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!!!!
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:
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..........
Power is the Electricity that runs the machinery at work, home or wherever. Power is the energy that people exert during personal exchanges on various levels of being i.e. physically, mentally, spiritually. Power is what people give to people in office to do the needs of the people (one could only hope). Power is to create change for better or worse. Power is natural & artificial. Power can be positive and negative (depending on the circumstances). All living beings have power to some extent otherwise, they would not exist. The Universe is Power and has Power. The Living Life Force. Which has many names as there are many different cultures & species of life on this Green & Blue planet and on many other planets out in the span of space. And yet, they are all one.
To exert Power over another human being is that Power? Yes and No. Again, it depends on the circumstances. If one is hurt by another then that is not Power that is Ego that thinks it has Power. Without conscience ness ego runs amuck.
I would ask that all beings (regardless of spiritual path or upbringing) as I ask myself to be careful how one uses the Power of the Life Force to do one's work. Whether for good or ill. For it will return in a way you least expect. And you just might say if you realize it... oh, no! I get the picture. Take care...
Obsidian Silverleaf
Blessed Be
There is none at the present, if you would like to contribute, do let us know….. drop us a note….
*Blessed Be*
There are none at this time, if you would like to contribute to this section, let us know…..
Bean si's Stream
There is much going on in our lives. There is much going on in SerpentStone. There is change. There is great change. Change brings turmoil, fear, emotional upheavals and the like. Why? Why do we fear change? Why do we fight change? If we do not change, do we not stagnate? I am one to welcome change most of the time. I have my times when change is scary or not what I want at the time it hits. Most changes are for the best, but we usually only see that after we've been through the ups and downs of the change cycle. SerpentStone is growing and changing by leaps and bounds and has been for some time. This has caused much turmoil, upheaval, emotional flare ups and more. Change brings out the worst in us when it should bring out the best in us. There are many new faces in SerpentStone and they welcome the change. There are many long time members welcoming change. There are many that are fighting change. There are many who see these changes as the end of SerpentStone as it was in the beginning. With larger membership and modern times, change is necessary. Change is inevitable. The past is the past and though we can learn from it and keep what works, we must also adapt what we have kept to fit the times. When an entity grows in size, it must change and adapt its life to meet the challenges of this new size. SerpentStone is much larger than it was in the beginning and with that growth comes change. Adaptation and change are the keys. Scary as that might be, it is a necessary evil. SerpentStone is very much alive, healing, and evolving. The question is will we continue to survive or will we perish? It's up to all of you to keep SerpentStone alive. Will you help us adapt or will you allow us to stagnate and die?
Lady Bean si
June Birthdays
6/5 - Koala
6/6 - Shadowstorm
6/19 - SeaDragon
6/25 - Chief RedArrow aka Swampy
6/27 - Mountain
July Birthdays
6/4 - Raven
6/8 - Web, Calamar
6/11 - Leif
June 2, 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.
June 10, 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.
June 17, 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.
June 24, 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, we are finally coming to Litha...... which is the balance of Yule. For some religious paths this marks the High point of Summer, hence, the longest day of the year, for other's this marks the beginning of Summer. For Pagans & Witches this is a Minor Holiday whereas, for Druids this is a Major Holiday. Still yet, Litha marks the birthing of the Holy King (the Dark Lord) of which as he grows the light begins to wane, just the opposite of the Oak King at Yule. This is also the peak of nature. All of nature abounds with life and we go through the harvest periods prior to the dark months.........
Lady Obsidian
Aspects for the Holiday of Litha 2002.
AM on the 21st:
Moon trine Mars - harmony, cheerful and exciting.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are awakened.
PM on the 21st:
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Mars quincunx Pluto - restlessness and unease; cause unknown.
Moon trine Jupiter - overly optimistic progress with ideas.
AM on the 21st:
Moon trine Mars - harmony, cheerful and exciting.
Moon semi-sextile Pluto - old anxieties are awakened.
