Samhain 1999

Our dedication for this issue:

Song of Samhain
I am the hallow tide of all things passing,
I am the bright releaser of all pain,
I am the quickener of the fallen seed-case,
I am the glance of snow, the strike of rain.
I am the hollow of the winter twilight,
I am the hearth-fire and the welcome bread,
I am the curtained awning of the pillow,
I am unending wisdom's golden thread.

Invocation
Grandmother Wisdom, open the door,
Grandfather Counsel, come you in.
Let there be welcome to the ancient lore,
Let there be welcome to the Winter of the Year.
In clold and darkness you are traveling,
Under cyrstal skies you will arrive.
May the blessed time of Samhain
Clarify the soul of all beings,
Bringing joy and wisdome to revelation.
From the depths to the heights,
From the heights to the depths,
In the cave of every soul.

~Amethyst~

From the Celtic Devotional book, by Caitlin Matthews

Many of you have said you didn't know what was inside the article, until you visited each and every page. Following is an index of articles, and which page you can find them on. Just click on the buttons at the top of this page:

SECTION I - HOLIDAY LORE
All Hallows Eve - Mike Nichols
Samhain - Baboo Kyra Finch
Origins of Halloween - Rowan Moonstone

SECTION II - FAMILY ISSUES
Promoting Pagan Family Values - Selene SilverWind

SECTION III - STORY-TIME
Remembrances - Arianne ShadowWalker
Open Letter of thanks - Moonwillow
The Night Before Samhain - Author Unknown
Fiona & Julian - Sorrows and Celebrations - Selene SilverWind
Meagan's Samhain - Kat Dyer
First Esbat - jiaz
WiseWoman - Arianne ShadowWalker
Hymn to Aphrodite - Gwaine C. Ross
Abigail - Mystickally
Hymn to Pan - Gawaine C. Ross
Lending Heart - Catherine

SECTION IV - ASK AUNTIE
Auntie Ahn's questions and answers

SECTION V - ONLINE RESOURCES
Divination Ritual - Sarlota G. DeFaltay
Astrology, All Hallows Eve/Samhain 1999 - Sarlota G. DeFaltay

SECTION VI - PAGAN EVENTS
Last Pagan Events List - Selene SilverWind

To quote the 1998 issue of Llewellyn's Witches Calendar holiday's, "Samhain speaks to us of strong emotions -- death, resurrection -- of deep, cloaked energies and shining hope for the future. It is out New Year celebration; our will to face the specter of death without tremor; and our desire to know those things that others fear to see. This is our Samhain." And this is finally your Samhain issue.

Due to computer problems beyond my control that have been guarded against in the future (redundant mirroring is a wonderful thing), this is a very late issue. I could fire myself for this. The only consolation I have is that the web version of the issue was released on time. My apologies to everyone. This will not happen again.

What an issue this is!!! Chock full of submissions from fellow readers. I love getting articles from the people that read the issues, so please keep them coming. :-) We're happy to announce a new ongoing series alot like our own Fiona & Julian. It's called Abigail, by Mystickally. Your going to love it, many will identify with it, and your going to love her. She will also, with the help and feedback from a whole mailing list, be taking over Cat's Corner under another name. She's a licensed Vet, so this should be full of useful information. Yes, there will be some changes, as we change our cycle of the year.

Sorcy SummerWind has turned over control of Cat's Corner. Do you realize how much we all owe her?? Cauldrons and Broomsticks would not be what it is today without the work she's put into it. From the structure of the web site, and the look and organization of the online issues, to just giving me someone to complain to. She will be missed so very much. Also, Selene SilverWind has discovered that Witchvox.com doing a wonderful job now of reporting local and international events, and will be referring the events reported to her there. She will also soon be hosting our first online poll on Onelist.com regarding whether the Fiona & Julian story should continue. She has ideas for another story to begin in case the view is that it's getting stale. The poll will be announced when it's been set up, so don't flood my mail box. (giggle)

Cauldrons and Broomsticks will be supplementing the issues with more feedback articles from the readers in the coming year, along with the submissions that we always look forward to from the staff. The excitement in a person when their thoughts are published is something that cannot be described, and I enjoy it with each and every issue. We have a staff of assistant editors waiting in the wings to help edit any and all submissions, and assist all writers. Luna, you did a wonderful job working with Mystickally on the Abigail article, and I look forward to more in the future.

Well, enough from me here. :-) You have a tremendous issue coming your way, and it's a three parter. (snicker) You will not believe how beautiful it is. :-) Every submission that came in gave me goose bumps, and I look forward to many more. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone, and may your next year bring you all the happiness and love you deserve. :-)

Blessings, Warmth and Love in your life .....
Midnight Grey Wolfpup
Editor/Publisher
Cauldrons and Broomsticks Ezine
http://eris.cyberstreet.com/cauldronsandbroomsticks/
http://cauldrons-broomsticks.virtualave.net/