The Serpent's Voice
Volume I
Issue III
February 2, 1999

Happy Imbolc!
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. Do Enjoy!!!!

Praise the Ancients! Love and Light! Good Journeys!

Blessed BE
Bean si and Obsidian

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Announcements

I'm proud to announce that we're resuming a regular schedule of publication, so stay tuned.

A baby update from Bean si:
I am now at the 20the week of my pregnancy, so I am half way there. I had a doctor's appointment on the 13th of January and another ultrasound on the 20th of January. During the ultrasound, it was confirmed that she is indeed a girl. She is about 10 ounces in weight and her heart rate was 143 bpm. All within normal parameters. At the end, as the doctor reviewed her, she began to scratch her ear. I don't know if she was bored or just hanging around. Either way, it was very exciting and I look forward to my next appointment and to her birth. We have not chosen a name for her yet, but we do know that one of her names will be Maeye. When we know for sure what we will name her, I will let you know.

Love and Light,
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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Personal Shadows

As I watch Hecate (waning Moon) in the dark early morning hours as I lay in bed, she flirts and skirts among the clouds. She hides yet reveals secrets deep within. I realize the same applies to all things in nature. The Lady & Lord have a message for all, the question is are we willing to pay attention or overlook it?

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Potpourri

Such is the question of the Triple Goddess?
*Now, mind you, it matters not what your sex is or isn't......*

Do you have within your Heart the Fire of Desire? Do you have within the Core of your Being the Power to Create? Do you have within your Mind the Wisdom to Guide?

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"Our Lady's Faces"

February 8, 1999, 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.

February 16, 1999, 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.

February 22, 1999, 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.

**There is no Full Moon this month, only because this is a leap year.**

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Imbolc
Imbolg,
Brigantia,
Candlemas,
also Groundhog Day

At this time in the Wheel of the Year, the Sun's solar rays are growing stronger and stronger. This is marked by candles ablaze, bringing back the warmth the Lady, Gaia, Earth Mother needs. The new seedlings will be bursting forth with life. As according to some cultures this being the beginning of Spring. Even in areas with snow and ice, for they are the blanket, life is anew beneath. This holiday is the second one in the line of Greater holidays next to "Samhain". All cultures have their own history of the holiday of "Imbolc"> Regardless of culture, this is a lovely & sacred holiday.

Love and Light, Good Journeys to the Lady and the Lord.
Blessed BE!!!!
Obsidian

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Since various groups are doing their own celebrations for Imbolc, because of weather.....the following is for the day of Imbolc only....enjoy.

Aspects for Imbolc, February 2, 1999

AM on the 2nd:
Moon square Chiron - an opportunity to change old habits.
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.
Moon sextile Mars - nervousness and excitement.
Moon Oppose Venus - excess in emotions, extravagance.

PM on the 2nd:
Moon square Pluto - make few demands on others and yourself.
Neptune sextile Chiron - opportunity to "see" situations as they "could be".
Mercury conjunct Uranus - mind sparks with original ideas.
Moon quincunx Uranus - abrupt changes in moods unsettle old patterns.
Moon quincunx Mercury - need for balanced thinking and emotions.
Moon quincunx Sun - period of self-examination and transformation.

The moon is in Virgo at Imbolc

Here's the moon at her most discriminating. Wearing an efficient, tailored outfit that's specially designed for work, she's ready to take care of whatever needs it--no matter what it needs. This is the most detail-oriented sign out there, the sign most concerned with fixing, fussing, and tending to. This Moon sign puts us in the mood to clean, scour, sort, trouble-shoot, and help. Virgo is the most helpful of all the signs, ready to take up broom, mop, or gardening tool and offer her assistance. Now's when we're more health-conscious, work-oriented, and duty-bound, too, so this is a great period to pay attention to our diet, our hygiene, and our daily schedules.

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SerpentStone Gatherings

Ostara will be at Dragon Hills, GA. Coordinators are Cheetah, Hearthkeeper, and Winterhawk. The dates are March 27-28, 1999.

**Others 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

Sidhe & Peter are the proud parents of a new baby boy named George Matthew. He was born December 20, 1998. Many blessings to the family.

Blessed Be!

As of November 28, 1998 Hearthkeeper & Winterhawk took on their 3rd Degrees. Many blessings to you both. May the Lady & Lord guide your feet.

Blessed Be!!!

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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 Silverleaf A. 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.