The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume III
Issue I
October 31, 2000

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 Blessings! Good Journeys!

Blessed Be
Bean si and Obsidian Silverleaf

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Announcements

Circle of the Phoenix, headed by Lady Bean si, was given birth to on November 4, 2000.

Circle of Standing Stones, headed by Lady Echo, was given birth to on November 24, 2000.

Lady Echo of Circle of Standing Stones, received her 2nd & 3rd Degrees into the Clergy by Bean si on November 20, 2000.

Lord Conon of Circle of Standing Stones received his 2nd &3rd Reiki Degrees by Bean si on November 20, 2000.

Lady Echo & Lord Conon were Handfasted on October 31, 2000.

May the Lady & Lord Bless all
of your steps down the road....
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

I find it interesting how this recent election has brought a lot of different emotions & mental contemplations about for the upcoming period of life. Considering how technology is advanced as it is..... and yet there is problems.....

Perhaps, this is also, an active way that the Lady & Lord says alright...... you think you got things in order? Guess what? Just like we hit the "Preview" button on a E-list to see how what we keyed in is going to look like, before sending, it makes us think about is that what we really meant to say?

Blessed Be

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Potpourri

Recently, while working on the house, getting it ready for the market...... I found an interesting way for painting that helps with, yes, Clean Up!

Before you pour your paint into your tray... try placing one of those plastic bags you get at the store around your tray.... with the plain side up in the bottom of your tray..... the printed side will be covering the bottom of your tray... amazingly it does help with, yes, Clean Up!

The previous is a tidbit compliments of HGTV (smile).... hehehehe.... have fun........

Lady & Lord Bless
*Blessed Be*

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"Our Lady's Faces"

October 5, 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.

October 13, 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.

October 20, 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.

October 27, 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.

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Samhain,
All Hallow's Eve,
Halloween

Yes, it's that time of year again when the New Year (Celtic Calendar) begins and still yet for some Cultures this marks the beginning of Winter, with of course the high point being at Yule.......

At this time the Veil between the worlds are thin and once again we are able to commune with love ones and friends that have crossed over, it is also a time when we remember those who have crossed over within the past year.

This holiday also marks the Spiritual Harvest of the Wheel of the Year, the Spiritual harvest of Wisdom & Healing and of Releasing.

This holiday can also be viewed as a cleansing holiday, in that we let go of things of a Spiritual nature that no longer serves us in a Healing manner or fashion.

To all we bid a Happy New Year and to others still, a Happy First Day of Winter.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for October 26-29, 2000 Samhain at Dragon Hills

AM on the 26th:
Mercury semi-sextile Pluto - opportunity to verbally influence others.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

PM on the 26th:
Sun squares Neptune - judgement poor, postpone decisions.
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.

AM on the 27th:
Moon squares Neptune - judgement poor, gullible, impressionable.
Moon conjuncts Sun - revitalizing, new beginnings.
Venus opposite Jupiter - be practical and realistic in all plans.
Mercury semi-sextile Venus - harmonious communications within self.

PM on the 27th:
Moon quincunx Jupiter - exaggerated ideas cloud judgement.
Moon conjuncts Mercury - temperamental actions and words.
Moon quincunx Jupiter - questions concerning philosophical outlook.
Moon semi-sextile Venus - favorable for romance and love.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are reawakened.
Moon semi-sextile Chiron - mental restlessness.

AM on the 28th:
Moon squares Uranus - erratic or eccentric behavior, quick mind.
Venus conjunct Pluto - don't force a commitment from a loved one.

PM on the 28th:
Moon sextile Mars - nervousness and excitement.

AM on the 29th:
Moon oppose Saturn - stick with plans, efficiency, budget time.
Moon sextile Neptune - intuitions, creativity, meditations.

PM on the 29th:
Moon semi-sextile Sun - move into a new phase of action.
Moon semi-sextile Mercury - gives attention to practical concerns.
Sun conjunct Mercury - short trip, pay attention to details.
Moon opposes Jupiter - extravagance, should seek enjoyment.

