[Cauldron and Candle Illo]

Cauldron and Candle
Issue #26 -- August 2002

A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum
website: http://www.ecauldron.com/
message board: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start

With a little help from The Witches' Thicket
website: http://www.witchesthicket.com/
message board: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start


Return to Cauldron and Candle Archive

C A U L D R O N   A N D   C A N D L E  #26 -- August 2002

           A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum
                website: http://www.ecauldron.com/
  delphi forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start
             newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/

            With a little help from A Witches' Thicket
              website: http://www.witchesthicket.com/
    delphi forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/thicket/start

In this Issue:

[01] Editorial: That Damn P-Word
[02] Cauldron and Thicket News
[03] Poem: Fiery Muse
[04] Article: The Tree Readers
[05] Review: Charting Your Spiritual Path With Astrology
[06] Review: Teen Witch Kit
[07] Review: Inside A Witches' Coven
[08] Review: 2003 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac
[09] Review: Tarot of the Master
[10] Article: Tips for Lucid Dreaming
[11] Article: How to Find a Coven or Group
[12] Dragon Clan Witchcraft Course: July Lesson Index
[13] Humor: Southern Astrological Signs
[14] Support The Cauldron by Volunteering to Help
[15] Newsletter Information
              (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe)

  +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: August 25, 2002 +++
    Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php

[01]
=========
========= EDITORIAL: THAT DAMN P-WORD
========= by Sannion
=========

I am a Pagan, but I really don't like that word very much. I find
it difficult to define and too easily mistaken for things that I
do not believe.

According to the dictionary definitions, a Pagan is a member of
one of the non-Abrahamic faiths, that is to say, they are not
Jewish, Christian, or Muslim. The word itself comes from the
Latin paganus or pagus, meaning either a "rustic" or a
"civilian", someone who was not enrolled in the Army of God. When
Christianity grew up in the metropolitan and urban centers, those
who held to the older, rooted faith of the countryside were
called "pagans".

Now, this definition is not without its faults. Christianity had
actually spread throughout the countryside by the time the word
came into use, and it was first employed against those who
believed in the city Gods or the Olympians, and who practiced
Philosophy, primarily of the Neoplatonic variety. These people
were almost entirely to be found in the cities, and had very
little in common with the rustic or country worship of the
traditional Roman pagus. Further, I am not comfortable defining
myself by something that I am not. For instance, I would not go
up to a stranger and say, "Hello, my name is Sannion. I'm not a
rapist, murderer, or child molester. How are you?" And yet, that
is essentially what we do when we accept that definition.

Further, this meaning of Pagan tells us nothing about the beliefs
of the person. Atheistic Jains, world-denying Buddhists, nature
mystics, African tribesman, and Wiccans are all "Pagans" -- yet
you could not get a more diverse group of people, with wildly
different approaches to nature, tradition, ritual, theology,
ethics, and hierarchy.

If, as some people have suggested, Pagan only applies to the
pre-Christian religions of Western Europe, and those religions
that have developed from them, both in Europe and in America,
Australia, and other parts of the world -- you are no closer to
gaining a consensus. You still have Druidry, Asatru, Anglo-Saxon
Heathenry, Celtic and Hellenic reconstructionism,
Goddess-worship, Shamanism, Satanism, Theosophy, Ceremonial
Magick, Thelema, New Age philosophies and perhaps the most
wide-spread of the Pagan religions, Wicca. Within Wicca there are
numerous traditions: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Seax, Stregha,
American Eclectic, Dianic, and traditional non-Wiccan Witchcraft.
What could these groups possibly have in common -- besides their
being Pagan?

If we narrow the term further, we risk excluding a great number
of those faiths. Some have suggested that Paganism is a nature
religion, that it values a balance between the masculine and
feminine, and that it's purpose is to achieve a connection with
the natural rhythms of the earth. This definition applies very
well to Wicca and those faiths most closely related to it. But
you will not always find this approach in the ancient Pagan
religions, nor in those religions that seek to reconnect with
ancient tradition. Nature was as likely to be viewed with fear
and hostility as with reverence and awe. Nature included such
things as wild animals, violent storms, and sudden droughts. It
is easy to romanticize nature form our safe, warm homes -- it's
quite another thing when one is in the midst of it. This is why
the Indo-European myth of the conquering of the serpent-dragon or
the overthrowing of the elder Gods -- both closely associated
with the uncanny aspects of Nature -- were so popular. And while
female deities were unquestionably present in the pantheons of
the world - and often with places of great importance -- there
was never a universal belief in a single Great Mother Goddess,
nor is there anything to the myth of a widespread matriarchy. The
treatment of women in the ancient world is both unfortunate and
undesirable, and it is certainly one aspect of their culture that
can remain a thing of the past. But it benefits no one to pretend
that it didn't happen, to mistake revisionist history and
mythology for reality.

