
Vol. I Issue III
February 2, 1999
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HAPPY IMBOLC!
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Merry Meet and Welcome!
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 a 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,
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appreciate your time in this endeavor. Quite frankly, we don't
know how it will do; therefore, the newsletter is being done for
the Four Greater Sabbats. So, please let us know what you
think... suggestions, ideas, and criticisms are all welcome. Do
enjoy!!!!
Praise the Ancients!
Love and Light!
Good Journeys!
Blessed Be,
Bean si
and
Obsidian Silverleaf
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Announcements
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I'm proud to announce
that we're resuming a regular schedule of publication, so stay
tuned.
A baby update from Bean si:
I am now at the 20th week of
my pregnancy, so I am half way there. I had a doctor's appointment
on the 13th of January and another ultrasound on the 20th of
January. During the ultrasound, it was confirmed that she is indeed
a girl. She is about 10 ounces in weight and her heart rate was 143
bpm. All within normal parameters. At the end, as the doctor
reviewed her, she began to scratch her ear. I don't know if she was
bored or just hanging around. Either way, it was very exciting and
I look forward to my next appointment and to her birth. We have not
chosen a name for her yet, but we do know that one of her names
will be Maeye. When we know for sure what we will name her, I will
let you know.
Love and Light,
Bean si
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Seeker , an initiate of
Oakgrove in Knoxville, TN, is working on a Master's degree in
Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Seeker is in the process of compiling a thorough outline of basic
Wiccan beliefs, those ideas that are presently being taught in
covens in the Southeast U.S. Any group that considers themselves
to be Wiccan (be it Traditional, Eclectic, Faery, Seax, etc.). The aim
of the study will be to publish an anthropological account of basic
Wiccan beliefs in the Southeast U.S. What will be presented will be
the very foundations of Wicca Aimed at scholars, teachers, and their
students. Any group leaders (High Priestesses and High Priests)
interested in speaking with Seeker, confidentially, of course, need to
contact Seeker by email at
sdarthur@ukux.utcc.utk.edu
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Do you have notices of importance? Do let us know,
they can be published in upcoming issues of
"The Serpent's Voice".
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The Dream...
The Vision of SERPENTSTONE
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In 1991, SerpentStone
was officially formed from a joint vision of Lord Serphant and Lady
Rhiannon. It began with several basic ideals and goals.
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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 no 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.
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SerpentStone was to be of
the Community, for the Community.
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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.
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This was, and is, the ideal:
the dream upon which SerpentStone was built.
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The goals were seen as
building blocks. These included:
- 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.
- Emphasizing the importance of high ethical standards and
personal responsibility, and developing ways to help each
person reach their highest potential.
- Accepting both traditional and non-traditional ways, and
blending old and new ideas to create new and viable
pathways.
- Providing the opportunity for networking and sharing with
others.
- Providing the support each individual needs to reach their
highest potential.
- Reaching out with love and acceptance to others and the
Community, and eschewing power over others.
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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.
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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 is.
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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...
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SerpentStone is our gift to
the Lord and Lady. Let it be one worthy to be given.
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"So Mote It Be, Blessed Be"
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