The Tor Stone

Q: Can I receive the Tor Stone as a paper issue?

A: No. Right now, The Tor Stone's format is as an electronic journal, and it will not be available in print in the near future. We feel that this method keeps costs low, for us as well as the subscriber, and also lends itself to a more widespread subscriber base. However, if a person is unable to download PDF files, such as with WebTV, it is possible to have the Tor be printed and mailed to you, for a higher subscription price. Please contact me for further details. PLEASE DO NOT write if you simply want a paper issue instead of the PDF version. The files are set up for easy printing and it only takes a few minutes to have your own hard copy.

Q: I am a subscriber and am having problems downloading the file (or I am looking to download the sample issue and am having problems). What should I do?

A: First, make sure you have Acrobat Reader on your computer. If you know you do, make sure that it is the LATEST version, as sometimes older versions will not let you view newer PDF files. To download Acrobat Reader (in its latest version), click here. If, after you have tried both of these solutions, you still cannot download the file, contact me for further assistance.

Q: Do you pay your writers?

A: No. This is truly something that you must enjoy doing, for there is no monetary compensation. All our writers, both occasional and regular columnists, share their works and their efforts for their love of the Goddess and in the hopes of of illuminating for others the path to Avalon.

Q: Do I have to be a member of The Sisterhood of Avalon to write for or receive The Tor Stone?

A: No. The journal is a publication from the SOA, but anyone may subscribe, and anyone may submit their works. However, keep in mind when submitting your work that the journal is Avalonian and feminine based. We accept only women's works which must be Goddess related. Since, when working within the Avalonian tradition, we work with the five main goddesses of Avalon (Blodeuwedd, Rhiannon, Cerridwen, Arianrhod, and Branwen), we of course will not accept articles focusing on Brigid or Isis, for example. However, we do accept "general goddess" works. If you are unsure, after having read the submission guidelines page, submit your work for approval and we will let you know if we can publish it.

Q: Why are the issue dates not on the "standard" holy days?

A: The Tor Stone, since it is a publication of the Sisterhood of Avalon, is released on the dates that the Sisterhood recognizes as holy days, which are different from the days most pagans are used to. Those dates (such as Oct. 31st for Samhain) are based on the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar. Since the Sisterhood is a Celtic Women's Mysteries organization, they adhere to the Celtic system. The Celtic people followed a lunar cycle, and used the moon and the stars to determine their holy days. In following this system, the dates will not be the same from year to year. The holy days are determined as follows:

Imbolc - First Full Moon when Sun is in Aquarius
Beltane - First Full Moon when Sun is in Taurus
Lughnassadh - First Full Moon when Sun is in Leo
Samhain - First Full Moon when Sun is in Scorpio