Vol. III Issue VII
August 1, 2001 |
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Happy Lughnasadh!
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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. 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!!!!
Praise the Ancients!
Lady & Lord Bless |
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Announcements |
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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!
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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.
winterhawk@serpentstone.org .
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 |
| 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. |
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The goals were seen as
building blocks. These included:
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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. |
| 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" |
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Obsidian Mirror Reflections....
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As you may know Conon Brewer has had some rough
times recently in the legal sense.... And now he finally has a decent lawyer to defend him, although, the Judge & his ex's lawyer & Dad want him in jail with no questions asked….. simply because of his Religious Faith otherwise, why would the ex's lawyer state that he would drop the charges if Conon dropped this "Wicca Nonsense"? Of course, in the rule of return the same could be said of him as well, but that's not how law is done in the U.S. As of this Fri. Aug. 3rd, 2001 Conon will be placed in jail for practicing his religion, because of an elected Judge to the bench, and of course his ex's Dad. There is a newspaper article about this case in the Pittsburgh News…. And many very good points have been made about the case….. of course, this sets a bad precedent for legal cases involving people of various religious Faiths that are not considered "Mainstream" I wish both Conon & Paula well with this problem….. and that his stay in jail doesn't materialize…. I wish to acknowledge folks & various groups from as far North as Pennsylvania on down into the South that have expended their funds, spells, meditations, prayers, letter writing, posting messages of hope on various E-group lists for Conon's benefit….. and ultimately the Pagan Community as a whole…. The following figures is what has been acquired to this point on Conon's behalf: $445.00 by SerpentStone and $2,200.00 Pittsburgh Pagan House, Pennsylvania for a $2,645.00 Total. And with the future of our Faith being at stake, I think we can do better….. to help a brother in legal need. To those in the Pagan Community, A Big THANK YOU for Walking your Walk. |
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So Mote It Be Blessed Be Obsidian |
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