Collectible Card Games |
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PLEASE NOTE: This is an archive of our original site, for informational purposes only. We no-longer have a sales catalogue.
Collectible Card Games |
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Collectible Card Games are the newest major genre of games. Invented in 1993, they are a sort of cross between the concept of baseball cards (collectibility, rarity, and trading of cards) and a card game. Each has its own theme, style of art work and rules of play. Most start with a "basic set" of cards and keep interest and the fun going by adding "expansions" as time goes on.
Linda's Bread Mix |
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All the recipes in this category use Linda's Bread Mix, or something made with my mix (for example, the recipe might call for bread crumbs, made with No Rice No Corn bread). Other gluten-free flours are sometimes listed, in addition to the bread mix, to get the right texture in the final product.
White Bread Mix |
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Classic Gluten-Free Mix |
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Each of these recipes uses the classic gluten-free mix created and popularized by Bette Hagman in her Gluten-Free Gourmet cookbooks.
Naturally Gluten-Free |
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The recipes in this category are naturally gluten-free. No exotic ingredients are needed, no substitutions are made. They are a lot easier on your grocery budget, because they call for only items that you can find on your local grocery-store shelves. Do keep in mind, though, that you need to check the ingredients on anything you buy; for the recipe to end up being gluten-free, you have to start with all gluten-free ingredients, naturally! If you'd like to learn more about reading labels, please visit A Gluten-Free Living Primer.
Miscellaneous |
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In this category you'll find recipes that don't use any sort of flour mix -- which means you won't find many bakery products or pastries in here -- but they do use at least one ''exotic'' ingredient (something you won't find at the grocery store), or they substitute one gluten-free ingredient for something normally made with one of the gluten-containing grains.
Other Folks' Books |
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It'll be years before my recipes are gathered into an actual, printed cookbook, however, there are lots of good gluten-free cookbooks already available. We have these on our shelf right now in our store in Midland, Texas, should you want to come pick one up. Or, if that's too much of a drive you're welcome to purchase one by mail order through this category.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
For Backgammon books or replacement chips, please click on the categories under ''Backgammon'' on the left side of the screen.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Arcadia The Wyld Hunt |
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Enter a world crafted from the dreams and nightmares of mortals. Race against time and fate in a gamble to save the kingdom of Ardenmore. Begin the adventure of a lifetime. Welcome to Arcadia.
Please note that we only have packs from the King Ironheart's Madness set.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
For books about Mah Jongg or replacement racks, please click on the categories under ''Mah Jongg'' on the left side of the screen.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
This category shows which accessories we have in stock now. Since these items are not Windstone Editions, they will not get free shipping unless they ride with Windstones that do get free shipping. If you are unable to find the piece you are looking for, it may be in the Special Order category.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
A collection of miniatures, each named for inspirations to life's journey. Complete with faux suede pouch, individually hand cast in mineral stone and sized to keep in your pocket or bag.
Please click on the linked title of the candlelamp for photos and more details.
Items that relate to Maya Hill's ''Forms of the Feminine Spirit'' sculptures, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title for more details.
NOTE: We are out of stock of the game stones and our supplier doesn't have any either, so I'm sorry to say this is an empty category right now. We will update if we can get any back in stock.
Pente stones are similar in size (half-inch diameter) to the glass stones we sell, so if you want to play with more than two players or just want different sets of colors, you can get extra ones here. The stones we sell come in a package of approximately 40 game stones along with a small heavy-duty grey velour pouch.
These flat-bottomed glass stones are also useful as counters or markers in many other games.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Legend of the Five Rings CCG |
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The Legend of the Five Rings Collectible Card Game is loosely based on the Japanese clan system; the art certainly has an oriental flair to it, but elements of fantasy creep in, from female warriors to armies of the undead. This is one of the most popular CCGs world-wide.
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Pocket Dragons |
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Pocket Dragons are friendly little creatures that like to hide in the pockets of tweed jackets. They may be all that are left of the once mighty and proud species of dragons, but they more than make up for the loss by the mischief they get into. Created by Texas artist Real Musgrave, they first appeared in his drawings. In 1989 they were translated into figurines, and since then they've evolved to grace many forms that decorate a house, from mugs and boxes to picture frames, rubber stamps and refrigerator magnets.
