The word "cathexis" means a concentration of psychic energy on some particular person, thing, idea or aspect of self. Marilyn has taken this to mean a concentration of psychic energy on things like creativity, art, artist's books, collage, etc. Her result is the Cathexis zine, going on its third issue, that is eclectic but pointed in its focus, and a quick but enjoyable read.

This issue includes articles on dreams -- including one article on using dream mandalas to increase lucid dreaming, and an article by Ann Aswegan, who is a dream consultant, about divining the meaning of your dreams. There are also book reviews, a listing of other people's dreams and some dream websites that are worth seeing. In addition, there are some seemingly unrelated articles and projects -- such as making your own postcards, finding cool stuff at estate sales (and by the side of the road), and paper casting with, of all things, toilet paper (she even provides a sample).

The best thing about Cathexis (and the reason for the $4 price tag) is that she's included color illustrations by gluing in pieces of colorcopied work. This is a time-consuming process, and very few zines take enough time to hand craft each issue -- it's pretty impressive that Marilyn took this much time and money to make sure her zine had that little something extra.

I'm not sure how often this comes out -- I believe it was part of a zine exchange that takes place quarterly, but hasn't run the last few times due to the holidays. However, if you have a few bucks to spare, it's worth the money to pick up Cathexis' current issue. Send $4 to Marilyn Wedberg at 608 E. Hillcrest Drive, Verona, WI 53593.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]
Rambles: 27 October 2001