Hello All,
My herb garden looks very sad this year. It wasn’t so much the dry, hot,
weather, although that too played a part, no it was the grasshoppers. Tiny
little destructive eating machines who have made some of my herbs look like
twigs sticking out of the ground. I have been looking up alternatives to
dumping a bunch of poison on the plants. My youngest sister sent me an idea,
which consists of capturing as many of the things as I can and blending them
up with water and putting that on the herbs. I think I will save that for
the second to final idea I try. Yes when I was a child I used to capture
grasshoppers much to my Mother’s disgust. (She can’t stand the things. She
won’t even pick up a dead one. Yes, I tortured my Mother as a child.)  But
now I really don’t want to go grab grasshoppers. They cling to the fingers
in a rather icky manner. The final step will be poison, I have nixed the get
chickens idea because well I live inside the city limits and have no place
to keep them.

Grasshoppers love catnip by the way, they must, they went for that first.

Last week we had a rather huge storm pass through the area, fortunately no
damage to our place, although that can not be said about the rest of the
town.  The most surprising damage to me was when the old brick announcement
sign up at the town square got blown down.  The trees, even the large ones I
could see, the wind was coming from all directions and they were whipping
around like crazy, but a brick sign?   I told my husband what happened when
he called and he asked if I was sure a tornado hadn’t gone through. I told
him as wide spread as the damage was, if it had been a tornado next time he
came home he would be looking for the town in a different location because
we would all be doing a Dorothy impersonation.

Anyway that is it for this week.
Until next time,
Sheila K. Watkins
Editor: Whispers of a Stone Circle
See last page of this newsletter for submission guidelines, forwarding
guidelines, where you can subscribe to Whispers and copyright information.

~*~*~*~
Summer Spirits
By Mina

Winds curl over sere grasses, each blade a voice in a Chorus
Heat roiling like a living thing, building layers upon thin air
Coils of moisture spin like spidersilk, fluffy clouds from Weaver's Art
Leaves shiver on their branches, predicting the Change for the Storm that
comes
Aspens tremble showing the pale underbelly of leaves, rustling growing to
join the Song
Turning and twirling is the vortex of currents, the Air moves with a melody
of rushing
Temperature drops as the heat disperses, the smell of Ozone filling the
senses
Crack of thunder like a whip, churning the Sky from blue to cobalt and
darker
Lightening taking up the Energy of Spirit, displaying the Power of the
Spirits of Summer
Upturned face with skin still tight from the Sun, cooling splash of Rain a
blessing from above.

~*~*~*~
Cool Link(s) of the week:
Pagan Parenting Pages (I am not going to do a description of each one.
Happy hunting.)
http://www.paganparenting.net/
http://www.musicforthegoddess.com/parent/
http://pages.ivillage.com/paganparent/
http://www.jazgordon.com/pparent/ring/
http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Glade/9836/ABC.htm
http://www.fote.org/parents.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/5464/

~*~*~*~

Guide to identifying pagans dealing with non-physical attacks
By Sheila K. Watkins
(With thanks to Grey Cat and Mari for type suggestions and Rain for a
contribution to the list)

Chicken Little: This species is recognizable by the fact that everything is
an attack from another person. They can not have mild cold without the Witch
down the road having cast a spell at them.  If their milk goes bad cause
they forgot to put it back in the fridge, well you know someone is working
black magic against them and they will tell you and everyone else exactly
who they think it is and why.

The ostrich: This species is identified by this trait. If they don’t see an
attack coming it just isn’t going to happen. This kind is highly skeptical
to any belief that such attacks actually occur and if you try to convince
them otherwise they look at you like you have read one too many fantasy
novels.

