Southern Hemisphere
Midnight Grey Wolfpup: Owner/Publisher
I'm Midnight Grey Wolfpup, and I'm
the Publisher and Owner of Cauldrons and Broomsticks. I don't write much that I
feel is worth reading, so that's not my thing. I took over when the founder
disappeared, so this wonderful newsletter could live on, and what a wonderful
experience it is. I'm more like the one that just keeps everything on track.
Mailing dates and such. It's a real pleasure working with the talent that we
have on our staff. I'm starting to wonder how I ever was blessed so much as to
work with such wonderful people. I love each and every one. We have good plans
in the works, and talent around us that will knock your socks off! :-) That is
... if you wear socks. Anyway .. new developments are bound to happen. I live in
the greater Erie area, and have been involved in the Craft for "quite some
time". Welcome to a small part of my world.
Michele: Senior Editor
Why hello there! I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to ignore you, I was busy putting together some more of the fabulous things we have submitted to us so often. I'm Michele, your Senior Editor. Yes, I said *your*. That's because this Ezine is yours, you who are reading this. Our illustrious Wolfpup turned the reins over to me early in 2003, which sure does make one feel proud. I'm only hoping I can live up to his high standards. But enough about that sort of thing.
I write some poetry, some short stories, and every so often book reviews (since I read so much, I usually let the others do their awesome book reviews instead of hogging the limelight). I'm so proud and thrilled to be working here with all of the wonderful talent we have, both full time and occasional submitters.
I adore animals, and spend much of my time surrounded by them (last count in our house was 7 cats, 2 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 frogs, a Bahaman Anole and countless fish). I enjoy baking (especially cookies), cross stitching, quilting, and reading, of course. I'm a Mom, Step-Mom, and live with our dearest Wolfpup in the Greater Erie, PA area.
I'm a basic Eclectic Pagan, usually solitary, although I don't mind working with others as well. I'm a little 'newer' to Paganism than many of our writers, but nobody seems to mind much, so I guess it's not a big deal. Well, I guess that's enough about me, I better get back to work, and you probably want to meet the rest of the staff.
What are you looking at me like that for? Go on, read the rest of the bios. Oh, you wanted to know more about me? Well then, I suppose you'll have to ask.
Brenna Fey D'Amaurot is one of the original staff
members of the revived Cauldrons & Broomsticks, and has been in charge of
the Southern Hemisphere Project.
Having served under Wolfpup as Assistant Editor and Right-Hand Woman for several
years, Brenna took some time off to get her off-line life in order, and now has
returned for a limited time only to help launch the Southern Hemisphere edition
of C&B, a highly momentous occasion of which she is proud to be a part.
Brenna is a co-founder of Circle Amaurot (http://www.circleamaurot.com) and is
currently with the Circle of Ara.
She lives in NYC and works for a major book publishing company. You can visit
her at http://www.geocities.com/brennafey.
My name is Diogo Monte-Mór, and I´m
a 22-year-old music student in Brazil. I also play in a rock band, called
Snowblind. As you can see in the picture, I play the electric guitar, but also
study classical guitar.
I´ve been part of a Coven for the last 2 years, completed in Samhain. Before
finding my path in Wicca, I was for some time agnostic, then studied Buddhism
and, most of the time, made up my own mind about things. One day I was talking
to a friend of mine about my vision of the world, and how I felt things were.
She replied: "Hey...you´re a witch!".
I can´t really say to you exactly what I´ll be writing here, as I don´t know
myself until it comes to me. Probably most of my articles will be short stories,
but every now and then there may be a political statement or two. :) I´ve been
blessed with the opportunity to write here, and I intend to do my very best. I´ve
admired C&B´s work for a long long time, and now I get to be part of it! Is
that great, or what? As we say in Brazil: "Better than this, only two of
this."
