[Cauldron and Candle Illo]

 

 
Cauldron and Candle
Issue #37 -- July 2003

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

 

Return to Cauldron and Candle Archive

C A U L D R O N   A N D   C A N D L E  #37 -- July 2003

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

In this Issue:

[01] Editorial Notes
[02] Cauldron News
[03] Cauldron Discussions
[04] Review: Devoted to You
[05] Review: Around the Roman Table
[06] Review: Liber Null and Psychonaut
[07] Review: Lilly Dale
[08] Review: Astral Projection: Plain & Simple
[09] Review: Meditation
[10] Received For Review (with Mini-Reviews)
[11] Article: Khaos -- The First of Them All
[12] Article: Paganism in Portugal
[13] Opinion: Negativity
[14] Column: TarotDeevah on the Tarot
[15] Humor: Admission Test at the Pearly Gates
[16] Around the Planes: Notes from All Over
     [16-1] Warm Weather Tips For Pregnant Women
     [16-2] Tips On How To Control Mosquitos Around The Garden
     [16-3] National WWII Memorial Dedication Plans Take Shape
     [16-4] Top Cities For Pet Health
     [16-5] Green Computing
[17] Support The Cauldron by Volunteering to Help
[18] Newsletter Information
              (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe)

    +++ Submission Deadline for next issue: July 25, 2003 +++
     Guidelines: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/submissions.php

[01]
=========
========= EDITORIAL NOTES
========= by Randall Sapphire
=========

Just a couple of quick notes this month.

First, we are working on adding a cookbook section to The
Cauldron web site with our member's favorite recipes. Sperran is
in charge of collecting recipes. There's a thread for posting
your favorites on our message board. Please be sure to read the
first message on the format before post your recipes.

  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages/?msg=9664.1

Future issues of this newsletter will probably feature a recipe
or two from this project as well.

Second, Amber Laine Fisher, author of Philosophy of Wicca from
ECW Press and a member our forum (FAERIEBEE2), is looking for
input for her upcoming book:

"I am looking for folks who would like to submit personal myths
and sacred stories for my upcoming book, _Waking the Gods: Pagan
Mythology and the Changing World_, due for a Fall 2004 release
from ECW Press. If you are interested in sharing a personal
mythos, or an encounter with a personal god, please drop me an
email (philosophyofwicca AT yahoo.com). Visit
http://www.breathlessnoon.com/waking.html for more
information."


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

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


[02]
=========
========= CAULDRON NEWS
========= by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum Staff
=========

=====
===== Cauldron Delphi Message Board Top Poster -- June 2003
=====

The Cauldron's message board had 6676 posts in June. EverFool
(EVERFOOL) had the most posts of any non-staff member in June and
snagged our monthly "top poster" award. Our Runner Up was
Carnalsoul (CARNALSOUL). Neal (GRAUTR), Li Ferelwing
(LIFERELWING), Sperran (SPERRAN), and Mary (MARY926) gave
Carnalsoul a race for that runner up spot.

=====
===== Receive Web Site News Updates by Email/News Aggregator
=====

Thanks to Bloglet, you can now receive an email every night on
days we post new site news items to the main page of The
Cauldron's web site. These emails contain a link to the new item
and the first couple of lines of the news text. This makes it
easy to stay up to date with Cauldron site news.

You can sign up for Bloglet's free news delivery via the form at
the end of the site "News and Updates" section of The Cauldron's
main page. Bloglet is a free third party provider. It is not
under the management or control of the staff of The Cauldron.

The Cauldron also has an XML (RSS version 0.91) news feed you can
use in news aggregator programs, like the free NewsMonster for
Mozilla. You'll find the link for this feed at the end of the
site "News and Updates" section of The Cauldron's main page, next
to the Bloglet sign up.

  http://www.ecauldron.com/

=====
===== New Take Action! Page
===== US Political Activism Made Point and Click Easy
=====

Are you annoyed at the things your elected officials are doing?

Many Pagans in the United States seem to be, but few know how
easy it has become to contact their elected officials on issues
they consider important. On most major issues, some advocacy
group or another has set up a web site where one can email or fax
the appropriate officials by filling in a form with one's name
and address and clicking a couple of buttons.

The Cauldron has added a new page entitled "Take Action" that
lists a few of these Action Alerts, just a small handful that the
Hosts feel will likely be of interest to many Pagans. If you want
to take action on a particular issue, you can follow the link,
fill out a form, press a button and send the appropriate
officials a pre-written email or a fax (you can usually change
the text, but you don't have to).

This is a quick, easy, and free way to make your voice heard on
important political issues. It's important that we all do so.
After all, with far right groups mobilizing tens of thousands to
tell elected official to vote for their agenda, it's important
that "silent majority" that most Pagans are a small part speak up
too.

The Take Action! page also provides a way to browse Congress.org
for many more action alerts from groups from all over the
political spectrum. (You can even see the action alerts of many
far right groups.) You'll also find links to the home pages of
various 2004 Presidential candidates. We plan to add more to this
page in the future.

Finally, we have also added a new right side box on the main page
listing links to the five latest action alerts posted to the Take
Action! page.

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

=====
===== New Special Topic Chat Logs Available
=====

The Cauldron's "Special Topic Chats" (Tuesdays 8-10 pm US Eastern
Time) have been very popular thanks to all the effort Koi,
Shadow, and other staff members have put into them. We are trying
to log these chats and make those logs available on our web site
for those who cannot attend.

Logs of the following June "Special Topic Chats" are available in
the Chat Logs section of our web site:

=== The Afterlife and You

The chat log for our June 10th chat "The Afterlife and You" is
now available on The Cauldron's web site. This chat discussed
different views of the Pagan afterlife(s) and what we expect for
ourselves and our loved ones on the other side.

  http://www.ecauldron.com/chatlog20030610.php

=== Summer Solstice

The chat log for our June 17th chat on the Summer Solstice (and
other summer holidays) is now available on The Cauldron's web
site. This chat discussed summer holidays, our plans for them,
and how such holidays may have gotten started.

  http://www.ecauldron.com/chatlog20030617.php

=== Gardening Pagans

The chat log for our June 24th chat on Pagans and their gardens
is now available on The Cauldron's web site. This chat discussed
members' tips on gardening and their experiences in the garden.

  http://www.ecauldron.com/chatlog20030624.php

=====
===== Web Site Menu Organization Changes
=====

The menu on each page of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's web site
has been reorganized. We've added two new menu sections. The
first, "News and Politics" currently has links to our news feeds
(including our expanded BBC news feed) and to our new "Take
Action!" page. The second new section, "Special Services,"
collects links to (generally third party) services like our free
ZZN webmail, our free email postcards (via 123 Greetings), and
our Subportal area.


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

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

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


[03]
=========
========= CAULDRON DISCUSSIONS
========= Recent Discussion Topics on our Message Board
=========

In an average month, over 150 new discussion topics are started
on The Cauldron's message board. Here are a few of the more
interesting discussions from the last month. It's not too late to
join in.

===
=== Staves and Wands
===

Do you have a staff or a wand? (Or both? Or multiples of either?)

How do you use it? Ritual work? Walking stick? Use it sometimes,
and not other times? What's it made of? If it's made of wood, did
you make it? How did you prepare it?

[As background: I have a wand which could use more decoration,
and I'm contemplating a staff, but I'm not sure what I want to do
to decorate it when I get it.]

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9452.1

===
=== Are Pagans Really More Tolerant?
===

Many, if not most, Pagans like to claim that Pagans and Pagan
religions are more tolerant than Christians, Muslims, and other
non-Pagans. In fact, you generally see the tolerance of Paganism
stressed in most 101 books and introductory web sites. Is there,
however, really any truth to this blanket statement?

Sure, Pagans are more tolerant of other religions that the
average Fundamentalist monotheist, but so are most non-
Fundamentalist monotheists. But how tolerant are Pagans of
differences between Pagan religions and beliefs? For example, I
regularly hear some Pagans call anyone who does not follow their
favored set of religious ethics (usually the short form of the
Wiccan Rede) dangerous or even evil.