PM on the 21st:
Moon quincunx Saturn - need to examine repressed emotions.
Mars quincunx Pluto - restlessness and unease; cause unknown.
Moon trine Jupiter - overly optimistic progress with ideas.
AM on the 22nd:
Moon squares Uranus - erratic or eccentric behavior, quick mind.
Moon quincunx Sun - period of self-examination and transformation.
PM on the 22nd:
Moon semi-sextile Chiron - arousing deep emotions.
Moon opposing Mercury - handle routine work and details.
Moon trine Venus - beautiful purchases, redecoration.
AM on the 23rd:
Moon sextiles Neptune - intuitions, creativity, meditations.
Moon conjunct Pluto - involvement with others, quit conversations.
PM on the 23rd:
Moon quincunx Mars - direct impulsive emotions.
Venus opposes Neptune - impractical idealism, deceptive thoughts.
Moon opposes Saturn - stick with plans, efficiency, budget time.
Moon quincunx Jupiter - questions concerning philosophical outlook.
This fixed, feminine water sign is co ruled by Mars and Pluto, so this Moon doesn't mess around. She's all dressed up in her formal black, looking so good she knows you can't take your eyes off of her.
Scorpio is the most intense sign out there, and when the moon is here, she feels everything to the absolute nth degree--everything. Needless to say, we do, too. Passion, joy, jealousy, betrayal, love, and desire all take center stage in our lives now, as all our emotions deepen to the point of possible obsession.
Be careful of a tendency to become secretive, suspicious, or to brood or "stew" over an offense that was not intended. Now is a great time to play detective, investigate a mystery, do research, "dig"--both figuratively and literally--and allow ourselves to become intimate with someone.
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 Beltaine gathering at DragonHills, Georgia a Memorial Circle headed by Sabra & Scotti was conducted for the Elder Sam Bear also know by many other names. The rite was done on May 3, 2002. His wife named Becky remains in his passing.
On May 11, 2002 a Funeral Circle was conducted at Lady Ariell & Lord Robert's Circle with Becky and a number of folks in attendance. An Elder of SerpentStone, Samuel "Snow Bear" Gwynn, left his earthly body. Sam was a founding member of many of the Southeast's - and indeed the U.S.'s - Pagan groups. Born to a Lakota mother on the Rosebud Reservation, Sam was raised partly in the Native American Tradition, and partly in a Family Tradition Celtic Craft family. He was a member of the US Special Forces, a Policeman, a Priest, a Teacher and Initiator to many.
At this Beltaine Gathering Lord Amergyn & Mari had their Handfasting Renewal / Wedding.
At this Beltaine Gathering Lord Solmage & Blackthorn took their Handfasting vows.
At this Beltaine Gathering Prism received her initiation into Clergy headed by Lady SeaDragon.
Happenings from the Beltaine 2002 Family Gathering in Dragon Hills, GA.
Beltaine was hosted by the Circle of the Blue Moon.
Rituals include:
Sweat Lodge w/ Chief Red Arrow
Workshops included:
9 Merchants had a delightful array of goodies to choose from to delight one's friend or mate this past Beltaine Gathering.
The Kitchen Witches delighted our taste with their magick. And they include (and I'm sure I'm missing a few folks to boot).
Whisper Head KW, John & Wes, Joe, Paula, Chris, Candice, Greyfix, Rose
The Kitchen Clean-up crew included:
Elizabeth, Manus, Whisper, Jerrett, Merrick, Maya, Mandy, Adrienne, Lena.
I want to Thank you All for the work you've done & are doing.
Knitted items,
Stained Glass,
Wire Sculpted Jewelry,
Candle crafting information & other goodies….
In Columbia, South Carolina
Contact FoxIvy@sc.rr.com
Proprietor: Obsidian Silverleaf
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!!!!
Lady Obsidian Silverleaf and Lady Bean si
Blessed Be
next issue will be out in time for the Lughnasadh 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 Litha gathering of June 2002.
Return to the main Serpent's Voice page.