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!!!!

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.

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..........

Yep….. even if it's a late start on gardening. This is a good time for it especially if you have a greenhouse. Giving seeds a chance to sprout with new imagination & creativity. Coming out of the playful nature of the Dark Lord (Holy King) we have learned much. Now it's time to put that wisdom to work, for healing & spiritual growth.

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…..

February

2/7 Sun Dog
2/18 Alan Boehn
2/25 Grey Fox
2/27 Morgan
2/28 Spider

February 4, 2002. 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.

February 12, 2002. 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.

February 20, 2002. 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.

February 27, 2002. 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 other names according to culture.

Yes, it's that tine again for Imbolc, but, first and foremost for some Traditions of Witchcraft this is the first marking and/or beginning of Spring, for others that will not be till Ostara in March, as well, this is a Major Holiday for Witches in the Wiccan Faith, as for Druids this is a Minor Holiday.

As it were … this is the time when the young seeds begin to burst open deep within the Lady and prepare for Renewed Life. Another reason for the name Imbolc is because of the Mother's producing milk for their new born calves.

This is also good time to begin planning on what is to be done in the garden and getting the ground ready. And of course, there is the possibility that when the Groundhog looks out and sees his shadow… well, you know the story, now don't you????

Aspects for the Holiday of Imbolc 2002.

AM on the 2nd:
Moon trines Sun - ease with the opposite sex.
Moon sextiles Pluto - enlightening discussions, intense feelings.
Moon trine Venus - beautiful purchases, redecoration.

PM on the 2nd:
Moon trines Uranus - originality, influence others.

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

I do apologize but, being there was no Yule Family gathering I can not fill you in on the goodies there could have been…..

There are none at this time…. If you know of any….. and would like them posted here then let us know……

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 Ostara 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 in March 16, 2002.

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