What do you think? Is there any truth to the much touted
statement that Pagans and Pagan religions are more tolerant? If
you think there is truth in the statement, why to you think there
is so much intolerance apparent? If you think there is little or
no truth in the statement, how do you think the belief that
Pagans are more tolerant got started?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9481.1

===
=== Deities & Untraditional Representations
===

I'm sure we've all occasionally run into the situation where the
statues of a certain god/dess simply don't do anything for us or
are just too expensive (I have that problem with Hekate).

If you have decided to use something to represent a deity instead
of a statue, which deity is it and what did you settle on using
as a representation? How did you decide what to use and where
have you put it?

(This is one of those threads that I'm hoping to get some detail
on since I know we've got members here who've run up against this
problem.)

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9582.1

===
=== A Culture of Victimhood?
===

Do Pagans (and other people) enjoy being the victim in our
society? Do people act in ways to try and encourage being seen as
the underling, and attempt to be discriminated against, not
because of their religion, but their attitudes?

What does this attitude do for Pagans, and Paganism? Is it
something that only happens in some Pagan religions, or is it a
problem across the board?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9606.1

===
=== Do You Believe In Curses?
===

Do you believe in curses? Personally, I think that no one has the
power to curse you unless you let them make you afraid that they
cursed you.

A curse can be a great way for someone to get rid of the anger
they have toward someone, but I think the only a curse could work
is if you persuade someone that you have throw a curse on them
and they would start believing it -- and destroy their life
themselves. I also been told I've been cursed in the past and I
just laughed and guess what, nothing bad happened.

What are your views on curses? Do they work and if they do, how
do they work? Have you ever actually seen one work?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9649.1

===
=== Can Interfaith Marriages Work?
===

Since I am in an interfaith marriage, I was wondering what you
all thought about them. Being a heathen married to a Catholic
isn't easy sometimes, but we're doing our best to make it work.

1)What are your personal thoughts on interfaith marriages?

2) Are you in an interfaith marriage? Or do you know someone who
is? If so, what faiths are involved? And how do both parties make
it work?

3) Do you think interfaith marriages have a chance at survival?
Why or why not?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9716.1

===
=== How Do You Select the Right Religion?
===

I've been a witch for years but never got into a "religion". A
friend at work is a Wiccan and has tried to explain his specific
Celtic Wiccan beliefs to me. With some further research, I've
found all sorts of groups (various Wiccan and other Pagan
religions) but here's my question...

How do you know which one is right for you? Is it possible to not
select to any specific group and simply have your own "religion"?
This is what I feel I've been doing minus deity worship. I'm very
lost and confused and would love some thoughts on this.

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9753.1

===
=== Does Religious Belief Excuse Prejudice?
===

Should someone whose prejudice is motivated by sincere religious
convictions be considered a bigot or does the religious origin of
their prejudice excuse them?

What do you think? If a person acts upon prejudices, but these
prejudices are caused by sincere religious belief, is he or she
still deserving of the title "bigot"? Why or why not? If a
person's prejudice is based on sincere religious belief, should
he or she be exempt from laws prohibiting acting on that
prejudice (in housing, in hiring, etc.) to allow him or her to
freely practice his or her religion? Why or why not?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9764.1

===
=== What About Ouija Boards?
===

Are Ouija boards a harmless game or do they actually contact the
spirit realm? Are they dangerous to the unprepared? To everyone?
Have you had any unusual experiences with Ouija boards?

* Read (or join in) this discussion:
  http://forums.delphiforums.com/CUSTOM7999/messages?msg=9779.1


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

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

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


[04]
=========
========= REVIEW: DEVOTED TO YOU
========= Reviewed by SashaPablo
=========

Devoted to You: Honoring Deity in Wiccan Practice
Author: Judy Harrow, et al
Trade Paperback, 304 pages
Publisher: Citadel Press
Publication date: February 2003
ISBN: 0806523921
US Retail Price: $12.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0806523921/thecauldron

Personal relationship with Deity is a subject that has not been
explored much in current Pagan literature.  Devoted to you:
Honoring Deity in Wiccan Practice, by Judy Harrow, addresses this
need and gives the reader information and advice on how to seek
relationships with the gods.

Although the book's title implies a Wiccan perspective, the
contributors include two Wiccans and two Reconstructionists.
This was an unexpected delight, since Reconstructionist religions
are rarely mentioned in Wiccan literature.

Four deities are the focus of the four chapters: Anubis and Gaia
(Wiccan), and Brigit and Aphrodite (Reconstructionist).  Each
chapter begins with a summary of the various myths surrounding
the deity.  The chapter then goes on to list correspondences
associated with that deity and ways to become more attuned to
that deity's presence or energy.  A sampling of rituals to
attract that deity's presence end each chapter.

I like this book because it is well referenced and provides
interesting perspectives.  Being a Reconstructionist, I was
especially drawn to the chapter on Aphrodite.  However, someone
who views deity from more of an ecological perspective rather
than an historical perspective should be equally pleased with the
chapter on Gaia.

This is the first book I have read that focused solely on one's
relationship to the gods.  You will find no magic spells in this
book.  I only have one complaint; in the introduction and first
chapter, there is mention made of Paganism as a single religion.
I found this odd, since the authors certainly are aware of the
various religions that exist within Paganism.  However, this
complaint is mitigated by the introduction, which does a good job
of recognizing the significant differences of viewpoint regarding
Deity.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to seek a
personal relationship with the gods.  Also, anyone who already
has such a relationship is bound to find new inspiration in the
wealth of information provided by this book.

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


[05]
=========
========= REVIEW: AROUND THE ROMAN TABLE
========= Reviewed by LyricFox
=========

Around the Roman Table: Food and Feasting in Ancient Rome
Author: Patrick Faas
Translator: Shaun Whiteside
Hardcover, 304 pages
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date: November 2002
ISBN: 0312239580
US Retail Price: $29.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312239580/thecauldron

Around the Roman Table: Food and Feasting in Ancient Rome,
written by Dutch food historian and chef, Patrick Faas and
translated into English by Shaun Whiteside, is a fascinating look
at the food history and customs of Ancient Rome.

Off the bat, let me state that my area of interest is Ancient
Greece rather than Ancient Rome, so my qualifications to review a
book on Ancient Rome are not what I would like. However, I got
this book not for its historical accuracy so much as for its
broad view of Roman food traditions and recipes. Because of this,
Around the Roman Table was both a difficult review and an
enlightening read.

From the author's perspective, this book is not intended as an
historical treatise and he is upfront about this. His area of
knowledge is as a food historian/chef, not as a classicist or
anthropologist. Sadly, this does show in the first section of the
book, which is devoted to history and is unaccompanied by
footnotes. So while there are some downright fascinating details
within the pages, it's difficult to check their accuracy.

This problem is compounded by his bibliography (at least for
English-only readers). The bibliography is rather short and
contains mainly Italian and French references. Of the English
works, only two deal with topics other than cooking. You'll want
to keep these issues in mind when looking at the historical
section because there are words that show up where they
shouldn't. For instance, Faas uses the word "pumpkin" rather
liberally which is, I understand, a mistranslation of Vehling's
"Apicius, Cooking and Dining in Imperial Rome", which is
referenced in his bibliography. Another odd one crops up when the
term "plastic" is used to describe a goblet from Caesar's time.
I'm sure readers conversant in Roman history will find other
problem areas, but if one keeps the scope and slant of the work
(and the author's background) in mind, I think he or she will
find the book enjoyable.

To redeem the lack of footnotes and limited bibliography,
however, the author has made liberal use of primary source works
throughout the book. I can't vouch for the translations of the
works, but they add a great deal to the book and will give a
reader who wants to delve more in-depth in this area places to
look.

The book is divided into two parts, History and Recipes and I'll
review them separately here.

The History portion of the book is divided into four sections:
"Culinary History," "The Meal," "Wine and Other Drinks" and "The
Cook and His Condiments." Each section is further divided which
makes for a fairly easy read.

The first section, "Culinary History" covers from 753 BCE to 476
CE and is rather sketchy, but as the author points out, Roman
cuisine spans more than 1000 years, so a book could be written on
that alone. This is a broad overview that includes information on
the Etruscan, Greek and African influences on Roman food. Some
information is given on the role of religion and the sumptuary
laws. Of this section, the Empire Period (listed as 2 BCE to 476
CE) is given the most time and includes a look at early Christian
dietary practices.