The Demon Buster: This species is identified by the fact they deal with
chaotic spirits on a regular basis. Not only do they deal with them but they
also fight them off in spectacular battles the likes of which are rarely
seen outside of the movies. Zorro, Luke Skywalker, The Three Amigos have
nothing over these mighty guardians of the realm.  Unfortunately most of the
things they fight off are the spiritual equivalent of gnats that would leave
if you yelled, “boo”

The Rabid bunny: this species is identifiable by the fact that they appear
harmless almost fluffy until you piss them off in some way. Then they go for
the jugular. Most people mistake them for Chicken Littles because they are
always complaining how they are getting attacked. This is not the case
though. Rabid Bunnies have no qualms about attacking other’s psychically or
magically and when it bounces off the other person and back to them, they
cry, “Foul. This person attacked me.”

The Star-Eyed Nymphite: This species is identified by the fact that they see
goodness and light in everything. No one would ever do anything wrong with
magic and all the spirits which are out there are oh so sweet. They also
giggle. The one sure way to know that you are dealing with an authentic
star-eyed nymphite is if you have to fight off the rather strong urge to
slap them into reality. Fortunately they do not stay in this stage long.
Unfortunately they usually transform into a Chicken Little.

The Knight in Tarnished Armor: This species is identified by the fact that
they see attacks on damsels in distress by others and rush in to save them.
These attacks don’t even have to be real or intended for the knight to swing
into battle and try to vanquish the foe. His ultimate goal is the surrender
of the one he views as the attacker even if the whole thing started out as a
big mistake.

The Pit bull: This species is identified by the fact they attack first cause
they just knew you were going to attack them. They know this because 1) you
know they exist, 2) you are breathing and 3) you might actually have looked
at them funny once.

The Tortoise: This species is identified by the two tons of protection
crystals hanging around their homes and on their persons. Sometimes you
wonder how they can even walk. By looking at them you would assume they are
under almost constant attack. They aren’t but damn it they are ready when it
does happen.

The Attack Magnet: This species is identified by the fact that tell everyone
that they are so important that people are waiting in line just to attack
them. In fact people ship in from out of state for that sole purpose. Of
course most people could care less about who they are or what they are
actually saying.

The I Wanna Be a Big Shot: This Species is identified by this fact. They
want to be leaders but they just aren’t ready for it as yet. To increase
their big shot potential they have a tendency to create fantastic almost
surreal pagan histories for themselves, most of that are highly laughable by
anyone who has even a hint of a clue. They love to attack the bulls-eye
wearers because if they can bring them down then their status automatically
goes up.

The Bulls-eye Wearer: This is the species that actually gets the work done
when it comes to pagan gatherings. They swat most attacks (verbal and other)
away without a glance and go plodding along towards organizing the next
event. Most people run when they see them coming because they are always on
the lookout  for volunteers. They are the prime targets for the “I wanna be
a big shot” types.

Contributed by: Rain Redknife.
The Quietly Prepared. This person knows attacks happen, maintains good wards
and knows how to shield, but doesn't see an attacker behind every tree,
doesn't overdramatize the real attacks when they happen, and has too much
experience to be afraid of stuff that'll go away if one doesn't feed it any
fear, awe or over-interest.

~*~*~*~
Announcement(s):
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pagan Pride Essay Contest Opens

Chicago, IL - July 15, 2002 (PPP)

Pagan Pride Day is an international event that has captured the imagination
of society. It is a time when Pagans all over the United States and the
world begin to recognize themselves as community members. Every September,
Pagans come put of the broom closet and openly discuss their faith in
communities from sea to shining sea in America. Last year's events of
September 11th brings this need to share their faith with the American
People into deeper focus. This year the Pagan community will be able to
express it through essays.

As part of the Pagan Pride Day, WitchSchool.com will be sponsoring an essay
contest on Pagan Pride. Witch School will be participating by asking for and
posting essays on Pagan Pride <www.witchschool.com/ppp/>. They are looking
for the Pagan Community to tell us what makes them proud to be a Pagan,
about projects that have been good for the community or possibly a person
who exemplifies Pagan Pride.

"Pagans have a lot to say, are patriotic and dedicated to service to the
community." According to Lisa Tuit, Pagan Pride Essay Project Coordinator,
"Pagans love to read, write, and share knowledge and experiences. If given
the proper format, Pagans show themselves to be good citizens and even
better neighbors. These essays will give people a way to express their faith
in a way that is approachable by even the most outspoken opposition. This
essay project will give everyone a way to come to understand the Pagan
society a little bit better."

