The Serpent's Voice

The Serpent's Voice
Volume III
Issue VII
August 1, 2001

Happy Lughnasadh!
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

***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....

As you may know Conon Brewer has had some rough times recently in the legal sense....

And now he finally has a decent lawyer to defend him, although, the Judge & his ex’s lawyer & Dad want him in jail with no questions asked….. simply because of his Religious Faith otherwise, why would the ex’s lawyer state that he would drop the charges if Conon dropped this “Wicca Nonsense”? Of course, in the rule of return the same could be said of him as well, but that’s not how law is done in the U.S.

As of this Fri. Aug. 3rd, 2001 Conon will be placed in jail for practicing his religion, because of an elected Judge to the bench, and of course his ex’s Dad.

There is a newspaper article about this case in the Pittsburgh News…. And many very good points have been made about the case….. of course, this sets a bad precedent for legal cases involving people of various religious Faiths that are not considered “Mainstream” I wish both Conon & Paula well with this problem….. and that his stay in jail doesn’t materialize….

I wish to acknowledge folks & various groups from as far North as Pennsylvania on down into the South that have expended their funds, spells, meditations, prayers, letter writing, posting messages of hope on various E-group lists for Conon’s benefit….. and ultimately the Pagan Community as a whole….

The following figures is what has been acquired to this point on Conon’s behalf: $445.00 by SerpentStone and $2,200.00 Pittsburgh Pagan House, Pennsylvania for a $2,645.00 Total.

And with the future of our Faith being at stake, I think we can do better….. to help a brother in legal need.

To those in the Pagan Community, A Big THANK YOU for Walking your Walk.

So Mote It Be
Blessed Be
Obsidian

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Potpourri

There is none at the present, if you would like to contribute, do let us know.....drop us a note....

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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Calendar

August Birthdays......
3 - Suzy
7 -Sidanen
8 - Shadow Wolf
17 - Sophia
24 - Rhiannon
28 - Bean Si

SeptemberBirthdays......
29 - Ravenwolf
13 - Taylon, child of Fairie Hawk & Midnight Phoenix
14 - George Harris (Buddy), husband of editor of paper
15 - Sean, child of Fairie Hawk and Midnight Phoenix

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

If there are other Birthdays that we have left out....Our apologies to you......please, drop us a note about them......

Blessed Be

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Children's Crafting

There are none at this time, if you would like to contribute to this section, let us know....

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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"Our Lady's Faces"

August 4, 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.

August 12, 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.

August 18, 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.

August 25, 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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Lughnasadh,
Lammas,

This will be the first harvest of the Wheel of the Year. The first gleanings of sustenance for the dark half of the Wheel, of which the Oak King slowly begins to, give way to the Holly King who was born at Litha, until “Yule”. Now is the time when we begin to take stock of what we have sewn. There are many cultures that have a connection with this holiday, some are Celtic, Norse, Scandinavian..... to name a few.

Happy Lughnasadh!

Love & Pease
Green Blessings
Lady & lord Bless
Blessed Be

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Astrological Data
via
Llewellyn's Astrological Calendar

Aspects for Lughnasadh, August 1, 2001

AM on the 1st:
Moon semi-sextile Neptune - sensitivity to spiritual energies.
Mercury semi-sextile Jupiter - expands your intellectual horizons.
Moon quincunx Sun - period of self-examination and transformation.

PM on the 1st:
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are reawakened.
Moon semi-sextile Mars - new impetus for completing projects.

Aspects for August 3 - 5, 2001 Lughnasadh Gathering

PM on the 3rd:
Moon conjunct Neptune - distractions, sensitive emotions.
Moon oppose Mercury - handle routine work and details.

AM on the 4th:
Moon oppose Sun - hard work for little gain.
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.
Moon sextile Pluto - enlightening discussions, intense feelings.
Moon sextile Mars - nervousness and excitement.

PM on the 4th:
Sun sextile Saturn - success, patience, steady efforts.
Sun trine Pluto - make progressive changes.
Moon sextile Chiron - a chance to be more perceptive.
Moon conjunct Uranus - high hopes, unrealistic plans.

AM on the 5th:
Mercury sextile Saturn - plan ahead, good judgement.
Mercury trine Pluto - can gain support for special plan.

