posted Sunday, September 12, 2004 by Randall |
I have noticed a trend in the world of magic that it is just about impossible to find resources regarding magic that do not require religious worship of some kind. I have no desire to dedicate myself to a religious path in order to learn about the magic system, but people are reluctant to part with any information without oaths of dedication. Also, I have noticed a startling lack of information regarding spells that are not religious in nature. It is extremely frustrating, as I am a spiritual person, but not a religious one. I would be most appreciative if anyone here could recommend some resources to help me furthur along in my path.
| Historical Pet Peeves Posted Sunday, September 12, 2004 by Randall |
I'm currently working on a history project and since it touches upon one of my mis-historical pet peeves, I'm now curious as to what you all might have for yours (if you have them.)
Is there a bit of commonly stated misinformation that just really bothers you? What is it? Do you know why?
| We Still Remember Posted Saturday, September 11, 2004 by Randall |
We still remember that horrible day. We still mourn that day, but we also mourn all of those who have lost their lives in the wars (both necessary and unnecessary) since and in all the other pointless and cowardly acts of terrorism committed around the world.
| Is Ceremonial Magic More Effective? Posted Thursday, September 09, 2004 by Randall |
I've always preferred the simple and inexpensive approach to my magick and spells. I know a Ceremonial Magician that is completely opposite, he always uses intricate symbols drawn to perfect scale and recites verses in other languages with the perfect fluctuation. He does certain spells only on certain days. I understand why he does most of it, certain times and days have power that help with certain rituals. But is his intricate detailed spell that takes him a month to plan out more effective then mine that I set up with some candles and incense in 20 minutes?
Yes, he probably has more energy directed in his spell. But is it always needed? Is Ceremonial Magic always more effective?
| And After Death, What? Posted Wednesday, September 08, 2004 by Randall |
What do you believe happens after death? Why?
Do you think we believe in afterlives because they exist, or because we fear nonexistance/being shredded back into our individual parts?
Do you worry sometimes about what happens if you're wrong?
| Loving Oneself? Posted Wednesday, September 08, 2004 by Randall |
I'm talking about ... well, self-esteem, but deserved self esteem. How do we love ourselves, accept ourselves for who we are? DO you love yourself? Do you think you should?
How does a sense of self-love play into your religious choices?
| Most Unusual Spell Component? Posted Tuesday, September 07, 2004 by Randall |
I'm sure we've all seen tons and tons of spells using mirrors, thread (or other fiber), candles, oil, herbs, etc. However, not all spell components are so standard. What's the most unusual thing you've ever used in a spell? (If you feel you can, it would be nice if you could share how you used it and why you chose it, as well.)
| How the Gods Manifest Themselves? Posted Tuesday, September 07, 2004 by Randall |
Lately, it seems I have been questioning the way I see the Goddess. I can't figure out if She is wanting me to know Her true manifestation and I have been visualizing her in the wrong way. So here are two questions that tie in:
1. Are there ways I'm not supposed to picture Her? I can't figure out if I'm actually being disrespectful or it's just the Protestant remnant in my brain, and if so..
2. How might I go about making sure I am seeing Her the way She should appear to me (that is, if I am seeing Her wrong), perhaps also how I should see the God and Other miscellaneous company?
| Speeding Spell Completion? Posted Monday, September 06, 2004 by Randall |
I have been working on a spell and while it is working perfectly, it is working at a snails pace and in baby steps toward the final outcome. Any ideas on how to nudge a spell to finally finish and complete the project?
| Major Update for Our Books & Reviews Section Posted Monday, September 06, 2004 by Randall |
The Books & Reviews section of The Cauldron's web site has received a major update with some streamlining and new functionality! When I added the new Academic Reviews section yesterday, LyricFox noticed that the main Books & Reviews page had gotten huge with over 200 links to reviews. This sparked the revision:
Changes and New Features:
There are probably some other minor changes I have forgotten
about, but these are the major changes.
| Saging/Elder Rituals? Posted Sunday, September 05, 2004 by Randall |
I have recently run across quite a lot of information about women's Croning ceremonies. I was wondering whether anyone could direct me to a source for a similar Elder ritual for men, which I understand is called Saging.