Hello to all! The name I go by is A Witch Down Under (or AWDU) for short. No surprises that I reside in Australia, sunny Queensland to be exact. I've been on holiday for the last couple of weeks, so I've only just joined up and am trying to catch up on everything that is going on (all 165 messages!!!).I'm a PhD student in the history of witchcraft. My thesis is about Wicca and its relationship to historical witchcraft. My areas of expertise...Mmmm I'm not sure if I really have any but if I do they are definitely in history (particularly witchcraft of course!). I don't have any editorial experience, although I have tutored University courses and have therefore pointed out all the things that make bad essays to my students (as well as the good things!). As for what I want to write about...anything really. I have a particular interest in rites of passage and general pieces on southern hemisphere Sabbat's. I also wouldn't mind writing something about historical witchcraft. I have plenty to say about this [ ;-) ], particularly about historical misconceptions but also about the role of historical mythologies within religions. I'm also interested in the teen-witch phenomenon. That's about it really (as if I haven't already written an essay!!!!!) except to say that I'm really excited about this project and look forward to working with you all. AWDU
I'm 31yrs old and all my life have
believed there was a Goddess of some kind but it was never spoken of in my
family. My beliefs are a result of a mixed background being South American
and Southern Italian. Both sides of my family believed in the practice of
witchcraft and my grandmother was able to clear people of "male
occhio" ie. the evil eye and it always surprises me when they then went to
church and followed instructions from the priest like he was better than we.
The best preparation I had for finding balance came from the Catholic Church
(gasp!), they made me not so much skeptical but open enough to find The Goddess.
Its through the study of the church's history that I realized what Id believed
in and prayed to as a child was in fact real.
I remember as a 10-year-old running around our yard with my younger brothers
bare footed & spinning round with our arms raised, chanting "Moon
Goddess, Moon Goddess". The full moon reflecting off the concrete. So many
of my experiences have brought me to where I am now. I'm still learning and
forever seeking knowledge. My spiritual practice is eclectic and is effective
for me. I'm happiest when I'm in touch with myself and both the Goddess and God.
My contribution to this Ezine will be preparations for Holiday festivities,
seasonal craft and suggestions on how to include little people in the
preparations. My love of food would be something else I'm able to
share with you.
Blessings be Tristan e~~~
My name is Sheilla AKA Nimue (I
rather prefer to be called Nimue, PLEASE!) I am Brazilian, live in Sao Paulo. I
am single, 34, dating a 20 years old Wiccan (that is a very competent and
intelligent man). I am Wiccan since August 1999 (not too much...), I work with
my Circle called Circle of the Gods (one man and 6 women), we are together for a
year and celebrating since Samhain 2001 (30th May). I am not an expertise in
anything, although my circle always ask me to clean the place, saying that I do
it well. For rituals or study meetings, I am always doing the cleaning...
I would like to write about the experience of pagan life and if I do well, help
with texts about each Sabbath. I also like Embroidery (cross stitch) and I am
joining a group of Medieval recreation that is associated to SCA. Tolkien fan,
fanatic reader of everything that came to my hand, I can also translate
Brazilian Texts to English so we can have them, with credits, on the Ezine.
My name is Sue Phoenix, my craft
name is Alexandria. I live near Northcliffe in south west of Western Australia.
I live with my partner Brett and our four children on 36 acres, half karri
forest and half paddocked. It is a truly beautiful place.
I love writing, be it fiction, nonfiction, poetry or stage. Until recently I
have kept my writing to myself and my friends. I am currently writing a shared
pagan fantasy project created by a guy named raxivar. This is at
groups.yahoo.com/StarFist and is great fun. Maybe I will start off with an
article about this project.
I am interested in such things as Earth Wisdom, pagan music, real life
experiences, promoting peace and love. I am Wiccan. I love to write reviews and
will happily review fiction and magazines.
I too am drawn to learning more of the early ways of this beautiful Aboriginal
land. I like to walk the land, listen and sing to the land. I believe there is
more to be learned from holding hands with nature than any book can ever teach
us.
The only editorial experience I have is to edit my own work. Actually come to
think of it, I edited my partner's thesis and I have helped a few friends with
Uni stuff. I have started media studies at uni. I'm not studying currently, I
won't be until next year, I'm homeschooling my ten year old daughter for a year.
I like to make oils and treat my skin with natural goodies as well as fiddle
with my tarot cards so I guess I may write about these things plus trivia
interests me and also reviews of web sites. I would love to do a regular agony
aunt column for the southern hemisphere.
Plus fiction.
Well that's me. Thank you for this opportunity, I hope we come together as a
strong successful team.
Blessed Be
Alexandria
Protectress of the Forest
My name is Fiona and I have been
having all sorts of trouble sorting out yahoo groups. I think I am ok now.
I am 45 and live in NSW, Australia. I am a Reiki master with interests in
aromatherapy, astrology, tarot, crystals & more. I am essentially a healer
who works fulltime as office manager of an electrical contracting company.
