NMR ISSUE 35

As the Light
Astrological Forecast 35
Common Knowledge
Editorial 35
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Inner Peace
Isis
Journey to the Crone for Power and Renewal
Letters 35
Macrocosm
Religion in Society
The Cauldron of Change
The Earth
The Magical Flute
The Magical Name Ted Andrews
The Odic Force
The Sign of the Cross
The Spirit World, Part II
Wren & Egret

Articles
Authors
Rituals
Book Reviews
NMR Issues
NMR Covers

Reviews

The Cauldron of Change: Myths, Mysteries and Magick of the Goddess

By De-Anna Alba

The Cauldron of Change is drawn from priestess De-Anna Alba's 21 years of Wiccan experience. It offers a solid foundation for the practice of Dianic Wicca valuable for both the neophyte and the more experienced practitioner who would like another point of view.

This is definitely Goddess-oriented Wicca. The chapter on Dianic theology covers what Dianic Witches believe thoroughly, without being dogmatic or exclusionary. The first half of the book offers a great overview of Goddess religion, touching on just about every topic related to Wicca, including a chapter on the important subject of ethics. And not just the ethics of magick itself, but the ethics of charging for services, the ethics of touch within a group situation, the use of drugs and alcohol and other issues which are addressed with thoroughness and thoughtful insight.

The second half of the book offers a completely Goddess-centered myth of the Sacred Year, beginning with the birth of the Goddess in the Spring, Her passages through menarche, sexual awakening, bonding, birth, aging, dying and being reborn. These seasonal and lunar rituals include imaginative altar suggestions, ritual baths and many more inspirational ideas for honoring the cycles of life.

What I like about De-Anna, both in person and in her writing, is her quality of being to the point and down-to-earth, even when talking about magick. Her combination of mystical lore and common sense is irresistible, saying in effect Yes! Magick is real. Reading The Cauldron of Change is the next-best thing to having De-Anna sit across from you in Circle sharing her wry wisdom. It is a great beginner's book and a must for every well-stocked Wiccan bookshelf.

Published by Delphi Press, Inc., (PO Box 1538, Oak Park IL 60304) ISBN 1-878980-08-4 $13.95 (plus $2 s&h for mail order).

Reviewed by Lunaea Weatherstone, former editor of Sage Woman and currently editor and publisher of Hestia a Goddess Home Journal.