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C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #73 -- Mid-May 2006 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ message board: http://www.ecauldron.net/mb/ newsletter: http://www.ecauldron.com/cnc/ shopping: http://www.ecauldron.com/mall.php http://www.ecauldron.com/doxysbazaar.php In this Issue: [00] Editorial Notes [01] Cauldron News * The Cauldron's Virtual Picnic [02] Cauldron Discussions [03] Pagan Announcements * Walk of the Fallen Memorial Day Tribute [04] Book Reviews: * The Pagan Man * The Way of Four Spellbook [05] Articles * The Astral Plane And Its Divisions * Meditation Music [06] Flamekeeping: Inner Relations [07] Software Gadgets: The Column * Toolbox -- Application Launcher on Steroids * Process Tamer -- Tame Programs When They Hog the CPU * Google SketchUp -- Simple but Powerful 3-D Drawing Program [08] Grimoire: Candle Sleep Spell [09] Pagan Webmaster: Color and Your Website [10] Recipe: Baked Potato Bowls With The Works [11] Support The Cauldron [12] Newsletter Information (Including How To Subscribe/Unsubscribe) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ LOOKING FOR PAGAN SUPPLIES? Visit The Cauldron's Pagan Supply Store (An Affiliate of Pagan Shopping Online) http://www.ecauldron.com/esesf.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [00] ========= ========= EDITORIAL NOTES ========= Welcome to the second May 2006 issue of Cauldron and Candle. You are receiving this issue because you subscribed. To learn how to unsubscribe, see the last section of this newsletter. I hope you enjoy this issue. I don't have a lot to say this month so I'll just let you get on with reading the newsletter. Randall Sapphire Editor and Publisher, Cauldron and Candle Co-Host, The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum [01] ========= ========= CAULDRON NEWS ========= by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum Staff ========= ===== ===== The Cauldron's Virtual Picnic ===== LyricFox is collecting recipes for the Cauldron Cookbook again. Since it's been about six months since I gathered up recipes for our 12 Days of Holiday Cooking and since the weather is beginning to warm up, I thought now might be a nice time for a virtual picnic. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll post a category every two or three days. Post your recipes and then, when we're all done, I'll be pulling some out to post in the cookbook section of ecauldron. You'll be given credit for the recipe, of course, but if for some reason you'd rather not have the recipe out there, just post it at the start of your recipe posting. I'll have the categories posted in this thread in the next couple of days. And we'll start with the first category posting on Monday, May 22. Not quite sure how long this will run yet, because I don't have the categories yet, but I'll figure that out post it with the listing. http://www.ecauldron.net/cncsocial.php?m=655.1 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ PAGAN FRIENDLY WEB HOSTING AT DREAMHOST http://www.ecauldron.com/web/zdreamhost.php Dreamhost offers high-quality, low cost web hosting with a dedication to free speech. Pagan sites are welcome! Read why we use Dreamhost for The Cauldron's web site: http://www.ecauldron.com/web/whydreamhost.php $9.95/Month Plan Features: 20000 megs web space -- 1000 gigs/month bandwidth -- 3000 email boxes (POP3/IMAP) -- 75 ftp/shell accounts -- host unlimited domains/subdomains -- php4, php5, cgi, fastcgi, ssi, zend optimizer, ruby on rails -- unlimited MySQL databases -- announcement lists -- discussion lists -- Jabber server -- Crontab and Shell access -- Web-based Control Panel -- One-Click installs of the Wordpress, PhpBB, and many more -- One FREE domain name -- 1 free domain name -- helpful tech support -- much more! Visit Dreamhost for Affordable, Pagan-Friendly Hosting http://www.ecauldron.com/web/zdreamhost.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [02] ========= ========= CAULDRON DISCUSSIONS ========= Recent Discussion Topics on our Message Board ========= In an average month, over 200 new discussion topics are started on The Cauldron's message board. Here are a few of the more interesting recent discussions. It's not too late to join in. Thanks to Feedburner, you can now receive an email every night on days we post new site news items to the main page of The Cauldron's web site. These emails contain a link to the new item and the first couple of lines of the news text. You can sign up for Feedburner's free news delivery via the form at the end of the site "News and Updates" section of The Cauldron's main web page. ===== ===== Drawn to a Certain Type of Deity? ===== I got to thinking about this over in the XYZ thread. If you're drawn to multiple deities (same or different pantheon), is there a specific type you're drawn to? For instance, I'm dedicated to Hekate, but I've always been attracted to Osiris. I definitely lean to the earth or chthonic type of Gods. The one exception would be an aspect of Zeus who had nothing to do with the chthonic side of his nature. Do you find yourself mainly looking to watery deities? Air deities? Storm deities? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=723.1 ===== ===== Gods: Local or Universal? ===== Some folks believe that gods are bound by geography (e.g. having dominion over a particular mountain or stream). Some folks believe that gods are universal, that is to say, they can reach and interact with followers all over the world. What do you think? Are gods local or universal? Or are some local only, and some universal? Do some universal gods hold special powers related to geography? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=615.1 ===== ===== Running Back into the Broom Closet ===== I'm not exactly new to the pagan world, I'm just new to the whole public part. It wasn't always like this, however. Before college I was active in the pagan community and had a good strong faith. What happened leads me to the question. It wasn't my family or outside pressure that sent me back into hiding, but other the way some pagans were acting in my new community. I didn't want others to associate me with what they were doing and how they were acting. I totally closed myself off and actually started to question my own strength in my faith. That is until finding this forum and realizing that there are people who believe without being over the top. (I really do feel welcome here, thanks.) Has anyone else run into this problem in their community or was I being overly sensitive? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=721.1 ===== ===== Reuse and Recycle and Buy Locally ===== I know a lot of our members are environmentally aware. Many try to lessen their footprint on this earth and a lot do it by reusing and recycling. A lot of you also try to buy locally produced and grown items. I thought I would start a thread where you could post your ideas, URLS and thoughts. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncsocial.php?m=609.1 ===== ===== To Question the Nature of Divinity? ===== Something I read recently raised an issue that struck a chord with me. Is it irreverent to philosophize on the nature of Deity or Deities? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=663.1 ===== ===== Can Humans Affect the Gods? ===== In your opinion, what can humans do that will affect the gods? For example, is it possible for us to do things that make gods stronger? Can one shield against or banish a god? Etc. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=652.1 ===== ===== Research Tutorial? ===== Given the high level of academic religious scholarship here I was wondering if maybe some of the more expert members would be willing to give a bit of a research tutorial. While the names of resources are freely given, I was specifically looking for perhaps a more general "How to research" that answers questions such as How do I find sources on my own? What is an original source and why is this good? How do I know if my source is good? ie verification. Methods for assimilating a large amount of research? Methods to ENJOY reading some of the more 'dry' sources? Such as using the index, and Table of Contents, doing a heading scan to get a big picture before focusing in. Personal research styles: Why do you choose certain sources over others? What is your research process? My research method is fairly rudimentary and I spend a lot of time in the wide angle phase to get my bearings before I get into the detailed stuff. I know that I personally would benefit from hearing about other members research methods and styles. I could definitely improve my verification and assimilation skills I easily get overwhelmed. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=645.1 ===== ===== What Are We Doing to Magick? ===== Have you ever wondered what we're doing to magick? Have you ever noticed we've lost our wonder? Awe is replaced by "knowledge". Humility is unheard of. Law replaces self-control. The magick of our universe is explained away by "science". Overindulgence has bread a sick complacency. Once holy people (magicians, shamans, witches, etc.) fasted and spent much time in meditation before they dared touch the other side. Now we approach everything with a sense of arrogant entitlement. And we watch those we call leaders destroy our source of life with politics and agendas. We live with the knowledge that our Great Mother is miserable. We do nothing to preserve Her. She watches Her children kill each other. Every fire set and bomb thrown scars Her precious skin. The heat of war and greed scorches Her. We do nothing. Some say I'm crazy. They could be right. I say I'm insanely sensitive. I feel Her anguish. I feel the deadness of people I meet. I look at our whole wretched society and I feel sick. Magick will die if we continue on our current path. What do you plan to do about that? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/cncmain.php?m=640.1 [03] ========= ========= PAGAN ANNOUNCEMENTS ========= ===== ===== Walk of the Fallen Memorial Day Tribute ===== [If you are a member of our message board, you probably already know about the labyrinth Cyn maintains as a memorial to those members of our armed forces who have lost their lives in the war in Iraq. If not, be sure to look at the labyrinth's web site. -- RSS] This Cretan labyrinth was built in 2003 to honor the service members lost in the war in Iraq. We formally opened the Walk of the Fallen at Samhain of 2003 and welcomed all visitors to walk, whether pagan or not. Our pagan friends assure me it is a powerful thing for raising positive energies to peace and healing. Every year, I try to mark the passage of time and the continued loss of life in some fashion. At Samhain 2005, I draped the central stone with strands of beads....one bead per lost service member; I add to those strands too regularly. This spring, the addition is what we call "The Towers of Tribute"....these are made of glass test tubes with the names of fallen members of the armed forces inside. These 2400+ tubes will be assembled into hollow-centered constructs to be placed out by the Labyrinth, enabling visitors to read the names. I may not have these completed and lit by Beltane, but am aiming for Armed Forces Day (May 20th) as my absolute deadline. Visitors are welcome anytime, of course, but especially from May 20th thru Memorial Day. The Labyrinth can be seen at the website "Walk of Fallen" link. (tomcynphotoarts.com) Please feel free to email through the website contact if you need directions, more information, or special arrangements. [04] ========= ========= CAULDRON REVIEWS ========= Most of The Cauldron's book reviews are now written by Mike Gleason. If you would like to contact Mike with comments about his reviews (or about books you would like to have reviewed), you can email Mike at: gleason.mike@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com ===== ===== THE PAGAN MAN ===== The Pagan Man: Priests, Warriors, Hunters, and Drummers by Isaac Bonewits Published 2006 by Citadel Press ISBN 0806526971 252 pages Trade Paperback $12.95 (U.S.) $17.95 (Canada) http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=0806526971 Every once in a while I will review a book because of an individual's recommendation, or because I know (or know of) a particular author. This is a book which meets both of these conditions. A friend of my daughter's swear by this book (Thanks, Jason), and I had the pleasure of meeting Isaac at a Midwest Pagan Gathering almost 26 years ago. I had read Real Magic even before then, as well as numerous articles by him in various