Return to Cauldron and Candle Archive

C A U L D R O N A N D C A N D L E #86 -- August 2007 A Publication of The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum website: http://www.ecauldron.com/ message board: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/ 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: It's Time for a Boycott [01] Cauldron News * Avatar Design Challenge #1 Results * Cauldron Fiction Writing Contest [02] Interesting Recent Cauldron Discussions * Worst Pagan Book? * Pagan Pride * What Was Your Biggest Magical Mistake? * Tarot Card Differences: The Devil * Altars and Simplifying * Funny (or Just Plain DUH) Responses to Being Pagan? * The Sanctity of Your Altar and Tools? * Deifying the Dead and Ancestor Worship * Nationalism? * Reincarnation and Past Lives [03] Articles * How to Keep Your Coven from Being Destroyed: Part VI * Choosing a Tarot Spread * The Eclipses are Coming! August 28 and September 11, 2007 * Review: Disciple's Guide to Ritual Magic * Review: Llewellyn's 2008 Herbal Almanac * Review: Llewellyn's 2008 Witches' Calendar * Review: Essential Reiki Workshop DVD [04] Flamekeeping: Creation [05] Software Gadgets: The Column * MUSHclient -- Excellent MU* Client Now Freeware * My Pictures 3D Screensaver * Leylines -- Master of Magic-Like Game [06] Grimoire: Spell to Find Lost Items [07] Recipe: Raspberry-Cashew Salad [08] Support The Cauldron [09] 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 August 2007 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 don't often put "editorial opinion" in this editorial, but I'm annoyed enough to do so this issue as I think... === === IT'S TIME FOR A BOYCOTT === In what is probably one of the most bonehead public relations moves in the history of the world, Johnson & Johnson has filed suit against The American Red Cross for its use of the red cross emblem. From The Red Cross site: "Today, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) filed a lawsuit against the American Red Cross and four of its licensing partners for 'unlawful conduct' related to the nonprofit's use of the Red Cross emblem." More here: * http://www.redcross.org/pressrelease/0,1077,0_314_6907,00.html * http://www.redcross.org/pressrelease/0,1077,0_314_6910,00.html And Johnson & Johnson's statement is here: * http://www.jnj.com/news/jnj_news/20070809_081717.htm While Johnson & Johnson seems to be trying to make this sound like a normal trademark case, it probably isn't as the American Red Cross does not own the Red Cross symbol as a trademark under trademark law. Instead the usage of the symbol was assigned to the American Red Cross directly by the US Congress. If you would like to view the Congressional Charter of the American Red Cross to decide the merits of the case yourself, you will find a copy here -- section 6 and related provisions seem to cover the situation. * http://www.redcross.org/images/pdfs/charter.pdf Personally, I think Johnson & Johnson is so far out of line on this issue that I am not going to buy any of the many consumer products produced by any of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies if I can avoid doing so. There are a lot of J&J consumer products and almost all of them have generics (if they are drugs -- and generics are cheaper than the J&J brands in most cases) or alternate products produced by other companies. If you would like to boycott Johnson & Johnson products, there's a very long list on their web site: * http://www.jnj.com/product/categories/index.htm If you would like to let J&J know how you feel about this, they have a contact form: * http://www.jnj.com/contact_us/index.htm If J&J have a 1-800 number, I could not find it on their web site. If you do decide to boycott Johnson & Johnson over this, but sure to let them know that you are doing so -- and why. And urge your friends to consider doing the same. 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 ========= ===== ===== Cauldron Message Board Info: ===== AVATAR DESIGN CHALLENGE #1 RESULTS ===== The results of our first Avatar Design Challenge are in and Juni is the winner. You can see more info here: * http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2221.0 ===== ===== Cauldron Message Board Info: ===== CAULDRON FICTION WRITING CONTEST ===== HeartShadow, ShadowCat and Celtee have come up with the idea to have a fiction writing contest here on The Cauldron. If you would like to participate, please read the following rules: The Cauldron fiction contest August 2007 Rules: Theme: Harvest Festival Length: a maximum of 6000 words Contest opens: August 10, 2007 Contest closes: September 15, 2007 Voting starts: October 1, 2007 Winners notified: October 8, 2007 Honorary Prize: Avatar or Sig Pic, by Cat, and publication in Cauldron and Candle, the TC newsletter Judges: Celtee, ShadowCat, HeartShadow Judging criteria: --Clear, concise writing --English --Easily readable and understandable --Sticks to the topic --Creativity --Originality Two submissions maximum per person. However, only ONE submission will be allowed into the final judging so it is fair for everyone. Contest open to all members of The Cauldron. Submissions must follow all rules of The Cauldron; including being PG-13 or better. HeartShadow, ShadowCat and Celtee will be the judges with the (impossible) job of narrowing all entries down to the top three. After the contest ends and the top three are picked, they will be posted on the board and all members of The Cauldron will be able to vote for their favorite. PM Celtee through her profile for her email address. In the subject line of the email, put your Cauldron name and "Cauldron Submission" (f'ex: "Celtee's Cauldron Submission") and note "ESL" if English is not your first language. Hope you participate. Can't wait to see your submissions so dust off your paper, sharpen your pencils and let the stories unfold! For more information: * http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2199.0 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ Please support our sponsor +++ PAGAN-FRIENDLY WEB HOSTING 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 Starter Plan Features * 150 gigabytes web space * 1500 gigabytes/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 (aka mailing) lists * Jabber server * Crontab and Shell access * Web-based Control Panel * One-Click installs of the Wordpress blog & PhpBB forum * 1 free domain name * helpful tech support * and much more! All for $9.95 a month with a $49.95 setup fee. Pay for a year in advance and there is no setup fee. Pay two years in advance and the price drops to $7.95 a month. (And there is a 97 day money back guarantee!) Visit Dreamhost for Affordable, Pagan-Friendly Hosting http://www.ecauldron.com/web/zdreamhost.php +++ Please support our sponsor +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [02] ========= ========= INTERESTING RECENT 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. ===== ===== Worst Pagan Book? ===== Aside from the part where I like bad books - well some of them - what is the single worst book you've come across? Of the few that I actually own now, I have to nominate The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Spells and Magic for pure wrong information. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2160.0 ===== ===== Pagan Pride ===== First, let me say that I'm very mindful of the issues surrounding the word "Pagan". Let me also say, that for me, it is a useful descriptor (one among many) that helps me understand who I am and how I move through the world in relation to other people. OK, that said, I'm wondering what folks here think of Pagan Pride events. As most of you know, I have always worked in the area of social justice, and I very recently started a job as the policy director of a national social justice/education organization. This organization deals directly with a group that has been marginalized by society, and is definitely "the outsiders." I attended an annual event this past weekend, during which I found myself substituting "religious bias" in my head, every time someone talked about any other kind of bias (e.g., gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, etc.). And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I have the right to be who I am, wherever I am. Period. Yeah, I know: Duh. Anyway, I came home very energized on a personal level as well as a professional level. I'm interested in working on religious rights -- and I have the skills to really make a difference. I'm a professional advocate, lobbyist, advocacy trainer, and lawyer. Nevertheless, I have some concerns about the way the "Pagan Community" approaches the issue (please notice the quote marks -- I don't want to revisit the issue of whether there IS a pagan community -- for these purposes, I believe there is perceived to be one). Even so, I think I'm going to volunteer to help out with DC's annnual Pagan Pride Day. At the very least, I'll get a closer look. Thoughts? Comments? Advice? Warnings? Encouragements? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2147.0 ===== ===== What Was Your Biggest Magical Mistake? ===== I thought it might be useful for the newer witches/magicians if the more experienced folk in here contributed to a list of magical mistakes they've made (come on, admit it, we've all had our fingers burned). * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2141.0 ===== ===== Tarot Card Differences: The Devil ===== I currently have two tarot card decks: one is The Witches Tarot and the other is The Quest. The little book for the Witches Tarot claims that pagans do not believe in the devil hence this is why there is no "Devil" card in this deck however in The Quest deck there is a Devil card which indicates "Temptation". My question is from what premise does the creator of The Quest deck define the cards? Is it truly from a "Pagan" view? (As I understand, "pagan" basically refers to "non-Christian" religions and traditions.) What particular "Pagan" tradition, if any, is he basing this devil card from? Yes, I realize I risk sounding like an ignorant child but I was pondering this and I am not sure I ever heard of the "devil" ever really being referred to in Wicca and Witchcraft. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2080.0 ===== ===== Altars and Simplifying ===== I have a...altar?...shrine?...shelf for Brighid. It currently has about a dozen candles and oil lamps, as well as an aloe plant, an offering bowl, an offering cup (for Irish Mist), a pottery piece I use in my morning purification ritual, and a number of stones and crystals. I think it's gotten redundant. I don't need all these candles -- because I AM the offering to Brighid. In her own words to me, "I can play these strings like a harp"; I am Her harp, Her instrument, Her tool -- and a harp does not need a lot of trappings. Tools don't need tools. I need to simplify my altar and get it in order, and I think it's a metaphor for needing to simplify and get my life in order -- at least in regard to my path. I've been feeling torn in so many directions lately. There's so much to learn and I want to learn it all NOW. So, I think I'm going to simplify my altar, as a exercise that I can then apply to my spiritual life. Anyone in a similar situation? Thoughts? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=2038.0 ===== ===== Funny (or Just Plain DUH) Responses to Being Pagan? ===== What kind of responses have you had from people, when you tell them you are Pagan, or just not Mainstream religion? I would like to *hear* some of the funny or just plain "DUH" responses that others have received. As an example, here is a "Duh" one that I received when I told someone that I was Pagan - He said, with a straight face as he was dead serious - "So, you don't eat meat?" Granted after I explained that I was Pagan, not Vegan, he understood and proceeded with the other typical responses - flying on broomsticks, turning people into toads, worshiping Satan, etc and so on. Has anyone else had any responses like that? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=1992.0 ===== ===== The Sanctity of Your Altar and Tools? ===== I have to admit I am a bit nit picky about my altar and ritual tools. I have a permanent altar in my bedroom and I keep symbols of the Elements on it, my censer and any decorations that may correspond with a particular Sabbat or Esbat. The only things I don't keep out on my altar are things my son could get into and hurt himself with. I keep those safely tucked away in a drawer and only pull them out during ritual work. I am especially particular about my Book of Shadows and my divination tools. I don't let anyone touch my Rider-Waite Tarot deck. I've had it since I was nineteen and it has been properly cleansed, consecrated and empowered. I have used it for so many years that I just can't bear the thought of anyone else's energy coming into contact with them. Am I being unreasonable or superstitious, or are there others out there who prefer to keep their tools "pure" by not letting other people handle them? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=1937.0 ===== ===== Deifying the Dead and Ancestor Worship ===== I would be interested in hearing opinions on how the following terms might be defined: Deifying the Dead Ancestor Worship Honoring the Ancestors It seems to me that sometimes the line between these gets blurred. Also, what are some thoughts on adding the dead to your altar who were not ancestors or someone you knew personally. Say a historical figure or social rights leader for instance - someone like Gandhi or Mother Teresa for example, or do you think that would be unwise? * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=1924.0 ===== ===== Nationalism? ===== Nationalism has always bothered me. Particularly symbolic shows of it, such as saluting the flag & reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I have a hard time accepting the idea that people should be symbolically separated by national boundaries, and that obedience and the fulfillment of duty (loyalty, military service, etc.) are necessary. I don't want to use religion as a cop-out, but are there any spiritual ideas that would explain how I feel? Help me clean up the muddled feeling of discomfort and replace it with a clear understanding of exactly what is wrong with nationalism? I also know that many people here would disagree with me. please, share your opinions and beliefs as well. But note that I understand the importance and usefulness of countries, as economic and political units. I just do not agree with nationalism, the concept. * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=1911.0 ===== ===== Reincarnation and Past Lives ===== Do you believe in past lives, and/or reincarnation? Does one necessarily include the other? If you do believe in past lives, have you ever tried to discover what they were? What does karma have to do with this issue? Is reincarnation limited to the earthly plane, or do you think that past lives can, and have, been lived on the spiritual plane? Thanks in advance for your thoughts! * Read (or join in) this discussion: http://www.ecauldron.net/forum/index.php?topic=1863.0 [03] ========= ========= ARTICLES ========= ===== ===== HOW TO KEEP YOUR COVEN FROM BEING DESTROYED ===== Part 6 (of 7): Networks and Networks ===== by Eran ===== There is a class of people who are driven to tear down Covens and Pagan groups. Their usual approach is to make unfair and unreasonable attacks on those in leadership positions. I've called these people "trolls", making use of the very powerful and very old European image of forces which are destructive and chaotic - yet easily outwitted, if you know a little about their habits. Previous installments of this series have given hints and techniques for identifying trolls, warning signs to watch for and ways to recognize the sort of person who is going to thrive on causing you trouble. As a brief reminder: Trolls can't help being trolls. They don't want to be destructive, exactly. They just can't help it. Like a hurricane or a plague, it's simply part of their nature. You won't change them, and you can't stop them. The best thing to do is to get out of the way. The best way to handle trolls is to recognize them, and to not associate with them; don't let them into your Coven, and if one manages to get in, kick the critter out as soon as you realize what you're dealing with. This installment provides some hints on dealing with trolls in a variety of other contexts - online, in letter exchanges in a magazine, or in networking situations in a larger community: how do you handle a troll who isn't in your Coven? But first, it's important to recall why trolls need to be treated pretty strictly. The way you treat a troll would seem cruel if it were any other kind of person. But it's important to treat all things in Nature according to what they really are. That is the essence a Nature religion. === === Are Trolls Really All That Dangerous? === Trolls often tend to have a very different view of reality from those around them. Pagans in general often work with the concept of personalized realities, and with the validity of one's own perceptions, even if those perceptions differ from so-called "objective" or " consensual" reality. What makes a troll a troll is not merely a difference in reality-perception. What makes a troll is if that difference leads to a dark and dangerous world in which the person constantly feels threatened and endangered. This is neither Good nor Bad (Witchcraft has no theological concept of a struggle of Good vs. Evil). It simply is, and others who have to deal with such people need to be aware of it. A troll lives in a personal reality which is dangerous and threatening. The technical term for this is "psychosis". Trolls are psychotic. They can be very convincing liars, because they really believe the dark fantasies they tell. This kind of fearful psychosis leads to a deep-seated paranoia, a conviction that The World Is Out To Get Them. The funny thing about paranoia is that it's a self-fulfilling prophesy; there is some truth to it. People really don't like someone who's paranoid. A paranoiac acts in ways which other people find offensive. Paranoiacs frequently lash out at those around them, in an effort to Get Them before They Get Me. So yes, paranoiacs often find themselves being disliked and isolated, or find others responding negatively to the damage they cause. After a while, there really are lots of people out to get them. Trolls feel disliked because they often are. A combination of paranoia and psychosis frequently leads people into an anything-goes attitude in order to defend themselves. The desired end - being defended - justifies any conceivable means, regardless of the safety of others, or of any social conventions. The technical term for a person like that - one for whom the rules of society are irrelevant - is a "sociopath". These traits - paranoia, psychosis, and sociopathy - make for someone very dangerous to be around, or even to engage in conversation. Humans are social creatures. We all need contact with other humans. Not even a troll can live happily out on a lonely island somewhere. Since they have been isolated and disliked in the past, trolls are driven to pursue further human contact. But because of their paranoia, the only forms of contact which trolls are really comfortable with are various forms of deception, double-dealing, and conflict. Trolls need conflict the way the average person needs food or affection. With a healthy human, a good dose of personal acknowledgement and validation is necessary now and again - "Am I okay?" "Yes, you're okay, you're a good person, and I like you." For a troll, this acknowledgement and validation comes through conflict: "Am I powerful, and do I have an influence