The People Behind the Magic
Valentine Stormcrow
Valentine Stormcrow (he/him), now the high priest of Serenity Circle, was called to serve the Gods at 18. His study of western esotericism pushed him toward the Asatru path, and he eventually met Irena Stormcrow and others who would ultimately lead the Serenity Circle. His goal is to create a community of dedicated Pagans who are committed to learning more about our ancestors’ rituals and relationships with the Earth, and doing our best to create a space away from many of the trappings of modernity to tap back into that ancestral magic. In turns boisterous and solemn, Val is the charismatic fount of knowledge and guidance that drives the group.
Irena Stormcrow
Irena Stormcrow (she/her) is the high priestess and heart of Serenity Circle. Her initial interest in magic and Paganism stemmed from her own family tradition - her mother and mentor is a member of the Circle - but looking forward she wants to create a safe temple space for any Pagan interested in practicing. In her own practice she explores different rituals and tools, always seeking to learn more and connect with the earth and the Gods in new ways. Her goal is to act as a conduit for magic in the community, and be able to support and educate more people on their journeys in Paganism. When not running the coven, she also likes art, sometimes working with other artists and craftsmen in the coven to create some of the merch that we make and sell at Pagan, magical, or reenactment events!
Craig
Craig (he/him) is Serenity’s one and only Guardian. His primary focus is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to all coven family members and visitors who come to worship with us.
He was born in New Jersey but grew up in Florida. He had a very successful career in law enforcement with 23 years of service. Upon retirement, he moved to New Hampshire, tired of the hot weather. His wife Melissa was the first to participate in Society for Creative Anachronism, (SCA) along with Irena Stormcrow. Once he saw how interesting the events were he began to participate and explore. During this journey he and Melissa met Val and they began to come together as a true extended family. He has always been very impressed with the knowledge Val possesses and decided to become a more active member in the Circle. Over the years he’s slowly increased his own knowledge and appreciation for Norse Paganism.
He has learned to be a very easy going person since living in New England, and loves the outdoors. He’s a handyman at heart and always willing to help others with projects; you’ll notice his craftsmanship at almost every Sabbat - he built our altar!
He looks forward to meeting all of you who are curious about our religion. Don’t ever hesitate to ask him questions about anything!
Melissa
Melissa - she/her, treasurer
Elise
Elise (they/them) is Serenity’s social media manager (aka technomancer, aka the laptop behind this site and our Instagram).
They first met Serenity at an SCA event (essentially medieval reenactment) for a rune reading lesson from Val, but when they stayed for the group’s bonfire and impromptu bardic, they knew that night that it was a community they wanted to be a part of. Now, four years later, they’re thrilled to be helping to be such an integral part of this, and to welcome more people in!
Elise’s dream for the coven is to help bring it into the 21st century (while still honoring the traditions of our ancestors) and to work within the community to break down some of the negative stereotypes about those who follow a Norse Pagan path. Serenity is and will always be a welcoming environment for kind and curious people of all faiths, genders, sexualities, races, and ethnicities.
Outside of practicing (they prefer the company of herbs and oracle cards), they perform on the lyra, go rock climbing with their partner, Sam (our photographer!) and love their three cats - Edward, Edgar, and Marmalade - very dearly.
Sam
Sam (he/she/they) is the group photographer and frankly, coming along for the ride. His partner Elise started bringing him to events in 2021 and Sam has come to dig the special kind of crazy that comes with the folks here. As the photographer they’re mostly behind the camera, but they’re also looking forward to participating more in rituals in the future. Currently apprenticing under Val and Irena in studying exorcism, possession, and other forms of haunting, Sam is the go-to if you’ve got specter stories!
Sam’s upbringing in the Universalist Unitarian church instilled an open-mindedness that has contributed to the fast friendships they have made in the coven and the lack we feel when they’re not able to come to ritual.
Outside of Serenity, he loves game nights and rock climbing, and he’s the proud father to handsome cat, Edgar.
Emma
Emma (she/her) has been a solitary practitioner of magic since 2010, but in 2020 became involved with Val and Irena; she had found her niche. She found herself, her path, and rediscovered her faith. She is also a raging bisexual who has been noted to “crush beers like a frat boy” and we could not be more proud of her.
Serenity Circle has been a welcome collection of eclectic people and positive community members, and Emma is deeply grateful for all they have given her. People who follow all manner of paths and worship all manner of Gods can come together and create a community within Serenity.
Going forward, she’s passionate about cultivating a space where more people look to the old ways - living off the land, supporting each other, and tapping into earth and its magic. Emma’s thoughtful organization, curious spirit, and sheer capacity for love makes her an integral part of running the Circle and dutifully maintaining its archives.