The Serpent's Voice
Volume I
Issue II
December 21, 1998

Happy Yule!
Merry Meet and Welcom!

This newsletter is the first of its kind. Actually, it's a supplement to the flyer we get graciously from SerpentStone, so no, this does not replace the flyers. As it were, I sensed it was time for this, so even people outside the Pagan Community can partake of the Wisdom that's available for healing. And yes, there may be some minor editing on occasion. If individuals wish for their pieces sent in return, do please send a SASE. I also look to make copies of originals sent in; thus contributor and newsletter are protected. As of now, Bean si and I, Obsidian, appreciate your time in this endeavor. Quite frankly, we don't know how it will do, therefore, the newsletter is being done for the Four Greater Sabbats. So, please let us know what you think...suggestions, ideas, and criticisms are all welcome. Please Enjoy the newsletter!

Praise the Ancients! Love and Light! Good Journeys!

Blessed BE
Bean si and Obsidian

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Announcements

I sincerely wish to apologize for the bit of confusion about this issue, because it is covering "Yule". As everyone knows, this period between Samhain and Yule is the time of chaos. We shall resume the regular schedule with Imbolc. We look to get that processed in early January.

Congratulations to Jade and Bean si as both are going to have a baby.

Greetings all,
I have finally been to the doctor and now have the details to the baby. Boy, is this shocking. I am much more pregnant than I thought. I am about a month further along than I thought. I am actually 14 weeks and 3 days pregnant as of today. We heard the heart beat Wednesday and Friday. We had an ultrasound to verify the due date. I am due on June 11, 1999. The ultrasound was not definite as it is still early to tell, but she did not see any "boy parts", so it looks like we are probably having a girl. Something many of us have already predicted. We still do not have a full name yet, but we are working on it. I have quit smoking and am taking care of myself as well as I can. Everything was good at the doctor's office and at the ultrasound. So far, she and Mama are healthy and doing fine.

I will update you again later as things develop. In about six weeks, I will have another ultrasound to verify the sex and progress of the baby. I will let you know how it all goes.

Bright Blessings,
Bean si

Seeker, an initiate of Oakgrove in Knoxville, TN, is working on a Master's degree in Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Seeker is in the process of compiling a thorough outline of basic Wiccan beliefs, those ideas that are presently being taught in covens in the Southeast U.S. Any group that considers themselves to be Wiccan (be it Traditional, Eclectic, Faery, Seax, etc.). The aim of the study will be to publish an anthropological account of basic Wiccan beliefs in the Southeast U.S. What will be presented will be the very foundations of Wicca Aimed at scholars, teachers, and their students. Any group leaders (High Priestesses and High Priests) interested in speaking with Seeker, confidentially, of course, need to contact Seeker at email at sdarthue@ukux.utcc.utk.edu.

Do you have other notices of importance? Do let us know, they can be published in upcoming issues of The Serpent's Voice

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The Dream....
The Vision of
SERPENTSTONE

In 1991, SerpentStone was officially formed from a joint vision of Lord Serphant and Lady Rhiannon. It began with several basic ideals and goals. To begin with, SerpentStone was, very specifically, NOT a coven or tradition. It was a Family. It belonged, not to any of us, but to the Lord and Lady. There was to be no one person or persons in control of the group, although it was recognized that people would tend to turn toward those who had earned their respect. There was to be no hierarchy, except as chosen by each individual group for their own working. This was to avoid anyone using SerpentStone as a power base.

SerpentStone was to be of the Community, for the Community.

How, then would such a group function? The only way it would work would be to give complete freedom of choice to the affiliated groups, within the bounds of the law "And It Harm None, Do What Ye Wilt", while encouraging each to strive for their highest ideals and hold to the highest ethics. The only bonds would be those of mutual Respect, Trust, Love and a common dedication to bringing that love and trust out to help the Community to grow. There was a strong desire to provide a place where people could come together in worship and work for the Lord and Lady.

This was, and is, the ideal: the dream upon which SerpentStone was built.

The goals were seen as building blocks. These included:

1. Encouraging a high level of training which would help people truly make their own connection with Deity, but also allowing each group to train in their own way, according to their own traditions.

2. Emphasizing the importance of high ethical standards and personal responsibility, and developing ways to help each person reach their highest potential.

3. Accepting both traditional and non-traditional ways, and blending old and new ideas to create new and viable pathways.

4. Providing the opportunity for networking and sharing with others.

5. Providing the support each individual needs to reach their highest potential.

6. Reaching out with love and acceptance to others and the Community, and eschewing power over others.

These are still the ideals and goals of SerpentStone. There are many treasures that have grown from this: new groups, gatherings, friendships, innovative ideas and ways of working. Over the years, people and groups have come and gone, or come and grown. Some felt uncomfortable and did not like what they saw or felt and left. This is as it should be: there is no one path that is right for all. We need the variety and diversity.

Many came and found love and acceptance, and a strong feeling of family. Even when there were problems or disagreements, we were (and are) still a Family. Our willingness to accept each other as individuals and respect each other's views whether we agree or not, is a large part of our strength. We are all children of the Gods, and no one is more right or more important than anyone else is.

As this is done, some may find they have grown in a different direction and no longer feel comfortable within SerpentStone. This, too, is a part of growth: the fruits ripen and the seeds disperse. The seeds must find their own fertile ground to grow in their own way. To these, follow your dream. Forge your own path and may the Light of the Lord and Lady shine ever on your way. Let there ever be peace between us. SerpentStone is not for everyone, but it is here for those who share the dream...

SerpentStone is our gift to the Lord and Lady. Let it be one worthy to be given.