on the world around me?" "Yes indeed, for you have hurt me terribly." These are all problems which your average Witch is not equipped to handle in someone else, and shouldn't try to. You won't change a troll. You won't turn one around. You won't argue one out of his or her paranoia or psychosis. You won't force one to conform to social restrictions or to rules of reasonable behavior. Being friendly and loving and helpful just makes you an easy mark. You will be lied to, and your own honesty and openness will provide the troll with information about you, information which will later be twisted and turned against you. The troll will use you to gain access and introductions to other people. These people will be the ones to whom the troll will tell ugly fantasies about you, and will also be the troll's next victims after you've been used up. Trolls are dangerous. They are not creatures you want to have running around your house. Not because they're "evil", but just because of their internal drives, drives which neither you nor they have control over. Don't try. It's like inviting a family of sharks for dinner. Guess who is the dessert. Trolls pick individuals as targets. Writer Kenneth Haugk calls such people "antagonists," and defines their role like this: "Antagonists are individuals who, on the basis of nonsubstansive evidence, go out of their way to make insatiable demands, usually attacking the person or performance of others. These attacks are selfish in nature, tearing down rather than building up, and are frequently directed against those in a leadership capacity." Trolls attack particular people who they see as community leaders. They become very good and very practiced at it. Their attacks can be devastating. But unfortunately, trolls don't wear name-tags: "Hi! I'm Xelda, and I'm a troll!" Nor can they be recognized by distinguishing marks - hairy elbows or tusks or something like that. In fact, trolls are very, very good at disguise. They have to be, for self-preservation. If they were instantly and easily recognized, people would stay away from them, and they'd starve. Trolls can be amazingly likeable - when you first meet them. They can even keep this up for quite some time. What do you do? A previous installment of this series gave a list of trollish traits and warning signs. But even to use those, it requires a fairly long period of observation. You don't want to make a false diagnosis, in either direction. You don't want to treat someone like a troll if they're not one, and you don't want to be open and trusting and helpful to someone who'll rip your guts out at first opportunity. Nor do you want to spend your life viewing everyone with suspicion, and looking for signs of trollhood behind every friendly smile. Is there a shortcut to recognizing trolls? Yes there is, but it's seldom used to its potential. === === Networking === Trolls tend to wander from place to place, looking for new food. One of the signs of a troll in a Pagan context is the person who can't seem to stay with a single Coven or other group for more than a year or so, maybe only a few months. Of course, this could be just someone who hasn't found the right group to work with yet, so all by itself, moving around may not be a sure sign. But if the person has always - or almost always - left on bad terms, if there's a wake of damage and pain left behind - well, then there's little doubt. In most Pagan communities - particularly within the most tight- knit Traditions - people talk to each other. It is possible to check with previous groups, and find out what kind of impression a person has given. Listen to what you're told. Don't take it non-critically, but do pay attention. If HP or HPS "Abc" has more experience with Xelda than you do, maybe they know what they're talking about. Form networks of people whose opinion you respect, whose judgment you trust, people whom you know to be level-headed and of reasonable intelligence. Discuss these issues, and discuss some of the experiences you've had in the past. Listen to their recommendations, and carefully consider any warnings they give. You might be tempted to think, "Well, even if Edna and Marvin had trouble with Xelda, I think I can do better." That's a mistake. Unless the troll has changed, you won't do better. Trolls are not healthy; they don't want to get healthy, and you can't make them healthy. The warnings passed along a reliable network really should be heeded. But - as said, you don't want to make a false diagnosis. That's why it's so important for a network to be reliable. It's one thing to ignore unconfirmed rumor and vague noises - after all, the person who started the rumors might actually be a troll! But it's quite another thing to shrug off the warnings of people whose judgment and experience you trust, particularly people who have had direct contact with the person in question. And particularly if you can get confirmation from others. But what if a troll has changed? Suppose the past four Covens all had bad experiences with Xelda, but she presents herself as being a Changed Person who has Done a Lot of Growth. Do you trust this self-assessment of positive change? This is an easy one. Take a lesson from addiction recovery programs. If Xelda really has changed, that means she's recognized the damage she has caused in the past, and she's done all she could to repair past hurts. It's up to her to contact those previous four Covens, and then to apologize - with no excuses or shifting of responsibility onto others. And then it's up to her to work - hard - to make amends. If Xelda isn't willing to take these steps, then she hasn't changed. In fact, if she hasn't already taken these steps, before she even comes to you, then she hasn't changed. If Xelda has changed, then you would no longer be hearing warnings from past victims. You'd be hearing amazed tales of real transformation. If you're still hearing warnings, then Xelda hasn't grown much. Should you warn others about the trolls you've dealt with? From my experience, people don't generally listen to warnings. Sometimes they do, but not very often. Witches take pride in being independent and capable, autonomous and resourceful, anxious to make their own judgments. So, don't go out of your way to publicize your experiences with particular trolls. It'll just make you look mean and ill-tempered. There are also dangers in networking. It's possible for a person to be unfairly blackballed. But the possibility of that is drastically lessened if the people in the network are all seasoned to the issues involved. Get together whenever you can, work together closely and often. Unfair blackballing is done by people with a personal axe to grind, people who have a pattern of being unreasonable in other ways, too. The better you get to know someone - or a group of someones - the more you'll know how far to trust their judgment. It's also possible for a network of Old Friends to be set up - Old Boys or Old Girls, or just Old Witches - with the purpose of creating in-groups and out-groups. This is why it's necessary to network with people you know and trust. If you find yourself within a network where political games and one-ups-manship are the rule, get out of it, and begin assembling your own network. If there is a network of reasonable people, then someone who's in it for power games will be found out after a while - and will be, appropriately, treated themselves as a species of troll. Keep in close and frequent contact with the people in your network. Get to know them as well as you can. Start relying on them for support. Provide support to them. If any of them are targeted by a troll, they'll need reassurance and strength. The experience is incredibly draining. Be there for them. What they need, more than anything else, is grounding and a shoulder to cry on. A network is a good idea anyway. How often have you heard about forming a strong "Pagan community"? Here's your chance to begin that process, and it's a very good justification for getting it started. === === Trolls Online === There is a subspecies of troll which delights in causing trouble in online conversations, such as on the Internet, or in letters- to-the-editor arguments in magazines. They can disrupt conversations for months at a time, and cause otherwise reasonable discussions to degenerate into petty squabbles. The following thoughts about such trolls are based on years of observation and experience, and on quite a lot of experimentation to find what works and what doesn't. (Experimentation is relatively easy to do, and you can do it yourself, if you want. Find an internet discussion group and wait for a troll to surface - don't worry, it's unlikely you'll have to wait long, as they seem particularly common online. Once you see a troll go after someone, get involved, and try different ways of responding. Be aware, though, that trolls have a knack for making you feel belittled. If you're going to do this sort of experimenting, expect to get flamed pretty fiercely while you're doing it. If you've got a thin skin or high blood pressure, you might want to avoid this pastime.) The Internet is a unique medium, which seems to collect a really incredible number of trolls. Probably, this is because it is really easy to lie about yourself online. You can pretend to be anything or anybody you want, and it is very difficult for anyone to really check. Trolls who have been found out in their real- world life will find cyberspace a very compelling place to be. Besides, on the Internet, you have a potential audience of thousands - maybe even millions - of people. However satisfying it may be to muck up a Coven, it is infinitely more exhilarating to humiliate someone before potential millions of onlookers. Sometimes, a troll may be difficult to spot at first. Because it is easy to lie about yourself online, trolls will use this feature to present themselves as reasonable and