So if this definition of Pagan is too precise, and the other is
too general -- what is an acceptable definition? I haven't found
one yet that I like. So why, then, do I continue using it? It is
a very colorful word, full of many meanings, some of which
describe my beliefs, and others I can look fondly upon, even if
they do not. Pagan also suggests connection to me -- connection
to the land, to the ancients, and to all of the other Pagan
religions that are out there. We may not have the same beliefs,
but our beliefs are related, and that makes us friends, allies,
cousins if you will. My attempts at uncovering an acceptable
definition for the word are like boyhood wrestling matches, some
of which I won, others I did not -- but all remembered fondly in
the twilight of my years. It's a word that I have invested with a
lot of emotional energy, and so I continue to use it -- even if I
have to modify it with a number of other words, such as
Reconstructionist, Hellenic, Polytheist, Non-Wiccan, etc. But
it's still, and will always be, that damn P-word!

Copyright (c) 2001 by Sannion. Reprinted with permission.

=====
===== About Sannion
=====

Sannion is a Hellenic Reconstructionist who writes some
thought-provoking "rants" on Pagan issues. Sannion has kindly
allowed us to reprint some of these rants as editorials. You can
find more of Sannion's writings at Sannion's Sanctuary:

  http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/sannion/


       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                      SEND A PAGAN POSTCARD

       You can send a Pagan Postcard from the menu of any
       of our web pages at http://www.ecauldron.com/. If
       you haven't tried our postcard site, give it a
       try. It has quite a few nice features.
       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


[02]
=========
========= CAULDRON AND THICKET NEWS
========= by Cauldron and Thicket Staff
=========

=====
===== A Witches' Thicket Hits 100,000 Messages
=====

A Witches' Thicket's Delphi message board message counter hit
100,000 messages in July. That's a lot of messages!
Congratulations to The Thicket's members and staff.

=====
===== A Witches Thicket Gets Own Domain
=====

A Witches Thicket now has its own domain name for its web site:
http://www.witchesthicket.com/. Soraya will be moving pages over
to the new site as her schedule allows.

=====
===== The Cauldron Message Board Sets Another Record in July
=====

4735 messages were posted to The Cauldron's Delphi message board
in July 2002, surpassing the record set just last month by over
150 posts. Thanks to everyone who participates in The Cauldron's
Delphi message board.

=====
===== Cauldron Delphi Forum Top Poster -- July 2002
=====

The top poster on The Cauldron's Delphi Forum message board for
July 2002 was Seasons (SEASONS4). The Runner Up was Star
(STARCR). This looks a lot like June, but there were several
members hot on their heels: Jax (LSALICYN), Iym (IYMLAD), Loki
(IKOL) and HEARTSHADOW. (Cauldron staff members are ineligible
for this honor and so aren't listed.)

=====
===== New Cauldron Web Polls
=====

Here are our latest Cauldron Web Polls:

=== July 16th Poll:

Question: Should the Bible be studied in US Public schools?

Possible Answers:

  * Yes, even if religion is taught with it
  * Yes, but only as literature
  * Maybe, if it can be studied without imposing the majority
    religion
  * No, it can't be separated from religion in the US
  * Other
  * No Opinion
  * Not in the US and don't care

Vote at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cldpoll45.php

=== Current (August 1st) Poll:

Question: Which pantheon do the Gods you worship come from?

Possible Answers:

  * African
  * Celtic
  * Eygptian
  * Greek
  * Mesopotamian
  * Native American
  * Roman
  * Slavonic
  * Teutonic/Norse
  * Western Monotheistic
  * Wiccan (Lord/Lady)
  * Other/Not Listed
  * None

Our current polls will now appear on our main page in the narrow
right column:

  http://www.ecauldron.com/

=====
===== Ecauldron Mailing List To Close
=====

You may have noticed that The Cauldron's mailing list is no
longer listed in the masthead. Although it is currently still
open, usage has dropped over 95% since problems with Yahoo Groups
started in April 2002.

Given the problems with Yahoo Groups and the rapid growth of our
reopened message board during the last few months, The Cauldron
has decided to drop support for the mailing list. The ecauldron
mailing list will remain open for the time being (mainly for
announcements that it will be closing). It will be shut down
soon, probably in September.

The Cauldron's Delphi Message Board:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start


       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 CAULDRON AND CANDLE WEB SITE

        The Cauldron and Candle now has its own web site
        where we store our back issues for easy reading.

                 http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/
       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


[03]
=========
========= FIERY MUSE
========= A Poem by Elspeth Sapphire
=========

The dark fire pelts me
Like dirty snow in the rain
And tho' I don't enjoy it
The fire surrounds my brain.

I hear two voices calling at once
Telling me opposite ways to go.
I stand quiet in the middle
With only my poems to show.

Empty words on a filled sheet
That's all of the fire that remains.
Then the voices silently depart
And I'm left almost sane.


[04]
=========
========= ARTICLE: THE TREE READERS
========= by Bryanny FairRaven
=========

There is an ancient phenomenon which has an ancient name as well.
It is something we are all familiar with and most likely never
knew its name.

This phenomenon has a name: Simulacra. It is a word that comes
from the Latin meaning, "to simulate" or "to resemble".

