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| Home > News Archive > Cauldron News Old: March 2005 | Search |
| Cauldron News Old: March 2005 |
| Those Troublesome Monks Posted Thursday, March 31, 2005 by Randall |
I'm wondering if any Recons run into the suspicions that Christian Monks fiddled with your primary source materials from other Recons or from the academic sources you consult?
I have to admit I've never really seen it come up with the Greek Recons, but it seems I run into it pretty frequently from people who follow the Celts or who use Llewellyn books as their only source.
| Spending Money On Your Religion? Posted Thursday, March 31, 2005 by Randall |
What does your path say about spending money in regards to your religion/religious practices?
I mean we all know that the $900 'mystickalle' wand with the 9 carat diamond on the end isn't going to magically make you a witch(or whatever) but there are certainly some things that I've spent some serious money on for my practice.
Now these expenditures, for me at least, aren't required but they are things that I see as signs of respect for my deities that I am happy to scrimp and save to give in honor of them. I'm a firm believer of never buying anything for practice that I will be unhappy about the amount of money I have spent(I feel it lends a negative energy to the item if you resent it's cost.) But on the other hand I think that, when you can afford it, getting beautiful and sometimes expensive things with which to use in worship/ritual/whatever is a sign of respect.
That doesn't mean, of course, that if Witch A could only afford to spend $50 on her tools and Witch B could afford $150 on her tools that Witch B is a better witch or is showing more respect. 'From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs' right? I guess it's like donating. If someone who is poor donates $100 to a cause and someone who is rich donates $100 to a cause - well who donated more.
I mean I know it's not required, I don't think money or the expense of something is the end all be all... but on the other hand, I think there is an amount of respect tied in with the amount you are willing to spend in reference to the amount you can spend for your worship.
Does that make any sense? What does everyone else think?
| Magical and Ritual Tools? Posted Thursday, March 31, 2005 by Randall |
I have some questions about magical and ritual tools (and thank you to everyone who's been so patient in answering all my questions!).
What sort of tools do you use most in your spells and rituals, and which ones would you recommend for essential basics for a beginner like me?
I notice that many rituals, altars and circles call for lit candles to represent the Goddess and God. In my dorm we're not allowed to light candles in our rooms. Is it okay to just have unlit candles, or is there some other substitute that might be more appropriate?
Finally, are there any online stores or mail-order catalogs with reasonably priced magical tools and materials?
| Goal of Your Religious Path? Posted Saturday, March 26, 2005 by Randall |
What is the ultimate goal of your religious path? If you don't necessary consider yourself "religious" is there a universal goal, like for the good of the universe type stuff, or is it simply for the good of self improvement?
I am considering creating a written record of what I do and feel. I know my goals have changed over the years, and I no longer believe as I use to. So I really am curious of what your current views are, not what they use to be or what they changed from.
| Indoors or Outdoors? Posted Saturday, March 26, 2005 by Randall |
Do you perform your rituals indoors or outdoors or both? Which do you prefer, and why? And most importantly, does the content/outline of the ritual change if you do it outdoors instead of indoors or vice versa?
I'm asking because last night's Full Moon was my first outdoors ritual in a long while (for obvious weather reasons). The sensations I got were all different, the things I wanted to do, and say, and chant, and pray for, were all different, so I've been wondering.
| Healing Animals? Posted Friday, March 25, 2005 by Randall |
I was wondering if anyone new some types of spells useful for wounded animals. You see, I live in north Florida, USA, and last night we were pelted with hail the likes of which I have never experienced. Walking about today, surveying the damage, I found a small sparrow who was apparently struck and wounded in the storm. He could still fly, and I suppose he didn't need any help from me. Nevertheless, I still made a prayer in my own way for the little creature, and offered it.
This started me to think though, that it would be nice to be able to heal or at least ease the pain of creatures wounded in the wild. As a child I heard many stories about druids, wizards, and thaumaturges loosening deer locked in hedges, healing birds, and such things like that. Any help you have would be appreciated.
| Shamanism? Posted Friday, March 25, 2005 by Randall |
I've been encouraged to think about what particular path of Paganism interests me, and one is definitely shamanism. Are there any shamans on this site, and would you happen to know of any good resources on shaman theory/practices for a novice like me? Online resources would be best since my budget is strained, but if it's something I could find in my local library that'd be great too.
| Dealing With Non-Standard Seasons? Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2005 by Randall |
Do any of you live where there's a wet season instead of winter? How do you think about and celebrate the seasons where you are?