Of the four sections in the first part of the book, I found "The
Meal" to be the most interesting since it covered not just what
might be served at each meal, but also how (physically) the
diners ate, how the meals were served and what the diners wore.
Table manners and etiquette-related information is also a welcome
addition. Faas has given quite a bit of detail and thought to
this section and has come up with information that leaves me
wanting to do more research. While this was my favorite section
in the History division, I will say that the layout seems to
suffer. The topics discussed could have been a bit better
organized for a more cohesive read.

Section three, "Wine and Other Drinks" is, unfortunately, where
the author's lack of scholastic sources suffers the most. Faas
attempts to work in the mythos of the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians
and Christians (specifically the wine deities) and does so rather
poorly. However, that is a small portion of this section and once
he moves on to wine (production, additives etc.) and other
available beverages, it improves. Of all the sections, this is
the one that gave me the most serious problems, but again, if you
keep in mind the author's area of expertise and read his
mythology with skepticism, the rest of this section is worth
looking at.

Section four was my second favorite and is entitled "The Cook and
His Condiments." Faas covers the actual cooking implements and
kitchen information here, as well as an interesting section on
Greek and Roman medicinal theory. The most in-depth coverage is
given over to flavors -- sour, salt, sweet and bitter -- as well
as the herbs utilized most in Ancient Roman cooking. The author
also touches on other ingredients including the all-important
olive oil as well as perfumes. This section of the book is not as
detailed as I would wish for, but it does provide a good
introduction.

The second portion of this book is devoted to actual recipes,
which Faas breaks down into four sections: from the land, from
the fire, from the air and from the water.

For those of you who are uneasy with unusual ingredients, a word
of warning, the Romans (as with other ancient cultures) included
some ingredients, which we would find very objectionable
(puppies) as well as very strange (stuffed womb). The reader
needs to keep the culture and era in mind while sorting through
this part of the book. There are also herbs included that would
be warned against today (pennyroyal), but if these issues are
kept in mind and care is taken, it would be possible to recreate
many of the recipes given.

While the recipe section is varied and fascinating, the author
does warn that some of the recipes would be difficult, if not
impossible, to recreate. Obviously, the lack of ingredient
measurements makes for a challenge, but for an accomplished cook,
experimentation should produce edible results. Other recipes
include measurements and should be much easier to recreate.

All in all, Around the Roman Table is a delightful look at Roman
culinary history, customs and recipes. It should make for a good
library addition for anyone who is interested in recreating
traditional recipes, as well as a nice introduction for those who
are simply wanting to learn more about ancient Roman culinary
history.

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


[06]
=========
========= REVIEW: LIBER NULL AND PSYCHNAUT
========= Reviewed by EverFool
=========

Liber Null and Psychonaut
Author: Peter Carroll
Trade Paperback, 214 pages
Publisher: Weiser
Publication date: April 1987
ISBN: 0877286396
US Retail Price: $16.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0877286396/thecauldron

I first chanced across Liber Null and Psychonaut a year and a
half ago, walking through a chain bookstore. At that time I had
already (briefly) investigated Wicca, and was still searching
around for my path (which remains the case to an extent). Having
seen articles on Chaos Magick online, I was fascinated, and my
curiosity was further piqued upon browsing through the slim book.

In retrospect it was easy to see the fascination; the author is
very fond of making bold and poetic assertions (on pacts with
spiritual entities, Carroll says "however useful such things may
be to him in the short term, the sorcerer must eventually
recant"). The trouble with this is that anyone without a
background in the occult or a strong BS detector will not be
aware of those instances where a blatantly false statement is
made (there are several statements that imply all magicians
practice in relation to the Chaos world view). I have personally
found that studying Ceremonial Magick and the Qabbalah actually
makes parts of the book easier to understand.

So then, perhaps I should discuss the basics a little closer.
Carroll posits a universe which is an expression of Chaos. That
which is "real" is just a small part of Chaos. There is a vast
realm of possibility which doesn't exist, except in a realm of
"aetherics" (or at least this appears to be the gist of what
Carroll says. He is known to self-contradict on occasion). Magick
involves playing with the rules of the universe, to get an end
achieved. Think of it as getting away with cheating whilst
playing a board game.

In the chaos worldview, no paradigm is strictly true. Chaos
contains all possibilities, whereas paradigms involve the denying
of some qualities while embracing others (for example, one cannot
be both monotheistic and polytheistic). The Chaos magician does
not believe in the inherent truth of anything, but selects
certain beliefs which will help him to conduct an operation.

Which all sounds very interesting, and it certainly had me
engrossed when reading the book for the first and second time.
The first part (Liber Null) is essentially a course syllabus
which also reads like a how-to guide. This is a little confusing
because you find yourself reading the whole book to understand
the philosophy, and simultaneously find that you are not supposed
to be attempting the practices you've read about until mastered
the early parts.

The second part (Psychonaut) is essentially a book regarding
Chaos Magick as akin to a religious practice...which I find very
odd considering that Chaos Magick is not intended to embrace any
paradigm as being "true" of itself.

Now, I like the book in many ways, but I also have several
problems with the book. One problem that has been noted by many
others (just look at reviews on Amazon!) is that Carroll states
certain things as fact, without any explanation of why. It makes
for good poetry and reading, but it's not so useful to anyone
without a good sense of critical thinking, who has other sources
to compare to.

Furthermore, it is rather skin-deep, which is to be expected from
such a small book. It works acceptably for looking at magick on
Chaos Magick's terms, but it is less helpful for addressing
concepts such as changing one's personal paradigm. Furthermore,
Carroll does not show where many ideas have been obtained.
Reading Aleister Crowley works will furnish you with a source for
many of the ideas, and Aleister Crowley discusses symbology in
much greater depth.

So, are there any plus points to the book? I'd answer, "yes"
(which is just as well, since I spent 15 pounds on it).

The book does deal with some new ideas. The idea of performing
magick without believing in the ultimate reality of the system
can prove very liberating. It can certainly remove issues you
might have with some of the "trimmings" of ritual. (For example,
the Christian/Jewish associations of Ceremonial Magick are much
easier to handle once you get past thinking of them as crucial to
the magick).

Further, some of the practices do yield positive benefits. If you
accept the premise that your "self" is illusory, and that any
beliefs etc. are not a reflection of your true "self," change
becomes easier. I have had occasions when, suffering from
depression, I found I could negate the need for reassuring myself
of my own self-worth by deciding to "throw away" the emotion
until I could deal with it more appropriately.

Secondly, the book suggests ways for simplifying magick. This may
not mean much to those who say a quickly made rhyme while
manipulating energy, but simplification may be a "god-send" to
anyone who's ever tried performing a ten-page ritual. The simple
alternative of sigil construction while entering a state of
gnosis (which is essentially trance) is quite easy to use, if
requiring some getting used to. Further, the different
suggestions for entering gnosis (ranging from the experience of
strong emotions to sensory deprivation) can provide the
practitioner with new ways of approaching the task at hand.

So, who would I recommend the book to? If price isn't a
consideration (if you want to conserve your money, I'd suggest
skimming the book in the store and trying to absorb some of the
ideas) then I recommend it to someone who, while new to magick,
already has a good grounding in at least one system of magick,
with some understanding of symbology. The book works well as a
way of liberating oneself from beliefs, or at least giving the
individual new ideas to work with.

For the newcomer to the occult, some ideas will seem too shocking
(which is one of the principle forms of liberation), and the
simplicity of the discussions will not advance the understanding
much -- richer symbology will help the student to grasp what is
done much better. Furthermore, the newcomer may uncritically
accept much of what Carroll says, which may lead to some
confusion, and will hinder the student in understanding other
paths on their own terms (for example, the book tends towards the
"all gods are aspects of One/Chaos" rather than hard polytheism).

An interesting book, if a flawed one. If you can work past or
ignore the flaws, than the good ideas will widen your options for
magick.

