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..........

What a lovely statement however, for some folks that are not even Pagan-friendly this partial statement smacks of Sex-orgies and elicit sexual encounters with people that want nothing to do with the suitor.

Thus, the horror stories of rude behavior and folks in the general society don't use their heads for something more than a hat-rack.

Whereas, if one were to really think about it this statement is not just about physical Love but, Love on all 3 levels of being. Hence:

• Physically - Love between consenting adults (whether married or not) even if both parties are Handfasted/Married and there is a Absolute understanding communication between All 4 persons involved…. Then there is no room for confusion.

• Mentally - Love between one's self & all nature around them. Thus, no havoc because there is respect of all things in life.

• Spiritually - Love between one's self & the Universe Thus there is Harmony with all beings.

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…..

May 4, 2002. 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 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 in 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.

May 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.

May 19, 2002. Waxing Moon:
Our 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 according to culture.

May 26, 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 others according to culture.

Yes, folks, we have reached that parallel to Samhain when the veil is thin. This is a fertility holiday of the Lady & Lord. It is also a time when Elvenkind and the Fae abound and nature is alive. This is also the last holiday for planting even for the plane of the Etheric realm. And yes, for some Traditions of Witchcraft this day marks the first day of Summer, for other Traditions of Witchcraft this coming Litha (midsummer) is the beginning of Summer. All cultures have their own history of the holiday of "Beltaine". Regardless of culture, this is a lovely and sacred holiday.......

Aspects for the Holiday of Beltaine 2002.

AM on the 1st:
Moon quincunx Venus - discrimination required in romantic situations.
Sun squares Neptune - judgement poor, postpone decisions.
Moon conjunct Chiron - sensitivity to personal environment.
Sun sextiles Jupiter - optimistic, big promises and dreams.
Moon semi-sextile Neptune - sensitivity to spiritual energies.

PM on the 1st:
Moon opposite Jupiter - extravagance, should seek enjoyment.
Moon trines Sun - ease with the opposite sex.
Moon quincunx Mars - direct impulsive emotions.
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are reawakened.

AM on the 3rd...........
Moon trines Mercury - reach decisions, persuade others.

PM on the 3rd……..
Moon semi-sextile Chiron - arousing deep emotions.
Moon trines Venus - beautiful purchases, redecoration.
Moon conjunct Neptune - distractions, sensitive emotions.
Moon quincunx Jupiter - questions concerning philosophical outlook.

AM on the 4th….......
Mars conjuncts Saturn - tackle all projects that take a lot of energy.
Moon squares Sun - don't force matter, patience needed.
Moon trine Saturn - accomplishment through patience.
Moon trine Mars - harmony, cheerful and exciting.
Sun semi-sextile Saturn - overcoming obstacles builds inner strength.
Moon sextiles Pluto - enlightening discussions, intense feelings.

PM on the 4th…..
Venus trines Neptune - redecoration, creativity, daydreaming.
Sun semi-sextile Mars - personal ambitions predominate.

AM on the 5th…..
Venus semi-sextile Jupiter - aesthetic perceptions bring inner peace.
Moon conjuncts Uranus - high hopes, unrealistic plans.

PM on the 5th….
Moon squares Mercury - restlessness, indecision, worry.

The Moon in Aquarius brings out the rebel in all of us-for better or worse. Dressed in electric blue, in something outrageous, eccentric and far too futuristic, this Moon is ready to break free from 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 sees 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.

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 9296
Knoxville, TN 37940
Email serpentstn@aol.com or mortir@aol.com

At this past Spring Elder's Gathering, on April 21, 2002 in Candler, NC, Lord Amergyn received his barding from Lady Rhiannon of SerpentStone. May the Sidhe guide your steps with love & peace.

At this past Ostara there was a lot to be had and going on. And a lot of new faces (a welcoming sight). There were a good number of vendors with goodies galore. And for the musical notes Lord Senthor & Lord Amergyn were there to sooth our ears......

The Kitchen Witches & Clean up crew took care of the culinary tastes. They include:
Bird Clan, Chattanooga Group, Jonathan of the Vision Quest, and Morristown Solitaries.

The following workshops were available as well:

• Facing loved ones Illness/Mortality with Kris
• 12 Steps to Freedom with Rosehawk
• Ritual, Ritual, who's got the Ritual with Amergyn
• Music at the Bardic Circle with Amergyn
• Egg Hunt & Misc. with Luna

The following Circles were also present:

• Opening Ritual at the Drum Circle
• Men's Ritual with Amergyn
• Spider's Sweat Lodge
• Lil Pagans Care during Main Ostara Ritual (I apologize but, I don't have a name listed to whom credit is to go to, maybe you folks that attended can note me on that one).
• Women's Ritual with Magda
• Vision Quester's Meeting
• Closing Ritual

At the Ostara Family gathering the Main Circle was a Beautiful Cherokee Ceremony dealing with the Rainbow Warrior People and the passing down of Knowledge so it's not forgotten.