In particular, for those of you who started out as Wiccans celebrating the standard 8 sabbats, have you adjusted them for your seasons, or have you adopted seasonal celebrations and myths from more similar climates? Or if you haven't adjusted them because you still feel like they work for you, can you say something about that, too?
| Meditation Before Practicing? Posted Tuesday, March 22, 2005 by Randall |
At 21, I feel I still have a lot of the "angst" and anger from my teenage years. Luckily I'm not as intolerable. LOL! But in seriousness, I feel it would better for me to just study and meditate for a good 6 months to a year before I actually begin practicing. I want to rid myself of my hangups, insecurities, misinformation, and negative thought patterns before I embark on such a religious journey.
Has anyone else gone this route? How often did you meditate? Did you chant mantras or simply use creative visualization and controlled breathing (or maybe a combo of both)? Do you feel this effected your outlook towards how you practiced? Do you think studying and taking notes a good year before actually performing a ritual is a good way to go?
| Seichi's Article on Witchvox Posted Monday, March 21, 2005 by Randall |
One of our members, Seichi (SEICHIMAT), has an article on The Witches' Voice this week: "Mommy Magic: Living Magically, Not Just Momentarily." Go read it!
| Thrifty Witches? Posted Sunday, March 20, 2005 by Randall |
I am often amazed at what some folks will get rid of these days, and even more amazed at how much of it ends up in our local op-shops.
I recently picked up a small brass dish that has a primitive stag hunt stamped into it...for .50 cents!! It's going to look amazing on my altar when I get one, hmmmm, methinks I see another trip to the op-shop in my future!
I was curious, what is your best/most amazing op-shop find?
| Are All Gods Equal? Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005 by Randall |
It seems it is the Judeo-Christian concensus that YHVH is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful. While I may have serious doubts to this resume of divine power, I also wonder... I have never heard any mythological or otherwise claims that any pagan gods are omnipresent, omnicient, (and the all-loving aspect has recently been discussed on this board). Are some Gods more powerful than others, or is it just a matter of different abilities that can't be compared to one another? Surely there can be comparison between similar Gods in different cultures, but some cultures' myths describe their Gods with more or less power than others, some Gods being almost human in many ways. What do you think?
| Fairy Tales Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2005 by Randall |
First question, how do you personally use fairy tales and folklore? Do you find important messages in Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty? Do you apply it to personal development in a semi-Jungian way, guidelines for interacting with other realms, or both? Or other?
Second question: For those who use it as rough archetypical guides for other realm interaction (thinking in terms of the way presented in RJ Stewart type books) as most of the fairy tales are working with male protagonists, and modern authors attempting to present examples of how this applies to practice tend to focus on the male roles, how (if female) have you adapted this to yourself? Do you find that there are gender/sex role differences important in faerie work, or can you just swap out pronouns (he/she) and run with it, or has it been a mix of both? Similarly, most of them are presented in heterosexual terms... any homosexual/bi individuals able to address how this has affected their practice (similar questions as for women.)
For the Jungian/spiritual development types, question three: how do you treat the active and passive roles? Do you tend to work with the hero, or have you found important lessons and messages in the more passive roles? For example, how do you work Sleeping Beauty versus Prince Charming? Do you work different portions of yourself, one acting, one receiving?
Final question (for now): What is a favorite fairy tale, and what are some of the more esoteric meanings/inspirations/experiences you've derived from it?
| Casting a Circle Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2005 by Randall |
Many of you have permanent altars at home, some have it on their hearths, others on their book shelves etc., places which can't be moved.
My question is what do you do while casting a circle? Do you move the altar to a place where you can cast a circle around it, or do you allow your circle to pass through walls.
I live in a small apartment and it is very hard for me to cast a big circle. So is it ok if my circle passes through walls. Is it ok if people unknowingly pass through the circle?