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


[07]
=========
========= REVIEW: LILY DALE
========= Reviewed by Charys Tamesis
=========

Lily Dale: The True Story of the Town That Talks to the Dead
Author: Christine Wicker
Hardcover, 288 pages
Publisher: Harper San Francisco
Publication date: March 2003
ISBN: 0060086661
US Retail Price: $24.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060086661/thecauldron

Lily Dale: The True Story of the Town That Talks to the Dead
caught my eye because for a time prior to becoming Pagan, I was
flirting with becoming a Spiritualist, and Lily Dale is one of
the largest Spiritualist communities in the country. (Others
exist in Indiana, and near my home in Brady Lake, Ohio.) I had
visited Lily Dale, as well as other communities. Though I did not
spend much time there, it had always intrigued me, and I always
wanted to go back for a more in-depth excursion. In my life, I
have always been able to do what most spiritualists do -- i.e.,
talk to departed spirits, and channel — and the religion appealed
to me for that reason alone.  Without going into my own personal
odyssey, let it be said that Paganism, with all its delicious
ambiguity and amorphous beginnings ultimately caught me more
permanently and gave me a home. But Spiritualism was never far
out of my mind, even so.

I am please to say that this is not merely a dry, documentary
account of a place. This is more an account of the people who
make up the heart and soul of this little community, and it is
much more than that as well: it is also, and this pleases me even
more, a personal account of an awakening into a whole world of
spirituality for the author. It is for that reason alone, a very
gratifying read that will absorb you and entertain you, and
inform you as well.

If you agree or disagree with the Spiritualist philosophies, you
will not be disappointed in the stories that are presented here.
The author is a somewhat non-linear writer, and makes her
subjects fascinating, as well as tying them all together into a
woven tapestry of character and events that will leave you with a
desire to see it all for yourself.

The good news about that, is that you can, if you plan to attend
the Pagan festival Starwood this (or any other) year. Lily Dale
is only a few miles from Sherman NY, and the Brushwood campground
(where Starwood is held,) nestled inside the town of Pomfret, NY.
It’s accessible, and open to the public, and inexpensive.

I urge you to read Lily Dale.  It’s a great book, and a wonderful
story.  And it’s worth many second looks.

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


[08]
=========
========= REVIEW: ASTRAL PROJECTION PLAIN & SIMPLE
========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire
=========

Astral Projection Plain & Simple: The Out-Of-Body Experience
Author: Osborne Phillips
Trade Paperback, 157 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: February 2003
ISBN: 073870279X
US Retail Price: $12.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073870279X/thecauldron

Out of body experiences fascinate most people whether or not they
believe in them. The astral plane and astral projection are an
important part of the Western Magickal Tradition and some of the
many Neo-Pagan religions. A number of books have been written on
the subject of astral projection over the years. In Astral
Projection Plain & Simple,  Osborne Phillips, a noted ceremonial
magician, has attempted to make astral projection techniques
available to everyone.

This book takes things step by step in short, focused chapters.
These chapters cover theory and practice. The author provides a
number of projection techniques. They are clearly written and
easy to follow. Phillips' background as a ceremonial magician
clearly shows, however. The methods he gives for separating the
astral body from the physical body are very ritualistic and will
probably not be all that suitable for many readers.

The last third of the book is concerned with what can be done on
the astral plane. Some of these suggestions seem strange in a
book aimed at beginners; attempting to travel into the past or
future, for example. An entire chapter is devoted to astral sex
when it really could have been covered in a page or two. The
problems not withstanding, there are some good chapters in the
last part of the book. I found "Assisted Projection" (where one
person helps another to project) and "Animals and the Astral"
particularly interesting.

Astral Projection Plain & Simple isn't a bad book, but there are
better ones on the market. However, it is well-written and easy
for the beginner to understand. Those who like ritual will
probably be able to make better use of the astral projection
methods described in this book than those who aren't fans of
ritual.

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


[09]
=========
========= REVIEW: MEDITATION
========= Reviewed by Randall Sapphire
=========

Meditation: Practice & Application
Author: Jose Lorenzo-Fuentes
Trade Paperback, 168 pages
Publisher: Llewellyn
Publication date: January 2003
ISBN: 0738702560
US Retail Price: $12.95
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0738702560/thecauldron

While meditation is either a part of or a practice favored by
many Neo-Pagan religions, it is a practice independent of any one
religion. Jose Lorenzo-Fuentes, a Miami journalist, demonstrates
this in his introductory guide to meditation by exploring many
different types of meditation from different cultures and
religions, although it does seem to focus on Buddhist practices.
Meditation: Practice & Application was originally written in
Spanish and was translated by Antonio Palomo.

The book opens with a discussion of some of the benefits of
meditation and then begins practical instruction intermixed with
more discussion of history and benefits. While that may seem
frustrating to those who prefer to bypass the background and get
right to practical stuff, it does prevent the boredom many
readers feel when they have to go through chapter after chapter
of background before reaching the practical applications.

There is a lot of practical material in this book: breathing
exercises, basic meditation techniques, using meditation to help
achieve goals or overcome fear or other inhibiting emotions,
meditation to help relax and relieve stress, meditating for
health and healing, and more. A number of guided meditations are
included in this thin volume, including seven for healing.

Meditation: Practice & Application isn't a bad introduction to
meditation, but it is a bit of a whirlwind tour. The author
covers a great deal of territory in a relatively few pages. While
this provides the reader with a large number of different
meditation techniques, many of these are barely touched on before
the author moves on to the next. Unfortunately, this often means
a lack of depth and a lack of help if the reader has problems
with any of the techniques presented. I noticed some questionable
background material on psychic powers and the like: material that
is scientifically questionable was presented without any caveats.
However, the book is a readable survey of meditation with a lot
of practical techniques and exercises.

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


[10]
=========
========= RECEIVED FOR REVIEW
========= by Randall Sapphire
=========

The following books and decks have been received for review in
June 2003 and may be reviewed more fully in future issues. "First
Glance Comments" included with these listings are exactly what
they seem to be: my first impression of the item from a quick
glance through the book or deck. Be aware that these views could
change drastically after a more complete examination. If you are
waiting for a particular review, remember that reviews appear on
our web site as they are finished -- often a good while before
they are published in the newsletter.

As I was on vacation the first two weeks in May and playing catch
up with real life the rest of the month, I did not actually
review any of the many books in my review pile in May. I should
get back to writing full reviews this month, so watch the web
site for new reviews.

The Elements of Ritual
  by Deborah Lipp (Llewellyn)
  ISBN: 073870301X
  First Glance Comments: This book discusses the principles of
        Wiccan ritual and its relationship to the four elements.
        Each part of a typical ritual in discussed in great
        detail. While there are examples of ritual, this book
        appears to focus on theory than on cookbook techniques.
        From a first glance, this looks like a useful book for
        experienced Wiccans looking for something besides another
        101 book.
  More Info from Amazon.com:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073870301X/thecauldron


[11]
=========
========= ARTICLE: KHAOS -- THE FIRST OF THEM ALL
========= by Faerie K.
========= Originally published in Finnish in Vox Paganorum 1/02
========= translated from the Finnish by Faerie K.
=========

The general public is usually familiar mostly with the so-called
Olympian gods and goddesses along with a few others, but the
Greek pantheon includes also other lesser-known deities. Some of
them were "lesser-known" for even the ancient Greeks, as there
wasn't proper cult or organized worship connected to these
deities. One of these is Khaos (Chaos). There's very little
information available in our time about Khaos, considering her
part in the birth of the world and other deities in the Greek
mythology.

The earliest written references on Khaos can be found in the book
"Theogony" by Hesiod, who lived in the 700s before the Common
Era. In Theogony, Hesiod describes the birth of the world and the
Gods, as well as Greek mythology.

The word "Khaos" means space, gap, darkness and void, referring
to Khaos as that which is between heaven and earth. Khaos was
also called - albeit rarely - as Poros ('passage, contriver,
intriguer') and Aeros ('air').

When the world begun, Khaos was there. She is the goddess who
predates everything else - gods and even the world. After Khaos
arose Gaia (earth), Eros (love) and Tartaros. Without a mate,
Khaos gave birth to Erebos (darkness) and Nyx (night). From the
love between these two, were born Aether (light) and Hemera (day;
according to Bacchylides, Hemera's father is Khronos). Nyx also
bore other children - Moros, Ker, Thanatos, Hypnos, the Oneiroi,
Momos, Oizys, the Hesperides, the Keres, the Moirai, Nemesis,
Apate, Philots, Geras and Eris1, who are all spirits affecting
human lives (daimones).