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines the word as an "image or
representation; an insubstantial form or semblance of something".

Simulacra is the object seen or appearing to resemble something
else entirely. And often this resemblance or association is
connected to a paranormal or divine origin.

But don't confuse this with the artistic forms of "trompe
d'oeil", which literally means "fool the eye" and is the
deliberate attempt to confuse the mind into seeing something that
may be there or not. This is an art form made popular by the
French Surrealistic painters and later championed by Abstract
Illusionists.

Trompe d'oeil is not simulacra, although I know artists that
debate this point by convincingly arguing that any form of
creation, of which art is an undisputed part, is divinely
inspired. I prefer to let the philosophers argue the fine points
of this issue.

Simulacra is found everywhere you look. It is in the shape of the
clouds in a clear blue sky. It is in the gentle lapping sounds
and ripples of an ocean wave. It is the jagged silhouettes
mountain crags form against a backdrop of a dark red horizon.

Simulacra just won't come to you. You must seek it, sincerely
search for it and when your spirit is open to the experience, it
will open itself to you. And once this occurs, your way of
looking at the world will be forever changed.

=====
===== The Trees
=====

I love trees. I enjoy sitting under them; breathing in their
scents; feeling the rough texture of bark.

Their language is slow and deliberate. They speak in images and
colors. And if we look very closely, we will see that they speak
to us with with their bodies. Extending upward, looking for the
golden, life-giving sun, they propel their limbs ever higher.
Deeply, they reach into the moist brown earth, as they stand
rooted to the place where they first sprouted. Ever vigilant, but
not silent, they reveal to us secrets, answer questions and
delight in the company of their human and animal friends.

The trees have never stopped talking to us. It is we who have
forgotten to listen.

=====
===== The Trees and the Runes
=====

Any serious student of the Runes will tell you that there is a
deep connection between these and nature. Indeed, the very word
"rune" means "secret". They were Odin's gift as he hung on the
sacred tree, Yggdrasil. Thus, quite literally, the runes are the
secret gifts of the trees. Rune were developed with the implied
knowledge that they represent the natural world, of which we are
a part.

Look at the runic sigils and symbols. Open your mind and your
spirit. What do they remind you of?

=====
===== The Tree Readers
=====

I am sure that the connection between trees, runes and runic
writing is obvious to many. But how and where do we go from
there? How do we re-connect to the trees? How do we become Tree
Readers?

Let the trees themselves show you the way. It is old knowledge
and you possess it still. You have simply forgotten how and where
to look. The trees will point the way.

Begin by selecting a clear and sunny day at any time of the year.
Trees are perennial talkers.

Take with you a small note pad and a pen or pencil. Step outside
your home and breathe the fresh air. Look around you and note the
trees nearby. It does not matter how small or large they are.

Ask a question mentally. Begin small. Ask about a loved one who
is far from you; inquire about their well being. Or perhaps ask a
question about yourself, your work or career. Focus on your
question. You can close your eyes if you wish.

Now open your eyes and look around at the trees again. Let your
eye come to rest on that one tree that seems to call to you; to
the one you feel most drawn. Approach this tree until you are
under it. Look up and notice the formations the limbs and
branches make. You will see shapes and forms. Be sure to also
include any other mental images you are given, colors or emotions
you sense. Draw these on your notebook and continue to do so
until you feel satisfied or cannot see any new forms or shapes.

Give silent thanks to the tree for its response. Return indoors
and compare the shapes you have been given by the tree to the 24
rune letters. Meditate on the feelings, emotions and images you
were given by the tree. Compare these to the actual runic symbols
and match them as best you can. Some will be a perfect match to
the runes; others will be an approximation and others will be way
off. Date and store these "unrecognized" shapes and forms for
they may take on new meaning later.

If you are not familiar with the runes nor their shapes and
meanings, you can do a word search on any search engine. Enter
the words "rune meanings" and go from there.

Gradually, as you begin to remember this ancient bond between
yourself and the trees you will spontaneously receive messages
from them. Be prepared to look deeply inside yourself, for the
trees bring knowledge and with it transformation.

Copyright 2002 Bryanny FairRaven. Used with permission.

       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
         DONATE TO HELP SUPPORT THE CAULDRON'S WEB SITE

       If you like The Cauldron and have a few extra
       dollars, please donate via the Amazon Honor System
       and help us pay the web site bills.

          http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P3903JRFVQVDN
       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


[05]
=========
========= REVIEW: CHARTING YOUR SPIRITUAL PATH WITH ASTROLOGY
========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire
=========

Charting Your Spiritual Path With Astrology
Author: Stephanie Jean Clement
Trade Paperback, 225 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: December 2001
ISBN: 0738701149
US Retail Price: $14.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738701149/thecauldron

In my experience, most people want to use astrology or other
methods of divination to find our about their finances, their
job, or their love life. There is, however, another side to life
beyond bank accounts, work, and the bedroom. The spiritual part
of life deals with the basic questions like "why am I here?" and
"what is my purpose in life?" Stephanie Jean Clement's Charting
Your Spiritual Path With Astrology shows how to apply astrology
to the spiritual questions in life.