To participate individuals need send in their essays where they will be
posted and others will be able to visit and view them.The top essays, as
chosen by a top secret team of judges, will receive prizes. The best essay
for adult and teen will receive $100.US cash prize, and 4 runner ups (two
adult and two teen) will receive $50. WitchSchool Gift
certificates. Fifty (50) Runner-ups will receive a one year Scholarship to
Witchschool.com. The essay contest will run until Sept. 21st, with winners
announced Sept 30th.

To find out how to enter your essay, go to
http://www.witchschool.com/ppp/.

To find out more about the Pagan Pride Project, go to
http://www.paganpride.org/.


CONTACT: Lisa Tuit, PPD Essay Coordinator
Telephone: 773-205-6018
Paganpride@witchschool.com
http;//www.witchschool.com/ppp/
# # #

~*~*~

Festival of the Arts
August 2-4, 2002

At Ozark Avalon we celebrate the festival of Lammas by celebrating the
crafter within ourselves.

This is a hands-on arts 'n' craft retreat. Many of the workshops will have a
small materials fees. Children are welcome and there will be activities and
childcare.

Saturday night worship will involve a community built Wickerman as an
offering, with personal corn dollies encouraged for personal work in letting
go of unneeded obstacles and obstructions that stand between us and a full
harvest.

Workshops:

* Henna
* Jewelry Making
* Magical Cords
* Masks and Lanterns
* OAK Spirit T-shirts (OAK Spirits only)
* Tie Dye

Registration: $30, $40 after July 12, 2002, $55 at the gate. Work exchange
may be used for all but $10 of the registration. Send the completed
registration form below with payment to Ozark Avalon, 26213 Cumberland
Church Road, Boonville, MO 65233. Make checks and money orders payable to
Ozark Avalon. For more information, call 660) 882-6418, send email to *
ws@undata.com *. Complete details and directions may be found at *
http://www.ozarkavalon.org *.

Editor’s note: due to space considerations, please contact ws@undata.com for
a copy of the registration form if you wish to attend this event.)

~*~*~

Merry Meet everyone,
I want to invite everyone to the 2nd annual Pagan Family Picnic.

Here is the latest update on the Pagan Family Picnic. There have been some
changes in the workshop area.

Pagan Family Picnic
August 9th-11th
Ledges State Park
Boone, Iowa
(Directions are coming soon)

For those of you who don't know what this event is, let me tell you.

Last year after Summer Solstice, Thunder & I decided that we should have
another event between the Summer Solstice and the Blessed Be Event. (It was
just that we miss everyone and always like to be with you all).

Anyway, we thought having a Pagan Family Picnic would be a great idea for
all Pagan Families. It will be a great time to let our kids get involved and
learn about the Pagan religion.

Other states, like Missouri, have been having Pagan Picnics for 10 years.
But we hadn’t heard about Iowa ever having one. So we decided to put one on.

Last year's Picnic went well even though we had some bitter cold weather to
play around in. But the kids had a blast and it turned out wonderful.

This year we will have few good men for security, just in case we need it. I
can use some volunteers here please.

Also, we need a First Aid person (Would anyone like to volunteer?)

This year I hope I can get more pagan parents and their children to come.
These are the workshops that I have so far.

Friday night, August 9th
Register and pick up nametags
Social time
Children will introduce themselves with each other
Play Badminton, volleyball and more yard games.
Potluck
Drumming (Any volunteers, please)
Saturday August 10th

Children’s Ritual (this is where we have 7 children that will rehearse a
ritual). We will have the High Priest, High Priestess, the 4 elements,
Center and this year I would like to add in a maiden, mother, and crone, if
I can find 3 more children that will be willing to do it). This ritual is to
let the kids shine on what their parents have taught them and also to let
them have them learn on how to do a ritual. Everyone is welcome to come.