charming. And trolls can be amazingly charming when the need exists. They'll engage their targets in conversation, gathering data which they can twist into attacks later. But once they're ready, they can be vicious. And they are very tenacious. A troll will misinterpret and mis-state almost everything the target says. In the midst of a conversation, in which the troll is fiercely attacking someone, if reasonable questions are asked of the troll, or if good and effective responses are given to a troll's arguments, the troll will either take offense, or will ignore these things completely. And, in any case, will go on attacking his or her target in really nasty and belittling ways. Point out an inconsistency in a troll's statements, and ask for clarification; the troll will simply not respond at all, or will find something else to criticize in you. If you take offense at the troll's misstatements and name-calling, the troll will suddenly switch gears, complain about how nasty and mean you are, and do everything possible to present him- or herself as an innocent victim. Trolls love to claim victimhood. Trolls will sometimes pick on irrelevant details of someone else's writing, and might criticize misspellings, improper grammar, a misused word - anything other than the actual topic, and any ruse to avoid actual points the other person might have made. Trolls will accuse others of being unreasonable, mean- spirited, intolerant - simple name-calling designed to belittle others and to distract the conversation away from their targets' valid arguments. Pagan trolls love to make accusations of One- True-Wayism. That's probably the most sure sign there is of an online troll. So, how do you handle this? The goal of an online troll is to make you feel attacked and insulted. If you attack back, that's all to the good, as far as the troll is concerned. The troll wants to be the center of attention, and wants to cause damage while that's happening. Remember: trolls need conflict the way healthy people need food. Being attacked back tells the troll that the current strategy is working. Being the object of any kind of attention - even anger and negative attention - makes the troll feel validated and acknowledged. It's far better than being ignored. And if the troll can actually cause pain, that makes him or her feel powerful and successful. How do you respond to this kind of attack? First and most importantly - realize that the troll really has no power to harm you. Troll attacks come out of the troll's feelings of helplessness and fear. What the troll wants is to inspire that helplessness and fear in you. But whether you let yourself feel those things is up to you, and is not in the power of the troll. It is really, really difficult to respond in any uniformly reasonable way. The hints and advice below are good general principles, but you won't be able to follow them all the time. Don't expect perfection from yourself. Remember that you're only human. Sometimes, you're going to respond in anger or frustration. Sometimes, the troll's jabs and mis-statements are going to be so outrageous that you'll feel compelled to respond. Do so when you need to. Then do your best to get yourself centered again. (One technique which helps is to write a response, then wait a day before sending it to make sure it really is something you want to say. But few people have the self-control to do that consistently. I sure don't!) When being attacked in public, it's easy to get defensive, and to worry about what other people will think. It's easy to respond with anger. But remember that what seems unreasonable and nonsensical to you will seem equally unreasonable and nonsensical to most other healthy people. The troll's irrational attacks - comparing a fellow Witch to an Inquisitor is a favorite one - will seem irrational and overblown to most everyone else, too. You needn't defend yourself against silliness like that. In fact, getting upset about such obvious irrationality will just make you look irrational yourself. Ignore the insults. If you care about what other people think, be aware that by rising above that kind of name-calling, you will look far more respectable and level- headed. It also makes the troll look silly, and that robs the troll of most of his or her power. When a troll twists and mis-states things you've said - or misrepresents a position you hold and dearly believe in - should you respond? You have a decision to make there, depending on the nature of the forum. If you're in a place where most everyone is pretty experienced and knowledgeable, the best way to handle a troll is to ignore the nonsense completely. State your position clearly, and ignore the troll's mischaracterizations of it. The unfairness of the troll's twisted misstatements will be obvious to everyone, and will require no response. You really don't want to get drawn into a back-and-forth argument with a troll, who will do everything possible to undermine your self-confidence and self-respect. If a troll's misrepresentations do make a more rational person wonder about whatever the topic is, that person will provide a more rational question or discussion point. Respond to that instead of to the troll. The situation may be different if you're in a forum with less experienced people also, people who might not be aware of all the issues and ramifications of whatever subject you're discussing, and who might, therefore, be misled by the troll's misrepresentations. In such a situation, you can respond - but keep your response calm and reasonable. Respond to the troll's actual debating points, not to the name-calling and the digs which are intended to provoke you. The more reasonable you sound, the less reasonable the troll will sound - and the less reasonable the troll's arguments will sound. The troll wants you to get angry, and wants you to feel hurt and defensive. Deny that to the troll, and eventually, the troll will go away and find more promising targets. Remain polite, and ask polite questions, politely point out the troll's inconsistencies. The troll's inability to answer reasonable questions won't be lost on many thinking people, nor will the troll's tendency to answer politeness with insults, reason with hyperbole, calmness with violent misrepresentation. The troll will begin to look incredibly silly, without any help from you. The difficulty with this approach is that trolls - especially online trolls - tend to collect followers and secondary trolls, the way sharks travel with remoras. When a troll is starting to look silly by contrast with someone reasonable, the remoras will jump in, and start complaining about how awful and mean the troll's target really is. You can tell the difference between these remoras and people who are genuinely defending someone who is being unfairly attacked. Remoras are nasty about it. Honest defenders of honest people tend to be strong in their defense, but usually don't resort to name-calling of their own. When the remoras show up, it's a good time to back off; you've won the day, because the attacks of the troll's minions let you know just how absurd and helpless the troll is beginning to look to everyone (otherwise, the remoras wouldn't be jumping to the troll's defense). Push the point much further, and you actually will begin to seem mean. Besides, anyone still following the conversation runs the risk of getting bored by the flaming. And above all, maintain your sense of humor. A troll, after all, is only a troll. If you don't take the troll's insults seriously, few other people will, either. === === About the Author === Copyright (c) 2002 David Petterson May be recirculated as long as this information is included ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ 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: 160 gigs web space -- 1600 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 +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ===== ===== CHOOSING A TAROT SPREAD ===== by Marilyn ===== When choosing which spread to use, we need to consider not only the question being asked, but the type of answer being sought. A simple yes/no question will require a vastly different layout than an in-depth question about a complex situation. Yes or no spreads, options spreads, and category (general) spreads are the most common ones used. The most important consideration when choosing a spread is knowing what you want it to tell you, at least in general terms. === === Yes/No Spreads === Even with the yes/no answer, there are different spreads depending on how much information is being sought. The simplest spread is a one card spread, in which the querent cuts the deck and the reader reads what comes up. The orientation of the card gives the yes or no answer. The meaning of the card itself is often relevant as well, either in terms of the result or in shedding some light on the reason for the answer or outcome of the situation. There are three card, five card, and larger yes/no spreads. Sometimes the client wants to know not only the answer, but anything he/she can do to change that outcome, or the reason for the outcome. The spread I use most often also includes cards that indicate the client's feelings towards the situation, and what they will think of the outcome. In this situation, a larger spread will yield more detail and more options. === === Options Spreads === The question "Should I choose Option A or Option B?" can be handled by a yes/no spread on either Option A or B. However, the querent usually wants more detail. Minimally, some information on each option and where choosing it would lead is required. Most "option" spreads have at least five cards, often more. The layout is usually a specific number of cards for option A, same for B, and a "decision" card. The number of cards for each option can vary according to the level of detail required, whether the querent is asking for the pros and cons