
Vol. III Issue VI
June 21, 2001
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Happy Litha!
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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In 1991, SerpentStone
was officially formed from a joint vision of Lord Serphant and Lady
Rhiannon. It began with several basic ideals and goals.
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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.
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SerpentStone was to be of
the Community, for the Community.
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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 of the Lord and Lady.
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This was, and is, the ideal:
the dream upon which SerpentStone was built.
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The goals were seen as
building blocks. These included:
- 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.
- Emphasizing the importance of high ethical standards and
personal responsibility, and developing ways to help each
person reach their highest potential.
- Accepting both traditional and non-traditional ways, and
blending old and new ideas to create new and viable
pathways.
- Providing the opportunity for networking and sharing with
others.
- Providing the support each individual needs to reach their
highest potential.
- Reaching out with love and acceptance to others and the
Community, and eschewing power over others.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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SerpentStone is our gift to
the Lord and Lady. Let it be one worthy to be given.
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"So Mote It Be, Blessed Be"
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Obsidian Mirror Reflections....
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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 an 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.....
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Love & Peace
Obsidian
Blessed BE
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