The majority of this book discusses the planets and their effects
on the spiritual side of life in the elements, signs, and houses.
The interpretations given for the planets in each house and sign
are short but very much to the point. I was surprised to find
these short descriptions provided a more accurate view of me than
the somewhat longer descriptions in other astrology books in my
collection. While part of this may come from the fact that I'm
more spiritually than materially oriented, a major part of it
comes from the author's ability to summarize her 25 years of
experience in a concise, clear, and insightful manner. Other
chapters discuss the midheaven and the ascendant in the signs.
The final chapter covers the various aspects, from the
conjunction to the quincunx. While each possible aspect only
receives two or three sentences, Clement again manages to convey
a great deal of focused information in a few carefully selected
words.

Clement provides three case studies in this book: Saint
Augustine, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, and Muhammed Ali. Although it
is spread between several chapters, the case study of Ali is the
most complete. It is probably also the most helpful as more
readers will be familiar with Ali than with Augustine or
Kubler-Ross. On the last page of this volume, Clement's
publisher, Llewellyn, offers a free natal chart to readers. This
will allow readers who do not have a natal chart to easily obtain
one to use with this book.

Charting Your Spiritual Path With Astrology does have one
annoying flaw. There is no chapter on pulling all this
information together and using it to address spiritual questions.
Instead, Clement discusses this piecemeal (and often indirectly)
throughout the book. This decentralized approach will make it
harder than necessary for those without a strong background in
chart interpretation to answer the spiritual questions in their
lives. Despite this problem, this book is a refreshing look at
what astrology can say about the spiritual side of life. If you
are interested in astrology, but find the usual interpretation
books -- with their focus on the material side of life --
wanting, I suggest you give Clement's new book a try.

           This review is available on our web site at
              http://www.ecauldron.com/bkcyspwa.php


[06]
=========
========= REVIEW: TEEN WITCH KIT
========= Reviewed by Leigh
=========

Silver Ravenwolf's Teen Witch Kit: Everything You Need to Make
Magick
Author: Silver Ravenwolf
Book and Accessories
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: August 2000
ISBN: 1567185541
US Retail Price: $24.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567185541/thecauldron

This was another difficult review to write. There are an awful
lot of people out there who criticize Silver Ravenwolf, and the
last thing I want to do is jump on the "let's bash SRW"
bandwagon. However, with the Teen Witch Kit, like with the book
Teen Witch, I think the point is being missed and the wrong
things are being emphasized.

The kit might have potential if the contents were of better
quality, and the religion was covered in better detail with
better emphasis. The majority of the book is spellwork.
Witchcraft is a religion that includes magick, not a magickal
system that includes religion. If I had a child that was being
brought up in the religion, and was already familiar with the
spiritual side, I might use this as a guide to teaching
spellwork. But not as a spiritual resource.

The kit contains a small book (which has a nice layout and
appearance from a design point of view), a rather large pentacle
pendant, a bell chime pendant, a quartz of very low quality, a
bag of sea salt, a "yes/no" coin, and "God/Goddess" coin, a cord,
and a bag. The box converts to an altar, but I don't think it
makes a very effective one -- the plastic insert has uneven
indents from storing the contents and would not make a good
working surface.

I've been thinking in general about "kits" and "religion in a
box," and while I don't find the concept offensive, and I think
it can be useful, I think this kit is not effective in
demonstrating what Witchcraft is and is about. The book in Teen
Witch Kit is shallow in its approach to the subject, and I think
it's written on a level a little below its target audience. In
short, spend your dollars elsewhere if you are serious about
Witchcraft as a religion.

           This review is available on our web site at
                http://www.ecauldron.com/bktwk.php


[07]
=========
========= REVIEW: INSIDE A WITCHES' COVEN
========= Reviewed by Leigh
=========

Inside A Witches' Coven
Author: Edain McCoy
Trade Paperback, 224 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: April 1997
ISBN: 1567186661
US Retail Price: $9.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1567186661/thecauldron

Edain McCoy is regarded as a poor scholar in the circles I run
around in. However, Inside A Witches' Coven does not delve into a
history of Witchcraft, instead focusing on the ups and downs of
finding and belonging to a coven. It is chock full of common
sense. Which requires a lot less work than researching the Gods
of ancient times, but still is important to share with others.
McCoy shines in this work.

After all, we all need to be slapped with a little common sense
now and then (okay, some may need slapped with a lot). The ideas
in this book are so simple, but someone overwhelmed with the urge
to find a coven may ignore them without a little push to
remember. Anyone searching for or thinking of creating a coven
should read this book.

Some of the points covered are safety, trust, and organization.
In this day and age, safety is something that we always can use a
brush up on, and McCoy reminds us of warning signs and basic
safety that could help steer away from less scrupulous
individuals. Trust is also emphasized, and the concept of
"Perfect Love and Perfect Trust" is well explained. For those
founding a coven, the organizational information is invaluable.
There is an outline of what kind of decisions need to be made
before problems occur, types of covens, and planning for growth.