For about three years now, I have been working in very small and congested circles. I would love to celebrate the spring equinox in a bigger one.
| Your Spring Equinox Plans? Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2005 by Randall |
Does your religion have a holiday related to the Spring Equinox, Spring or just happens around this wonderful time of the year? What are you going to do for the holiday? Any special plans?
| Who Inspires You? Posted Sunday, March 13, 2005 by Randall |
Is there a person (or more than one person) that inspires you? Someone who drives you to be a better human, invokes your creativity, challenges you? What is it about him/her/them that is special? Share with us!
| Homemaking Posted Sunday, March 13, 2005 by Randall |
What does homemaking mean to you? Who is the primary homemaker in your home, or is it a shared task? What is the purpose of homemaking, and what constitutes "good" homemaking?
If you are a homemaker, what constitute your favorite and least-favorite parts of it? What changes do you see from your parents' or grandparents' time to yours in homemaking?
Does homemaking have any religious component for you? Do you feel homemaking-related stress or pressure? Do you enjoy it?
| Source of Your Correspondences? Posted Saturday, March 12, 2005 by Randall |
For those of you who practice magic -- Where do your correspondences, associations and symbols come from? Do you use a fixed set of symbols, or do you free form every time you cast a spell or do a ritual? Do you use associations related to only one culture or tradition, or do you borrow from multiple sources?
| Support During Mourning? Posted Saturday, March 12, 2005 by Randall |
When my father died (almost 9 years ago), people brought food. A lot of food. I remember our kitchen jam packed with pastries, cooked food, home-made cakes, soft drinks, fruits, veggies. Back then, it seemed weird to me. Someone's dead, how can anybody think of eating? It took me a while to realize that bringing food was their way to show support.
I'm wondering - do you know any good or useful ways to support people who mourn over a loved one? (Besides offering sympathies, obviously). I am often told "just be there for them", but what does "being there for them" mean in this situation?
| Blind Obedience? Posted Friday, March 11, 2005 by Randall |
Someone once said that religion, in particular Abrahamic religions, demand blind obedience. meaning that whatever you do, it must be what God wants, even if it doesn't make sense to you or goes against human reason. His is the last word, and it doesn't matter what you think or feel because you serve him, not yourself. No questioning, just follow.
Do you agree? Do you think all religions ask this of people?
| Review: Women Who Run With The Wolves Posted Thursday, March 10, 2005 by Randall |
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes Ph.D. is a collection of teaching tales from many cultures, not limited to the United States, Russia, Mexico, Siberia and Iceland. The stories are multi cultural, and many are familiar favorites told with a new spin. "Bluebeard", "Vassilissa The Wise", "The Red Shoes", "The Handless Maiden" and "The Little Match Girl", will be recognized and are expanded upon with a few lesser known stories such as "The Crescent Moon Bear" and "Sealskin Soulskin". Each story is broken down into its symbolisms and lessons and how they relate to the evolving psyche of women.
| Review: The Virtual Pagan Posted Thursday, March 10, 2005 by Randall |
The Virtual Pagan, by Lisa McSherry in spite of the titling is a fairly decent reference for anyone looking to begin exploring and discussing paganism via the Internet. The attempts at explaining computer basics are a bit outdated and geared towards a user with little to no experience. It applies mostly to yahoo users, or ez-boards, touching briefly on newsgroups but if you can hang on through the remedial computer lessons (or skip them!) And move on into the chapters on netiquette, it is well worth it for its discussion of some of the most common mistakes and misunderstandings that can happen when you begin to network on the world wide web.
| When is it Blasphemy? Posted Wednesday, March 09, 2005 by Randall |
One board I visited for several months didn't really like to discuss religious issues or questions at all. Usually someone got snarky and accused the other of blasphemy to their god or goddess or something.
Which brings up a question I could not get anything but an emotive answer to there: Is it possible to blaspheme something you personally do not hold holy? I know I am likely getting this phrased wrong, but just for instance, every time pagans discuss Christ, and say they don't believe in him...or don't worship him, is that blasphemy? Is it blasphemy to recite some mythology which a believer of that particular pantheon believes is an inaccurate version? I find this a difficult concept; maybe its the cynic in me, but it seems this would lead to a complete inability to talk about anything verging on religion. Help!!
| Gender Expectations and Your Religion Posted Tuesday, March 08, 2005 by Randall |
Being on the dating scene allows me to talk to many different guys. So this guy struck a converstaion with me and not before long I found out that he has two kids. He asked me if I liked kids. I told him, "not really." He thought that was harsh and it seemed as though I had insulted him. Makes you wonder why he even asked. It is as though because I am female and of course my biological clock must be ticking, I should be really maternal and love kids -- all kids.
