The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume III
Issue II
December 31, 2000

Happy Yule!
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. After recent contemplation we have decided to extend the newsletter to all 8 Holidays in the Wheel of the Year. 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

***www.serpentstone.org***
The SerpentStone domain is now up and running! The Web Team has done a complete redesign of the site, and the two sites are integrated into one.

***If you've bookmarked
http://welcome.to/serpentstone
and/or
http://go.to/gathers,
they will still redirect to the correct site.***

Questions/comments about the site should go to webteam@serpentstone.org.

***WE NEED YOUR SUBMISSIONS!***
Any material that you would like to submit to us for consideration for publication on the web site should be sent to webteam@serpentstone.org. This includes your poetry and song lyrics, essays and even artwork (please e-mail for file requirements before sending any files). Also, if you have a web site that you'd like us to consider for our Links page, let the Web Team know!

Get your own @serpentstone.org e-mail alias!
E-mail alias redirects e-mail to your current mailbox. You can give out yourname@serpentstone.org as your e-mail address and receive it at yourname@aol.com (or whatever your current address is). This service costs just $5 a month, which goes to pay for the serpentstone.org domain. For more information, e-mail winterhawk@serpentstone.org.

***VISION QUESTING***
For those Dear Souls looking for a Vision Quest, you are in luck. Spider will be starting up a new round. The Quest work will begin at Ostara and the actual Quest will be in early September. There are a limited number of places available, so contact her as SOON as possible. Those who are considering participating in the Quest should contact her at spider@serpentstone.org.

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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Obsidian Mirror Reflections....

In the times that I've ventured to various sites on the computer....... generally religious in nature............. I've noticed that there are some that have stated that in order for Pagans & Witches to look appealing to people in the "Outside World", that we do what's called "White-Washing", so our "Religion" looks harmless to other folks....... My question for these folks is "What is White-Washed"? Our religion is as you see it, we change nothing about it, now there are sites out there that I've seen that are presented as our Faith, but, they are soooooo far out of focus it's not silly. In other words, use your head as something more than a hat-rack please..........? As for our religion being harmful, well, again I question that one too....... if it's considered harmful to heal myself, well, my dear....... "I'm guilty as charged"...... now, for those that would like to take those words (out of context)...... think again...... mind the laws of your religious path (whatever it may be) so mote it be.....

Blessed Be!

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Potpourri
***Yule Notes***

This is an old phrase of long ago......... usually done on New Years Day (not unattended of course) "Bayberry candles burned to the socket, brings luck to the home and money to the pocket"

One old practice for the American New Year is to make sure your salt shaker is filled.

Collard greens and black-eyed peas... for money in the household is eaten...figure the symbology of that......

The previous notations were brought to you courtesy of
WiseWomen & WiseMen of yesteryear
in decades of time past.............

Blessed Be!!!

***Now for a bit of humor***

Martha Stewart's Pagan Yule

December 1~ Bury turkey carcass from Thanksgiving under the Holly tree to thank the tree for the six bushels pruned to decorate the halls with. Draw pentagram in the dirt with silver dust to prevent pet She- Wolf from digging up the bones.

December 2~ Order 20 cases of Irish whiskey to be left for the Good Folk on Yule. Re-bury turkey carcass, re-do pentagram in gold dust.

December 3~ Draw pentagram on each sheet of toilet paper using silver marker for that festive holiday touch. Have staff re-roll the paper onto Victorian "crackers" for that surprise element. Re-bury carcass, consecrate concrete block, spray paint with gold and use as planter for poinsettia. Place over carcass.

December 4~ Take She-Wolf to vet for eating poinsettia. Send out telepathic party invitations to 200 witches, shaman, and druids for Yule party.

December 5~ Ex-mother in law's birthday. Send Victoria Secret's nightgown rubbed with stinging nettle. Begin receiving telepathic RSVP's for Yule party.

December 6~ Hand dip 365 gold candles for Yule party. Consecrate using Sacred Lady Martha of the Steward Clan Yule Oil at a K-Mart near YOU! Have staff clean up the mess. Pick Up She-Wolf at vets.

