Vol. III  Issue II          December 31, 2000 ____________________________________

Happy Yule!

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,

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

Announcements
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 .	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 month, which goes to pay for the serpentstone.org domain. For more information, e-mail winterhawk@serpentstone.org .
WE NEED YOUR SUBMISSIONS!       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!	VISION QUESTING       For those Dear Souls looking for a Vision Quest, you are in luck. Spider will be starting up a new round. The Quest work will begin at Ostara and the actual Quest will be in early September. There are a limited number of places available, so contact her as SOON as possible. Those who are considering participating in the Quest should contact her at spider@serpentstone.org .
May the Lady & Lord Bless all of your steps down the road.... Blessed Be

Do you have notices of importance? Do let us know, they can be published in upcoming issues of "The Serpent's Voice".

The Dream... The Vision of SERPENTSTONE

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 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.

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: 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.

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 is.

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...

SerpentStone is our gift to the Lord and Lady. Let it be one worthy to be given.

"So Mote It Be, Blessed Be"

Obsidian Mirror Reflections....

In the times that I've ventured to various sites on the computer....... generally religious in nature............. I've noticed that there are some that have stated that in order for Pagans & Witches to look appealing to people in the "Outside World", that we do what's called "White-Washing", so our "Religion" looks harmless to other folks....... My question for these folks is "What is White-Washed"? Our religion is as you see it, we change nothing about it, now there are sites out there that I've seen that are presented as our Faith, but, they are soooooo far out of focus it's not silly. In other words, use your head as something more than a hat-rack please..........? As for our religion being harmful, well, again I question that one too....... if it's considered harmful to heal myself, well, my dear....... "I'm guilty as charged"...... now, for those that would like to take those words (out of context)...... think again...... mind the laws of your religious path (whatever it may be) so mote it be.....

Blessed Be

Potpourri

***Yule Notes***       This is an old phrase of long ago......... usually done on New Years Day (not unattended of course) "Bayberry candles burned to the socket, brings luck to the home and money to the pocket"       One old practice for the American New Year is to make sure your salt shaker is filled.       Collard greens and black-eyed peas... for money in the household is eaten...figure the symbology of that...... The previous notations were brought to you courtesy of WiseWomen & WiseMen of yesteryear in decades of time past.............

Lady & Lord Bless

*Blessed Be*

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