Middle Earth Collectible Card Game
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Closely following J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and the Hobbit, this collectible card game has lots of stunning art and intricate game play; this is the Cadillac of CCGs. Just messing with the cards makes you want to read the books again ("Where was that quote from?"); a challenge to play, a joy to collect.
Click on the ''Code'' number for the item description, and for the ability to add a quantity other than one to your basket - an alternative method is to add one of each of the packs you want, then edit the quantity from ''Basket Contents'' on the menu bar.
Mythos CCG |
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Based on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos books, the cards have evocative art that gives you a great feel for the 20s setting (in the basic set anyway; New Aeon moves you out of that realm). The whole point of this game is, naturally, to drive your opponent mad, and what an amusing way to learn the names of all the phobias (do you know what scotophobia is?).
Melody Peña
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Melody Peña has brought the western dragon to life in her line of Windstone Editions sculptures. Using natural stone and top quality paints, these hand-crafted figurines are museum-quality pieces that you can bring home. Not just dragons, but a full range of fantastic creatures are included, with some very impressive gargoyles, unicorns, winged cats, and oriental dragons. Inspired by her study of nature here on earth, Melody Penñ's otherworldly forms take on a life of their own.
Please note that all Windstone Editions are, unless the description specifically states otherwise, intended for indoor use only. They are made from gypsum stone, which is highly water absorbent. They will not stand up to display outdoors or in a terrarium.
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Maya Hill's fresh, new representations of womanhood. Forms of the Feminine Spirit are named with inspirational commands to guide you on your path of discovery. Add a Shrine Stone to complete your altar as you call forth this new awakening of femininity.
Please note that these figurines, including the Shrine Stones, are intended for indoor use only. They are made from gypsum stone, which is highly water absorbent. They will not stand up to display outdoors or in a wet environment.
Book-end sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Candlelamp sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Cat sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Black-Gold colored Dragon sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Emerald-Peacock colored Dragon sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Gold colored Dragon sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Retired or Special Production Dragon sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Gargoyle sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Griffin sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Miscellaneous sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Owl sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Retired or Limited Production sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Unicorn sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Wizard sculptures by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Wolf candlelamps and sconces by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Artwork by Melody Pena, from Windstone Editions.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
We show only the prints we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Please click on the linked title of the figurine for photos and more details.
This category shows which castles we have in stock now.
Some of the best science fiction and fantasy artists are represented here.
Please click on the individual artist's name in the left-hand menu.
Board Games |
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From the ancient classics, through childhood favorites, right up to the recent award-winners; in this section you'll find some of the best games out there.
To view our selection please click on the categories under ''Board Games'' on the left side of the screen.
PLEASE NOTE: This section - Mythos Limited and the original three Limited expansions - has not been updated in some time, and we may be out of stock of some of the cards we list as being available. If we don't have everything you order, we'll get back to you with a list of what we do have and a revised total, and will not ship until you've given us the go-ahead or made any changes to the order you would like.ALSO! Although these earlier Mythos cards are mostly new and unplayed, they are likely to not be mint, and may have minor surface scratches in the varnish due to handling. If you are needing these cards for a pristine collection, please let us know in the "Special Instructions" field at the checkout and we'll examine the cards to see if what we have would match what you would want.
Mythos Dreamlands singles.Chess |
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Murder and Mystery Games |
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How To Host A Murder is the best-selling murder mystery game designed to keep party-goers guessing for hours. In each self-contained episode, the layers of a complex murder are peeled away as the participants assume the roles of the suspects. Clues guide them toward sniffing out the culprit in their midst. No one, not even the host of the party, knows who that is until the end of the game!
Whether the setting is in ancient times, a classic crime scene or a tinseltown gala - each of these absorbing whodunits creates a mysterious world all of its own. Players need absolutely NO acting experience to participate in this extraordinary evening of entertainment.
