The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume II
Issue III
February 2, 2000

Happy Imbolc!
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

Deec and Aifric Cummings renewed their HandFasting vows on March 17, 2000. The year of our Lady & Lord at high noon.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be!

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
"Snowy Reflections"

As of this past snowy January as I look out on snow drenched tree limbs and ground, I think about the Lady as she nourishes herself. For the new growth will be beginning soon. In its simplest form I think how I, myself, do the same thing, though I may shrug it off or dismiss it. The Lady & Lord have their own way of saying "Oh, no you don't".

So Mote It Be!
*Blessed Be*

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Potpourri

Here's a little technical candle magick for you if you're inclined. Before inserting your votive candle in a holder try a teaspoon of water in the bottom first. When the wick is exposed to the water the flame is snuffed. Also, cleaning the glass is easier, of course, a lot of you already may know this. Hey, have fun!

Blessed Be

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"Our Lady's Faces"

February 5, 2000. 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 12, 2000. 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.

February 19, 2000. 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.

February 26, 2000. 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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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for March 18 & 19, 2000 Ostara at Dragon Hills

AM on the 18th:
Venus semisextile Neptune - fosters mystical love for humanity.
Moon oppose Mercury - handle routine work and details.
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.
Moon oppose Venus - excess in emotions, extravagance.
Moon trine Jupiter - over-optimism, progress with ideas.
Venus sextile Jupiter - friendly to all; light hearted.

PM on the 18th:
Moon square Pluto - make few demands on others and yourself.
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.

AM on the 19th:
Moon square Chiron - an opportunity to change old habits.
Moon quincunx Uranus - abrupt changes in moods unsettle old patterns.

PM on the 19th:
Moon Quincunx Mars - direct, impulsive emotions.
Moon oppose Sun - hard work for little gain.

At this Family Ostara gathering
At Dragon Hills the Waxing Moon will be in Virgo

Here is the Moon at her most Discriminating. Wearing an efficient, tailored uniform, she's ready to take care of whatever needs work--no matter how much work 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, troubleshoot, and help. Virgo is the most helpful of all the signs, ready to take up a broom, mop, or gardening tool and offer her assistance. Now is when we're more health-conscious, work-oriented and duty-bound, too. So this is a great period during which to pay attention to our diet, hygiene, and daily schedule.

*Blessed Be*

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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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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

Should you like we can place here in the news letter, individual Rites of Passage.

*Blessed Be*

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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

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 Beltaine 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 March 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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