Pagan journals and on-line. Isaac is one of the "grand old men" of the Neopagan movement, in that he has been involved in the public movement in the U.S. almost since the beginning. He has contributed a great deal to the movement through his research; his artistic endeavors; and his visibility through the years. He has, occasionally, been at the center of disputes - often through his insistence of scholarship in place of "how we wish it had been" thinking, and periodic puncturing of mainstream thought than through controversy for controversy's sake. Books dealing with the male's place and function in Paganism are, finally, beginning to become available. That's the good news. The bad news is that many of them are aimed at our gay brothers. That doesn't imply a belief that "gay = bad," lest you jump to that conclusion. The Pagan community has enough diversity for that sort of judgment to be ludicrous. When I say that is the "bad news" I simply mean that the "average, straight, Pagan male" (whoever or whatever that may be) has only just begun to find books expressing his point of view. Isaac, along with Kerr Cuhulain, has made an attempt to show the value inherent in those tendencies often associated with "macho" attitudes as well as other, gentler, pursuits. Isaac has helped to explore, as well as define, the evolution of the Pagan movement since its most recent public re-emergence (the mid-1950s) through to today. He has shown how attitudes have, in large part, moved from a complete rejection of masculine influences (as epitomized by Gardnerian-influenced Wicca) in the common mind (even if not in actuality [after all, Gardner was male]) to a generally more balanced view of true equality of influences. That is not to say that there don't exist extremists at both ends of the spectrum, they are still there. Fortunately, their influence is moderating as the movement matures. This book is a very necessary addition to the library of every coven, grove, and circle out there. It also belongs in the library of every male Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, Druid, etc. That is not to imply that Isaac has all the answers. In fact, he has no "answers" at all. What he has is ideas, suggestions, and stimulating concepts. You may not change your mind/attitude after reading this book, but then again you might. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ NEED PAGAN OR MAGICKAL SUPPLIES? Shop Paganshopping.Com via The Cauldron's Pagan Supplies Store http://www.ecauldron.com/esesf.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ===== ===== The Way of Four Spellbook ===== The Way of Four Spellbook by Deborah Lipp Published 2006 by Llewellyn ISBN 0738708585 267 pages Trade Paperback $16.95 (U.S.) $22.95 (Canada) http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=0738708585 Deborah Lipp starts her book by answering a very basic question - "Why a Spellbook?" This is a valid question as most experienced magick users will tell you that the most effective spells are those you create yourself. Add to that the fact that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of spellbooks already available (ranging from the ridiculous to the inspiring) and one has to feel that there is little incentive to put another one into the mix. Ms. Lipp approached this writing from a very different perspective. Unlike many of the spellbooks I have seen, she separates this work into spells appropriate to each of the four classical elements. And, wonder of wonders, she doesn't use "Spirit" as a category, preferring to refer to spells of that sort as "balancing" (as in a balance of Earth, Fire, Air and Water) spells. Ms. Lipp's approach to working magic is both common-place and unique. If that seems an unlikely combination to you, it is. While the method she lays out is unique - very few spellbooks group their spells by elements - it is based on techniques and correspondences which are common to many systems of magick- working. She makes every effort to explain her reasoning in a simple, clear, and concise manner If this is your first exposure to spellbooks, congratulations - you have made a good choice, and one which will serve to demystify the entire process of spellcasting. If, on the other hand, you have already had experience in spellwork, this book may expose you to a differing approach which can expand your base of knowledge. In either case the money spent for this book will be a good investment. While Ms. Lipp is a traditionally trained (Gardnerian) Witch, she brings wide personal experience, as well as an extremely tolerant attitude towards divergent viewpoints. This is a position which is, fortunately (in my opinion) growing in the Craft community. At the time this author was initiated the prevalent attitude in many covens was "our way or no way" and it is nice to see that attitude softening. The appendices include, among other things, suggestions about where to obtain spell ingredients and supplies (some not-so- traditional source - A. C. Moore, the local hardware or garden store), some deity lists, some correspondence charts to get newbies started on their own researches, and (wonder of wonders) an easy-to-understand set of directions for drawing invoking and banishing pentagrams for those inclined to use them. Personally, I found this book fascinating (and I don't like spellbooks as a rule). It is easy to understand and well worth the money. [05] ========= ========= ARTICLES ========= ===== ===== THE ASTRAL PLANE AND ITS DIVISIONS ===== by Abhishek Agarwal ===== The Astral Plane is very real, seeming much more solid and vibrant than the Physical world. It's a world without any need for money, work or any of the other trappings of a physical existence. Those who have visited the Astral planes find themselves in an environment where all senses seem greatly magnified. These senses are not our normal physical senses, but inner astral senses. Thoughts can actually be seen to take shape instantly and anything desired can be instantly manifested by means of the powers of the imagination in the very process of creation. This is also why the Astral worlds are known as the "desire worlds" and the Astral body known as the "desire body". This fact that Man creates with his thoughts and feelings in the Astral world shows the truth in the occult statement that Man is a "god in the making". It shows that we can be supremely creative. Once you are out in the Astral plane, you will find that it vibrates at a much higher frequency than the Physical plane. There is no gravity on the Astral plane. Time and space are distorted as compared to the Physical. As a result, time can pass differently than in the physical. Here, thought plays an integral part, and simply imagining something in the Astral can cause it to form. Since this is where all of our hopes, desires, and dreams can essentially become reality, the Astral plane is also known as the emotional plane. In the Astral plane there is no need for food, clothing, shelter and sleep. We have true freedom. It is our will that sustains and heals us, and our will that creates the realm in our image. The Astral planes are made of focused mental energy. In the spirit world thoughts create reality, and we frequently create what we are familiar with. Divisions Of The Astral Plane The Astral Plane is divided into Lower, Middle, and Higher. Each division contains multiple divisions of varying vibratory rates. The Lower Astral Planes Are described as darker more primal realms. Some have described them as the place of Dante's inferno while others think of them as purgatory. They are where the souls of the lost reside. Residing here are many beings including people who are out-of- body, both consciously and subconsciously people who are dreaming, the deceased, and even beings that never existed on the Physical Plane at all. Communication with all of the above is possible while Projected. The Middle Astral Planes Are the realms of divine inspiration free of earthly desires and conflict. The beings in these dimensions cause many of the artistic and technical breakthroughs on Earth by sending silent messages to its inhabitants. This is the place where many of us journey for guidance and healing. These realms are frequently a reflection of the world we live in now. They contain the same vegetation, animals, and even our own created structures. The Middle Astral is a plane full of rainbows of vivid colors and exquisite beauty. It would be an impossible task to try and rationalize this place. This plane is full of thoughts, dreams, and ideas, which are manifested as real objects. Everything including inanimate objects has auras of energy emanating from them in vivid and bright colors. Time here is very distorted and it is possible to see future or past events. People who have successfully consciously projected to Middle Astral Planes have described unseen colors and sounds, breathtaking landscapes and scenery, and even some things beyond our comprehension. This place is purer in its formation. The needs and the strife associated with the Physical world have been left behind. It is a place of peace and utter bliss - one might go as far as to compare it to the Garden of Eden. The Higher Astral Planes Are the realms called Heaven by Christians, the Summerland by spiritualists. This place is beyond the comprehension of most people, as they are said to be the home of the Christian God, the Buddha, and other great beings. The higher astral planes are where we begin to reach toward self- godhood, becoming fully aware and acknowledging that all life is symbiotic and connected for the "good" of all. We realize that each individual is an essential link in the chain of life and existence in the physical world affects all of the other realities we do not perceive. This awareness often leads people into pantheism, the belief that all life is sacred and should be protected from the lowliest worm to the greatest killer. In other instances the traveler will not turn toward pantheism but in either case will become truly aware of this fact on a constant conscious level. The Middle and the Higher Planes are where the true path to spiritual and physical healing lies. This is where our perceptions of life grow and expand by leaps and bounds freeing us from many of the stigmas of society and its imposed morality. When we begin traveling through the Astral realms, we generally first enter the Lower planes where the Physical world is still visible, though distorted by our emerging perception. But as we move into the Middle planes we will notice that the Physical world becomes less and less noticeable until finally we move completely away from it into the Higher planes. === === About the Author === Copyright Abhishek Agarwal. If you want to know more about Astral Projection, download Abhishek's exhaustive free 167 page ebook on Astral Projection from http://www.astralprojectnow.com/. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ PAGAN FRIENDLY WEB HOSTING AT DREAMHOST http://www.ecauldron.com/web/zdreamhost.php Dreamhost offers high-quality, low cost web hosting with a dedication to free speech. Pagan sites are welcome! Read why we use Dreamhost for The Cauldron's web site: http://www.ecauldron.com/web/whydreamhost.php $9.95/Month Plan Features: 20000 megs web space -- 1000 gigs/month bandwidth -- 3000 email boxes (POP3/IMAP) -- 75 ftp/shell accounts -- host unlimited domains/subdomains -- php4, php5, cgi, fastcgi, ssi, zend optimizer, ruby on rails -- unlimited MySQL databases -- announcement lists -- discussion lists -- Jabber server -- Crontab and Shell access -- Web-based Control Panel -- One-Click installs of the Wordpress, PhpBB, and many more -- One FREE domain name -- 1 free domain name -- helpful tech support -- much more! Visit Dreamhost for Affordable, Pagan-Friendly Hosting http://www.ecauldron.com/web/zdreamhost.