December 7~ Harvest herbs for the garden and crochet 200 herb pillows for guests. Stuff with the microwaved dried herbs.

December 8~ Have the staff get their arms tattooed with suns now so there will be time for the redness to disappear in time for the party. Have staff decorate the Yule Tree.

December 9~ Repaint Nativity Scene so figures represent Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Re-bury turkey. Take She-wolf to the pound. Buy new wolf pup. Hire dog trainer.

December 10~ 11 Fly to Europe to grub for truffles. Pick up whiskey at the Irish distillery on the way back.

December 12~ Use Dremel tool to carve chalices out of quartz crystal balls for the party. Roll the hand dipped candles in the crystal dust to make them sparkle.

December 13 Coven meeting! Get symbolically pregnant by the HP during symbolic Great Rite ritual. Give hand forged athames as gifts to coven members.

December 14~ Get six foot Yule Log from the local land co-op. Decorate with holly, ivy and hand dipped candles rolled in the crystal dust.

December 15~ See herbalist for private itching that has been going on since last coven meeting. Burn all undergarments. Have factory send new ones in red and green.

December 16~ Daughter home from college. Send her to herbalist, too. Invite local fauna to graze on the front lawn for decoration and hang wreaths over their necks.

December 17~ Climb great oak and cut mistletoe using golden sickle. Leave hand cast silver coins at base in thanks. Burn sage now to cleanse house so the smell will be gone in time for the party. Pick up golden robe at dry cleaners and pack in lavender.

December 18~ Appear on Oprah to show my support for her coming out of the broom closet. Bake chocolate moon pies with banana cream filling, symbolic of the return of the sun. Bake "stained glass" Pentacle cookies.

December 19~ Bake brownies laced with valerian and give to fundamentalist neighbor. Butcher, gut and pluck 150 pheasants from the backyard coop and marinate in consecrated wine. Harvest wild rice from the paddy out back.

December 20~ Yule party. Carve sliced carrot to resemble miniature suns. Put red dye in the men's toilet tanks, green in the women's toilet tanks. Have staff do the cooking while I dress in my ceremonial robe. When guests and TV crew arrive, assume meditative pose.

December 21~ dawn - give birth to symbolic sun god on the dining room table as the guests and TV crew look on. After guest leave, collect empty whiskey bottles drunk by the Good Folk and recycle. Take a nap and dream of what I'll do for Imbolg.

- Author Unknown Di What Would Pan Do WWPD

Dear Y'all,

I regret to inform you that effective immediately, I will no longer be able to serve the Southern United States on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local #209. I now serve only certain areas of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. As part of the new and better contract, I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind. However, I am certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls. However, there are a few differences between us such as:

1. There is no danger of The Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: "These toys insured by Smith and Wesson."

2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds [or a moon pie] on the fireplace and Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff though, so please have an empty spit can handy.

3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen's head now overlooks Bubba's fireplace.

4. You won't hear "On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen..." when Bubba Claus arrives. Instead, you'll hear, "On Earnhardt, on Wallace, on Martin and Labonte. On Rudd, on Jarrett, on Elliott and Petty."

5. "Ho, ho, ho!" has been replaced by "Yee Haw!" And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, "I her'd dat!"

6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words "Back off". The last I heard it also had other decorations on the sleigh as well. One is a Ford logo with lights that race through the letters and the other is a caricature of me (Santa Claus) peeing on the Tooth Fairy.

7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see "Boss Hog Saves Christmas" and "Smokey and the Bandit IV" featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state police cars crashing into each other.

8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure the wife and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree.

9. And finally, lovely Christmas songs have been sung about me like "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" and Bing Crosby's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." This year songs about Bubba Claus will be played on all the AM radio stations in the South. Those song titles will be Mark Chesnutt's "Bubba Claus Shot the Jukebox"; Cledus T. Judd's "All I Want for Christmas Is My Woman and a Six Pack", and Johnny Paycheck's "If You Don't Like Bubba Claus, Shove It."

