Publisher's Comments
People dressed in white, running through the hills. Over there is a tall pole, with ribbons of many colors streaming down. Men dressed in green leaves flail stag horns symbolic of the battle with winter. The Green Man. The Green Knight. Jack-in-the-Green. The energies of the vegetative God mythos who dies and experiences rebirth. Half man, half tree, almost always male, with leaves and foliage sprouting from his mouth ears and eyes. Within lies the Pagan fertility spirit of the earth. His symbol of the connection with nature as manifest in the human. Yes, it's Beltane. Welcome to the Beltane issue of Cauldrons and Broomsticks.

Inside, as well as on our web site, you will find stories that will give you many different views of this holiday. From the history of the holiday as only StormWing can provide, the Druid's view as only LadyToad can give, to family values from Selene. You can even visit it once again through the eyes of a child named Meagan thanks to Kat. Love is in the air during this time of the year as life springs forth, and Fiona continues her love affair with life and with Julian thanks to Selene. What a wonderful journey this will be.

We have Sorcy SummerWind in CatCorner, allowing us the honor of seeing what goes on behind those eyes that watch us in silence, and Ahneke Greystone sharing insight and resources in Ask Auntie Ahn. Sarolta has allowed us once again her talent in seeing the stars, or the Deep Skies. And Selene provides us with get togethers and gatherings from all over the world.

Mixed in with everything you'll find thoughts and words from many talented people. From a powerful tale of what you go through when you find *your* lilac tree and someone else has it, what a young girl has ahead of her when she becomes a women overnight, to a beautiful song about Rhiannon thanks to Bryte Unicorn. Many thoughts have been combined for your reading pleasure.

One of the first things that someone new to the Craft asks about is spells. We're not going to publish them, so sorry. What our writers did instead, is give some views on what to think about before you start collecting and lighting candles. Like, When Magic Doesn't Work and The Truth About Spells. Eric and Sorcy SummerWind have echoed my very thoughts with these.

We have some wonderful poems by my close friends and family members Luna Willowsong and Drusea RiverSong. Yes, they are keepers, and right in time for the holiday.

All in all, it's a very large issue. This is a very large time of the year. With flowers blooming, trees budding, and saying goodbye to winter. This is your Beltane issue of Cauldrons and Broomsticks. Enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. It's being sent out in several parts, so don't delete a thing. You can also view it on the web page listed above thanks to our WebMistress Sorcy SummerWind. While your there, see what all the fuss is about with Dr. Laura. Cauldrons and Broomsticks has begun a signature drive to present to her sponsors and stations. Wicca isn't a religion??? Hmm, guess again. :-) Well enough from me, as usual I've said too much. The staff is chipping in to get me a muzzle, so you won't have to worry much longer. Enjoy your spring, and your holiday in whatever way you celebrate it.

Blessings, Love and Warmth ....
Midnight Grey Wolfpup
Editor/Publisher
Cauldrons and Broomsticks Ezine
http://eris.cyberstreet.com/cauldronsandbroomsticks/