of each option or only the outcome. Normally only two or three cards per option are required. Sometimes the predicted conclusion for each option is simply explained to the querent, and no decision card is used, in order to leave the choice open for the querent. If a choice being made is expected to affect others besides the querent, a position is often included to indicate the others' reactions, or the effects on the others of each choice. Occasionally I use a "base" card as well. For example, if a querent is trying to choose between potential lovers, the major arcana card The Lovers can be used. This would help keep the reading focused on just this situation, regardless of other things the querent might also be dealing with, or be under stress about. Sometimes the base card is random, the first card out of the deck. In this case the card serves to show if the reading is on topic. It can also point out something that should be considered when making this particular choice, but that the querent might otherwise have overlooked. Use of a base card is not strictly necessary or even common. Some readers use one, some don't. There is really no upper limit to the number of cards in an options spread, or the number of options being explored. Too many of either, however, and the reading can become cumbersome. At that point, it is better to separate the issue into two or more questions and read each one separately. === === General Readings === This brings us to general or situation readings. The most common spread for this is the Celtic Cross spread, although there are of course others. This spread will read a category, a general situation, or a person. It can provide a "snapshot" of a situation or person, and has a couple of predictive positions as well. People will often ask for a general financial reading, a general love life reading, etc. The strength of this kind of spread most often lies in analyzing a current situation and giving a general idea of a trend, rather than predicting the querent's future or "fate." The same information can be gained by using other general purpose spreads. The Pyramid spread covers five chapters or "stages," with the final card of each stage doubling as the first card of the next. The intent of the spread is the same as with the Celtic Cross spread, but the timeline is emphasized more, and cause and effect can be seem more clearly. The Purpose spread is smaller and tends to focus on only one aspect of a situation at a time, but I still use it for general readings if the querent is focused on smaller steps inside of a larger situation. Most books and teaching websites on Tarot will include two or three general purpose spreads, as well as some more specific ones. Like most readers, I collect and experiment with these spreads. The ones that work for me will stay in my active repertoire. Other readers will choose to keep other spreads the same way. More complicated questions tend to require more complicated spreads. Ideally, the spread should have positions for each component of the question, as well as the desired components of the answer. Self-analysis, for example, is often done with the Tree of Life spread, where each kingdom represents an aspect of the self and is covered by anywhere from one to seven cards, depending on how in-depth the querent wishes to go. Note: this is a very simplistic explanation of a complex spread. Whole chapters have been devoted to the significance of a Tree of Life reading in many books. === === Conclusion === Yes or no spreads, options spreads, and category (general) spreads are the most common ones used. There are specialty spreads as well, including astrologically-based, Qabbalistic, Past Lives, Shadow, Pregnancy, and Creative Nature spreads. There are spreads for most questions that can be asked, and when there don't seem to be any spreads extant there are always people working on developing new ones. === === About the Author === Marilyn is a professional Tarot Reader and a member of the Message Board staff at The Cauldron. ===== ===== THE ECLIPSES ARE COMING! AUGUST 28 AND SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 ===== by Janet (Sparrow) Moon ===== Eclipses mean changes, good and bad. Where they happen in your chart determines what part of your life they will affect. Eclipses bring significant events into our lives -- marriage, divorce, death, birth, career change, etc. Solar eclipses usually mean new beginnings, and lunar eclipses represent finishing things. They are the universe's way of cleaning house, and bringing us in line with life's energy. Even "bad" events bring us to better places. If an eclipse falls near your birthday, the following year will be eventful for you. Also, if it is near your birthday or your rising sign, watch out for health issues. Be sure to eat healthy, get enough rest, etc. Eclipses can be felt a few weeks prior to or up to 30 days past the actual event. The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on August 28 will be a total eclipse and will be visible in the US, but not in Europe or Africa. The western coastal states of the US will be able to see the complete eclipse, but the rest of us will be able to view the eclipse as the moon sets. The eclipse will begin at 3:53 AM eastern time (12:53 AM pacific), and will end at 9:21 AM eastern time (6:21 AM pacific). The greatest part of the Eclipse will be visible at 6:37 AM eastern time (3:37 AM pacific). Mercury and Uranus will also be at an opposition on the same day. We may be feeling rather irritated to say the least, and some of us will be looking to our addictions for a crutch. If you can get past the irritation and maintain your sobriety, this could be an extremely spiritual Full Moon. This would be an excellent time to "Let go, and Let God." Our connections with our higher power on this day could be tremendous. The Solar Eclipse in Virgo on September 11 will be a partial eclipse and will be visible from parts of South America, Antarctica and the South Atlantic, and the greatest part of the eclipse will occur at 8:31 AM eastern time. This eclipse will be at an opposition to Uranus and a square to Mars, and this could leaving us feeling tense, to say the least. There is a potential for hysterics, especially in females, and males could be losing their tempers. We may go extremes on this day, or we may experience some sudden outbursts. Those of us who can direct this energy into a positive outlet may find that we are ready for a new project, and we will be ready to look at all of the details. Any projects that seem different from the norm will probably succeed. The Lunar Eclipse on August 28 will be at 5 degrees Virgo and Pisces. If you have any planets at between 3 and 7 degrees in Gemini or Sagittarius, this eclipse could be especially difficult for you. The Solar Eclipse on September 11 will be at 18 degrees Virgo. If you have any planets between 16 and 20 degrees Pisces, Gemini or Sagittarius this eclipse may cause extra stress. Also, where these eclipses land in your houses determine what areas of your life that will be affected. If you are interested in knowing more, you can also Order a Transit Report. === === About the Author === Janet (Sparrow) Moon is a professional psychic and astrologer. You can visit her web site for more articles about upcoming events in astrology, and to read her daily astrology general tendencies forecast. http://www.sparrowmoon.com/ ===== ===== REVIEW: DISCIPLE'S GUIDE TO RITUAL MAGIC ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Disciple's Guide to Ritual Magic by Frater Barrabbas published 2007 by Immanion Press Paperback 332 pages ISBN: 1905713088 See this book on Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=1905713088 Every once in a while a book comes along which is profoundly simple in its goals, even if the execution is not so simple. This is one of those books. The goal is simple: to provide an introduction to the Arts Magickal. It is, however, no mere intellectual exercise for it requires an experiential component which many other introductions forgo for a variety of reasons. Many of today's self-proclaimed magicians will be shocked by Frater Barrabbas' belief that it is necessary to have a disciplined, orderly, and consistent approach to creating magick. There sometimes appears to be an attitude that "intent" trumps form in all things. This may be true in the mundane world (although I wouldn't bet the rent money on it), but it definitely doesn't work in the realms of magick. To work magick you need to know what to do, how to do it, and why to do it; anything less produces illusions instead of results. Frater Barrabbas draws a very clear distinction between Ceremonial Magick, which he sees as outdated, and Ritual Magick, which is seen as the magick of the new century. While some may not agree with these distinctions, his definitions are clear and clearly reasoned and deserving of serious consideration. It is important to note that this in an introduction, a beginner's text. Do not make the mistake of assuming, because you have read other texts, that you can pick and choose, or mix and match among the data provided. The author assumes that you have read some previous works, but are not an experienced practitioner. Therefore, you need to accept his word on the necessity of certain timings, rituals, and correspondences. If you aren't willing to abide by that assumption do yourself a favor and put this book back on the shelf. If you are looking for an easy guide to magick; a quick solution of all your life's difficulties; a one size fits all solut5ion, you won't find it here. The author freely admits that magick is hard work and takes discipline. You must be willing to make sacrifices in your life in order to master and use magick. Do not expect to read this book quickly. It is designed to be read, used, and thought about over an extended period of time. You won't master the rituals in