Sincerely Yours,
Santa Claus,
(Member) North American Fairies and Elves
Local #209

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Calendar

Birthdays for December include:
8 - Obsidian Silverleaf

Birthdays for January include:
11 - Solitaire

Birthdays for February include:
27 - Morgan
28 - Spider

May the Lady & Lord Bless your days.........

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Children's Crafting

Alas..... at this time of the year little ones like to help decorate for the holidays.... well, here's a simple way they can do that....... (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Holiday Ornaments.....

Materials needed.......
Paper - plain and/or colored
cotton swabs
scissors
hole-puncher
adhesive
glitter - different colors (Caution do not get into EYES)
String, Yarn, Thread, Ribbon or something to hang them up with......

After your Holy symbols and other designs are cut out, using a cotton swab dab it in your glue and draw on the edge of the piece or inside...... next, take your glitter and sprinkle (thickly) on the piece, (Do Not Press On The Glitter), next, gently pick up your piece by the edge and lift up and let the remaining glitter fall off....... Now, watch the eyes widen and oooooo's sound out...... next, with the hole-puncher make a hole to hang your creation with........

Now, if both sides wish to be done, wait till the first side is completely dried......then proceed to do the same process........And have a wonderful Yule season.............

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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"Our Lady's Faces"

December 3, 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.

December 11, 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.

December 17, 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.

December 25, 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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Yule
Winter Solstice

Yes, for some Pagans & Witches this is the High Point of the Winter season, and for some this is the beginning of it....... as well as for both Pagans & Witches this is a Minor Holiday whereas, for Druids this is a Major Holiday....... Now, the Light is given birth to again....... and begins to grow in this the shortest day and longest night of the year.....considering the mantle of snow the Lady pulls up around her as she goes into her slumber after giving birth to this wonderful gift of light.........and while she sleeps the Holy King nurtures that gift.......... may that same light be sparked in our all hearts this Yule holiday......... so mote it be.......

Blessed Be!
Lady & Lord Bless

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for December 15-17, 2000 Yule Gathering
Asheville, NC

AM on the 15th:
Moon trine Mercury - reach decisions, persuade others.
Moon opposes Uranus - distractions, unconventional acts or thoughts.
Mercury sextile Uranus - can find support for your ideas.
Moon trine Chiron - assisting others in creative problem solving.

PM on the 15th:
Moon trine Sun - ease with the opposite sex.
Moon sextile Mars - nervousness and excitement.
Moon square Saturn - disciplined work, serious thinking.
Mars quincunx Saturn - nervous restraint.

AM on the 16th:
Moon square Jupiter - excess, broken promises, impractical.
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.

PM on the 16th:
Moon quincunx Venus - discrimination required in romantic situations.
Sun quincunx Saturn - minor obstacles presented by authority figures.
Moon square Pluto - make few demands on others and yourself.

AM on the 17th:
Mercury conjunct Chiron - originality of thought beyond normal realm.
Moon quincunx Uranus - abrupt changes in moods unsettle old patterns.
Moon square Chiron - an opportunity to change old habits.
Moon square Mercury - restlessness, indecision, worry.

PM on the 17th:
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.
Moon square Sun - don�t force matter; patience needed.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

At this Family Yule gathering
the Waning 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 detailed-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 offering 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 schedules.

Aspects for Yule, December 21, 2000

AM on the 21st:
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are reawaken.

PM on the 21st:
Moon square Venus - relax with friends, extravagance.
Moon square Uranus - erratic or eccentric behavior, quick mind.

During Yule the Waning Moon will be in Scorpio:

This fixed, feminine water sign is co-ruled by Mars & Pluto, so this 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.

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SerpentStone Gatherings

Future Family Gatherings are listed at the SerpentStone Gathering page. You will note that Imbolc has no gathering due, 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

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Rites of Passage

None at this time.........if you know of any and you would like them posted here, drop us a line.

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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 or 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 2001 celebration. If anyone is interested in submitting articles or ads for any section of our newsletter, please direct them to either Obsidian Silverleaf or Bean si by the New Moon in January 2001.

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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