The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume III
Issue VI
June 21, 2001

Happy Litha!
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 Peace!

Lady & Lord Bless
Bean si and Obsidian Silverleaf

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Announcements

Lord Amergyn and Andred were handfasted at the Beltaine Gathering at Dragon Hills.

Lord NightTiger and Nidea were handfasted at the Beltaine gathering at Dragon Hills.

Bright Blessings to you all for a wonderful life together!!

***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.

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....

Yes, the Pentacle, Pentagram or Pent, our beloved Holy symbol, there is a lot that has been written about our Holy symbol, both bad & good.....can one expect in this society of very diverse natures......to each their own.....

However, I do wish to clarify some misinformation and/or misunderstanding about the Pentacle...... from my own perspective, for one when the Pentacle is reversed it's automatically viewed as Satanic or Demonic, and that's only because, as with other Holy symbols of other religious Faiths, it has been borrowed and used as these religions see fit with of course no respect to where they derived it.....

Of course, in the general public view.....because of the previous mention, as a result even the upright version is viewed as Satanic or Demonic. Well, hold on to your seats folks...... I'm about to clear the air......this is especially for those folks that have been spoon-fed info without bothering to research it for themselves......

The up right Pentacle as it's usually viewed when worn, displays the person working with the elements on a Etheric/Spiritual level and coming to learn to live in harmony with them to express balance & harmony around them.......and regardless of Deity structure this same aspect is expressed in one form or another.....

The reversed Pentacle as it's usually not viewed when worn displays the person working with the elements on a Physical/Material level and coming to learn to live in harmony with them to express balance & harmony around them......and again regardless of Deity structure this same aspect is expressed in one form or another.....

And as far as Hollywood is concerned.....they're just after Money they get from the shock value of society's perception of the Pentacle......after all, they use Holy symbols of other religions as well, for the same reason & effect........So, next time you happen to see a Pentacle around you.........don't freak out over it...just do one simple thing.........ask the person wearing it.........what their religious Faith is......they might just surprise you.........lest they're trying to shock you for their fun.....in which case.....they probably aren't Witches of the Wiccan Faith or even Pagan for that matter.........I bid you now.....

Love & Peace.....
Obsidian
Blessed BE

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Potpourri

Expressions for Women on High Stress Days

1. You - Off my planet
2. Not the brightest crayon in the box now, are we?
3. Well, this day was a total waste of makeup.
4. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
5. And your crybaby whiney-tailed opinion would be...?
6. I'm not crazy, I've just been in a very bad mood for 30 years.
7. Allow me to introduce my selves.
8. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
9. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
10. I'm just working here until a good fast-food job opens up.
11. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
12. Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you weren't asleep
13. I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one.
14. How many times do I have to flush before you go away?
15. I just want revenge. Is that so wrong?
16. You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
17. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #2?
18. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
19. Chaos, panic, and disorder-my work here is done.
20. Earth is full. Go home.
21. Is it time for your medication or mine?
22. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
23. I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.

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Calendar

June Birthdays......
14 - Maeve
19 - Sea Dragon
25 - Red Arrow/Swampy

July Birthdays......
4 - Raven
8 - Web

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

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Children's Crafting

The Sun Wheel
(parental loving guidance please)

Materials - thin cord, thread, string, yarn, thin ribbon, malleable twigs, small vines (parents assist in locating these).

Taking a few pieces of wood...... begin twisting them or braiding them, then bend to form a circle and fasten with one of the bindings you have gathered..... After this is done...... it's time to make an equal arm cross or medicine wheel cross out of two pieces of wood....... and bind them in the middle..... and then fasten the loose ends to the circle, and then decorate with different colors and you can now hang your Sun Wheel up, remembering it's symbology of the High Point of the season.

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"Our Lady's Faces"

June 5, 2001 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.

June 13, 2001 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.

June 21, 2001 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.

June 27, 2001 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.

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Litha,
Midsummer,
Summer Solstice

Yes, we are finally coming to Litha...... which is the balance of Yule, for some religious paths...... this marks the High point of Summer, hence, the longest day of the year..... for other's this marks the beginning of Summer. For Pagans & Witches this is a Minor Holiday whereas, for Druids this is a Major Holiday. Still yet, Litha marks the birthing of the Holly King (the Dark Lord) of which as he grows the light begins to wane....... just the opposite of the Oak King at Yule....... This is also the peak of nature...... all of nature abounds with life........and we go through the harvest periods prior to the dark months.........

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for Litha, June 21, 2001

AM on the 21st:
Moon conjunct Sun - revitalizing, new beginnings.

PM on the 21st:
Moon semi-sextile Saturn - over cautious concerning feelings.
Moon quincunx Neptune - discriminate between apathy and relaxation.

At this Litha on the 21st,
the Sun enters Cancer,
and also a Solar Eclipse.

The New Moon is in Gemini

Gemini Moons are built for activity. This is a mutable sign, so it likes to move around -- quickly. When the Moon is here, we like to move around, too. The Moon's costume 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.

Aspects for June 29 - July 1, 2001 Litha Gathering at Dragon Hills

AM on the 29th:
Moon trine Mercury - reach decisions, persuade others.
Moon Quincunx Venus - discrimination required in romantic situations.
Moon trine Uranus - originality, influence others.
Moon sextile Chiron - a chance to be more perceptive.
Moon trine Jupiter - over optimistic progress with ideas.

PM on the 29th:
Sun quincunx Neptune - opportunity to glimpse own spiritual nature.

AM on the 30th:
Moon squares Neptune - judgement poor, gullible, impressionable.
Moon trine Sun - ease with the opposite sex.
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Venus squares Uranus - excitement in love life.
Sun semi-sextile Saturn - overcoming obstacles builds inner strength.

PM on the 30th:
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are reawakened.
Venus quincunx Chiron - helping others to heal relationships.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

AM on the 1st:
Moon quincunx Mercury - need for balancing thinking and emotions.
Moon squares Uranus - erratic or eccentric behavior, quick mind.

PM on the 1st:
Moon semi-sextile Chiron - arousing deep emotions.
Moon opposing Venus - excess in emotions, extravagance.
Moon quincunx Jupiter - questions concerning philosophical outlook.

At this Family Litha gathering
the Waxing Moon will be in Scorpio:

This fixed, feminine water sign is co-ruled by Mars and 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 us 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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Special Interest

Yes, Beltaine has come and gone.......Vendors selling their goods, live music for our ears, and Kitchen Witches with their culinary magick. The following workshops were available........

Beginning Herbalism with Rhiannon.
Warrior Path with Jade.
Circle in Song with Rain.
Massaging Your Partner with Robbie
Drum Awakening with Bird Clan of the Free Cherokee.
Reconciliation and Forgiveness with Catseye.
Dance the Beat with Cheetah.
Spiral Scouts with Echo.
Wicca 101/Circle Etiquette with Shayla.
Sun Tambourines with Nimue.
Children�s Workshop and Learn to Fly with Papa Bear.
Herb Walk and Beginning Herbalism with Rhiannon.

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Rites of Passage

Lord Kerrwynn Pendragon received his 3rd Degree of Clergy by Lady Morgana & Lord Terran and is now recognized as Lord Kerrwynn Pendragon, the booming Irishman.

Lady Branwen - Pele received her 3rd Degree of Clergy on December 2, 2000 by Lady Rhiannon & Lord Mortir and is now recognized as Lady Branwen - Pele Kalina.

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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 Lughnasadh 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 July 2001.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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May the Lord and Lady Bless
and keep you each and every day.
Walk in their light and
you will always be safe.

Bean si & Obsidian Silverleaf

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