this book in a month, or even a year. It takes time to establish habits and routines, and building them through steady repetition and experimentation. On the one hand, this is a book for the new century. On the other hand, it is rooted in the attitudes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries; in a time when instant gratification was NOT a concept found in daily life. This was a time when the pace of life was slower, and more time was devoted to "improving" oneself. You must be willing to devote some serious time and effort to understanding the concepts which form the foundation of magick. A working familiarity with the fields of psychology and religious symbolism are a definite plus while reading the first half of this book. I understand the author's attempt to be fair in his representations, but the constant use of and other variations are, in my opinion, a bit wearing. A simple alternation of these terms (such as "he" followed by "she" the next time the magician is referred to), or a clarifying statement early in the work would be enough to ensure understanding. Unlike many books on Ritual Magick I have read there are very few non-verbal (drawn) illustrations. There is a great deal of written illustration, which is vitally important when dealing with a topic which can be easily misunderstood. But as far as tables of correspondence, or line drawing illustrations, there are no more than three total pages out of 352 total (less than 1% of the total) pages, which is a very small number. Frater Barrabbas intends for you to stretch your mind and visualize. Do not think that the material contained within these covers is either easy to absorb (it isn't) or the ravings of an unbalanced mind (it isn't that either). It is a carefully presented process for the use of magick. It requires preparation, study, and hard work. It requires the rethinking the commonly accepted worldview. It also requires a commitment to follow through on thoughts and actions. It is not a book for everyone; but then, magick is not for everyone. If you are looking for a quick fix for your problems, or a shortcut to making magick work for you, you are doomed to disappointment with this book. If you want the arcane rituals of magickal lodges, you are still going to be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you want a useable guide to integrating magick into your life and are willing to put in the requisite time and energy, this book is what you are looking for. This is a "101" book with a difference. You won't be spoon-fed reworked, tired techniques. You will be taught how to access information and levels of your own existence you may not have known existed. It isn't a required book for the average Pagan or Witch. It is, without reservation, a required book for the serious aspiring Ritual Magician. There are some things I disagree with in this book, based on personal experience and attitudes. I'm sure others will also find points to disagree with. That does not mean that Frater Barrabbas is wrong, merely that his experiences have been different. And make no mistake, this book is written from experience. His 35 years of work show on every page. This is, most certainly, NOT a theoretical work. If you are not serious, or if you are not SURE magick is for you, this book may scare you away from the field. If you are certain, however, this book in an invaluable guide and needs to be in your life (NOT sitting on your bookshelf). If you are serious about learning to use magick, this book is a must. I cannot recommend it highly enough. ===== ===== REVIEW: LLEWELLYN'S 2008 HERBAL ALMANAC ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Llewellyn's 2008 Herbal Almanac by Llewellyn staff published 2007 by Llewellyn Paperback 312 pages ISBN: 0738705543 See This Book at Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=0738705543 Every year Llewellyn offers a variety of almanacs, datebooks, and calendars. And every year people find some reason to complain about them. If for no other reason their sheer dependability makes them a worthwhile addition to your bookshelf. The basic astrological data (which is traditionally Llewellyn's strong suit) is the least of the reasons to buy this almanac. The articles (36 of them, in six sections, by 24 separate authors) are the strong suit. I look forward to this almanac every year, even though I am, by no stretch of the imagination, an herbalist. In fact, I sometimes use that as a guideline when reviewing books. If a subject is beyond my areas of comfortable knowledge (things I trust my memory on, with no urge to verify my memory), and the book under review doesn't send me to check alternate sources, I feel safe in saying that it is a worthwhile addition to the "average" Pagan or Witch's library. The articles are divided into six broad categories as they are every year (Growing and Gathering Herbs; Culinary Herbs; Herbs for Health; Herbs for Beauty: Herb Crafts; and Herb History, Myth and Love). They cover a broad spectrum within each of these categories, and there should be something to appeal to everyone. The disclaimer about only being a collection of folk knowledge and not intended for medical use, etc. is the same as it is every year (and as it must be in this litigious society). I understand and agree with this disclaimer and with the recommendation to start with small amounts to check for reactions. This is a book to be savored and enjoyed. Don't rush through it. Pick and choose. Read an article when you have half an hour to kill. Let the information seep into you. A simple read-through cannot begin to exhaust the information contained in this book. Whether or not you agree with all the information (and I'm betting there will be an occasional "Are you kidding?" moment for everyone), you should find some "Aha!" moments as well. Don't buy this book for the astrological and astronomical data. Buy it for the articles. ===== ===== REVIEW: LLEWELLYN'S 2008 WITCHES' CALENDAR ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Llewellyn's 2008 Witches' Calendar by Llewellyn staff Published 2007 by Llewellyn Paperback 32 pages ISBN: 0738705551 See this book at Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=0738705551 Every year Llewellyn brings out a uniquely illustrated wall calendar. The calendar pages are the least interesting part of this yearly offering, after all, not much changes from year to year. The draw is the monthly articles and the articles at the end of the calendar. The authors of these articles bring unusual views, as well as more mainstream thoughts to the topics they choose to write about it. The illustrations are always executed in a "primitive" style which draws the eye and reveals unexpected depths. In a world which seems more and more to be a world of computer generated images, it is nice to see these images. I know there are people who don't like anything from assorted publishers (Llewellyn seems to draw a lot of that reaction, for whatever reason), but if you are willing to put aside such prejudice and actually read what is here, I think you will find it interesting and worth the price. ===== ===== REVIEW: ESSENTIAL REIKI WORKSHOP DVD ===== by Mike Gleason ===== Essential Reiki Workshop DVD by Barbara Stein Published 2007 by Crossing Press 2 DVD Set (about 254 minutes) ISBN 1580911803 See this book at Amazon: http://www.ecauldron.com/cncbook.php?asin=1580911803 What is Diane Stein's Essential Reiki Workshop DVD set? Well, it isn't a way to learn Reiki without personal instruction. It will give you an understanding of Reiki and will familiarize with all the concepts which form the basis of Reiki, but it will not give you than hands-on experience which you need. This is a DVD set which was made at a weekend seminar, which is in itself unusual. The sessions are broken into four segments. The first segment consists of background, success stories, and the history of Reiki (as channeled through Ms. Stein. You may or may not agree with what she says, but the bottom line is to ask yourself if this information resonates with you. If it does, fine, accept it. If it doesn't, accept it as her take on the subject and move on. Some of it is fairly well documented, while other parts of it are more speculative. This set of DVDs is designed to be used as a backup for the classes and the book which goes with them. Like her book, it is only the bare bones. You need the attunements passed teacher-to- student. It is not possible to "self-attune" anymore than you can perform surgery from a book or DVD. Midway through the first DVD you get to see the process of attunement for Reiki 1. Witnessing it is NOT the equivalent of receiving it. If you have not taken Reiki training (I have not) it may serve to allay any uneasiness you may anticipate. There are no secrets to discern, only experiences to have. You also get to observe a Reiki healing. By seeing this you get to observe the positioning of the hands on a patient's body. Ms. Stein reiterates often that, no matter how moved you may be by what you see; no matter how strongly you feel; you MUST get your attunements from a Reiki teacher IN PERSON. It is not possible to get them from a book or even from this DVD. The attunements come from the passage of energy and from experience, not theory. She also makes it clear that her experience of Reiki, and her teaching of it, often differ from the "traditional". Does this make her version invalid? By no means, it simply makes it different. I'm not sure HOW different she is from traditional teachers, but I found her to be engaging and ultimately understandable. This DVD set, with almost 4.5 hours of teaching and demonstration was an eye-opening introduction to the topic of Reiki for me. It is well worth the time to watch and, with it broken into four segments; it can be absorbed in small doses. If, as was the case with me, you have no experience with Reiki, this is an excellent way