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 an 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!

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 year, which goes to pay for the serpentstone.org domain.

For more information, e-mail: winterhawk@serpentstone.org

Do you have other notices of importance? Do let us know, they can be published in upcoming issues of "The Serpent's Voice".

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 on 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 of 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. 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..........

The Fictional Magic of Harry Potter

Yes, that dear little boy has had such a bad time and he's actually a fictional character at that. But, according to various religious groups like Christian Conservatives and the Religious Right he's introducing the children of America to the principles of Witchcraft and following Satan.

And to think that some Christian writers are jealous that JK Rowling has sold as many books in the series as she has done, they are going all out and declaring that a spell has been cast to put a demon in the books themselves to allure kids into reading them. So much so that something's not right when a child will read a 300+ & 700+ over and over again. No child in their right mind would do that with a book. So, the books must be possessed.......... hehehehe......(people that make such a statement need to get a life folks). Well, if I remember correctly the same commentary was made about the movie "Dungeons & Dragons" is being made of the movie "Harry Potter" that's opening in November 2001.

First off, the Holidays that are celebrated in the books are Christian Holidays not Pagan, secondly a lot of the statements that are made that Rowling researched and pulled material from actual Witchcraft practices is not true. She has never claimed anything of that nature. If one thing could be said about the books is this, Rowling is reflecting off what she has known for many years of propaganda about Witchcraft and society's perception of it. Also, she's not a Witch hersel. Though she's been accused of it.

So, by all means do go and enjoy the movie & books I know I will..... I myself will be seeing it Nov. 16th. Take care........ Lady & Lord Bless

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

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

October 2, 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 at this time is "Selene", and many others as per culture.

October 9, 2001. Waning Moon:
Our Lady will be in her fourth phase, in her decline. Now is the time for breaking down, destruction, doing away with what does not need to be.

October 16, 2001. New Moon:
Our Lady will be back in her first phase of being, this she is beginning anew. Her name at this time as I have to understand it, (please correct me if I am wrong) is "Green Hecate" and many others as per culture.

October 23, 2001. Waxing Moon:
Lady will be in her second phase waxing, thus she is building energy and focusing it for whatever need arises. Her name at this time is "Diana", and many others as per culture.

Is it a new year already? For most Pagans, Samhain is seen as the New Year. The final harvest is completed and we enter the darkness as daylight becomes shorter and shorter until Yule. The veil between the worlds is thinnest at this time of year as we remember those who have passed over in the previous year. We may mourn, but we also celebrate because death is not an end, it is simply a part of the cycle of life. Samhain is a powerful time of year and we hope that you have a happy and blessed new year!!!!

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

Information from the Mabon and Samhain gatherings will be available in the Yule edition. Thank you for your patience.

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

Lady Obsidian and I 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. Her address is Obsidian Silverleaf, 1118 Bob Brook Ct., Columbia, SC, 29210. You may also be able to reach her by phone at 803-772-2991. If anyone needs to contact both of us they can do so by this E-mail address: SerpentsVoice@serpentstone.org. If you don't have email access, please contact Lady Obsidian and she will pass it on to me. Thanks again!!!!

The next issue will be out in time for the Yule 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 before the New Moon in December 2001.

Return to the main Serpent's Voice page.