At this Family Lughnasadh gathering
the Full Moon will be in Aquarius:

The Moon in Aquarius brings out the rebel in all of us—for better or worst. Dressed in electric blue, in something outrageous, eccentric, and far too futuristic, this Moon is ready to break free of the past, to Just Say No to all the rules we just set in place in Capricorn. Now is the time when we’re ready to break out of our ruts, try something different, and make sure everyone see us for the unique individuals we are, regardless of what we have to do. Now is a time of extreme, sudden, and abrupt actions, when we surprise even ourselves, at what we say, when we’re prone to complete reversals and changing our minds at the last minute. This sign is ruled by Uranus, so personal freedom and individuality are more important than anything now. Our schedules become topsy-turvy, and our causes become urgent. Watch for a tendency to become fanatical, act deliberately rebellious without a reason, or break tradition just for the sake of breaking it.

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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

At this past Litha Gathering

Vendors selling their goods, live music for our ears, and Kitchen Witches with their culinary magick. Credits go to the following persons.

Kitchen Witch by WynDragon.
Music by Moonstruck & Spiral Rythms.
Main Ritual by SeaDragon, Zebrine, Catseye, Prizm, & Rye.

A few of the workshops presented are as follows:
Ritual by Amergyn
Introduction to Dowsing with Instruction on Making your Own Rods by Rhiannon
Wicca 101 by Levannah

At this past Summer Gathering July 13-15th

Vendors selling their goods, live music for our ears, and Kitchen Witches with their culinary magick. Credits go to the following persons.

Feast Chef Extraordinaire - Thomas
Music Performances - Amergyn, Twisted Gypsies & SpiritQuest (Singing Crow & Nehani)
Bardic Circle - SpiritQuest & Amergyn
"Decorating Fairies" supervised by Bridgette & DiDi

A few of the workshops presented are as follows:
Making Magick Your Own: Creating Sacred Space by Amergyn
Pagan Parenting Discussion by Greyfix
Pagan Land Acquisition 101 by Sior & Brent
Once Upon A Dragon Time Children's Entertainment by Bothvar
Drumming & Drum Circles by Ed & Love Drums
Drum Heading & Tightening by Shorty Palmer
Drum Circle Altars by Dragonfly
Ritual Body Painting, Tie-Dye Craft by Sorceia

If you would like Gathering Highlights displayed here in this newsletter, drop us a note about them......and their Wisdom & Healing can be presented for everyone to partake of.

Lady & Lord Bless
Blessed Be

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Rites of Passage

Cameron Dixon's Memorial

Annie Dixon held a memorial for her son Cameron on July 15, 2001 during the Rainbow Bridge Builder's gathering. It was held in Woodhenge at about 12:00 p.m. Annie, Paula, Jordan, Jillian, and a few others stood in the center of those attending as they circled around the area. There was a memorial altar set up with candles, pictures, a drum, and Cameron's ashes. Annie read letters from people who could not be there and allowed people to speak about Cameron and the memories they shared. Annie led the group in a circle song and Lord Amergyn performed the song he wrote to honor Cameron. There was drumming in his honor as well. Annie, Jordan, Jillian, and many others distributed the ashes as they honored and remembered him.

Jordan Dixon's Coming Of Age

Jordan Dixon, son of Annie Dixon, had his coming of age ceremony during the Rainbow Bridge Builder’s gathering. It was held in the Dragon’s Circle at about 1:30 p.m. There was drumming and dancing, the circle was cast, and he was brought into the circle. Savage led the ritual with words of wisdom for Jordan and asked other men in the circle to speak as well. Jordan was given a new weapon, a sword, and bonded with it by blood. He was also given a new magickal name during the ritual. He is called Soul Weaver. Dawn Raven finished the ceremony with her words of wisdom as those who attended gathered around to wish Jordan well in his newest step on his path. There was drumming and singing until everyone left the area.

If anyone would like to place wiccaning, Degree elevations in Clergy, or other Rites of Passage, please submit them to Obsidian Silverleaf or Bean si.

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Ads

This section will have ads of various types when we have submissions from those who would like to place an ad in this News letter. Please submit your ad to Obsidian or Bean si.

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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,
Obsidian Silverleaf and Bean si

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Deadline for Submissions

The next issue will be out in time for the Mabon 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 August 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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