SweetWood Temenos Newsletter #5

December 20, 2001

SWT INTERIM COUNCIL REPORT

by Kim Ingersoll

We have convened two meetings since the last newsletter. The first, on Sept. 30th, was an informal meeting during the last seasonal work-party at SweetWood. The next meeting on Nov. 11th expanded on the first meeting, where improvements to the Temenos were discussed. A decision was made to focus on getting an outhouse built at SWT. The estimated price will be about $300, including the price of renting a back-hoe. Donations are needed (just put a note with your letter that you would like it to go to the outhouse fund). Jack & Delta will make up the difference out-of-pocket. We will still need to rent Porta-Johns for larger gatherings. Legally the outhouse is set aside for ‘private use’, but can be available for occasional use by ‘friends ’. We plan to put up the outhouse in Spring 2002.

Also, fire rings are needed. Delta will inquire at junkyards for metal ones. Limestone is plentiful, but mortar is needed. Nice big round rocks are always welcome.

Our checking account balance as of Oct. 2001 is about $3700. Complete minutes are available to all members by writing to Delta. Treasurer reports are available from Kyril.

PAST EVENTS AT THE TEMENOS

Our Labor Day weekend work-party had a rather small turnout of 6 people, but still a success! The weather Gods smiled upon us. Anne Greenstar held a pipe ceremony, which was very moving and well received. She also planted some purple asters near the main circle. Asters bloom in the fall, after many other flowers are done for the season.

Our last work-party of the season was held on the last weekend of Sept. The weather was cool but sunny and we had a good turnout of ten people. We planted many bulbs in the garden spaces at the top of the path and down in the circle. More campsite areas were also cleared. Jack Chocolate took a hike in the woods and found a HUGE puffball, which was fried up by Sherry. Sherry also brought some homemade grape jam, which has been heartily enjoyed (especially by this secretary!). Thanks to Sherry and Jack-Chocolate for the scrumptious treats!!

FUTURE EVENTS AT THE TEMENOS

As of this writing, the schedule for next season hasn’t fully materialized. The dates for the next annual Freedom Fest are July 3rd (Wednesday) through July 7th. Mark your calendars! Dates for other events will be sent as an addendum to all members after the holiday season.

Our illustrious treasurer, Kyril, is holding her BelSummer gathering On May 31st through June 2nd on her land at Oakwind. She is a Clergy postulant in CAW and will be priestessing at her Clergy Challenge Ritual. Lets all show our support! More information can be obtained by contacting Kyril.

MOREL ALERT!

Next season Delta plans to contact members via email about the May morel season. The timing of the morel bloom depends on our weather during the Spring. Usually it happens during the first two weeks of May. Spring is a wonderful time to experience the SweetWood ecosystem, and morel hunting feels good and tastes good too! Delta will show morel gathering techniques that ensure continuing generations of this rare delicacy.

MEMBERSHIP

We welcomed one new member to the Temenos. Hugs & water to Frank, the life-mate of Mary! A previous member had moved out of the area and is now back in the Temenos. Welcome back Jen!!!

THE LAND SPEAKS

by Delta Listening Wolf

The woods and gardens are now asleep under a thick carpet of leaves. Another beautiful fall has come and go – as the wheel turns. Jack & Delta continue to clear campsite areas (we’re about halfway done). The gardens have been mulched with pine needles. Since the soil in the area is basic, due to all of the limestone, the acidic pine needles help to normalize the pH of the soil. Zillions of bulbs are now hibernating as the Sun falls to the horizon.

Already this writer is dreaming of spring. Sometimes I fantasize that the wheel of the seasons is turning to spring, instead of fall – for the weather & light is uncannily similar! This fall has been very warm, and snow has been strangely absent so far this season. The crows call from the bare branches, heralding the time of darkness.

The darkness is especially deep this year, as we grieve the events of September 11th. I find some solace in the slow cycles of the planets through the stars. Yes, even these shocking events are foretold in these cycles, a fact that still amazes me. Jupiter and Saturn are now easily visible in the night sky. Jupiter is in the constellation Gemini and Saturn is near the eye of the bull in Taurus. Invisible Pluto is opposing Saturn, bearing tidings of destruction and change for our material structures of civilization. This period of unrest should ease by next May according to astrologers. Now the symbolic scribblings of astrology are jumping off the pages of my books and I am awed by the wisdom of the ancients. Even though the stars seem cold and far away, they speak tidings of human destiny. Yes, the Cosmos interconnects us all - in ferocity & haunting beauty.

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