First of all, the Autumn issue of Rending the Veil will be out on November 5. I realize this is four days late, but I’m working with a serious lack of spare time these days. Secondly, due to this lack of time and to serious burnout, I am putting the magazine on hiatus following the Autumn issue. I am planning on a year-long break, but it may be shorter than that or I may decide in that year to shut it down. For now, the hiatus is to give me a chance to restore the archives and to work on any other aspects of the site that may occur to me, such as the once-planned art gallery that never got off the ground. I debated about shutting the site down, but several people have urged me not to do that, so the hiatus is the alternative.

The site will remain up and functional, and I will work on the archives. I will also be trying to find volunteers to help with the site, something I’ve been unsuccessful at so far. If you’re interested, watch this space for when I put out the call for new volunteers.

Enjoy the Autumn issue, and I’ll see you folks in future News posts. Take care.

— Sheta

There are minor changes in progress on the site, and I’m asking as well (again) for volunteers to lend a hand in a few things, which I’ll describe below. If you’re interested in donating a little time and effort, it could go a long way toward getting things in order and helping us move on to better things for the future rather than Sheta spinning her wheels trying to catch up… endlessly. I’m going to take the plunge and write this post like a human being, so if you’re expecting spit and polish, forget it. Ha. First, the changes:

• Tags updated: I’ve removed any tags that were duplicates of the categories. Categories are listed in the top navigation bar. Tags are in a cloud in the sidebar. This makes it easier to find content by our contributors. Click on a person’s name to see the content currently available.
  
• Issues reduced: Due to burnout (mine; not sure about yours), we’ve reduced the number of issues per year to 4 (from eight). If all goes well, we’ll bring that number up again when things are running more smoothly. If things go badly, we may yet fold altogether due to lack of interest (yours; I’m still interested, even if I find it challenging doing all the site upkeep alone). Since comments on content are few and far between, and not many people log in as a general rule, we have little by which to gauge the collective interest. If you are interested, the best thing you can do is to comment on things you enjoy — or on things that you take issue with. Whatever. We’re not picky.
  
• I’m sure there was something else, but damn if I can remember what it was. Is anyone even reading this? I’m reminded of Bob Uecker in Major League when he curses inappropriately on the air and nobody notices. I sure would like to see us win the pennant. So to speak.
  

Okay, now for the begging part, or something. (I don’t have to sound professional, damn it. I’m just one person here.) While I love dearly our contributors and my co-admins Gerald, Caliedo, and Sarenth, I do everything on the site, except submit the actual content, by myself. As you can imagine, this is lonely work. (Gerald is Class A inspiration, though, I have to say.) I used to have editors who helped me edit the submissions, but most of them had to be rechecked and those who were actually good at it have moved on to other things. So.

Among the tasks I have yet to complete is the restoration of the archives. I have truly dropped the ball on this. I do have a volunteer to help out with this task; however, there are other areas in which I could use help to free up more time to actually work on said archives, areas that demand attention and contribute to my general burnout. If I had help, I might actually want to do more. You know how that works from your own experience, right?

We have forums. Yes, we do. They are the veritable Dead Zone™, and in fact there is still a bit of “news” in the sidebar from December 2009 telling people about the “new” forums. They still qualify as new because no one uses them — at least that’s been my logic. All those magicians out there who need places to flame each other — why not do it here? We’re ripe for the, er, ripening. This is an area in which help would be profoundly appreciated. Obviously, we need people to post in them. We also need people to keep an eye on them and ensure that the posts get replies. We need moderators. We need people to make them interesting. And so forth.

We need more content, and as long as the article isn’t all “I know the One True Way” and is decently written, we’re game. Assuming it’s on topic, of course. Ditto for art, photos, etc. If it doesn’t suck, send it in. We’re not scary. Surely you can tell by this post that we’re not scary.

You know, about a year ago I added amusing little alt tags to the categories and sub-categories in the top navigation bar, and not one person has ever mentioned them to me. I deliberately told no one to see if they’d be noticed. I was looking forward to a smile when someone found them funny. All of you, go read them right now. *stomps feet* I’m sick of being sly.