At this Family Samhain Gathering
At Dragon Hills the New Moon will be in Scorpio

This fixed, feminine water sign is co-ruled by Mars and Pluto, so the Moon doesn't mess around. She's all dressed up in her formal black, looking so good she knows you can't take your eyes off of her. Scorpio is the most intense sign out there, and when the Moon is here, she feels everything to the absolute nth degree--everything. Needless to say, we do too. Passion, joy, jealousy, betrayal, love and desire all take center stage in our lives now, as all our emotions deepen to the point of possible obsession.

Be careful of a tendency to become secretive, suspicious, or to brood or "stew" over an offense that was not intended. Now is a great time to play detective, investigate a mystery, do research "dig"--both figuratively and literally--and allow ourselves to become intimate with someone.

*Blessed Be*

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Aspects for November 17-19, 2000 Elders' Gathering
near Knoxville, TN

PM on the 17th:
Moon opposes Uranus - distractions, unconventional acts or thoughts.
Moon trines Chiron - assists others in creative problem-solving.

AM on the 18th:
Mercury quincunx Jupiter - exaggerated ideas cloud judgement.
Sun squares Moon - don't force matter, patience needed.

PM on the 18th:
Moon squares Saturn - disciplined work, serious thinking.
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.

AM on the 19th:
Venus quincunx Jupiter - reassessment of romantic partner.
Moon squares Jupiter - excess, broken promises, impractical.
Moon trines Venus - beautiful purchases, redecoration.
Sun opposes Saturn - hard work, responsibilities pile up.
Moon sextile Mercury - quick thinking, many ideas.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

PM on the 19th:
Moon squares Pluto - make few demands on others and yourself.
Moon quincunx Uranus - abrupt changes in moods unsettle old patterns.
Moon squares Chiron - an opportunity to change old habits.

At this Elders' Gathering held near Knoxville, TN
The Waning Moon will be in Leo

When the Moon is in Leo, it's time for Drama, with the capital "D". This theatrical sign has long been known for it's big entrances, love of display, and need for attention. Leo is ruled by the Sun, the center of the Universe, the creative force, so when the Moon is in this sign, we're all feeling a need to be recognized, applauded, and appreciated. After all, this is the Moon in her royal robes, feeling as if some one ought to stop, bow, and ask her which country she's queen of.

Now, all that excitement, pride, and emotion can turn into histrionics and melodrama in the blink of an eye, so it's best to be careful of overreacting or being excessively vain during this period. It's a great time to take in a show (or star in one), be romantic, or express your feelings for someone in royal regal style.

Blessed Be

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SerpentStone Gatherings

Future Family gatherings are listed at the SerpentStone Gathering page. You will note that Imbolc has no gathering date, simply because it's toooo cold. Imbolc typically is celebrated by the individual Covens, Sanctuaries, Circles, Groves & Temples... of the SerpentStone Family.

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

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Rites of Passage

HearthKeeper & Scotti's baby Forrest received his Wiccaning on Saturday, October 28, 2000.

Shayla & Little Wolf's baby Ian received his Wiccaning on Saturday, October 28, 2000.

Swampy was Eldered in the SerpentStone Family on Sunday, October 29, 2000.

May the Lady & Lord
guide your steps always.....

*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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Afterthoughts About the Samhain 2000 Gathering

I come to learn that the Warrior Circle was a hit, and a lot of Healing & Wisdom was derived from it. The Exorcism of the Beast Circle had it's own interesting contrasts. The Main Samhain Circle was to say the least surprising, considering as the organizers put it, it shouldn't have turn out like it did..."It was too perfect".

To all
Bean si & I bid you
Congratulations
on your successes.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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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 Bean si or Obsidian Silverleaf 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 Yule 2000 celebration. If anyone is interested in submitting material for any section of our newsletter, please direct them to either Obsidian Silverleaf or Bean si by the New Moon in November 2000.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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

Lady & Lord
*Bless*

Blessed Be

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