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At the meeting-time of Earth and Sun, a Circle of people gather on the hilltop, chanting to the Lord and Lady, joining hearts and souls together to touch the energies of the Earth, moving the seasons forward, aiding the growth of their green sisters and brothers, feeling the strength of the stones and earth flowing through them, and marvelling at the thoughts of the other creatures about them.
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The people reach to their center, finding themselves joined with other Circles of like mind, working together with one purpose. They reach out, sending the energies into the Community of the Earth, their spirits blending with the rhythm of the Dance of Life.
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As the people move out from the Circle, each in a unique direction, they find strength and purpose in knowing they are all part of the Family, contributors to the whole.
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This is the vision behind SerpentStone. We are a family of spirit and magick and service more than a tradition, for tradition implies a certain "correct" way of doing things. We believe the Craft has survived this long because it has changed with the times. A "family", on the other hand, shares connections of love, and works together toward common goals, but allows each member to define an individual path and expression of spirit. There are a few simple "family rules" which each member must follow, expressing the ethics and beliefs of the family as a harmonious whole.
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Our basic precept is "All paths are sacred". It does not matter how you see Deity, how you cast a Circle, if you are Eclectic Wiccan, Gardnerian, AmerIndian Shaman, Asatru, Huna, Taoist, Buddhist, or even Christian. If you are seeking to grow, are willing to do the work and learn, and are dedicated to the Gods, God, or Great Spirit, and to sharing your love and personal learning with the Community freely, you may find yourself drawn to this "family".
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This does not mean that SerpentStone is for everyone. It demands dedication to the Gods, not to personal gain or power. It demands hard work, service to the Gods and the Community, and a willingness to learn from the tests that life sets in your path. It asks for openness to knowledge and perspectives from many different quarters. It requires adherence to the principles expressed in the guiding phrases "All paths are sacred" and "An' it harm none, do what ye will" and adherence to oaths taken. It asks you to share what you gain, without an eye for profit. It asks nothing from you, yet asks more than you ever thought you could give. It gives these three times over in return.
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There are many teachers and teaching groups within SerpentStone. Training is often extensive, as is the opportunity for growth. In order to find and work upon your path, you need to find yourself, your true self rather than what you have been trained to be. You need to learn what strengths and weaknesses you have, and how to use them or compensate for them. Training is about building links with the spiritual worlds and learning how to balance on the thin middle road. It is about learning how to work in tune with the energies of the worlds and how to use them constructively; and learning how to work with
others (human, animal, plant, and stone). It involves learning about many different paths, so you can
better walk your own. It is learning from the past so that it is not your master, and so that you may not
make the mistakes that others have made. It is making your own choices, facing your own challenges and
responsibilities, and learning from them. It is learning the principles of magick, so you can work
according to need, not merely according to books or "the way it has always been done", and so you can
work anywhere. It involves giving time to these things, and time to your own inner work. It involves
helping and supporting others as they make their choices, walk their path, and learn their lessons, as they
strive to help and support you.
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SerpentStone is, only in part, a training ground for shamans, magicians, priests and priestesses who wish to be able to do the work they are here to complete. Unlike many traditions, you will almost never hear, "This is the one true and only way to do this." You will be expected to work in cooperation with others and apply what you have learned from your own rituals, magickal workings, and pathways to the assistance of others. SerpentStone is doing the work that needs to be done.
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We ask respect between all members, and strict confidentiality regarding other members. Remember, we are all equals. Degrees or positions within the family are matters of responsibility or amount of experience only; we are all still equals in the eyes of the Gods. Power plays are not appreciated, and those who are seeking power over others for themselves had best seek it elsewhere, for what is encouraged here is the empowerment of each individual within themselves.
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In conclusion, SerpentStone is a family organization of groups and individuals, of various traditions, and encourages all to find and make real their individual paths. There is a strong and serious dedication to the Gods and to the Community. There is laughter and friendship, love and joy and light. We are all part of the Circle; let us begin our work of turning the Wheel together.
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Now you can have a SerpentStone email address! Proudly
announce a connection with your favorite magickal family with an
email alias -- yourname@serpentstone.org. Follow the link below
for more information and online registration!
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