The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume II
Issue II
October 31, 1999

Happy Samhain!
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

Emily, daughter of Oriana, will be receiving her "Coming of Age" this gathering of Samhain, October 23, 1999.

The next Vision Quest group will begin in February with the Quest in July. People who are interested or teachers who would like their students to do a Quest should contact me by e-mail at wolfeagle@citcom.net

Blessings, Spider

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"

October 1, 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.

October 9, 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.

October 17, 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.

October 24, 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.

October 31, 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.

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Samhain

This will be the last harvest of the Wheel of the Year, the last gleamings of sustenance for the dark half of the Wheel. The Oak King has given way to the Holly King. Now is the time when we take stock of what we have sewn. Samhain is the Celtic New Year. For other cultures, it is the time when the veil is thinnest between the worlds.

Happy Samhain!

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Yule, Winter Solstice

Yule is that time in the Wheel of 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 which the Lady herself bears the newborn Oak King, 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.

Happy Yule!

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 October 31, 1999, Samhain

Morning:
Moon trine Chiron - assisting others in creative problem solving.
Moon square Sun - do not force matters, patience needed.
Moon trine Pluto - romance, pleasure, popularity.

Afternoon:
Moon quincuux Mars - direct impulsive emotions.
Moon opposes Uranus - distractions, unconventional acts or thoughts.
Moon square Saturn - disciplined work, serious thinking.

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SerpentStone Gatherings

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!

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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Rites of Passage

Gavin, son of Starfire and Duane received his wiccaning this past Mabon gathering, September 19, 1999.

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Ads

Stained Glass Sun Catchers by Lightness of Being
3, 5, & 7 inch Pentacle or Triskele
For color selections and price contact:
Lightness of Being
e-mail me at FoxIvy@aol.com

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 Imbolc 2000 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 December 31, 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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