The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume II
Issue I
August 1, 1999

Happy Lughnasadh!

Happy Anniversary to the Serpent's Voice! This issue will mark a full turn of the Wheel of the Year. And of course, we would like your input, i.e. should we include the minor Sabbats or stay with the major ones? Do fill us in, where would you like to see improvements? And so on.....

BLESSED BE....

Merry Meet and Welcome!

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 Silverleaf, 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 Silverleaf

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Announcements

Yes, it's true that Bean si had her recent baby. Maeye Kiara, she came about June 14, 1999.

Lady and Lord Bless!

Rhiannon and Mortir were Handfasted on Lughnasadh, Sunday, August 1, 1999.

Jade & Bill were legally united August 6, 1999.

Elf & Sammie have news of a new arrival in the family. Tabitha was born July 13, 1999.

Best Wishes to all, may the Lady & Lord Bless All....
Blessed Be!

Seeker, an initiate of Oakgrove in 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 him by email at sdarthur@ukux.utcc.utk.edu.

Do you have 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 and male is the power of Creation...guided by Wisdom.

Blessed Be

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Potpourri
"Recycling"

After feasting, I take the remains and dispose of them, declaring that those not as fortunate as I to partake of the bounty of the Lady and Lord.

Blessed BE

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"Our Lady's Faces"

August 4, 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.

August 11, 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.

August 18, 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.

August 26, 1999. 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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Lughnasadh, Lammas, Lughnasad

This will be the first harvest of the Wheel of the Year. The first gleanings of sustenance for the dark half of the Wheel, of which the Oak King slowly begins to give way to the Holly King until "Yule". Now is the time when we begin to take stock of what we have sewn. There are many cultures that have a connection with this holiday, some are Celtic, Norse, Scandinavian..... to name a few.

Happy Lammas!

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

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for August 1, 1999, Lughnasadh

Morning:
Moon trine Chiron - assisting others in creative problem-solving.
Moon trine Mercury - reach decisions, persuade others.

Afternoon:
Moon Sextile Neptune - intuitions, creativity, meditations.
Moon semi-sextile Jupiter - religious, philosophical thoughts and feelings.
Moon quincunx Venus - discrimination required in romantic situations.

Aspects for August 13-15, 1999, Lughnasadh gathering

AM on the 13th:
Moon quincunx Uranus - abrupt changes in moods unsettle old patterns.
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.
Moon sextile Mars - Nervousness and excitement.

PM on the 13th:
Moon semi-sextile Sun - move into a new phase of action.

AM on the 14th:
Moon sextile Chiron - a chance to be more perceptive.
Mercury opposite Neptune - gossip, scandalous news.
Moon semi-sextile Venus - favorable for romance and love.

PM on the 14th:
Moon trine Neptune - idealistic, romantic, friendly.
Moon sextile Mercury - quick thinking, many ideas.
Moon quincunx Jupiter - questions concerning philosophical outlook.
Moon sextile Pluto - enlightening discussions, intense feelings.

AM on the 15th:
Moon trine Uranus - Originality, influence others.

PM on the 15th:
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

At this Family Lughnasadh gathering
the Waxing Moon will be in Virgo

Here is the Moon at her most discriminating. Wearing an efficient, tailored outfit that is especially designed for work, she is ready to take care of whatever needs it - no matter its 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, scout, 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 is when we are 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

Mabon
September 17-19, 1999
Dragon Hills

Samhain
October 21-24, 1999
Dragon Hills

Future gatherings are listed at the SerpentStone Gathering page. Do check out the gatherings you would like to attend.

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

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Blessed Be
&
Meet Me in DC

As you all may know, Blessed Be & Meet Me in DC is again occurring during the weekend of Samhain! Gryphonsong and Obsidian Silverleaf of Temple Open Circle are attending this turn of the Wheel.

For more information see the following website:

http://www.bbmmdc.org

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Gryphonsong Webpage

Currently, Gryphonsong has been working on a web-site concerning Sen. Thurmond of SC, who has been showing his ignorance in the media regarding Witches in the military.

She is receiving written responses from Pagans and Witches in the community. You can e-mail her at Wyldgryph@mindspring.com.

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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 this News letter are welcome to do so.

Please submit your ad to Bean si or Obsidian Silverleaf.

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Blessed Be and Farewell

Bean si and Obsidian Silverleaf both would like to thank you, the readers, for your time and effort. 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 Obsidian Silverleaf and Bean si at SerpentsVoice@serpentstone.org.

Bright Blessings,
Lady Obsidian Silverleaf and Bean si

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Deadline for Submissions

The next issue will be out in time for the Samhain 1999 celebration. If anyone is interested in submitting articles or ads for any section of our newsletter, please send them to Obsidian Silverleaf or Bean si by October 1, 1999.

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Bean si and Obsidian
Would like to wish
One and all
Bright Blessings.

Lady & Lord
*Bless*

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