Murder Ala Carte: Everyone's a suspect when a murder is on the menu. And here's everything you need to serve up mystery, murder and fun - menus, recipes, shopping list, invitations - plus a tasty murder mystery to solve. Just invite six to eight of your friends to dress up and play the roles of the devious suspects, serve up a meal or light snack, and you're ready for some drop dead fun!
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Wheat-Free Zone |
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The order catalog for ''The Gluten-Free Comfort Foods Cookbook'' can be found here. When we process an order for these recipes we will send you an email copy of the recipe.
Please click on the linked title for more details.
Important: Please click on the image or the linked title of the figurine to read its description.
Unless mentioned as an addition to the name of the Pocket Dragon, all of our Pocket Dragons are in excellent condition, have their base label, were made in China for the US market, and come in the original box. More specific information about the condition of the box or the Pocket Dragon will be found in the description.
Important: Please click on the image or the linked title of the figurine to read its description.
Unless mentioned as an addition to the name of the Pocket Dragon, all of our Pocket Dragons are in excellent condition, have their base label, were made in China for the US market, and come in the original box. More specific information about the condition of the box or the Pocket Dragon will be found in the description.
Melody Pena
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Melody Pena has brought the western dragon to life in her line of Windstone Editions sculptures. Using natural stone and top quality paints, these hand-crafted figurines are museum-quality pieces that you can bring home. Not just dragons, but a full range of fantastic creatures are included, with some very impressive gargoyles, unicorns, winged cats, and oriental dragons. Inspired by her study of nature here on earth, Melody Pena's otherworldly forms take on a life of their own.
Please note that all Windstone Editions are, unless the description specifically states otherwise, intended for indoor use only. They are made from gypsum stone, which is highly water absorbent. They will not stand up to display outdoors or in a terrarium.
We show only the sculptures we have in stock at the last manual update (which is done as needed, daily).
Important: Please click on the image or the linked title of the figurine to read its description.
Unless mentioned as an addition to the name of the Pocket Dragon, all of our Pocket Dragons are in excellent condition, have their base label, were made in China for the US market, and come in the original box. More specific information about the condition of the box or the Pocket Dragon will be found in the description.
We are down to our last few of these, and the company that made them is no-longer around so we can't get more. A few say "last one, used once". These are the ones we used to obtain the photographs of the stamped image. They are still useable.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Note: The shipping weight assumes a poster or print is being shipped alone. If you are ordering more than one print that ships rolled, or more than one print that ships flat, the checkout "quote" may be higher than you actually get charged because we will recalculate the shipping fees manually before ringing up the sale.Please click on the linked title for a larger picture and more details, including the text of any pre-printed greeting card (those with "xmasc" in the code).
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
Please click on the linked title for photos and more details.
This category has some of the publications from Collectible World Studios that were sent to members of the Pocket Dragon And Friends Club.
Wayne Anderson is an English artist with a penchant for illustrating and writing children's books. His images represent unusual perspective and proportion as he creates with a palate ranging from emerald tones to grayish browns. Wayne's work has been used in advertising, magazines, posters, greeting cards, and in animated films. His illustrations can be seen in many books including ''The flight of Dragons'' and the Time-Life Series ''The Enchanted World.'' ''Ratsmagic,'' a book he wrote and illustrated, was awarded Gold Medal for best illustrated children's book by the Society of American Illustrators.
Born in England in 1946, he entered Leicester College of Art at age 15 and spent 4 years studying graphic design. He then went to London where he worked for 5 years as a freelance illustrator. He currently resides in Leicester with his wife and children.
Over the past few decades, Alicia Austin has developed a reputation as one of the country's finest fantasy artists. The continuing publication of books and magazines containing her illustrations confirms her popularity. Her illustrations include children's fantasy, fantasy and science fiction, Native American mythology and folklore.
At one of her many convention appearances, Alicia was asked to describe herself and her work. ''I've been told that a picture is worth a thousand words,'' she said. ''If that's true, there's a whole library in the art show devoted to Alicia Austin. Go read it!'' To this day you can know Alicia by ''reading'' her illustrations.