Hyginus, who wrote in Latin in the 100s, relates a slightly
different story in his listing of gods Mythographi Fabularum
Liber. He wrote: "Ex Caligine Chaos" - Khaos was born out of
moisture, fog. Hyginus continues to tell how out of Khaos and fog
were born also Nox (Nyx), Dies (day, Hemera), Erebus (Erebos) and
Aether. That is, Khaos is the mother of not only night and
darkness, but also day and light.

Khaos with her offspring form the more "etheric" side of the
world in the Greek mythology, consisting of deities of seasons,
personifications of states of consciousness (from dreams to
deaths) and spirits of feelings and states of mind. Some sources
do say, that Khaos was originally an ancient goddess of ear, mist
and fog.

There are few mentions of Khaos in addition to her role in the
birth of the world. In his account of Zeus' fiery fight with the
titans, Hesiod describes how an astonishing heat took over Khaos
and how it seemed as though Gaia and Ouranos had rushed towards
each others and met. This gives an impression of Khaos moving
away from her usual place between earth and heaven. Later on
Hesiod tells that titans who lost the battle are now residing
behind the gloomy Khaos, far away from all the gods.

In his Birds, Aristophanes offers a glimpse of Khaos as something
other than "the first one of all, who merely exists". He gives
and account of the beginning of time, when the only ones
existing were Khaos, Nyx, the dark Erebos and the deep Tartaros.
There was no earth, air or sky yet existing. The dark-winged Nyx
laid an egg in the bosom of Erebos' endless depths and after time
had passed, gold-winged Eros hatched from this egg. Eros made
love with Khaos in Tartaros and Khaos has wings as golden as
those of Eros. This union gave birth to the birds - the first
ones to see the light. Birds tells about birds and at this point,
relates the story from birds' point of view, so describing the
gods as having bird-like wings makes sense. However, many Greek
deities, especially those who descended from Khaos, were often
depicted having wings, so Aristophanes' story can give you a clue
of what Khaos might look like.

Khaos is also present in the story of Alkmene, the woman who got
seduced by Zeus who took the form of her husband and who then
bore Zeus' son Heracles. Zeus had just won the battle with the
titans: the highest among the gods were now the Olympians and on
the top-most spot was Zeus himself. However, he was well aware
that those closest to Gaia's (the source calls them "relatives")
Okeanos (sea), Nyx and Khaos still existed, hiding and lurking at
the far corners of the universe and that some day, the gods would
be defeated like the titans were.

Later sources often describe Khaos as nothing but a chaotic
mixture of the elements - lifeless and formless, nothing-yet.
Khaos is described as merely a state before the world and order,
not as a goddess or even a deity. Paraphrasing Ovid (from his
book Metamorphosis): before there sea, earth or the heavens
arrived, there was only the uniformly desolate Khaos, primitive
and undeveloped. Khaos didn't achieve anything other than
heaviness and just being a tangled mass of all the elements.
These later accounts may be the result of the increasing
importance of the Olympic gods in the expense of other, earlier
gods. "Khaos as an impersonal nothingness, the beginning of it
all but lifeless" is the description you are quite likely to run
into in books dealing with Greek mythology (if there actually is
any mention of her), as well as in general books on mythology.

What about Khaos today? Can Khaos be worshipped, honored? Is it
possible to include Khaos in one's own personal religiosity? I
don't see any reason why not. Khaos may be "a goddess without
myths", but this doesn't make her "a non-existing goddess".
Neither does lack of historical cults worshipping her. Personal
gnosis - one's own personal revelation and information derived
from interacting with a deity - may get more importance in
addition to historical information with Khaos and other deities
like her, especially when compared to those gods where there is a
large amount of information available in this day and age.

Khaos may seem primordial and maybe even distant, but even the
ancient Greek didn't declare her dead. Why should we?

===
=== Notes
===

1) Moros - doom; Keres - death-spirits, personifications of
violent death; Thanatos - death, personification of non-violent
death; Hypnos - Thanatos' twin brother sleep; the Oneiroi -
dreams, the most skilful and important out of thousand Oneiroi
were Morpheus, Ikelos / Phobetor and Phantasos; Momos - mockery,
blame, criticism (he was expelled from heaven for mocking the
gods...); Oizys - pain, woe; the Hesperides - the three daughters
if evening; the Moirai - the fates; Nemesis - anger and
retribution; Apate - deceit; Philotes - affection, friendship;
Geras - old age; Eris - discord. Eris, who is nowadays best known
for being the "Goddess of Chaos" of especially Discordianists, is
the granddaughter of Khaos.

===
=== Sources
===

- Aristophanes: Birds
- Hesiod: Theogony
- Hyginus: Mythographi fabularum liber
- Ovid: Metamorphoses

- Bellingham, David: En Introduktion till Grekisk Mytologi
- Leeming: Encyclopedia of Creation Myths
- McLeigh, Kenneth: Myths and Legends of the World, the Complete
  Companion to all Traditions

- online: Theoi Project: http://www.theoi.com/


[12]
=========
========= ARTICLE: PAGANISM IN PORTUGAL
========= by Hélio
=========

[Editor's Note: This article was originally a reply to my
question about the number of Pagans in Portugal to a new member
of our message board from Portugal. I'd like to thank Hélio (aka
SUNDISC) for allowing me to use his message as this article.

Due to the lack of any official statistic on the subject, any
answer to your question comes mainly from a general perception
rather than a scientific source.

The most common Pagan religion in Portugal is Wicca - I assume,
like in many other western countries - having the most visible
manifestations in society (though naturally small compared with
that of other religions): Wiccans books are more common, both in
English and Portuguese, at least more than they were a couple of
years ago, Internet sites, irc chat rooms and public discussions
go the same way and one might add several recent magazine
articles, interviews and TV shows in which the subject was
presented, both in private and public television stations.
There's also a Pagan Federation Office in Portugal.

But, alas, the kind of information that gets to the general
public isn't always the best: one can hear things such as Wicca
being a centuries old religion (or even the oldest existing
one!), a unanimous "Pagan calendar" with its 8 festivals, plus
the lunar festivities, and recons are mentioned under strange
definitions when mentioned at all: the Roman and Greek ones, for
instance, were once called "neo-classicists" and the Norse are
named "runic pagans"...quite disappointing, but I do know that
the magazine that published the article got a couple of protest
letters, my own included ;)

Pagans from other religions can be found, though they are much
less visible, sometimes almost invisible when it comes to the
general public awareness: as far as I know, there are several
druids (some more Wiccan-like, others less), Thelema has several
followers at least in the two major cities and there are Celtic,
Roman-lusitan and Germanic/Norse recons too: we even have our own
folkish boys. Some people are interested in several of these
religions at the same time, along with a couple of highly
eclectic others who, I fear, have little sense of responsibility
and a low level of academical data (not to mention method).  The
exact numbers is, as said, impossible to know, but it should be
around a couple hundred, Wicca aside.

As for Heathenry, I know there are some besides me or, at least,
interested in heathen religion, but so far I've met only one
other from Portugal, and though it could have been interesting
considering that he also had Freyr as his patron, things went all
but well: turns out he had a couple of notions that were more
Wiccan than anything else and refused to worship with anyone who
had a different idea. I did suggest that we should focus an
essential thing which is Freyr's worship, but he kept saying that
"tunning with the energies" was too important to him (and that
meant to celebrate Winter Nights at the 31st of October, for
instance).

On the bright side, I do live in a lovely small town where there
are some Wiccans (or wannabes) and a Celtic recon (or interested
in) and we usually get together to celebrate each other's
festivities, along with several other friends of ours, though
they are not pagans.


[13]
=========
========= OPINION: NEGATIVITY
========= by Kelli LaVoy
=========

I am a Pagan. None of my immediate family members or friends are.
I'm sure there are others of you who are in this situation.

I would never presume to push my beliefs onto someone else. I
expect the same in return, but that never seems to be the case,
does it? People assume that some day I'll "come to my senses." My
aunt is a very Christian woman, and has been after me for over a
year to attend her bible study class. I have patiently explained
to her many times that my beliefs would differ from the other
members. She informs me that her Bible study class is open to new
ideas. As long as they come from the Bible. And as long as they
don't offend anyone present.