While I never thought I would say this about one of Edain McCoy's
books, Inside A Witches' Coven will soon find a permanent place
on my bookshelf.

           This review is available on our web site at
               http://www.ecauldron.com/bkiawc.php


[08]
=========
========= REVIEW: 2003 WITCHES' SPELL-A-DAY ALMANAC
========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire
=========

2003 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac
Editor: Michael Fallon
Trade Paperback, 264 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: August 2002
ISBN: 0738702277
US Retail Price: $7.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702277/thecauldron

I reviewed Llewellyn's 2001 Spell-a-Day desk calendar a couple of
years ago. It was nice, but keeping the spells provided for each
day when you tear off the page the next day requires quite a bit
of organization. The publisher seems to have realized this as
they are publishing the 2003 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac instead
of a calendar. The almanac format is far more convenient and
still provides a spell or meditation for your Book of Shadows
every day. Spell contributors include Karri Allrich, Elizabeth
Barrette, Therese Fancis, Kristin Madden, Robert Place, Abby
Willowroot, and many others.

The spells in this volume cover a variety of areas of life.
Health, home, protection, travel, money, and love spells each get
a day of the week (Sunday through Friday). Saturday is a grab
bag. This schedule is interrupted with special magick for new and
full moons, the major Wiccan festivals, and certain other
important days. Many of the spells directly relate to the the
specific day of the year they are for. The almanac format is much
easier to read and use than the old desk calendar format.

The 2003 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac provides some basic
astrological information for each day: the time the moon enters a
new phase and when it enters a new sign. All times are in Eastern
Standard Time, although this is only mentioned at the very end of
the book. Llewellyn wall calendars tend to give more astrological
data, but this is really enough for basic magick. Each day's
entry also gives a color and incense for the day.

In addition to the spell or meditation, some days have a short
paragraph of "holiday lore." The Wiccan festivals and a few other
holidays have this lore section. I suspect this new material will
expand in future editions. On the last page of the book, the
publisher requests that readers submit additional "lore" material
for the 2004 edition. Future editions of this almanac could also
benefit from a "spell index." When you need a spell to help get
rid of a bad habit in September, you may remember that you saw
one somewhere early in the book, but you'll probably have to
start at the beginning and page through to find the "Release Bad
Habits Spell" on March 22. An index would make finding the right
spell much easier.

While the spells in this almanac are generally nothing to get
excited about for the well-read or the well-trained witch, they
are all simple to perform, use easily available items, and
present few moral issues for anyone but a Rede literalist. In
other words, the 2003 Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac would make a
nice, affordable gift for an inexperienced Witch interested in
the magickal aspect of his or her craft. If you know someone who
is always asking others for spells, this might be a perfect
birthday or holiday gift.

           This review is available on our web site at
             http://www.ecauldron.com/bk2003wsada.php


[09]
=========
========= REVIEW: TAROT OF THE MASTER
========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire
=========

Tarot of the Master
Artist: Giovanni Vacchetta
Deck
Publisher: Llewellyn (Lo Scarabeo)
Publication date: April 2002
ISBN: 0738702366
US Retail Price: $19.95
View Sample Cards:
  http://www.ecauldron.com/images/samtrttotm.jpg
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702366/thecauldron

The Tarot of the Master is an Italian deck distributed in the US
by Llewellyn. First created by Giovanni Vacchetta and published
under another name in 1893 in Turin, this deck was originally
black and white drawings. When Lo Scarabeo decided to reprint the
deck, they hired Michela Gaudenzi to color it. Gaudenzi deserves
a lot of credit as his soft color scheme does not hide any of the
fine detail of Vacchetta's line art.

The deck itself is a fairly standard tarot deck. It is, however,
an important deck in the history of tarot decks as it is one of
the first tarot decks to introduce symbolism into the minor
arcana. While this symbolism is not present to the extent that
would become common after Smith and Waite designed the well-known
"Rider-Waite" deck in 1910, this deck is a major departure from
"pips" style of minor arcana design.

Unless you are a tarot historian, you probably are not excited --
and rightfully so. Most people buy tarot decks for their art or
their ease of divinatory reading, not for their significance to
the development of the Tarot. Vacchetta was "Master of Design" at
Albertina Academy and his decorative design and embellishment
skills are obvious in this deck. However, while a lot of
technical skill went into this deck, it often seems to be lacking
emotion. As it is a standard Tarot deck, it is very easy to read
in divination. Those who prefer decks with a large amount of
symbolism on each card will have problems with this deck. It may
have been one of the first to include symbols in the minor
arcana, but there probably are not enough of them for symbol
lovers.