James C. Christensen is a painter of fantasies. While he lives quietly in Utah with his wife and five children and is professor of art at Brigham Young University, his imagination is not confined to his surroundings or even the real world. In his private world fish swim in and out of houses, humans and animals converse and are wonderfully free of the confines of perspective and gravity. Dwarves, fairies, hunchbacks and mermaids in magical settings trigger our imaginations as we create our own fantasies and stories within the world of Christensen's creations.
Over a long career as a freelance illustrator Pauline Ellison has designed many unusual items from two inch wide tin boxes to 100 foot hoardings (billboards). She enjoys the diversity of her work but is happiest where imagination and observation meet together in one image, and in the world of children.
Pauline Ellison was born and brought up in Yorkshire, in the North of England but now lives in Kent, near London with her husband and two children.
James Gurney's fantasy art has appeared on over 70 paperback book covers. He began his career as a background painter for the feature-length animated film Fire and Ice, and is now a frequent illustrator for National Geographic Magazine.
Don Maitz is one of the world's most respected and recognized science fiction / fantasy artists. His illustrations have appeared on over 150 book covers and he has published a collection of his work titled First Maitz. Don paints the unexpected. In the painting something strange has happened, is happening or is about to happen.
Please also see the Pocket Dragon category, on the menu on the left.
Please see the Windstone Editions category, on the menu on the left. Melody Peña's artwork has its own category within the Windstone department.
Michael Whelan has been interested in the imagery of science fiction and fantasy since his early childhood. He pursued art as his hobby throughout his school years and as a major at San Jose State University. He graduated in 1973 as a President's Scholar with a BA in painting and went on to the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles to acquire his professional skills. While there he sent some work to the World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C. (1974). Although still a student, he entered the Art Show as a professional and won first place for a science fiction painting. This gave him enough confidence to send slides of his work to Donald Wolheim at DAW Books who offered him his first cover assignment. Since then Michael has created almost 300 paintings for book covers, record albums, calendars, magazines, etc. Among his numerous awards are: The Hugo (World Science Fiction) Award for Best Professional Artist which he has won eight times, and the Howard (World Fantasy) Award for Best Artist three times.
The paintings of Janny Wurts have spanned the gamut between fantasy and outer space. An enthusiast of everything from astronomy to sailing and horseback riding, she has had works exhibited in NASA's 25th anniversary show, and her illustrations have appeared on the covers of paperback books. Author as well as artist, her drawings have often served as inspiration for fiction. Janny is author of the Cycle of Fire trilogy, and another three title series done in collaboration with Raymond Feist.
''That moment when thought takes shape in the mind, when fire touches our earthly clay and becomes transmuted to inspiration...a more potent magic does not exist in our reality.''
Note: Information on ''How To Use This Catalog'' can be found by clicking the ''Storefront'' button on the top blue bar.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Whose catalog is this, anyway?
- How can I pay for my order?
- How quickly and how do you ship? What do you charge for shipping and handling??
- Is everything you advertise always in stock?
- What is your return policy?
- What is your privacy policy? And why do you use cookies?
- How can I contact you?
- Copyright Notice
Astral Castle is a family-owned business located in Midland, Texas (draw a line between Dallas and El Paso, put a dot in the middle, and there you'll find us). We have had our bricks & mortar store since 1995, and have been offering our favorites on the Internet since 1996. The two owners of this "mom & pop shop" are Dave Bridges and Linda Blanchard. Our emphasis is on good old-fashioned service, which you'll find in both our physical and virtual stores. We specialize in games that bring people together for fun and relaxation and a bit of a challenge, and in just about anything to do with dragons. The name ''Astral Castle'' is meant to represent our mixture of science fiction and fantasy wares: the ''astral'' means ''stars'' and represents the future; the ''castle'' represents the fantasy element.
We accept:
Our site supports a secure server, so within the catalog, if you choose Visa, Mastercard or Discover, you can feel safe entering your number there. Or, you may call us at our store (Astral Castle) 432-520-6463 during store hours, where you can talk to Dave or Linda. Please note that as we are a ''bricks and mortar'' store, we are sometimes too busy at the cash register to take a phone order; if this is the case we will say so -- please accept our apologies if this is the case (we generally cannot take phone orders during December).