Perhaps I missed it, but I searched this forum and found no references, and I couldn't locate much on the internet, other than brief remarks and definitions. The one ritual I did find was completely oriented towards coven use, and not really suitable for a solitary (like me). Anyone have any sources or experience?
| September Cauldron and Candle Available Posted Saturday, September 04, 2004 by Randall |
The September 2004 issue of our Cauldron and Candle newsletter has been emailed to subscribers (over 1550 of them) and is now available on our web site. This issue features the usual forum news and reviews as well as a number of interesting articles.
If you don't subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, you can read the archive copy of this issue at the link below.
| Casting a Circle? Posted Friday, September 03, 2004 by Randall |
A lot of information I read, admittedly fairly Wiccan based, lay heavy importance on casting a circle. Whilst I understand the need to shield/protect your self, is a circle really necessary? Why not a triangle, Square, hexagram etc?
Is any symbol really necessary? What about just asking for protection from the deity or deities? What about making oils/incense whilst visualizing intent and using them?
I would be really interested in how others do it; as much as anything whilst I like a lot of the Wiccan concepts, the mere idea of it makes me feel like a prize idiot and I keep baulking. This means that I am reading a lot but the practical experience is lacking and I feel that it is time to take a step beyond basic meditation and visualisation techniques (my cubes, spheres etc. are now looking A1 and I'm getting a dab had at visualising situations persons etc.) but will not take this step until I know I can protect myself from negative energies.
| Good Simple Remedies Posted Friday, September 03, 2004 by Randall |
I was wondering if anyone has any good, simple remedies for common ailments such as colds, coughs, headaches, lethargy, muscle aches, stomach aches and so on. I'm unable to find a decent book on this within the UK (at least, one that I can pick up and flick through before I buy it) and thought perhaps people here may have tried and tested methods they could share!
Recently I suffered from an unexplained stomach ache and headache that didn't go for a couple of days. That's not enough time to get an appointment with the doctor (who wouldn't prescribe anything anyway, probably) and with nothing in the cupboard to help I just had to drink a few cups of tea and deal with it. That's what got me thinking about quick remedies that might help for slight, short-term ailments such as this.
| Finding Your Totems? Posted Thursday, September 02, 2004 by Randall |
A couple people in the "Repelling Spiders?" thread have mentioned learning that the spider was one of their totems. For all those who have found their totems, how did you do it? How would someone learn what their totems are?
| Do Animals Have Souls? Posted Thursday, September 02, 2004 by Randall |
There are representitives from many differents faiths here, and so I wanted to ask a question. My question is this; Does your faith regard animals as having souls, and if so and if you are part of a reconstructionalist faith, how does this concept fit in with ritual sacrifice?
| Member Weblogs Page Updated Posted Thursday, September 02, 2004 by Randall |
We have updated the Member Weblogs page of The Cauldron's web site with a new format. Modern browsers will show each member's weblog as a tab, making it easy to switch between weblogs. We also have some new member weblogs linked to this page.
| What Do You Call Your Sacred Space? Posted Wednesday, September 01, 2004 by Randall |
Just out of curiosity, I was wondering what people call their "sacred space". Whether it be an actual room set aside for your work or some other space. Up until the last two years, I've always had a separate room for mine, and I've called it by various names, "sacred space", "ritual room", "sanctuary", etc. So I'm just interested to know what you all call yours.
| Moments of Realization Posted Wednesday, September 01, 2004 by Randall |
There are moments in your life when you believe in something you previously only went through the motions of believing. These moments are not big. They are do not announce themselves with trumpets or bells; they come silently but do not leave, except to leave you changed. The change itself is a small thing, but it twists it's ivy into the limbs of your life and slowly brings you closer to it. Funny, that.
When was the first moment that you knew that the path you had chosen was the right one for you? That it was where you were meant to be heading?
| News and Opinion Section Updated Posted Wednesday, September 01, 2004 by Randall |
We have updated the news and opinion section of The Cauldron's web site with many new news sources from around the world and many new columists. The format of this section has also been improved with modern browsers showing our news sources as tabs. Give it a try, we think you will like it.