to start. If you have been trained by a traditional Reiki master, it may give you another perspective on your practice. In either case, it is well worth the price. [04] ========= ========= FLAMEKEEPING ========= CREATION ========= 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/ ===== ===== Creation ===== In the Beginning, there was Void, Nothingness. And in that Void floated a single speck of Possibility, of power and chances and potential. And it floated forever, for an instant, in a time before Time began. Nothing changed, everything in perfect stasis, until the speck of Possibility became aware of itself, and thought "I am." There was not room, in that speck, for both what was there and awareness of Itself. And that speck of Possibility exploded into energy, expanding rapidly, changing from only possible to actual. Both physical and spiritual in every particle, a thinking, self- aware Universe exploded into reality. As the Universe physically expanded, rapidly changing from superheated plasma to energy and matter, coalescing into suns and planets, it watched itself with amazement. Without frame of reference, there was nothing to compare its changes to, but changes were happening nevertheless, and each change was something new to wonder at. In time, however, the Universe stopped changing so quickly. Change became predictable, regular, and boring. But awareness did not cease, so the Universe sought for that which would be interesting, different, new. As fascinating and beautiful as everything was, everything was somehow static. And so the Universe sought for something different, something to occupy the time. A small corner of its body, a small planet, caught the Universe's attention, and it looked closer at the strange tickling sensation it felt there. There was life there, rapidly changing life, and even as the Universe looked more closely the burgeoning life changed more rapidly. It seemed even the very awareness of life's existence, and the noticing of it, changed that life and made it multiply and change even faster. And the Universe began to wonder, to speculate on what this life could become. The first time the Universe saw one piece of itself consume another, however, it began to rethink the entire idea. How could one eat another? How could one piece be valued above another? For a long moment, the Universe speculated destroying this small world, finding a way to extinguish the teeming life that preyed upon itself for survival. But during the speculation, the Universe saw signs of communication, of awareness. Of something that might someday lead to intelligence. And curiosity of what might be became more important than the methods of survival. Currently, there was only rudimentary communication, seeking mates, seeking food. But if life could communicate with itself, however rudimentarily, perhaps someday something would be able to communicate with the Universe itself. For the first time, with the possibility of companionship, the Universe felt desire. And it began pushing the possibilities of life around, attempting to force, as quickly as possible, that which would be company. A creature that would be sentient, that could be made in the image of the Universe itself, possessed of a mind, a body, and a soul. Anything that could be manipulated was for the desired effect, and ignored when they no longer served the main desire. Finally, there was humanity. Using tools, using their minds. Capable of having souls in the image of the Universe, the Universe sectioned off parts of itself to be the souls of these humans, that which would see and remember, and learn from all that happened. And the combination of their more complex brain, and the soul, allowed for a mind that could ask deeper questions, have more complex thoughts than simple questions of food and mates. In them, the Universe saw the possibility of communication directly. To answer their questions of why even as it gave them, and give them hope as they gave It. Communication proved to be harder than anticipated, however. The mind of the Universe is vast and complicated, and the simple act of touching that mind to the human drove the person insane. To understand the vast totality of the Universe was too much for any individual to comprehend, much less cope with. There needed to be intermediaries, or some other way of communicating that did not do so much harm, some way that would actually lead to effective conversation in time. So the Universe created Gods, separate beings, but aware of their connection to each other and the Universe itself. And the Gods lived in the bits and pieces of human minds that they weren't using, and communicated with humanity. Some followed the wishes of the Universe, and tried to teach about the interconnectedness of all things, and advance humans to where they could speak directly with the Universe. Others were selfish, and tried to deny their nature, and sought to gain more worshippers for themselves, and live in more minds to the exclusion of other Gods. And the Universe itself sought for minds that could handle the contact. And so we live, children of the Universe and yet still part of It, struggling to achieve that same sense of connection that the Universe itself craves. Struggling to find community and understanding, for our souls are also reflections of the greater Universe, and aware of loneliness even though we can never be truly alone, for we are all a part of something greater. ===== ===== Questions ===== * Why is it nigh-impossible to communicate directly with the Divine? * What does Creation mean to you? Being a part of a greater whole instead of a specially created individual? Being a special individual instead of just part of a greater whole? * Why are we forever lonely and alone? How do we cope and adapt? How do we make life less lonely? [05] ========= ========= 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/ ===== ===== MUSHCLIENT -- EXCELLENT MU* CLIENT NOW FREEWARE ===== While graphic games seem to have taken over the commercial online multi-player gaming market, free-to-play text-based MUDs and their later incarnations (MUSHes, MUCKs, MOOs, etc) -- collectively referred to as MU*s -- still live on, both for roleplaying and for social chatting. I've been an occasional user of social MU*s since I created a character for the then uber- popular LambdaMOO in June of 1994 -- only a few days after I got my first dial-up Internet provider. While you can connect to a MU* with any telnet client, plain old telnet provides a very poor MU* experience. A client program created especially for MU*s provides a much better experience -- with features like macros, scroll-back buffers, colorized text, events that trigger when a specific piece of text is received, etc. I've used a number of MU* clients over the years, both for unix and for Windows. For several years in the late 1990s, Zmud was my favorite client. I even paid for it when it switched from freeware to shareware, but after converting to shareware, it seemed like the author spent as much or more time changing licensing systems to stay ahead of crackers than he did updating the program. I eventually tried of the seemingly never-ending protection system changes switched to MUSHclient. It was also shareware, but the author regularly updated it and provided new features instead of wasting time trying to prevent crackers from getting a free copy. Over the years MUSHclient went from a nice little MU* client to a great MU* client. With the recently released version 4.x, MUSHclient is freeware. MUSHclient has a huge number of features -- here is a list from the MUSHClient help file (note that this list is not complete or up to date -- for example, it doesn't even mention Lua scripting): Fast MUD/MUSH/MUCK/MOO client for Windows. Written in C++ for high speed and compact size. Has large scrollback buffer, command history, aliases, triggers, timers, keypad-navigation, speed-walking, and auto- say. Supports scripting in VBscript, Jscript, PerlScript and Python, recognizes ANSI color codes, has user-defined macros, spell checking, proxy server support, chat system, built-in editor, and logging. Also supports MUD extensions MCCP (Mud Client Compression Protocol) and MXP (Mud eXtension Protocol). You can write your own plugins in any of the four supported scripting languages, or use ones written by others which are supplied with the program, or appear on our web site. Worlds * Multiple worlds can be open at once * You can automatically connect to a world (name and password) * You can have multiple windows open per world * Context-sensitive help is always available to explain how to use configuration screens, and other features. * Details for an entire world, or just one of triggers/macros/aliases/colours/timers can be saved for re- use later. * Supports MUD Client Compression Protocol (MCCP). Output window * Holds up to 500,000 previous lines in memory * Fast scrolling back and forwards using keyboard or mouse * Copy from output window for pasting into command window or elsewhere * Can be frozen to review messages without them scrolling out of view * Supports user-chosen font * Supports user-chosen palette of colours * Supports an additional 16 custom colours for triggers and other uses * Recognises ANSI colours, hilight, inverse * Automatic line wrapping at end of line so words are not chopped into two * Selected messages from the MUD (eg. pages) can be displayed in a different colour to make them stand out (by using triggers) Command (input) window * Can be resized so lengthy commands can be entered * Supports copy/cut/paste, arrow keys, home and end keys, and the mouse * Last 5,000 commands entered are saved for recall and editing * Previous commands can be viewed in a "command history" window for easy selection * Commands can optionally be echoed in the output window * Auto-completion allows partial words to be completed when you press based on a