" So Mote It Be, Blessed Be"

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Special Interest

Yes, it is true that Witchstock '98 was a blast! The total attendance was about 500. Everyone had fun, and no one could forget Jack Frost's visit. Plenty of vendors were selling their goods, so no one should have left unhappy about not shopping for the holidays. Live bands entertained our ears with their soothing sounds, and the cooks entertained our tongues with their culinary magick! Participants conducted the following workshops:
Tarot 101 - Rain
The Warrior in Ancient Society - Scott
16 Steps of Self-Healing/Self-Empowerment - Cheetah
Sweat Lodge - Spider
Pagan Drama Reading Time - Garnet
The Celtic Ogham - Scott
Media Melting Pot - Obsidian
Summerland - Obsidian
Woman's Warrior Ritual
Batik Prayer Flags & Banners - Wendy
Dreamcatcher
Sacred Sensual Massage - Shade
Pagan Songs - Rain
Brewer's Discussion - Storm
Camping on a Budget, Inclement Weather, Food, and Bedding - Scott
What's up with Santeria & the Dead - Oxun
Drum Workshop - Rhythm Quest
Storytelling Circle
Familiars - Mortir
Woman's Healing Circle - Hearthkeeper
Myofacial Release - Dearah
Magickal Massage
Salt-Dyed Silk - Wendy
Power Animal Journey - Spider

If I forgot someone, please let me know!

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Potpourri

"We are They" --
that walk between the worlds of the
Physical & Spiritual.

"We are They" --
that work to bring
Healing,
Balance,
Enlightenment . . .
back.

Obsidian

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"Our Lady's Faces"

December 3, 1998, Full Moon:
Our Lady will be in her third phase, totally full. This is the height of her being and fulfillment of all, as the great mother is about to give birth. Her name is "Selene", and many others according to culture.

December 10, 1998, Waning Moon:
Our Lady will be in her fourth phase, she's waning. Now is the time for breaking down, destruction, doing away with what does not work for healing, and the wisdom for seeing this appears. This is the time of the Dark Mother, Crone, Grandmother, as she does not need light to see into the depths of being. She gives us a choice to see or not to see, the question is, "Are we willing to see what is there?" Her name is "Hecate", and many others according to culture.

December 18, 1998, New Moon:
Our Lady will be in her first phase, she's beginning anew. Her name at this time is "Green Hecate", and many others according to culture.

December 26, 1998, Waxing Moon:
Our Lady will be in her second phase, she's waxing. She is building energy and focusing it for whatever needs arise. Her name at this time is "Diana", and many others according to culture.

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Yule,
Winter Solstice

Yule is that time in the Wheel of the Year, when chaos is finally ending. The Holly King has been having his fun, but it is also a time of trial. This period, in thwich the Lady bears the new born Oak King herself, brings light anew. The deities are also known by many other names according to culture. For Druids, this holiday is more sacred than the Greater Sabbats, which are sacred to Pagans and Witches. Regardless, all holidays are sacred to all.

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for Yule gathering at Dragon Hills, December 18-20, 1998

The 18th:
Moon square Jupiter - excess, broken promises, impractical.
Venus semi-sextile Pluto - minor emotional tensions arise in a relationship.
Moon conjunct Sun - revitalizing, new beginnings.
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.
Sun trine Saturn - good for dealing with authority.
Moon semi-sextile Chiron - arousing deep emotions.

The 19th:
Moon semi-sextile Neptune - sensitivity to spiritual energies.
Moon semi-sextile Mercury - gives attention to practical concerns.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - opportunity to verbally influence others.
Sun semi-sextile Chiron - inner stirring of change.
Venus semi-sextile Uranus - awakens latent musical and artistic talents.
Moon semi-sextile Uranus - desire to break free of negative emotions.
Moon Conjunct Venus - ideas on beauty and decoration.
Moon square Mars - impulsive emotional thinking.

The 20th:
Moon sextile Jupiter - cheerrful, cooperation.

The moon is in Capricorn at the Yule gathering.

Here's the moon at her most organized, practical, and businesslike. Capricorn Moons bring out the dutiful, cautious, and a pessimistic side in all of us. We suddenly prefer to work rather than play. Our goals for the future, in a career sense, become all important, now. The right thing to do becomes the only thing to do. No sign is more concerned with conforming to set rules, touching all of the bases, and following orders. In fact, this moon wears a uniform, and she demands that you salute her, also. Now is the time to tend to the family business, to act responsibly, to take charge of something, and to organize any part of our life that has become scattered or disrupted. Now is also the time to set down rules and guidelines, to sit patiently, listen, and learn. Watch for the possibility of acting in a too businesslike way, now, at the expense of another's emotions.

Aspects for Yule, Monday, December 21, 1998

Noon square Saturn - disciplined work, serious thinking.
Moon sextile Chiron - a chance to be more perceptive.
Moon semi-sextile Sun - move into a new phase of action.
Moon conjunct Neptune - distractions, sensitive emotions.

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SerpentStone Gatherings

To Be Announced.

For more information or pre-registration contact
SerpentStone
P.O. Box 3274
Knoxville, TN 37927
Email us at serpentstn@aol.com

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Rites of Passage

Wiccaning for Hunter was performed at Witchstock '98 at Dragon Hills, GA

Croning for Lady Garnet was done at the Elder's Gathering in November in TN.

Many Blessings to both...

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Ads

This section will have ads of various types when we have submissions from those who would like to place an ad in our newsletter. Please submit your ad to Obsidian or Bean si.

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Blessed Be and Farewell

Obsidian and Bean si would like to thank you, the readers, for your time and effort. This is our first attempt at such a project so please be patient with us. We would appreciate all input from those of you who have taken the time to read our work. Any comments, questions, or submissions of material for the next newsletter should be directed to Obsidian and Bean si at SerpentsVoice@serpentstone.org.