According to my mother, we make good worm food when we die.
Period. The subject is not up for discussion. She does not
believe in any religion, and anyone who does must be an idiot.

My ex-husband only believed in scientific, proven facts. To
suggest otherwise was a personal affront to him, and it tended to
make him very angry. I kept my beliefs to myself for 10 years
before we divorced.

My current boyfriend assumes that all Pagan ceremonies are
thinly-veiled excuses to have an orgy. Nothing I've ever said has
swayed his opinion on this. We do not discuss my beliefs often.

My 13-year old son just rolls his eyes at the whole thing. So
does my 65-year old father.

I am an open-minded person. I accept other people's beliefs
without argument. Why can't others do the same?


[14]
=========
========= COLUMN: TAROTDEEVAH ON THE TAROT
========= by TarotDeevah
=========

===
=== Mandala Astrological Tarot
===

by A.T. Mann
Published by Thorsons
Copyright 1987 by A.T. Mann
ISBN 0062505831
See Cards From This Deck:
  http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/mandalapics.JPG
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0062505831/thecauldron

Although this is a difficult deck to grasp, I like it very much.
The majors and courts are illustrated, although more with symbols
than actual illustrations. The pips are illustrated even less,
but I wouldn't call them Marseille style either. This deck
focuses on astrological symbols inside a mandala on each card.
The naming and order of the deck follow Rider Waite style, except
that the Heirophant is called High Priest and pages are called
princesses. As far as I know, this deck is currently out of
print, so snatch it up if you come across it. Mine came as a deck
and book set, and I have found the book invaluable, possibly
necessary. If you can get the book with the deck, I recommend you
do so.

The cards measure about 3.5 inches squared. Their squareness
takes a bit of getting used to, but they handle fairly well. They
are sturdy thickness, but not too stiff.

I don't recommend this deck for beginners of tarot, as it will be
difficult to use. The cards do not stimulate intuition, but are
read according to the system. I recommend the deck for those who
use astrology heavily in their readings, collectors and studiers
of astrology in general.

===
=== Masquerade Tarot
===

by Martin
Published by US Games Systems, Inc.
Copyright 1995 by US Games Systems, Inc.
ISBN 0880790881
See Cards From This Deck:
  http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/masqpics.JPG
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880790881/thecauldron

Words cannot adequately express how much I dislike this deck. I
can find no rhyme or reason for the odd and distracting coloring;
the artwork is totally uninspiring; and the entire deck is
utterly lacking in symbolism of almost any sort. It is quite
possibly my least favorite deck of all.

All cards feature people in masks, as if they were off to a
masquerade ball. The deck order and naming follow Rider Waite
style with a few deviations: the high priestess is the priestess,
the wheel of fortune is chance, the star is stars, and judgment
is the angel. Suits are staves, cups, swords and coins.

Cards measure approximately 2.75 by 4.75 inches and handle well.
The deck is not too stiff and not too flimsy. I imagine the deck
would be durable and hold up to frequent use.

I don't recommend this deck for anyone. Even collectors will be
utterly disappointed in my opinion. Beginners will certainly find
no help in the images, as they all look pretty much the same.

===
=== Medicine Woman Tarot
===

by Carol Bridges
Published by US Games Systems, Inc.
Copyright 1987 and 1991 by Carol Bridges
ISBN 0880795123
See Cards From This Deck:
  http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/mwpics.JPG
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880795123/thecauldron

My knowledge of Native American culture and symbolism is like my
knowledge of Egyptian culture and symbolism, lacking to say the
least. This deck appears to be heavily influenced by Native
American spirituality, although many of the people pictured are
not Native American. I believe this deck will appeal to non-
Native Americans interested in that culture. I also find this
deck has quite a feminine feel without downplaying men. I find
the art lovely and inspiring.

The deck sort of follows the Rider Waite pattern, but changes
have been made. Keywords appear at the bottom of the majors, some
of which don't quite go with how I see the cards. Suits are pipes
(wands), bowls (cups), arrows (swords) and stones (pentacles).
Court cards are exemplar (king), power lodge (queen), totem
(knight) and apprentice (page). All cards, even the pips, are
illustrated. Symbolism is abundant, and the cards do reach me
(even if I'm not particularly drawn to Native American themes).

The cards measure about 2.75 by 4.25 inches. They are a good
thickness and handle well. I have no reason to doubt their
sturdiness.

I recommend this deck primarily for women (non-Native Americans)
drawn to the Native American culture. I also recommend the deck
for collectors, beginners through advanced, those inspired by
lovely artwork, and those who prefer feminine decks.

===
=== Medieval Scapini Tarot
===

by Luigi Scapini
Published by US Games Systems, Inc.
Copyright 1985 by US Games Systems, Inc.
ISBN 0880790318
See Cards From This Deck:
  http://angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/tarot/medipics.JPG
Amazon Link:
  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0880790318/thecauldron

This is a very rich looking deck, full of lots and lots of gold.
The deck is done in an "old style" although it's not an old deck
(only 1985). The art is old style (Middle Ages and Renaissance),
and the order is old style (Tarot de Marseille rather than Rider
Waite style). Justice is VIII and Force (strength) is XI. The
High Priestess is called the Popess, Heirophant is the Pope,
Strength is Force, the Tower is the Falling Tower, and the Fool
(although still zero) is positioned between Judgment and the
World.

All cards, including the pips, are illustrated. This is not
according to any old style I'm aware of, but I like illustrated
pips. The illustrations often don't assist much at all in
interpreting the cards on the pips, I've found. Some of them seem
more like afterthoughts of space fillers than anything else.

The cards themselves measure about 2.5 by 5.5 inches. they are a
little too long for me to handle easily, but not impossible to
work with. They are a good thickness and are durable. I bought my
deck second hand, and it's apparent that it was used frequently.
The fronts of the cards stood up well, but some of the gold ink
on the back of the cards has worn. I don't notice any gold ink on
my fingers after handling the deck, but the pattern is quite worn
in the center of the cards where the thumb would be during bridge
shuffle.

I recommend this deck for those who love gold and gilding! This
is truly a rich looking deck. Also, for those who love old style
artwork, but dislike Tarot de Marseille style decks, this deck
may be a happy medium for you. I also recommend this deck for
collectors and intermediate to advanced readers. Beginners may
not get enough from the illustrations on the pips to get a good
grasp of their meanings, or may be led off by illustrations which
don't quite fit.

=====
===== About This Column
=====

TarotDeevah's column will feature monthly articles or reviews
selected from her web site or written for this newsletter.
You can find TarotDeevah's web site at:
http://www.angelfire.com/la2/tarotdeevah/home.html


[15]
=========
========= HUMOR: ADMISSION TEST AT THE PEARLY GATES
========= Author unknown
=========

George W. Bush, Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso have all died.
Due to a glitch in the mundane/celestial time-space continuum,
all three arrive at the Pearly Gates more or less simultaneously,
even though their deaths have taken place decades apart.

The first to present himself to Saint Peter is Einstein. Saint
Peter questions him."You look like Einstein, but you have no idea
the lengths certain people will go to, to sneak into Heaven under
false pretenses. Can you prove who you really are?"

Einstein ponders for a few seconds and asks, "Could I have a
blackboard and some chalk?"

Saint Peter complies with a snap of his fingers. The blackboard
and chalk instantly appear. Einstein proceeds to describe with
arcane mathematics and symbols his special theory of relativity.

Saint Peter is suitably impressed. "You really are Einstein!
Welcome to heaven!"

The next to arrive is Picasso. Once again Saint Peter asks for
his credentials. Picasso doesn't hesitate. "Mind if I use that
blackboard and chalk?"

Saint Peter says, "Go ahead."

Picasso erases Einstein's scribbles and proceeds to sketch out a
truly stunning mural. Bulls, satyrs, nude women: he captures
their essence with but a few strokes of the chalk.

Saint Peter claps. "Surely you are the great artist you claim to
be! Come on in!"

The last to arrive is George W. Bush. Saint Peter scratches his
head. "Einstein and Picasso both managed to prove their identity.
How can you prove yours?"