matching word in the output window. * Spell-check automatically or on request Logging * Each world can log its output and (optionally) commands input * Logging can commence automatically upon connection, appending to an existing log file if desired * Logging can be filtered to remove pages, whispers etc. * Filtering is controlled by using triggers * Each log session can be prefixed and suffixed by identifying information (date, time etc.). The date/time can be automatically generated. * Each log line can have a "line prefix" which may contain the date/time that line arrived Notepad * There is a custom "notepad" (text editor) for editing commands or any other purpose * Notepad has spell-checker * Notepad can do case conversions, and other conversions such as Unix to DOS Macros (function keys) * Up to 30 different keys can be used for single-keystroke entry of commands (F2 to F12, Ctrl+F2 to Ctrl+F12 and so on) * Various other keystrokes are available for macros (Alt+A, Alt+B and others) * You can use the numeric keypad also for single-keystroke movement * Macro commands go through the command processor so they can call aliases, scripts, speedwalks etc. Triggers * Any number of "triggers" can be entered, per world. Triggers are used to match on output from the MUD, and then automatically perform a function (for example, page someone when they connect) * Triggers can include wildcards (e.g. " * says * ") to match on variable text. The text matched on in the wildcard can be used in the response to the trigger. * Alternatively, you can use "regular expressions" in triggers for precise matching * Triggers can be set up to match the colour of incoming text * Lines which activate a trigger can be displayed in a different colour, so you can use triggers to highlight certain types of game output. * Individual words can be highlighted * Lines which activate a trigger can also optionally play a sound file (a WAV file) so that you can use triggers to play sounds to alert you to certain events. * Triggers can be used to omit certain types of displays from the log file (if one is open) * Triggers can be used to copy the matched text back into the command (input) buffer for editing, if desired. * Triggers can be used to send the matching text to the status line, or a notepad window, if desired. * Triggers can call a script function. Aliases * Any number of "aliases" can be entered, per world. Aliases are a shorthand way of entering commands, for example: CLW could send "cure light wounds". * Aliases can match the start of a command, anywhere in the command, or exactly the command by using wildcards. For example, if you set up an alias of "c" to mean "cure light wounds" and make it match exactly, then it will not clash with "close". * Wildcards used in the alias can be used in the substitution text, so you can make aliases that can take "arguments" * Aliases can expand out the contents of variables * Aliases can match using regular expressions. * Aliases can be used to omit the matching line from the log file, or the output window if desired * Aliases can call a script function. Timers * Any number of "timers" can be entered, per world. Timers are used to cause things to happen at a particular time (eg. 9 pm) or an interval (eg. every 10 minutes). * Timers can call a script function. Speed walking * You can optionally use speed walking to move quickly from one location to another. Command stacking * You can optionally use command stacking to enter more than one command per line. Status line * Status line shows name of active MUD, when input was last received, number of lines received and other useful things. The status line can be updated by a trigger or a script routine. Activity window * You can open an "activity" window which is useful when connected to multiple MUDs. It shows if there is activity (output from) a MUD which is not the current (frontmost) window. A single keystroke then switches to that window. Numeric keypad * You can use the numeric keypad for movement in the MUD (press 8 to go north, 2 to go south, 4 to go west, 6 to go east, and so on). The actual commands that are sent for each keystroke are customisable. * You can also use an "alternate set" of keystrokes on the numeric keypad by holding down the Control key. This lets you have a second set of actions (perhaps for during a fight). Scripting * You can write scripts in Vbscript, JavaScript, PerlScript or Python. Mapping * You can automatically map the direction you are going as you walk around. Plugins * Related groups of triggers/aliases/timers/variables and scripts can be saved as a "plugin" - a separate file. * These can be easily generated using an inbuilt "plugin wizard". * Plugins can be shared between different worlds, saving the need to repeat triggers etc. in multiple worlds, and also makes it easier to fix problems in one central place. * Plugins can be distributed to friends without them needing to understand scripting or load individual triggers into their worlds. MUSHclient is easily the best freeware MU* client available for Windows. If you are into MU*s and have not tried MUSHclient, it really should. Now that it is freeware, I expect it will become the most popular Windows MU* client. Rating: 5.0 Operating System: Windows 95+ (also Linux via WINE) License: Freeware Price: Free Version: 4.01 Web Site: http://www.gammon.com.au/mushclient/mushclient.htm ===== ===== MY PICTURES 3D SCREENSAVER ===== My wife reformatted her Windows XP box recently due to various registry problems it had picked up over time. While downloading new copies of various freeware programs she uses, she stumbled across this nifty screensaver. My Pictures 3D Screensaver takes a directory of pictures on your hard drive and displays them on the walls of a 3D gallery. When the screensaver activates, it walks through the gallery displaying your pictures in a nifty 3D setting. It comes with two galleries and you can download others (although my wife has yet to figure out how to make downloaded galleries work). This screensaver can also play user-selected music files as it displays your pictures. Operating System: Windows Price: Free Web Site: http://www.mypictures3d.com/products/screensaver.html ===== ===== LEYLINES -- MASTER OF MAGIC-LIKE GAME ===== I'm not much of a computer gamer. I tend to avoid the new, cutting edge, and expensive because I seldom play a game from start to finish before getting bored with it. One of the few that I really enjoy playing is an old DOS game from 1994 or so, Microprose's Master of Magic. Unfortunately, there was never been a remake or sequel for Windows. Master of Magic runs fine in DOSBox -- if you can find a copy. I was quite surprised to stumble across a freeware game called Leylines that while not quite a remake of Master of Master, is obviously cut from the same cloth. From the Leylines web site: Leylines is an intriguing turn-based strategy game of exploration and conquest. Set in a fantasy world, it lets you pit your armies, magic and commerce against up to seven opponents and a horde of barbarians. Start from a single city and work your way up to a grand empire. Train over fifty different units and cast over fifty different spells to gain the upper hand. Featuring heroes, tactical combat, special resources, split- screen and hot-seat multiplayer modes, a random world generator, a map editor and an extensive tutorial. I downloaded the game and quickly discovered that is really is very similar to Master of Magic. Will it have the same play value? I don't know yet, but I'm hopeful. Operating System: Windows 98 , ME, 2K, XP (DirectX 7+), Linux version also Price: Free Web Site: http://crystalshard.net/leylines.htm [06] ========= ========= From the Spell Grimoire: ========= SPELL TO FIND LOST OBJECTS ========= Tools/Ingredients: Mirror Orange candle Black candle Small Magnet Usual ritual requirements, such as incense, quarter candles, and athame. First create the Circle and invoke the Elemental Guardians. Raise a cone of power by chanting and drumming, or racing around the circle. Then light a Black candle (for solving mysteries, and drawing away the negativity of the loss), Light an Orange candle (for luck and precious objects). Visualize the lost objects in the mirror as already being found. Place the magnet between the two candles and stroke it towards you as you recite this rhyme: By the wavering flame of this black light, Grant to me of my [missing item] a sight. By the power of this orange flame, Give me luck to find the same. In this mirror the [missing item] I see Make the magnet draw them to me. Repeat three times. Close the circle, but leave the candles burning with the magnet between them until the candles burn down. === === 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 [07] ========= ========= From the Cauldron Cookbook: ========= RASPBERRY-CASHEW SALAD ========= submitted by Koi ========= === Ingredients 2 large bags baby spinach 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese 1 small can cashew halves and pieces 1 8 oz bottle raspberry or raspberry-walnut vinaigrette (I like Ken's Lite) === Directions Simply toss all the ingredients in a large bowl and serve. (Incidentally, I don't think it tastes very good with actual real raspberries thrown on -- too tart for the salad -- but it's not bad with those little mandarin orange slices.) === === 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 [08] ========= ========= 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/forum/ ===== ===== 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.) [09] ========= ========= 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) 2007 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 (lyricfox01@ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com) or Randall Sapphire (rssapphire01@.ecauldron.GETRIDOFME.com). Typos are, as usual, courtesy of the Goddess Eris.

Return to Cauldron and Candle Archive