Like every Lo Scarabeo deck I've seen, this one only comes with a
small foldout flyer. The flyer for this describes the history of
the deck, gives very brief descriptions of the major cards and
their meanings, discusses each suit briefly and provides a single
divinatory layout. As this is a standard tarot deck, this is more
than enough information for those who are already familiar with
the tarot. Unfortunately, it is not at all helpful for a complete
beginner. A beginner will require a separate book on tarot
divination just to get started.

The Tarot of the Master is a fairly average tarot deck. While it
has an interesting history and design style, nothing about it
screams "buy me." Nothing screams "avoid me" either. If you are
in the market for a new tarot deck and would like something a bit
different in feel from many decks on the market, the Tarot of the
Master is worthy of your consideration.

           This review is available on our web site at
               http://www.ecauldron.com/trttotm.php


       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                         UPCOMING REVIEWS
       Here are a few of the books we'll be reviewing in
       future issues: SEASONS OF THE WITCH, HEART OF
       TAROT, MASTERING REIKI, COLOR MAGICK (Revised),
       BUCKLAND'S COMPLETE BOOK OF WITCHCRAFT (Revised).
       Reviews often appear on our web site first, so
       check there for new reviews if you can't wait for
       the next issue of the newsletter.
       ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


[10]
=========
========= ARTICLE: TIPS FOR LUCID DREAMING
========= by David Rankine
=========

As we are back to the realm of dreams and the weird and wonderful
aspects of the unconscious, I thought I would share a technique
with everybody to help lucid dreaming. Many years ago when
working with the Greek Titans, I was given a telesmatic image of
Hypnos, God of Dreams. I suggest drawing a copy for yourself.

Before going to sleep spend about 10-15 minutes gazing at the
image you have drawn. Regular use of this by itself may produce
lucid dream states, or you may see the figure in your dreams, in
which case if you can go through him like an astral doorway you
may become very lucid! You may find astral sequences of dreams
occurring using this technique as well, like a story of life
unfolding.

Hypnos was one of the children of the primal Goddess Nox (Night),
who contained all life within Herself. She gave birth from
Herself to Her son Aether, and joined with Him to give birth to
Hypnos (Sleep), Thanatos (Death), Lissa (Madness) and Hekate, and
various others according to differing versions of the myth.

Hypnos guards the twin doorways of horn and ivory, which
represent "false" and "true" sleep. "False" sleep could be
interpreted as sleep without dreams, or unremembered dreams,
which you wish to get rid of by transforming (i.e. remembering)
and "true" sleep as lucid dreaming, where you experience in a
more "true" (conscious) fashion.

=====
===== Hypnos Image
=====

Hypnos can be seen as a figure robed in black. The only visible
parts of him are his hands and his face. His hands are black,
with silver stars shining on them, and his face, visible in the
cowl of the robe, is a swirl of all the colors, with his golden
eyes the only constant in the swirl of colors. From his left hand
shoots a ray of brown light, and from his right hand a ray of
white light.

The rays of light represent false and true sleep respectively.
Draw up the image, edged in gold on a black background works
well. When you gaze at the image, make sure you have a minimal
quantity of light in the room, one candle only.

-=-=-

Copyright (c) 1999, 2000 David Rankine. Reprinted by permission
of the author. For more material by David, visit The Avalonia web
site, one of the UK's more interesting Wiccan/Witchcraft web
sites, at http://www.avalonia.co.uk.


[11]
=========
========= ARTICLE: HOW TO FIND A COVEN OR GROUP
========= by Sorita and David Rankine
=========

If you are looking for a group then going out and meeting people
and talking, asking questions and showing your intent of finding
a group are the most important steps.

If you stay at home and never mingle with other people then don't
expect anything to happen. This is not a "spoonfed" path to walk,
there is a lot of serious work involved and when you do find a
group,the work doesn't stop.

Joining a Coven means giving up a lot of free time, substituting
social time for Coven time and spending a lot of time studying
and experiencing... So which ever path you follow, and which ever
type of group you are seeking -- make an effort and be patient.

In big cities such as the one we live in, London (UK), there is
no reason to say "But there is nothing to go to." There are
online organizations such as WWL who keep their members informed
of social events, workshops, training groups, conferences and
open rituals. The WWL also organizes events just for their
members, so that you can meet the faces behind the names.  To
find out more about WWL visit: http://www.avalonia.co.uk.

The Witches Voice -- http://www.witchvox.com is another great
resource.  You can find contacts with similar interests to
yourself to correspond with, but most importantly they list all
the major events, conferences and festivals organized by Pagans
from all over the world.  They also list smaller events, such as
pub moots and workshops.

In parts of the world it is not that easy, and you might have to
travel to attend conferences or workshops. This might seem like a
lot of work just to meet other people, but if you are serious
then travel should not deter you from your path.

When you do get the opportunity to meet other Pagans make an
effort to ask around about open groups and other events. As the
organizers of the event if they know of groups which might be
taking on new trainees.

It is important to note that even in big cities such as London
there are very few new groups forming and the groups in existence
might only take on a trainee every few years. Those who do might
expect to interview you to see if you will fit in with the rest
of their group. If this happens take the opportunity to interview
them too! Be honest with them, but make sure that their answers
also satisfy you. Ask what they will be expecting from you and
what training they will be providing you with.

