The Serpent's Voice
Volume I
Issue IV
April 30, 1999

Happy Beltaine!
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, Silverleaf A. 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 Silverleaf A. Obsidian

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Announcements

Jade & Bill are to be Handfasted this May 14, 1999 at Beltaine Blast.

Annie and Paula are to be Handfasted this upcoming Litha gathering

Rhiannon and Mortir are to be Handfasted this upcoming Lughnasadh, Sunday, August 1, 1999. More information later.

A baby update from Bean si: I am about 4 1/2 weeks from delivering and hoping she comes early. I am large and uncomfortable. It is time to have this child and be done with pregnancy. Ty is finishing kindergarten and keeping us busy with T-ball. Mike is working his tail off at Coca-Cola. I no longer work. I quit at the end of February because I couldn't handle the commute, the hours, and being pregnant. I am enjoying the stay at home thing so far.

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

Recently when planting seeds for gardening, it was a wonderful experience. Even for those who may not for whatever reason be able to give birth to children. They still give birth to creativity, for this is a part of ones self and that's a wonderful sensation. So for both female & male is the power of Creation...guided by Wisdom.

Blessed Be.

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Potpourri

Next time you want to imbue lunar rays of the Lady into stones...Moonstones or others. Try this...when she is full and it is a cloudless night, go outside with a guartz crystal ball and hold it between the Lady and what you are imbuing, then start bringing ball closer to the stone until you see the light permeate the stone below the crystal. Move it around if you wish. If you know before hand that it is going to be cloudy that evening, then do it before the actual fullness. As the light will still be building up.

This also helps jewelry that one wears as well. Carrying the essence, perhaps for circling...

Blessed BE

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"Our Lady's Faces"

May 8th, 12:28 p.m. 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.

May 15th, 7:06 a.m. 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.

May 22nd, 12:25 a.m. 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.

May 30th, 1:40 a.m. 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.

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Beltaine,
Lady Day,
May Day

Yes folks, we have reached that parallel to Samhain when the veil is thin. This is a fertility holiday of the Lady & Lord. It is also a time when elves and fey are about and nature enchantments are abound. This is also the last holiday for planting even for the plane of the etheric realm. And yes, this day marks the First Day of Summer! All cultures have their own history of the holiday of "Beltaine". Regardless of culture, this is a lovely and sacred holiday.

By the Lady and the Lord
Blessed BE!!!!
Silverleaf A. Obsidian

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

aspects for May 14 - 16, 1999 Beltaine Blast gathering

AM on the 14th:
Moon sextile Venus - harmony affectionate, cheerful.
Moon conjunct Saturn - dependability, responsibility.
Moon quincunx Pluto - emotional upheavals threaten inner security.
Moon conjunct Mercury - temperamental actions and words.

PM on the 14th:
Moon squares Uranus - erratic or eccentric behavior, quick mind.

AM on the 15th:
Moon semi-sextile Jupiter - religious, philosophical thoughts and feelings.
Moon conjunct Sun - revitalizing, new beginnings.
Moon quincunx Mars - direct impulsive emotions.

PM on the 15th:
Moon opposite Chiron (asteroid) - responding to the needs of others.
Moon trine Neptune - idealistic, romantic, friendly.

AM on the 16th:
Moon semi-sextile Venus - favorable for romance and love.
Moon semi-sextile Saturn - over-cautious concerning feelings.
Moon opposes Pluto - daydreams, snags in plans.

PM on the 16th:
Moon semi-sextile Mercury - gives attention to practical concerns.
Moon trine Uranus - originality; influence others.
Venus sextile Saturn - new career opportunities, success.

At this Family Beltaine Blast gathering
the Moon will be in Taurus, then Gemini

The waning moon is in Taurus at Beltaine Blast. The Moon in Taurus garb is in her earthy finery, all done up in rich greens and browns. This Moon-sign is The Lady at her most solid and sensual, feeling secure and well rooted in her sister Venus' sign, that all is quite well in your world, thank you, and there is no need to rock the boat.

We tend to resist change when the Moon is in this sign, especially change that is not of our own making. We would rather sit still, have a wonderful dinner, and listen to good music. We are into appreciating the beauty of this Earth-planet, atruly Venusian activity. When The Moon is here, we are into watching a sunset, viewing some good art, and taking care of money and other resources.

May 16, the waxing moon is in Gemini at Beltaine Blast. Gemini Moons are built for activity. This is a mutable air sign, so it likes to move around, quickly. When the Moon is here, we like to move around too. The Moon's costume now is a coat of many colors, so a variety truly becomes the spice of life.

Since Gemini is ruled by Mercury, now is when we are suddenly in the mood for conversation, for puzzles, riddles, and word games. We want two, at least two, of everything, and we are a bit more restless than usual. Now is a great time for letter writing, phone calls, or short trips, Now is when you will find the best shortcuts, and when you will need to take them, too. Watch for a tendency to become a bit scattered under this fun, fickle Moon.

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SerpentStone Gatherings

Litha
June 25-27, 1999
Greenville, SC

Lughnasadh
August 13-15, 1999
Asheville, NC

Mabon
September 17-19, 1999
Dragon Hills

Samhain Gathering
October 21-24, 1999
Dragon Hills

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

Elf (Becky) & Sammy received their Handfasting on February 21, 1999.

Meade & Deerhawke are the proud parents of Willowwind born on February 5, 1999.

Lord Shadow Wolf received his 1st and 2nd Degrees of his Priesthood on January 30, 1999, bestowed upon him by Lady Gillian & Nighttiger.

Lady Andred of Temple Open Circle received her 1st Degree of her Priestesshood on March 26, 1999, bestowed upon her by Lady Obsidian & Lord ShadowWolf.

Morgan, child of Jade & Bill, is to receive his Wiccaning this May 14, 1999 at Beltaine Blast.

Obsidian of Temple Open Circle received her 3rd Degree as of April 11, 1999 at the Elders' Gathering. Her new name is now Silverleaf A. Obsidian.

To all of the above, may the Lady & Lord bless
& watch over your footsteps in Love & Light.

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

Lady Silverleaf A. 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 Lady Silverleaf A. Obsidian and Bean si at SerpentsVoice@serpentstone.org.