We always try to get an order ready to be shipped by the next weekday, but our next UPS pickup or trip to the Post Office may not be until the following weekday. Also, the nature of running a small business being what it is, there may be occasions when we are backlogged, or busy with local customers in the store, and end up running a day or two behind on mail orders. If you choose an express option for shipping we will get your order out as quickly as possible, of course, but choosing ''Next Day Air'' does not mean your package will arrive the day after you order it; it means you would get your package the next business day after we ship it.
Within the Continental USA we ship using UPS or the Post Office. All packages carried by UPS are insured. Packages carried by the Post Office will be insured only if you select this option at the checkout, and you would need to sign for the package on its arrival. An uninsured package will be sent at your own risk.
Outside the Continental USA we normally ship using International Express Mail or International Priority mail, with duplicate invoices and a Customs Declaration form on the outside. If your country's customs authority requires additional paperwork or other considerations please notify us. All packages will be labeled ''Merchandise'' and the value of the contents declared. The addressee is responsible for any duty fees or applicable local taxes. Please note that in many countries, packages sent from the same addresser to the same addressee over a specified period will, for duty purposes, be considered part of the same shipment.
We actually try not to profit off of shipping and handling. Therefore, we charge the actual shipping charges (or as close as our catalog can get when it checks shipping through the UPS and Post Office websites) plus a handling fee of $1.00 via UPS, and $2.00 for Post Office shipments.
Not necessarily. It was in stock when we updated the catalog that shows it, though we may have only had one of the item left (especially true for single cards and Pocket Dragons); the date of the last major update should show on the opening page of the catalog. Even if you contact us the same day we put up the page, someone may have beaten you to it. We do the best we can to keep the catalog updated (with special attention paid to Pocket Dragons and the Windstone categories, which are updated daily without necessarily changing the ''last updated'' date). Still, we have to disclaim: All stock listed is available in limited quantities, while supplies last.
(A) In case of damaged merchandise, please retain all damaged materials and original packaging for inspection by the shipper. Contact us by e-mail immediately and we will let you know how to proceed with a claim. Once a claim has been filed and we have had notification from the shipper, we will either send a replacement or issue a refund if a replacement is not available.
(B) If an item is defective, please contact us by e-mail. If we require the item to be returned to us, you will be reimbursed for the shipping fee.
(C) If you accidentally ordered something you didn't want, you can return it within 30 days. If you originally had waived shipping fees a 10% restocking fee will be deducted from the credit; all other items get a full credit for the returned item (excluding shipping and handling) towards anything else we offer. If you wanted a refund there would be a 10% re-stocking fee. This offer applies only to items still in original condition and in their original packaging. Other items would be handled at our discretion.
All information you provide to us, whether through email, over the phone, through our online catalog, or in-person in the store is held in strict confidentiality by us. Credit card information is under lock and key, accessible only to the two owners of the store. We never give out any information, not addresses or phone numbers or anything else. Dave and I both dislike junk mail, and feel even more strongly about the horrors of telephone solicitation. Linda thinks spamming and junk emailing are crimes. You can trust that no information you give us gets given to anyone else. (We've had requests, locally, to sell our customer database to others but you can't offer us enough money to do this to people.) We believe in Privacy with a capital P.
Our online catalog does collect information and leave cookies on your computer, but it does this purely for the purposes of tracking what you order, and the information you enter, so that it can complete the order, and so that you can leave the catalog and then come back and pick up where you left off. We do not collect any other information about you using cookies, or any other method. The only information we end up with is that which you type in yourself when you place an order or email us.
We routinely delete old orders from the server, and we do NOT store your credit card information electronically, either on the server or on any computer in our store. You will, therefore, need to re-enter your card information each time you place an order.
You can email us by filling out this form
The entire contents of this website and its online catalog are copyrighted. When the copyright is held by someone other than Astral Castle, that copyright will be so stated. Otherwise all images and text should be considered Copyright � 2003 Astral Castle All Rights Reserved Worldwide. If you wish to use anything from this website on your website -- or anywhere else, for that matter -- please ask first.
Layaway Plan Highlights:
You can email us by filling out this form.