Unfortunately there are still some dubious groups using the name
of Wicca to cover other activities. Do not just join a group
because they happen to be the first one which approaches you!

Remember:

* You should feel comfortable with your HPS & HP.

* Sex should not be expected in return for training, nor
  should it be part of your initiation.

* You should not be expected to contribute large sums of
  money in return for training -- although you should
  expect to contribute towards temple expenses.

* Confidentiality is VERY important in Wiccan groups.

* Expect a lot of hard work!

* Finally you should enjoy being part of the group you
  join!

-=-=-

Copyright (c) 2000 Sorita & David Rankine. Reprinted by
permission of the authors. For more material by David and Sorita,
visit The Avalonia web site, one of the UK's more interesting
Wiccan/Witchcraft web sites, at http://www.avalonia.co.uk.


[12]
=========
========= DRAGON CLAN WITCHCRAFT COURSE: JULY LESSON INDEX
========= OFFERED ON THE CAULDRON'S DELPHI FORUM
=========

The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum is offering an online witchcraft
course in the Dragon Clan tradition on our Delphi message board.
This course is taught by Jet (aka Hawke). While this course
formally began on Monday, May 20, 2002, interested members can
join the course at any time as the course material is in numbered
messages in the Online Witchcraft Course folder on our Delphi
message board. You simply start with the messages with the lowest
numbers in the subject line and work your way through at your own
pace. New lessons will be posted to our message board every week
or two. Here are links to the lessons posted in July:

2.5 Ritual Work

2.51 Making a Touchpoint
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6425.1

2.52 Circle Casting
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6426.1

2.52.1 Preparing and Casting the Circle
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6427.1

2.52.2 Guided Meditation
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6428.1

2.52.3 Casting a Formal Circle
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6429.1

2.52.4 Casting Simple Circles
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6430.1

2.52.5 Experimenting with Circles
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6431.1

2.52.6 Opening the Circle
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6432.1

2.53 Self-Blessing
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6433

2.6 Extra Readings (Optional)
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6434.1

2.7 The Ordeal
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6517.1

2.71 In the Labyrinth
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6518.1

2.72 The Wheel Measure
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6219.1

3.0 Wheel of Water
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6553.1

3.1 Meditations

3.11 Meditation on the Double Spiral
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6554.1

3.12 The Ocean, Lakes, and Rivers
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6555.1

3.13 Meditation on the Cup and Water
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6556.1

3.14 Meditation on the Cup
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6557.1

3.15 Past to Present to Future
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6558.1

3.16 The Inner and Outer World
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6559.1

3.17 As Above, So Below
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6560.1

3.18 Harming and Healing
   http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=6561.1


[13]
=========
========= HUMOR: SOUTHERN ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS
========= Author Unknown
=========

OKRA: Dec 22 -- Jan 20 Although you appear crude, you are
actually very slick on the inside. Okras have tremendous
influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the
seeds of his influence everywhere. Stay away from Moon Pies.

CHITLIN: Jan 21 -- Feb 19 Chitlins come from humble backgrounds.
A chitlin, however, can make something of himself if he's
motivated and has lots of seasoning. In dealing with Chitlins, be
careful. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with
Catfish and Okra.

BOLL WEEVIL: Feb 20 -- Mar 20 You have an overwhelming curiosity.
You are unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the
need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to
say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner
hunger. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so
don't worry about it.

MOON PIE: Mar 21 -- April 20 You're the type that spends a lot of
time on the front porch. It's a cinch to recognize the physical
appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here.
You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in
the idea. It's not going to be easy. This might be the year to
think about aerobics. Maybe not.

POSSUM: April 21 -- May 21 When confronted with life's
difficulties, possums have marked tendency to withdraw and
develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you become
so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is
probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you.
One day, however, it won't work and you may find your problems
actually running you over.

CRAWFISH: May 22 -- June 21 Crawfish is a water sign. If you work
in an office, you're always hanging around the water cooler.
Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf
course, the bathtub to the living room. You tend to be not
particularly attractive physically, but you have very, very good
heads.

COLLARDS: June 22 -- July 23 Collards have a genius for
communication. They love to get in the "melting pot" of life and
share their essence with the essence of those around them.
Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball
managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards,
stay away from Moon Pies. It just won't work. Save yourself a lot
of heartache.

CATFISH: July 24 -- August 23 Catfish are traditionalists in
matters of the heart, although ones whiskers may cause problems
for loved ones. You catfish are never easy people to understand.
You prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life. Above
all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

GRITS: Aug 24 -- Sept 23 Your highest aim is to be with others
like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of
other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think
about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have
cheese or gravy or bacon or butter or eggs. If you can go
somewhere where they have all these things, that serves you well.

BOILED PEANUTS: Sept 24 -- Oct 23 You have a passionate desire to
help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best -
your friends and loved ones -- may find that your personality is
much too salty, and their criticism will probably affect you
deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You
should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a
certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you
can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.