This recent conversation got me thinking. All these gender expectations, how do they play a role into your faith and ultimately into your life? Do they even have a role? Are they just stereotypes and misconceptions as far as you and/or your deities are concerned?
| When Deities Speak to You Posted Monday, March 07, 2005 by Randall |
I would like to learn about what people mean when they say a deity or deities "speak" to them. Does this happen to you while meditating, while sleeping, while going through your daily routines?
Do you do anything to facilitate this communication?
And, do some of you never have these kinds of experiences at all?
| Pagan Teens and You Posted Monday, March 07, 2005 by Randall |
Being not quite 17, there's a personal side to this thread, of course. It just seems to me that there is an itty-bitty patronizing element in the way teenagers are treated, especially by 101 authors, but also by older Pagans in general.
Sure, I can't say that it's not deserved a few times (sometimes...quite a bit of the time...most of the time), but there are teenagers with a more mature approach to Paganism (whom I can't name right now, but as soon as I find one I'll let you know). So, without further rambling...
1. How do you view Pagan teenagers?
2. Does your tradition have any specific way of dealing with Pagan youths?
3. Do you think there's a difference between teens attracted to a Pagan path and teens born into Paganism?
4. If you are working or worshiping in a group, what percentage are teenagers?
I'd enjoy (or at least hope I'd enjoy) reading your responses.
| Ritual to Celebrate Change Posted Saturday, March 05, 2005 by Randall |
This is a ritual that could be attended by friends and family of both sexes, female only, or performed solitary. It is a celebration of becoming a woman and taking the steps towards the independence and responsibility of adulthood. It can be performed as a first blood ritual, upon attaining a drivers license, or even a high school graduation. It is all dependant upon the desire of the young woman /and/or her family. It can be adapted and performed for additional rites of passage as well.
| All This "Fluffy Bunny" Stuff? Posted Saturday, March 05, 2005 by Randall |
I was just curious why some people feel the need too identify others as "fluffy bunnies", it seems very adolescent too me , like being in high school and accusing one of your peers as being a "poser" because they are not quite on the same social or intellectual level as you.
Now, I do understand some of the ramifications of an author who publishes false info, i.e. someone may pick up the book and read it without realizing not everything in the book is based on historical fact or the author, for whatever reason decided to publish a bunch of made up nonsense, and now this someone has some wrong ideas about Paganism. BUT, who is too say that some of these so called "fluffy bunnies" won't go on too discover the real truth and beauty of Paganism, maybe at this time on their journey the watered down version is all they are capable of learning at the moment.
Besides I bet there are a lot of us out there that started out as "fluffy bunnies" but are too proud to admit it. I mean everyone has to start somewhere, many of us (Pagans) were not born into this we had too search for the knowledge ourselves and if, in our search we encounter a few "fluffy bunnies" along the way than so be it! I say live and let live! I don't consider it my place too judge others and what they believe.
Lighten up! Why waste the time and energy on authors like Silver Ravenwolf, if you don't agree with what she writes about don't read her books, spend that same time and energy on authors that you do agree with!
| Dark Dieties? Posted Friday, March 04, 2005 by Randall |
We all heard about dark gods and goddesses, but what exactly makes a diety 'dark?' Is it a connection to death or the afterlife? Is it that they are sometimes refered to as 'evil?' Do you follow/ worship/ work with any deities that fit into this catagory? Or are there any dark dieties in the pantheon you are drawn to?
| Most Useful Exercises Posted Thursday, March 03, 2005 by Randall |
Doing exercises--whether out of a book, assigned by a teacher, or "other" -- can be a good way to build up your magical skills. What sort of exercises have you found useful? If possible, I think it would be great if people could share one or two of the best exercises they've done in this thread. (Or at least give a brief description and let us know where we can find more information.)