We will have games. (List below)
Pin the tail on Pan with a Pan story afterwards
Sack race
3-legged race
Egg carrying race
Pagan Bingo (for the whole family)

We will have story time. (List below)
Moon Phases (I can use 3 women and 3 men to be the moon phases, if
interested email me please, it is a fun and a great learning experience for
the children and adults)
Story time-Elaine
(I can use a couple more stories for this also, wanted: Story tellers)

We will have prizes...stones, coloring books, flower head pieces,
talismans, bookmarks and hopefully more.

We will have workshops. (List below)
Fairy Craft - Pixy
Bell Fairies - Andi
Bead Bracelets and rings - Susan
Children Craft (will be announce) - Elaine
Pagan Banners - Willow Ring
(I can use more workshops)
Nature Walk - Altair (he needs volunteers for chaperones and first aid)

Adult Workshops (Can't leave out the parents.)
Divination Spell working (kids 10 and up can join their parents in this
workshop.)
(I can use a few more workshops for here also)
.
Picnic time around 11:30-12:30
Potluck is after activities are done.

Sunday, August 11th
Closing ritual (It will be done by Thunder and Gypsy).
Social time for all, I thought the children could exchange email addys,
phone numbers, birthdays. More or less a "I made a new friend" social time.

The times of workshops will be added in the next few weeks. If you would
like to do a children or adults' workshop, please email me. If you have any
ideas or suggestions, feel free to tell me. Thunder and I, who are parents
of 4 pagan children, just want this to keep going on year after year, for
the next generation of Pagans. So our traditions and beliefs will be carried
on.

Please let us know how many kids will be coming and the ages, this will help
Thunder and I and our workshop teachers know what we need in prizes and
supplies.
______
Please feel free to pass this on to other email list.
Any Questions? E-mail us at thunder1@interl.net or
covenoftheblessedlady@yahoo.com
Love & Light
Gypsy

~*~*~*~
Writer's Biographies:
Melinda or Mina describes herself as "Blonde, bratty, and too cute for my
own good ... was once told that I am a ‘candy coated hellcat’. My weaknesses
are chocolate, my husband's pout, and a good book. I enjoy chatting with
friends and sharing ideas. " She's a long term pagan from the central part
of the United States.


Sheila K. Watkins knew from the time she was 15 that she wanted to be a
writer but did not really start writing until she entered college where she
worked on her college newspaper and also worked as the editor of the feature
section for one semester. She was also introduced to the love of writing
poetry at this time. Fortunately for all of us most of the poems have been
lost to the world of men. After college she worked several jobs during the
next few years but none included writing. It wasn’t until after both of her
children had started school in 1998 that she went back to her love of
putting words on a computer screen. Her first submission was accepted by
publication by the IOWAN newsletter and it started her on the path of truly
honing her work. In October of 2000, she founded and became editor of
Whispers of a Stone Circle.

~*~*~*~
Submissions are always welcomed and can be made to: Zeliziw@netins.net
In submitting materials writers are agreeing that if accepted I may post
them in the newsletter and on the web page (whenever I finally get back to
work on it.) Works submitted must be the writer’s own work and they must
still retain the copyright OR it must be verifiably public domain. Works can
have been published before but please nothing that has been around over and
over again. Copyright remains in the author’s possession. The Author also
realizes that they will not be paid. (If I had money I would be hosting this
on something other then Yahoo.) If a submission is accepted, I will check
for punctuation, capitalization and spelling in submitted articles. I will
fix minor errors if they are present. I will NOT reword things (except for
an occasional “an” for “a” and vice versa.) Poems are published as
submitted.

Forwarding information: If you chose to forward this newsletter, do so in
its entirety, including copyright and contact information. People may
subscribe to Whispers of A Stone Circle at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhispersOfAStoneCircle/


All articles, poems, etc, except where noted are copyrighted by the writers
and are used with permission. They are not to be republished without the
express permission of the writers. Contact information may be obtained by
contacting the editor of Whispers of A Stone Circle at Zeliziw@netins.net

Copyright (c) 2002 Sheila K. Watson.
All Rights Reserved