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ===== ===== MEDITATION MUSIC ===== by Jamie Lynn ===== Meditation music can significantly enhance your meditation session. Gentle sounds and rhythms can help you to achieve a deeper state of calm, peacefulness and relaxation. It is well established that sound and rhythm can create mental and emotional environments. As early as the 1920s, researchers were making connections between music, enhanced mental alertness, concentration and imagination. Music has the capability to directly affect our physical being. Many cultures ascribe to this tenet. For example, according to the principles of Indian music, human beings are composed of sound. The vibrations inherent in sound can either bring us into greater accord with the vibrations of the universe or completely disrupt our chakras (centers of being). Music for meditation can either inhibit or expand our consciousness, depending on the selection that we make. All this talk of alignment, vibrations and chakras may seem daunting, but the principles behind choosing appropriate meditation music is really quite simple. Basically, if you are looking to create a specific atmosphere, the tempo of the music should match the mood that you are trying to bring about. For example, upbeat and catchy tunes are most appropriate for the workplace or in other situations where you need to stay awake and focused. For meditation music, a compilation of soothing tones and sounds will take you where you need to go. You really can't go wrong with meditation music that is peaceful, relaxing and tranquil. Music for meditation is as much about personal choice as anything else. Ask yourself, "When do I feel the most relaxed? When have I felt the most at peace in my life?" For example, if you have an affinity for the ocean, you might choose a meditation CD with the sound of waves crashing upon the shore. Or, if you like jazz, you might choose meditation music with gentle piano and saxophone rhythms. Remember, meditation is a personal journey and it is up to you to choose which tools you are going to take along. There are many resources which offer meditation music. Music for meditation is now widely available online, in bookstores, in popular music shops and in health and wellness stores. Some meditation CDs are a collection of harmonies, while others offer spoken words and mantras to guide you along the way. Other types of meditation music are specifically designed to release past hurts and emotions through a combination of music and guided imagery. Still others help you to deal with inner fears or severely traumatic experiences. Meditation CDs may be used alone or as part of a more formal music therapy program. If you are new to meditation, you may have difficulty descending into the calm and tranquil state that is so necessary for maximum clarity and self-discovery. Here, music for meditation can be a great tool in creating a profound meditative experience. As you gain experience, turning on your meditation CD may become an unnecessary step in your journey. However, many find that music makes their meditative experience that much more energizing and refreshing. === === About the Author === Jamie Lynn has dedicated herself to teaching others the Power of Meditation and other alternative health/healing tips and techniques for the mind, body and spirit! http://www.meditationandmore.com [06] ========= ========= FLAMEKEEPING ========= Inner Relations ========= by HeartShadow ========= HeartShadow is following her own religious path. She calls it FlameKeeping. This regular column will present articles on FlameKeeping, many taken from HeartShadow's FlameKeeping blog at: http://flamekeeping.blogspot.com/ ===== ===== Inner Relations ===== Religion speaks of the relation of a person to themselves, of how we relate with ourselves when there is no one else to see us. How we temper our minds and hearts and learn to be the best person we can be. It is easier in many ways to simply look at religion as how we relate to the Divine, but when we remove ourselves from the equation we remove that which chooses and gives force to our choices. We are each the person we spend all of our time with, the person whom our relation with affects all other relations. When we like ourselves, we are more likely to like other people. When we see ourselves as connivers, as people out to get the most for ourselves, we see other people as falling only into the categories of user and sucker. How we see ourselves affects everything in our lives. Which begs the question of how we are supposed to see ourselves. There is not one simple answer. It’s not a matter of simply saying we should be X or Y and forcing ourselves into that mode, for we are all different people with different needs and desires. When we try to force ourselves to be other than we are, we simply make ourselves and those around us miserable. Instead, we must first learn to love ourselves. Not as the young girl that preens in the mirror, but a true affection for who and what we are. In seeing ourselves as we are, we are bound to find flaws that we do not like, and start to work to change them. It is when we find ourselves worthwhile that we can even begin to try and make ourselves better. We are each the center of our own Universe, the primary actor in our own personal dramas. When we treat ourselves with respect and room to grow, we give ourselves and the world around us a chance to improve as well. Questions: * How do you find love for yourself? What about that is hard? Is easy? * What does being the center of your own Universe mean to you? What does it mean to know that everyone else you know is ALSO the center of the Universe to themselves? * How do you see yourself? How accurate is that image? Is there something you're trying to hide from yourself? [07] ========= ========= SOFTWARE GADGETS: THE COLUMN ========= Interesting Items From The Software Gadgets Blog ========= http://softwaregadgets.gridspace.net/ ========= The Software Gadgets Blog aims to present a different "software gadget" every weekday. A software gadget is a program or addon that is both interesting and useful -- and often free. This column highlights three of the programs listed recently. Many more were listed and you'll find more gadgets like these added every week at the Software Gadgets Blog at: http://softwaregadgets.gridspace.net/ ===== ===== TOOLBOX -- APPLICATION LAUNCHER ON STEROIDS ===== There are a lot of application launch bars and docks available. The current "in thing" seems to be bars that try to act like the Mac OS X dock with icons that expand and contract as the mouse passes over them. I'm not impressed. The ones I've tried use up a lot of CPU resources to make those icons grow and shrink. I like eye candy as much as the next guy, but I prefer my eye candy to have minimal impact on my system. ToolBar is a freeware application launcher that is easy on the eyes, useful, and fairly powerful -- but doesn't think it owns your system. From the ToolBar web site: ToolBox is an application launcher for Windows operating systems with many amazing features. Easy to install, you