The explanation of the Colors of the Rainbow was also done...... if I remember this correctly...... (with my memory, who knows what I forgot).

• RED: Here you see the first color of the rainbow. It is the color of Red. Red represents love. Strong as a chain of steel binding us all together. Love that is unconditional, unending, and unbinding. Learn to love yourself then you will know how to love others. Teach only love. A-ho

• ORANGE: This is the color Orange. Orange is the color for religion. Religion is the belief in and reverence for a higher power accepted as the creator. It doesn't matter what religion you align yourself with. What matters is that you believe in something! All paths are sacred! Your faith may be tried and tested. Look to this color when you loose your faith and allow yourself to believe once more. A-ho

• YELLOW: Next is the color Yellow. Yellow is the color for Nature. Spend some time each day in Nature. Listen to the bird song, watch the plants dance, and feel the wind upon your cheek. Connect each day with your mother earth, feel her loving arms around your tattered soul. It is here your soul finds its connectiveness to understand All the Relations. Mitakuye Oyasin A-ho

• GREEN: This is the color Green. It is the color of immortality. As the earth is greening now so do our lives. Yes, one must look to death when seeking how to live. Death lays it's hand upon the flower and tree, it takes both the babe and mother. Death in all it's solemnity will come to you. Live your life that all may remember you with love and honor. Learn to live all the colors so that your death song will be one of joy. A-Ho

• BLUE: This the color Blue. It is the color of Fidelity. Fidelity is loyalty, faithfulness, and being trustworthy. Now you know where we got the saying of being "true blue". Be loyal each and every day, to yourself, your family, your earth walk. Be one that others can trust. Be true and faithful with each and every step you take upon this earth but most of all be true to yourself. A-Ho

• INDIGO: This is the color of Indigo. This is the color of patriots. We are all patriots here. A Patriot is one who loves and defends if necessary. Once it was the Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, and Wives that watched their precious men march off to war with tears in their eyes and heaviness of heart. Now those precious women stand beside their men and march that same war trail as they did long ago. Today all patriots have the opportunity to vote and be heard. We Are power! We Are change! A-Ho

• VIOLET: The last color in our Rainbow is that of Violet. Last but by no means least, violet is the color of service. Be ready and willing to serve. Be ready to serve your community. Be ready to serve Spirit. Remember to serve in spirit as well as for spirit. It is hard sometimes to serve in Love without only serving yourself. When in doubt look to this color for help. Look for ways to serve when all else fails. A-ho.

And of course, an invitation was sent out to folks present to take up a color during the Circle. Afterwards, a Traditional dance was done. All of which was very beautifully done. A Blessing, and I think that covers it........

At this past Spring Elder's Gathering on April 20, 2002 there was a lot to be covered to bring about the Evolution of SerpentStone as a whole. For SerpentStone has not fallen apart, to the contrary it has healed, grown & evolved.

By the Universal law of Love let not the following be misconstrued or used in a fashion not becoming of either an everyday Pagan or Elder in the community so mote it be. So says the Obsidian Mirror.

The Spring Elders Gather Vote & Results:

First vote just for Elders.
In attendance: 17
Do we include people here that are not elders in this decision making?
Yeas 17
Nays 0
Abstentions 0

All to be re-evaluated at next springs EG.

Do we keep the current list of 47 Elders as a governing body that determines policy for Serpent Stone?
Yeas 0
Nays 35
Abstain 0

Should we have a Board of Directors of at least five persons as a governing body?
Yeas 31
Nays 0
Abstain 1

Should the governing body be chosen from the current Elders or from those active in the community be they Elders or not?
Current Elders Only Yeas-0
Nays- 35
Any Active Members of Serpentstone?
Yeas- 35
Nays-0

Cheetah- makes a motion that we continue at another time.

Should the Triad as interim governing body until Board of Directors is set up at next Elders Gather?
Yeas 35
Nays 0
Abstain 0

Because they must be able to WORK with the person chosen, does the Diad choose their third interim Triad member?
Yeas 30
Nays 3
Abstain 2 (Spider and Rhiannon)

Should the Diad choose from the current Elders or from the General Active Members?
Elder 1
General Active Member 33
Abstaining 2 (Spider and Rhiannon)

How many support theory of Special Interest Groups (Committees) being established to help accomplish needs in SS?
Yeas 34
Nays 0
Abstain 1

We would like to send out with next gather flyer a call for volunteers to help establish groups. Like to have one year for people in group then rotate out. Anyone good at putting feelings aside and words and putting out fires, would like to set up a fire tending committee to deal with rumor control.

If you 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 Litha 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 shortly after the Beltaine gathering of May 2002.

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