BUTTERBEAN: Oct 24 -- Nov 22 Always invite a Butterbean because
Butterbeans get along well with everybody. You, as a butterbean,
should be proud. You have grown on the vine of life and you feel
at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody.
However, you too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.

ARMADILLO: Nov 23 -- Dec 21 You have a tendency to develop a
tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle. A good evening
for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots, fruits, worms and
insects. You are a throwback. You're not concerned with today's
fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about
today. You're really almost prehistoric in your interests and
behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another Armadillo,
but Possum is another mating possibility.


[14]
=========
========= 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 two
active message areas, a large web site with around 700 pages of
information (including well over 100 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 Forums
=====

While our mailing list and Delphi Annex message board both
welcome 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
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Mailing List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ecauldron
Delphi Annex: http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/start

=====
===== Articles! Essays! Tutorials!
=====

We are in constant need of original, well-written and accurate
articles, essays, tutorials, and other written items for both our
web site and for our Cauldron and Candle newsletter. There's no
real limit on length for web site articles. Here are a few areas
in which we always need articles:

* information on the beliefs and theology of the various Pagan
  religions, especially non-Wiccan religions

* information on holidays and festivals of the various Pagan
  religions, especially non-Wiccan religions

* recipes for oils, incenses, and food for the various Pagan
  holidays

* magick, spells, and ritual information

* herbal information

* positive articles on dealing with other faiths

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* editorial/opinion pieces

Non-Wiccan material is stressed not because we don't want Wiccan
material but because good non-Wiccan material has been hard to
find. We have a web form you can use to submit an article for
consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/persontestart.php

=====
===== Book Reviews
=====

While The Cauldron receives some review copies from a couple of
Pagan publishers, there are many books that can only be reviewed
on our web site if a member has a copy and writes a good,
objective review. The Cauldron is interested in reviews on the
more academic books used by reconstructionist Pagan religions as
well as on the books one finds on the Pagan/New Age shelf in the
bookstore. We have a web form you can use to submit a book review
for consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/persontestbr.php

=====
===== Graphic Assistance
=====

The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum is purposely a low graphics site as
we value page download speed over flashy graphics. However, we
are always willing to talk with artists who have ideas for
well-designed small graphics (small in both physical dimensions
and file size) that might enhance a specific article or page.

=====
===== Invite Your Friends
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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 forums and have friends who might
enjoy them or have information to contribute, please invite them.

=====
===== Link To The Cauldron
=====

If you have a web site where linking to The Cauldron: A Pagan
Forum would be appropriate, simply providing a link to this web
site is a big help. Our Link to this Site page explains how you
can do this if you need help or want some simple graphic buttons
to use: http://www.ecauldron.com/linktous.php

=====
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=====

As The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum uses as many free services as
possible, our need for money to operate this site is currently
lower than our need for the many items we list above. However, if
you have a few dollars to spare, we would be honored to have your
help in paying for this web site. You can donate by using the
Amazon Honor System button below (we get about 85% of what you
donate).

http://www.amazon.com/paypage/P3903JRFVQVDN

=====
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=====

The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum also receive a small percentage
(usually 5%) from most items purchased from Amazon.com when you
go to Amazon.com from one of the links to Amazon on our web site.
If you purchase a lot of books, CDs, and other items from
Amazon.com as many members do, going to Amazon.com through one of
our links when you are going to make a purchase there is a
painless way to help fund this web site.

http://www.ecauldron.com/fradambooks.php

=====
===== Have Questions or Suggestions?
=====

If you have specific questions, proposals or other ideas we
haven't mentioned here, please email them to
rssapphire@ecauldron.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.)


[15]
=========
========= NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
========= (Including how to subscribe and unsubscribe)
=========

Cauldron and Candle is a free publication of The Cauldron: A
Pagan Forum with assistance from our sister form, The Witches'
Thicket. The Cauldron and The Thicket aim to publish this
newsletter once a month and often actually succeed in doing so.
We tried to publish it twice a month for a while, but real life
interfered too often.

This issue of Cauldron and Candle as a whole is copyright (c)
2002 by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. Copyrights on individual
items in this newsletter are retained by their author, please
contact the editors if you need to contact an author for
permission to reprint an article and the editors will do their
best to put you in touch with him or her. No one involved in
producing this newsletter has any money to speak of so suing us
if you don't like something we do is a waste of time and money.

=====
===== HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE
=====

You are receiving a copy of this newsletter because you signed up
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If you need to change your subscription to a new email address,
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=====
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=====

The Cauldron and Candle web site contains information on this
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=====
===== PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE
=====

If you have Pagan friends who you believe would be interested in
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You are also welcome to forward a copies of this newsletter to
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=====
===== 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
Elspeth Sapphire (elspeth.sapphire@worldnet.att.net) or Randall
Sapphire (rssapphire@ecauldron.com). Typos are, as usual,
courtesy of the Goddess Eris.

Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet again!

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