Geogre W. looks bewildered, "Who are Einstein and Picasso?"

Saint Peter sighs, "Come on in, George."


[16]
=========
========= AROUND THE PLANES: NOTES FROM ALL OVER
=========

Corporate America (and many large non-profits) keep a small army
of publicists busy writing copyright-free articles that busy
newspaper and newsletter editors can use in their publications.
Many are nothing but shill worthy only of a cartoon version of
used car salesman. Others contain useful information with only a
subtle plug. Your editor has found a good online source for these
and will be including a few that he feels may be of interest to
Cauldron and Candle readers in issues of this newsletter.
Remember that publication of an article in this newsletter is not
an endorsement of the authors' position or any products and
companies mentioned therein.

[16-1]
=====
===== Warm Weather Tips For Pregnant Women
=====

In addition to trips to the beach, backyard barbecues and family
outings, warm weather also brings lots of questions for pregnant
women. To answer them, a major healthcare non-profit has created
a Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center where trained
health professionals are available for calls.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers for mothers to
be:

How much exercise is safe?

Before doing any exercise, check with your health care provider.
Unless there are medical reasons to avoid it, pregnant women
should try to exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes on most
days. Consider brisk walking, dancing or swimming. Avoid
activities that put you at high risk for injury. Always be sure
to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise to
avoid dehydration.

Can I use bug spray with DEET in it?

Exercise caution when using insect repellents containing DEET, a
common spray ingredient. DEET can be absorbed through the skin
and enter your blood stream. Because DEET is considered toxic in
high doses, it is recommended that pregnant women use it in very
small doses, if at all.

Can I use a hot tub?

Elevated body temperature, especially during the first trimester,
should be avoided by pregnant women. During this time, a
sustained body temperature of 102.5 degrees F. or higher may
increase the risk of certain birth defects of the brain and
spine.

Are there any foods I should be careful about eating at a
barbecue?

Make sure all meat, poultry and seafood are well-done to kill
bacteria. Cook hot dogs until they are steaming hot. Raw or
lightly cooked eggs should be avoided but hard boiled eggs are
fine.

Are there any special precautions I need to take while working in
my garden?

Wear gloves when gardening, because outdoor soil may contain a
parasite that can pose a serious risk to an unborn baby if the
pregnant mother is infected for the first time during her
pregnancy.

The Center at the March of Dimes offers a free, confidential
call-in service where trained professionals are ready to answer
your questions about pregnancy at 888-MODIMES Monday through
Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) or by email at
askus AT marchofdimes.com.

[16-2]
=====
===== Tips On How To Control Mosquitos Around The Garden
=====

Areas in and around a garden can be ideal breeding grounds for
mosquitoes. Aside from being a seasonal nuisance, mosquitoes may
carry and transmit numerous diseases, such as West Nile virus.
With over 4,000 cases of West Nile virus reported by the Centers
for Disease Control in 2002, it's becoming increasingly important
to protect against mosquitoes and their bites.

Rebecca Kolls, Master Gardener and host of the television program
"Rebecca's Garden," offers some advice for reducing mosquitoes
around the garden and preventing mosquito bites.

One way to help avoid mosquito bites is to limit outdoor activity
at dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is highest, says Kolls.
However, as most gardeners know, these are the best times to work
in the garden. Therefore, when you're outdoors, remember to
protect yourself:

* Use a DEET-based insect repellent such as Ultrathon insect
  repellent from 3M. Originally developed to protect U.S. troops,
  Ultrathon insect repellent lotion was rated the number one
  insect repellent by a leading consumer magazine.

* Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and a hat to
  minimize the areas of exposed skin.

* Consider replacing your outdoor floodlights with yellow bug
  lights.

The general rule of thumb is that if it can hold water, it can
breed mosquitoes, says Kolls. Since gardening and water go hand-
in-hand, gardeners should be on the lookout for the following:

* Be sure to empty excess water from the saucers underneath
  outdoor plants every couple of days.

* If left outside, gardening tools, watering cans, buckets and
  wheelbarrows become ideal collectors of rainwater. Therefore,
  bring these materials indoors after use, or turn them upside-
  down outside when not in use.

* Cover rain barrels with a fine mesh, such as window screening,
  to keep mosquitoes out.

* Holes in the garden hose and dripping outdoor faucets should be
  mended to prevent puddles of water from forming.

* Empty and replace the water in birdbaths every two to four
  days.

* Water gardens and ornamental ponds are natural places for
  mosquitoes to lay eggs. If you don't have fish in these ponds,
  consider adding them. If adding fish is not an option, change
  the water in the pond at least once a week, particularly when
  the weather is warm. Finally, keep ground cover, overhanging
  plants and other surrounding vegetation trimmed and away from
  the water surface.

[16-3]
=====
===== National WWII Memorial Dedication Plans Take Shape
=====

America's World War II veterans have waited 58 years for a
national memorial commemorating their service and sacrifice.
Their wait is nearly over.

The American Battle Monuments Commission has announced that the
National World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington,
D.C., on Saturday, May 29, 2004.

The Memorial Day weekend celebration on the National Mall will
culminate an 11-year effort to honor America's World War II
generation. The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1993.

Construction began in September 2001 after several years of fund
raising and public hearings on the site and design. ABMC expects
construction to be completed in March 2004.

Two months later, the Smithsonian Institution, the Washington
National Cathedral and Armed Forces ceremonial and musical units
will participate in a four-day Tribute to a Generation dedication
celebration.

Dedication Ceremony - The memorial will be formally dedicated on
Saturday, May 29, at 2 p.m. Pre-ceremony entertainment will
include live music, video images of the wartime era, and
historical information about the memorial. The ceremony will
acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation, and
recognize the addition of the memorial to the Mall area as an
important part of the National Park System.

WWII Reunion - The Smithsonian Institution will produce a
National World War II Reunion on the Mall. The four-day event
(May 27-30) will provide a venue for members of the WWII
generation to gather together, meet former comrades, record oral
histories, and enjoy 1940s music and WWII equipment displays.

Veterans Salute - ABMC will present a "Salute to WWII Veterans"
at the MCI Center in downtown Washington, featuring Armed Forces
personnel in a musical and narrative tribute to veterans. Three
free performances are planned: afternoon matinee and evening
shows on Friday, May 28, and an evening performance on Saturday,
May 29.

Memorial Service - An interfaith memorial service is set for
Saturday, May 29, at 10 a.m. at the Washington National
Cathedral. The service will celebrate the dedication of the
memorial and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Specific arrangements for these and other activities associated
with the dedication will be available on the memorial Web site
http://www.wwiimemorial.com/ and toll-free number
(1-800-639-4992) as they are confirmed.

[16-4]
=====
===== Top Cities For Pet Health
=====

A new study reveals which U.S. cities are top dogs when it comes
to pet health.

The study, conducted by the Purina Pet Institute, ranked those
cities that exemplify superior care, services and legislation for
pets' health and well-being. It analyzed 30 different criteria
ranging from veterinarian-to-pet ratios to incidence of obesity
to rabies legislation. The top five Pet Healthiest Cities are:

1. Denver, Colo.

2. Oakland, Calif.

3. Portland, Ore.

4. Anaheim, Calif.

5. San Francisco, Calif.

"This is the only comprehensive evaluation of factors that impact
pets' health and affect their quality of life," said Dan
Christian, DVM, executive director of the Purina Pet Institute.

The data revealed that pet obesity/body condition and
preventative care are major issues. According to veterinarians
surveyed, more than half of the nation's cats and dogs are
overfed, which can lead to health problems. An unprecedented 14-
year Purina study proved that feeding dogs properly throughout
their lifetime to maintain ideal body condition can significantly
extend their healthy years.

Other significant results:

* Cats and dogs in San Francisco can claim clean lungs-the city
  has the lowest cigarette usage in the report and boasts zero
  annual ozone alert days.

* New York City and Oakland scored highest for percentage of dogs
  neutered (83 percent) and New York City tied with San Jose for
  highest percentage of cats neutered (86 percent).

* In the body condition category, New Orleans scored highest for
  percentage of dogs at ideal body weight (50 percent) and
  Nashville took top score for percentage of cats at ideal body
  weight (50 percent).