I love to read and to write so anything is possible there. I have written a book
on my daughters battle with Leukemia and have also written one on past lives.
Neither are published so I will not review them.
I am part of a group of Wiccan friends and we share ideas fairly regularly. I
will source their ideas and works for forwarding. I do not view myself as Wiccan
but as a spiritual seeker and healer. I have much in common with Wicca.
I have also asked an Aboriginal lady if she might help us out with an article on
Aboriginal Spirituality. She is a wealth of information and if she cannot do it
I feel certain she will find someone who can.
That is it for now.
In love and light
Fiona
My name is Moonfyre. I am
partnered to a wonderful man and have 3 children 11, 10 and 9 (and am hoping for
more in the not too distant future!). I live in South Australia and have been a
solitary ecclectic witch for 8 years now. I mainly follow the path of
Witchcraft, though I love to learn about all paths. I am currently
researching Australian BushFoods and absolutely love it. I believe that we
should be enjoying more of the wonderful things we have on offer , right
here in Australia. My interests span from Divination and Alternative
Healing to Myths and Legends, Reading, camping and music. I also LOVE Herbs and
make my own potions and lotions and do lots of crafts. I have been writing
forever and I have had some small works published.
I am very excited about this opportunity to write specifically for the Southern
Hemisphere, and hope you will enjoy reading it. :0)
Blessings
Moonfyre
Brock Ulfsen is an alias, but it
is my primary net identity.
If you want to see the kind of thoughts I express in public, I'm often to be
found on alt.religion.wicca.moderated, until recently, my address was brock@tmba.design.net.au
(ISP server upgrade migration).
Authorship:
I'm still getting a feel for C&B from the archives, so I'm not sure what I
can contribute as an author. Also I'm just gaining back a few hours a week after
being a full-time parent for a number of years, so can't be sure how much time I
have and don't want to over commit.
I (a very long time ago) (co-)wrote, proofed, and did layup on software manuals
for commercial software. I've proofed off and on for 20 years (lately
undergraduate Anthropology essays for my Wife :-), done layup with everything
from scissors and paste to WordPerfect (We are a non-MS household), and at least
tried my hand at things like photopositing and process camera artwork.
While my primary background is in computing and engineering, I have a solid
grounding in sociology and anthropology. I hope to be able to contribute (multi)
cultural awareness, interest in intellectual property rights (especially of
indigenous peoples) and a lifetime of cynicism (Hey, Discordian, remember :-) to
the editorial mix.
NB, that doesn't mean that I'm going to savage people's beliefs, but it does
mean I would be reluctant to allow the worst excesses of cultural
misappropriation and fluffy bunny dehistoricising to pass without some attempt
at editorial balance or at least comment... With my wife close to graduating as
an Anthropologist, and having some connections to indigenous Australians, I have
to be aware of the issues, and be seen to be aware.
...Brock
I've been actively practicing witchcraft since 1987, and consider myself a kitchen witch of the Frugal Craftiness Trad. In addition to rootling around my herb garden, sewing nifty-cool Renaissance costumes, and banging on my djembe drum, somehow I manage to find time to go camping and do fun stuff with my wonderful husband and three children.
Because I occasionally feel the need for a "real job", I write for a local newspaper here in central Ohio, covering local council meetings and writing human interest stories focusing on families and health. Also, I've had a couple of short stories published in regional anthologies, and have been lucky enough to sell a few freelance pieces here and there.
The coolest part of all, though, is that I just self-published my first novel at the beginning of 2004, entitled MacFarlane's Ridge.
I've also completed a second manuscript, Glannaich's Daughter, which is a gothic mystery that I am trying to sell to a traditional publisher. On top of that, I just finished up a manuscript tentatively titled Summer's Ashes, which is the first in a trilogy for teens, and is about a girl who discovers that her late father's family is in fact an old family of witches. Finally, I'm in the outline phase of a workbook on witchcraft for young spellcrafters, focusing strictly on magick rather than on any particular pantheon of Diety.
My magickal interests include any kind of spellwork that involve poppets, and the use of unusual or interesting items in spellworking, such as children's toys, Craftsman tools, and stuff I make myself. I'm fairly certain the Universe has a good chuckle at my expense on a regular basis.
If I were the Gods, I'd probably laugh at me too!
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