The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume II
Issue IV
May 1, 2000

Happy Beltaine!
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

Lord Amergyn Received his 3rd Degree this past Ostara, 2000 at a Twilight Saturday Circle.

May the Lady & Lord Bless and Guide your steps!
Blessed Be

Covenant Standing Bear & Bright Feather Are having their Handfasting on May 5, 2000 In Nashville, TN

Lady & Lord Bless your Union
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
"The Rebirth of Life"

Recently, I contemplated some out door gardening, alas the scent of Jasmine and Honeysuckle beckons in their own way. Thus, begins mowing the lawn and so forth......

However, surprisingly enough that is not the only new growth to occur. Especially, when it comes to life itself. Well, as the turn of the wheel would have it, I am dealing with moving.......to Charleston, SC. Well I'll be able to continue with the newsletter as usual so don't worry......

Blessed Be

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Potpourri

* If you have an idea of potpourri you would like to share with others, let us know. We can list it here for you.

Lady & Lord Bless
*Blessed Be*

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"Our Lady's Faces"

May 3, 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.

May 10, 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.

May 18, 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.

May 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 May 5 - 7, 2000 Beltaine at Dragon Hills, Georgia

AM on the 5th:
Moon conjuncts Mars - keep active, finish tasks.
Moon semi-sextile Venus - favorable for romance and love.

PM on the 5th:
Moon trines Neptune - idealistic, romantic, friendly.
Mercury quincunx Pluto - careful analysis of psychological imbalances.
Moon opposes Pluto - daydreams, snags in plans.
Moon semi-sextile Mercury - gives attention to practical concerns.

AM on the 6th:
Sun quincunx Chiron - inner stirrings of change.
Moon opposite Chiron - responding to needs of others.
Moon semi-sextile Sun - move into a new phase of action.
Moon semi-sextile Jupiter - religious, philosophical thoughts and feelings.
Venus square Neptune - let your light and your talents shine.
Moon semi-sextile Saturn - over-cautious concerning feelings.
Moon trines Uranus - originality, influence others.

AM on the 7th:
Moon semi-sextiles Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

PM on the 7th:
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.
Mercury quincunx Chiron - redefining attitudes and ideas.
Moon sextile Venus - harmony, affectionate, cheerful.
Moon quincunx Pluto - emotional upheavals threaten inner security.
Sun conjunct Jupiter - get out of a rut, philosophic.

At this Family Beltaine gathering
At Dragon Hills the Waxing Moon will be in Gemini

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 custome now is a coat of many colors, so variety truly becomes the spice of life. Since, Gemini is ruled by Mercury, now is when we're suddenly in the mood for conversation, puzzles, riddles and word games. We want two-at least two-of everything, and we're a bit more restless than usual. Now is a great time for letter writing, phone calls, or short trips. It's when you'll find the best short cuts, and when you'll need to take them, too. Watch for a tendency to become a bit scattered under this fun, fickle Moon.

*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

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 Beam 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 Lughnasadh 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 June 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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