* Columbus, Ohio leads the country in the veterinarian-to-pet
  ratio with one veterinarian for every 745 pets.

While it is important to understand the environmental elements
that affect a pet's health-such as the availability of qualified
care, the prevalence of fleas or the requirements of licensing-
there are many things individual pet owners can do to help
improve their pet's health.

"The things pet owners control - obesity, preventative care,
spaying and neutering - can literally add, or detract, healthy
years from a pet's life," said Christian.

Pet enthusiasts can log on to http://www.purina.com/ to find out
more about the report and what they can do for their own pet's
health.

[16-5]
=====
===== Green Computing
=====

Looking for ways to be environmentally responsible when using or
disposing of your computer? It is important to remember that
recycling is only one of many responsible steps in the life cycle
of a computer.

"Greener" computing is about getting the most out of your
computer while minimizing environmental effects and maximizing
cost savings. Dell recognizes the importance of understanding the
environmental issues associated with computers and offers the
following tips to help consumers make their computer purchases,
use and disposal more environmentally friendly:

Purchasing a computer system:

* Buy a computer that grows with you. Learning how to buy the
  right system for your specific needs helps ensure that your
  computer will grow with you for many years to come. Shop
  smartly and you can maximize the work (and play) you'll
  accomplish with your computer.

* Buy refurbished products. Many computer manufacturers and
  resellers offer refurbished computer systems and parts. They
  can offer substantial savings while benefiting the environment.
  Dell offers refurbished computers that have undergone rigorous
  quality testing and are backed with a limited warranty and
  technical support.

* Consider the environment. Most computers are being designed to
  reduce the negative effects of manufacturing and use. For
  example, Energy Star compliant computers and monitors have been
  designed to reduce energy use when idle. Other environmental
  features such as a design that will let you upgrade your
  computer easily, online manuals and documentation, and
  recyclability should be considered when choosing a computer
  system.

* Packaging is important. Computers and their components are
  sophisticated and precise products requiring maximum protection
  from drops, vibration and temperature variations that can occur
  during shipping and handling. Find out what various retailers
  and manufacturers are doing to reduce unnecessary packaging
  before you spend your money with them.

Getting the most out of your computer:

* Turn it off. Computers are designed so that frequent shutdowns
  will not significantly affect them. In fact, turning off a
  system saves energy and may prolong the life of your computer.
  Remember to always turn off your monitor at night and when not
  in use. Even if you have power management enabled for your
  monitor, leaving a monitor on all night uses significant
  electricity. If you need to leave your computer running for the
  day, get into the habit of turning off your monitor when you
  are in meetings or at lunch.

* Enable power management. Look for power management features on
  your desktop or notebook to minimize energy use. These features
  enable the computer to go into low-power mode when not in use,
  which can save a significant amount of energy.

* Skip the screen saver. Active, moving screen savers don't save
  any energy. Screen savers were initially designed to save the
  coating inside monitors-but this type of monitor is rarely used
  today.

* Be a smart printer. You can also reduce the environmental
  effects of printing with your computer. Consider editing
  documents on your computer and using the clean side of used
  paper for printing drafts. You can also purchase
  environmentally friendly printers, toner cartridges and paper.

Extend your computer's life:

* Donate it. When you are finished using your computer consider
  donating it to a non-profit organization. While you may have
  outgrown its features, an organization that cannot afford
  technology may be able to use it for years to come. Dell
  connects consumers to donation opportunities through the
  National Cristina Foundation at Dell Recycling
  (www.dell4me.com/recycling).

* Reuse components. Your monitor, keyboard and mouse can be
  reused with a new computer. Make sure your next computer is
  compatible with these components or consider donating them.

* Recycle it. Donate your used computer, or recycle it. Almost
  all of the elements in a computer can be recycled and reused in
  the manufacture of new machines and other products. Dell's
  consumer recycling program can be found at
  www.dell4me.com/recycling, or look for a licensed recycler in
  your area that follows guidelines of the Environmental
  Protection Agency.

For more information, please visit
http://www.dell4me.com/recycling or
http://www.dell.com/environment.


[17]
=========
========= Cauldron Info
========= SUPPORT THE CAULDRON BY VOLUNTEERING TO HELP
=========

The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum was founded in December 1997 to
provide a friendly but serious discussion area for Pagans on the
Internet. We've grown a bit over the years. We now have an active
message area, a large web site with around 700 pages of
information (including well over 200 book and divination deck
reviews), and a monthly email newsletter. To continue to provide
and expand these services, The Cauldron needs lots of volunteer
help from our members and supporters.

Here are some of the things members and supporters can do to help
The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum thrive:

=====
===== Actively Participate In Our Message Board
=====

While our Delphi message board welcomes readers, we encourage
members to actively participate by posting their comments and
views in our discussions. One of the easiest ways to help The
Cauldron is to actively participate in our message board. The
staff especially appreciates members who start new topics for
discussion based on their own questions, opinions, or interests.

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

* information on historical pagan cultures

* editorial/opinion pieces

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

If you have friends or acquaintances who you believe would find
The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum useful, please tell them about our
site. If you are active in our message board and have friends who
might enjoy them or have information to contribute, please invite
them.

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

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

=====
===== Donations
=====

As The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum uses as many free services as
possible, our need for money to operate our 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 our 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

=====
===== Amazon Purchases
=====

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

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

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

If you have specific questions, proposals or other ideas we
haven't mentioned here, please email them to
rssapphire00@ecauldron.GETRIDOFEME.com. (Unfortunately, Randall
has to answer general "Tell me more?" type questions with a
request for a more specific question. He's not trying to be rude,
he just can't think of anything general and useful to say that
isn't said here.)

[18]
=========
========= NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
========= (Including how to subscribe and unsubscribe)
=========

Cauldron and Candle is a free publication of The Cauldron: A
Pagan Forum. The Cauldron intends to publish this newsletter once
a month and often actually succeeds in doing so. We tried to
publish it twice a month for a while, but real life interfered
too often.

This issue of Cauldron and Candle as a whole is copyright (c)
2003 by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. Copyrights on individual
items in this newsletter are retained by their author, please
contact the editors if you need to contact an author for
permission to reprint an article and the editors will do their
best to put you in touch with him or her. The opinions expressed
herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily
reflect the views of newsletter, The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum, or
its staff. Publication of an article in this newsletter is not an
endorsement of the authors position or any products and companies
mentioned therein. No one involved in producing this newsletter
has any money to speak of so suing us if you don't like something
we do is a waste of time and money.

=====
===== HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE OR CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS
=====

You are receiving a copy of this newsletter because you signed up
to receive it. You can subscribe or unsubscribe to this
newsletter via your web browser at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cauldronandcandle/join

Or you can unsubscribe via email by sending a blank message to

cauldronandcandle-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Be sure to send this message from the email account actually
subscribed to the newsletter. If you have trouble unsubscribing
by email, please use the web browser method mentioned above.

If you need to change your subscription to a new email address,
unsubscribe your old email address and subscribe your new email
address. Note that you have to make these changes yourself. Yahoo
Groups does not allow the list owner to make them for you.

=====
===== NEWSLETTER WEB SITE AND BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE
=====

The Cauldron and Candle web site contains information on this
newsletter and an archive of back issues.

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

=====
===== PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE
=====

If you have Pagan friends who you believe would be interested in
Cauldron and Candle please invite them to subscribe. You can
either drop them a note yourself or -- better yet -- send them
one of The Cauldron's email postcards with the information.

You are also welcome to forward a copies of this newsletter to
interested friends and associates provided you forward the entire
newsletter.

=====
===== SUGGESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
=====

Don't forget that your suggestions for this newsletter are always
welcome, either posted on the message board or via email to
LyricFox (lyricfox@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com) or Randall Sapphire
(rssapphire00@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com). Typos are, as usual,
courtesy of the Goddess Eris.
Return to Cauldron and Candle Archive


Top | Home | Message Board | Site Info & Rules | Report Site Problems
Thanks to Cauldron Sponsors
(Sponsor The Cauldron!)

Cheap Web Hosting Report | Pagan & Magick Supplies
Witchcraft Course
Download Hundreds of Magic Spells