It’s funny. Now that I’m writing this post, I am having trouble coming up with specific things to ask for help with. I’ve got a whole list on the Volunteer page. It’s been so long since I looked at it that I can’t remember what’s there. But what I really need more help with than anything is ideas and enthusiasm. If you’ve got any to spare, drop me an email or, better yet, leave a comment. I think I spotted a tumbleweed a minute ago. The wind has that ghost-town-whistle sound to it. Our egregore is dying of starvation. We need an injection of new blood, and I’m flexible. Give me your ideas, and I’m sure we’ll find something to toast to down at the saloon. Or maybe we’ll just hang up our spurs and call it good at four years. We’ll remember you fondly, RTV. What was your name again?

— Sheta

Famous comic illustrator, Jim Balent, and Hollywood actress, Tonya Kay, team up to create a story that will “break Medusa’s spell”.

Broadsword Comics (November 25, 2009) 34 pages The Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose comic series is the story of Tarot, a warrior witch, and her family, foes and Lovers. Featuring stories of fantasy action and adventure, frequent scenes of nudity have grown progressively stronger as the series has gone on. Each issue is backed up with interviews with actual magicians and spells written by actual witches, whom sometimes choose to pose nude themselves. One of the strongest aspects of the Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose series is the reader community which has developed around it. Community readers are often included in photographic as well as drawn-in publication.

In Issue 59, “Medusa’s Stare”, Tonya Kay, (featured in Stan Lee’s Who Wants to Be a Super Hero, and an actress and chaotic witch) finds herself trapped in a nether world of despair with Tarot. Queen Medusa rules in this underworld and intends to turn both witches to stone, preventing them from shining their inspiration and light to the waking world forever more. Surrounded by living stone serpents, the two witches must battle for their freedom or face eternity as statues by the magick of the Medusa.

More below.

Jim Balent, best known for his long run on Catwoman, only writes roles for unstoppable females. His popular comic, Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose, challenges socio-sexual stereotypes with its artistic nudity, gender equality and pagan storyline. Jim Balent felt that Tonya Kay’s life was already heroic and would inspire his readers.

Twice in its 9 years of publication, Jim Balent, the author and illustrator, has selected real-life public pagans to star as heroines in his comic series. The first tribute comic starred Australian Wiccan/ author/ recording artist, Fiona Horne, and the second tribute comic stars Tonya Kay, chaote/ Hollywood actress/ raw vegan activist. Tribute issues are special to Tarot’s community-building focus, as readers value strong, female role models and visibly public witches illustrated as heroines in their favorite graphic art series.

“I want to see every woman daring to be her unique self. Whether it’s biased news, an unrewarding job, a mediocre relationship or destructive marketing, women and men both find themselves trapped in unfulfilled lives — essentially; turned to stone” says Tonya Kay, whose real life is a courageous example of daring to be unique.

When she is not volunteering with endangered wildlife or writing on raw vegan health and nutrition, Tonya Kay is a film actress and television personality in high demand. This year alone, you have seen her on The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien, ABC’s Criminal Minds, Comedy Central’s Secret Girlfriend, Showtime’s Live Nude Comedy, the History Channel’s More Extreme Marksmen and she just shot a role on the Hallmark movie of the week.

“My dreadlocks used to keep me from booking, but I knew it wasn’t as simple as ‘cutting my hair’,” says Tonya Kay. “My uniqueness encompassed my spiritual beliefs, dietary choices and dangerous hobbies as well. I decided long ago that there is nothing wrong with me being bold, but rather there is something wrong with the uninteresting roles women are expected to play.” Tonya Kay’s choice to stay true to her self has rewarded her as Hollywood’s go-to girl for what she calls “the fun” parts. “I want to see the archetype of the unstoppable woman written into roles — written into society.

“I am grateful for how my acting career has skyrocketed, though I am still looking forward to a film/tv writer to be a visionary, like Jim Balent, and write a breakthrough role for an unstoppable woman like me,” says Tonya Kay, who feels that art and performance affect world consciousness. Tonya Kay feels it is essential, now more than ever, for women and men to live their dreams. And she’s not afraid to show them how.

Autographed copies of Issue 59 of Tarot are available online at http://kayosmarket.com. View photos of Tonya signing the comic here.