can get going in minutes. Its drag & drop interface creates shortcuts to almost anything; applications, drives, folders, even simple files. ToolBox does not need installation. All you have to do is unzip the distribution files on a directory and run the executable. Upgrading your operating system does not affect it. Moving it to a different folder is never a problem. To uninstall you just delete the directory you created for the first run. Here are some of the major features: * multiple application launching windows * shortcuts to almost everything (files, urls, folders, drives) * support for any icon size, Windows XP alpha-channel icon transparency * transparency effects even on Windows 95/98/Me * fully customisable user interface * monitor drive sizes * monitor operating system up-time The Icons may not jump around or roll over and play dead while moaning loudly, but Toolbox does give you a flexible way to set up nice-looking launch bars (that don't even have to look like traditional bars). Rating: 4.0 Stars Operating System: Windows 95+ License: Freeware Price: Free Version Reviewed: 2.57beta Web Site: http://www.cylog.org/utils_4.asp ===== ===== PROCESS TAMER -- TAME PROGRAMS WHEN THEY HOG THE CPU ===== You've had it happen. I know you have. You are trying to type an email or draft a report in Word when your system slows to a crawl as some application running in the background suddenly decides it needs to use 100% of your CPU and your system stops responding to what you are doing. You press Control-Alt-Delete to bring up task manager to see what is going on, but your system is so busy that task manager seems to take forever to appear. Process Tamer can help prevent this. This program watches for programs that hog the CPU and will lower their priority so other programs can still respond. The CPU hogging application will still get all the CPU time it wants, it just become interruptible by normal applications while it is being a CPU hog. This leaves your other programs much more responsive. When the offending program reduces its demands on your CPU, Process Tamer restores its original priority. Of course, there are programs you don't want to interfere with (e.g. your CD Burner). Process Tamer can be told to ignore such programs. From the Process Tamer web site: There are many times when a process will hog your cpu, such as when converting audio/video files, or working with compressed archives. Because these processes completely consume the cpu, your system becomes sluggish to respond and using the computer for other tasks becomes impossible while these processes are running. Process Tamer solves this problem by identifying such these degenerate conditions and temporarily reducing the priority of the offending processes in order to allow your system to respond to other requests. Stop being a victim to an overloaded cpu - let Process Tamer keep your system responsive no matter what you're doing. Process Tamer is written by the folks at Donation Coder. This means it is freeware, but donations are encouraged by requiring registration once every six months for the first year (then you get a free permanent registration) -- or once if you donate to the site. If you donate you get a registration code that works for every program on the site: forever. It's a fair way to do donationware and the site has been very successful in its first year. Rating: 5.0 Stars Operating System: Windows 2000 or XP License: Donationware (Donations strongly encouraged, but not required) Price: Free Version Reviewed: 2.03.01 Web Site: http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/proctamer/index.html ===== ===== GOOGLE SKETCHUP -- SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL 3-D DRAWING PROGRAM ===== SketchUp is a very popular -- but very expensive -- commercial program for drawing 3-D objects that is actually easy and fun to use. Google bought the company and has released a freeware version of the program that has most of the features of the (still payware) Pro version. The only major features that the free personal version of SketchUp seems to lack are the following: * Print and export raster images at higher-than-screen resolution. * Access to the following 3D export formats: DWG, DXF, 3DS, OBJ, XSI, VRML and FBX. [These allow the images created in SketchUp to be imported to CAD applications -- RSS] * Export animations and walkthroughs as MOV (Mac) or AVI (Windows) files. * Use the Sandbox Tools (for organic modeling of terrain, etc) and the Film & Stage Tools (for pre-viz work). The free version has lots more than enough features for everyday person use, however. Here's what the Google SketchUp site has to say: Google SketchUp (free) is an easy-to-learn 3D modeling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects -- even space ships. You can add details, textures and glass to your models, design with dimensional accuracy, and place your finished models in Google Earth, share them with others by posting them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies. Google SketchUp (free) is a great way to discover if 3D modeling is right for you. And here is the list of features included in the freeware version: Google SketchUp (free) includes tools for drawing and modifying geometry, moving around your model (orbiting, zooming, panning), as well as adding textures like brick, wood, shingles and glass. It also provides dimension and text tools that enable you to communicate accurate lengths and widths, as well as printing capability so you can work directly from your plans. SketchUp (free) includes support via our Help Center. SketchUp (free ) includes these tools: * Drawing and modifying geometry: Polygon, FollowMe, Offset, and Intersect with Model. * Construction: Dimension, Tape Measure, Protractor, Section Slice, Layers, Area & Length Calculation Using SketchUp (free), you can: * Draw, modify, measure, rotate, and scale geometry. * Place section slices to view and work on model interiors. * Add pre-made textures to your models, or create new ones. * Add pre-made components like trees, cars, doors and windows, and people to your models, or create new components. * Soften and smooth faces. * Cast real-time shadows for any location on earth. * Simulate movie camera placements. * Perform walk-throughs. * Create presentation tours. * Import 2D images (.jpg, .png, .tif, .tga, .bmp) and 3D models (.3ds, .dem, .ddf, .dwg, .dxf, .skp). * Export your models to Google Earth. * Export 2D images of your models (.jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif). * Print your models. * Create add-on programs using the Ruby programming language. All I can say is "Wow!" Okay, I can also say "I wish it had a feature that made up for having absolutely no talent." If you do have even a little talent, however, you will be able to do amazing things with the free version of Google SketchUp. After all, I've been able to amaze myself with doing very simple things easily which means someone with some talent and skill should be able to go crazy with this program. Rating: 5.0 Stars Operating System: Windows 2000 and XP (Mac OS X version promised) License: Freeware Price: Free for Personal Use Version Reviewed: 5.0.245 Web Site: http://sketchup.google.com/index.html [08] ========= ========= From the Spell Grimoire: ========= CANDLE SLEEP SPELL ========= This is a spell to help one sleep at night. Supplies: * White Candle Procedure: Take a white household utility candle into your bedroom. Light it without saying a word. Walk counterclockwise around your bedroom three times. As you do this, project simple protective phrases into the walls, floors, and windows such as: "keep me safe" etc. Next, walk clockwise three times in silence, meditating on positive, restful phrases. Finally, blow out the candle, whisper the word "sleep" and turn in for the night. This spell does not need to be repeated in full each night. Instead, simply light the candle for a few minutes each night, then whisper "sleep" again before getting into bed. When the candle is completely spent, repeat the original spell with a new white candle === === About This Spell === This spell is taken from The Cauldron's Spell Grimoire, a collection of basic spells available on The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum's web site. You'll find more spells at: http://www.ecauldron.com/spells/index.php [09] ========= ========= Pagan Webmaster: ========= COLOR AND YOUR WEBSITE ========= [If you are running -- or thinking of running a web site (Pagan- related or not), you will find more articles, reviews, and other useful information at the following sites: The Cauldron's Pagan Webcrafting http://www.ecauldron.com/articles/archives/cat_webcrafting.php The Cheap Web Hosting Report http://www.cheapwebhostingreport.com/ ] Eiseman once said that "Of all the forms of non-verbal communication, color is the most instantaneous method of conveying messages and meanings." He sure is right. It has been often said that the website's color must coordinate well. But when you surf the net you can see too many websites that have horrible color schemes. Good color is essential to the success of a website as color adds interest and flavor. It can be used to highlight important messages and it can draw a visitor's attention to important elements. Colors have different effects on people. Certain colors can invoke certain emotions to people and these emotional reactions can affect the image of your company. Anything that can evoke responses in people needs to be looked at carefully when designing your website. There are a few things to consider in choosing the right colors for your site to avoid any mishap. * Use colors wisely. Black and white is best used on text and background colors. Black and yellow can also prove to be very good contrast. However, a site done entirely in yellow or black won't really be appealing. * When choosing colors for your background and text, make sure that the colors you choose are contrasting ones. You can use a dark color for text against light color for background. Never use similar colors for your text and background. You should be very careful in contrasting colors as some tend to "vibrate" such as red text on blue background. This can hurt some people's eye. * Simple color choices are often better. When having doubts about your colors you can always use black and white as they are easy to read and does not hurt your website. * Avoid using patterned backgrounds because they appear to be noisy and tends to distract your website. Although they may seem pretty and fun, they often prove very hard to read. Overall, you have to make sure that the colors that you use are pleasing and attractive to the eye. Select colors that best reflect the image that you want to give your visitors. Do not use normal color intensity images as a background behind text. And ensure that you use uniform color on all your pages to create a brand for your site. === === About the Author === For comments and suggestions kindly visit http://www.webdesignsprovider.com/. Viojieley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She writes stories and poems about anything under the sun. [10] ========= ========= From the Cauldron Cookbook: ========= Baked Potato Bowls With The Works ========= submitted by LyricFox ========= Large baking potatoes are pierced with a fork, rubbed with oil and then baked. Once baked and cool to the touch, the skins are peeled off and the potatoes are mashed with other ingredients and then the mixture is put into bowls and the toppings added. The bowls are then baked. If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, complete all the steps up to putting the bowls in the oven. The potato mixture can be placed into the bowls, covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to three days before the final baking. Serving size is one large potato per person. Each potato contains the equivalent of one Italian sausage. Ingredients 6 large baking potatoes Olive oil (to oil potatoes before baking) 6 Sweet or hot Italian sausage, taken out of casings and chopped into ½ inch half moons 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into half moons 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 6 tablespoons margarine 1 cup plain lowfat yogurt 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup chopped chives Shredded cheddar for garnish. Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pierce baking potatoes all over with a fork and oil lightly. Place on a baking sheet and bake until tender (about 1 hour). Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Once cooled, peel potatoes and place flesh in a large mixing bowl. Mash well In a large skillet, brown sausage. Remove to drain. Wipe fat from skillet and then heat olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions. Season with salt and pepper. Lower heat and cook until onions are caramelized. In the large mixing bowl with the potatoes, add the cooked sausage and onions. Mix well. Add margarine and yogurt and mix well. Add cheese and chopped chives and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle potato mixture into six oven-proof bowls and garnish with more cheese. At this point, the bowls can be refrigerated until they're ready to be baked and served. If refrigerated, remove bowls and allow to come to room temperature. In a 400 degree oven, bake potato mixture until heated completely through and cheese is melted (about 20 minutes). Remove from oven and serve immediately. === === About This Recipe === This recipe is taken from the Cauldron Cookbook, a growing collection of recipes submitted by members of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum. You'll find more recipes at: http://www.ecauldron.com/cookbook/index.php [11] ========= ========= Cauldron Info ========= SUPPORT THE CAULDRON BY VOLUNTEERING TO HELP ========= The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum was founded in December 1997 to provide a friendly but serious discussion area for Pagans on the Internet. We've grown a bit over the years. We now have an active message area, a large web site with around 700 pages of information (including over 300 book and divination deck reviews), and a monthly email newsletter. To continue to provide and expand these services, The Cauldron needs lots of volunteer help from our members and supporters. Here are some of the things members and supporters can do to help The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum thrive: ===== ===== Actively Participate In Our Message Board ===== While our new message board welcomes readers, we encourage members to actively participate by posting their comments and views in our discussions. One of the easiest ways to help The Cauldron is to actively participate in our message board. The staff especially appreciates members who start new topics for discussion based on their own questions, opinions, or interests. http://www.ecauldron.net/mb/ ===== ===== 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/bnbarticleform.php ===== ===== Book Reviews ===== While The Cauldron receives some review copies from a couple of Pagan publishers, there are many books that can only be reviewed on our web site if a member has a copy and writes a good, objective review. The Cauldron is interested in reviews on the more academic books used by reconstructionist Pagan religions as well as on the books one finds on the Pagan/New Age shelf in the bookstore. We have a web form you can use to submit a book review for consideration: http://www.ecauldron.com/bnbbkreviewform.php ===== ===== Graphic Assistance ===== The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum is purposely a low graphics site as we value page download speed over flashy graphics. However, we are always willing to talk with artists who have ideas for well-designed small graphics (small in both physical dimensions and file size) that might enhance a specific article or page. ===== ===== Invite Your Friends ===== If you have friends or acquaintances who you believe would find The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum useful, please tell them about our site. If you are active in our message board and have friends who might enjoy them or have information to contribute, please invite them. ===== ===== Link To The Cauldron ===== If you have a web site where linking to The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum would be appropriate, simply providing a link to this web site is a big help. Our Link to this Site page explains how you can do this if you need help or want some simple graphic buttons to use: http://www.ecauldron.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 either PayPal or the Amazon Honor System links below (we get about 85% of what you donate). Donate via PayPal http://www.ecauldron.com/donatepaypal.php Donate via Amazon.com 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/zamazon.php If you are a regular user of the US version of Amazon, you can help The Cauldron by replacing the URL of your ebay bookmark in your browser with the above link so that TC gets credit every time you visit Amazon.com. To do this in Internet Explorer or Firefox, find Amazon in your bookmark list. RIGHT click on it and select Properties from the popup menu which will appear. A dialog box describing your bookmark will appear. You'll see the standard Amazon url -- probably http://www.amazon.com/ -- in an edit box (labeled "Location" in FireFox and "URL" in IE). Erase that url completely and replace with one listed above, then click on OK. If you use Amazon UK, you can use this address http://www.ecauldron.com/zamazonuk.php If you use Amazon Canada, you can use this addess: http://www.ecauldron.com/zamazonca.php ===== ===== Ebay Purchases ===== Are you an Ebay user? Ebay has a new program that pays affiliates a small percent of the winning bid if the winning bidder enters ebay from an affiliate link (some like how our Amazon.com affiliate program works). So if you visit the US version ebay via the following link, the Cauldron will get credit for your bids: http://www.ecauldron.com/zebay.php If you are a regular user of the US version of ebay, you can help The Cauldron by replacing the URL of your ebay bookmark in your browser with the above link so that TC gets credit every time you visit ebay. To do this in Internet Explorer or Firefox, find ebay in your bookmark list. RIGHT click on it and select Properties from the popup menu which will appear. A dialog box describing your bookmark will appear. You'll see the standard ebay url -- probably http://www.ebay.com/ -- in an edit box (labeled "Location" in FireFox and "URL" in IE). Erase that url completely and replace with one listed above, then click on OK. ===== ===== 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.) [12] ========= ========= 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) 2005 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.

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