Interesting thought, Vazgen, but I think the other soul gems are safe from absorption, if you are referring to anything less in size than a black soul gem.  You are correct that they are dangerous to have, as it is possible to have some of one's life force sucked into it.  We are not aware of any specific wards that could be cast to protect oneself in that case, but perhaps there could be?

I have to agree with you also about Conjuration...I think it would be very difficult to protect oneself for long when making these types of summonings, especially since one has to open one's mind to the world of Oblivion in order for them to work.

Hey Vazgen, sorry for my delay here.  I have been thinking about this, and I cannot provide a definitive explanation at this point.  I can make a case for either viewpoint, so I have to reserve rendering a judgment on this issue for a later date.

I agree...I want to say that the other soul gems are simply a container, but the ritual for creating a black soul gem makes it crave souls, if that makes sense.  I like your analogy of a black hole, and I think it is very fitting for the fate of a soul that is entrapped in one.  Only grand soul gems can be changed into black ones, you are correct.  The whole thought of soul gems really is disturbing.  

@ Vazgen regarding Azura's Star...I again think you are correct.  As a player, we think, "Wow, this is such a useful artifact."  Yet, the implications behind such an artifact are quite sinister indeed, considering it comes from one of the "good" Daedra.  I am betting those will be explored in the continuation of the Daedra series that Vix started.  

Thanks AFG!  We have about three more articles in the works to complete on our series of magic, so hope you will stay tuned for more!  Hope it can be helpful to all in their character creation, whether role play or story or CB or simply playing the game!  And no worries...glad you had a vacation!