The Story of The Serpent Tradition

Unlike most Wiccan Traditions, The Serpent Tradition is a Tradition of Witchcraft itself and not a Wiccan Tradition. We follow a structure put together from various paths of Witchcraft, using those ideas, pantheon & belief structure that we have found works best for our personal path and resonates with us. Here is a brief description of our story:
 
Like every other Tradition, each has its own birthing process...the meager beginnings in which the Goddess prepares you for that special path meant for you and those of like mind who will eventually follow. The Serpent Tradition is no stranger to this particular pattern. In 1998, The Serpent Tradition began with merely a vision...the symbol of a serpent which began to grow & evolve into a path, a living creature that seemed to literally plunge us into the essence of its life force. From this mystical & sacred creature came a swirl of myth, history & lore from the ancient lands of our ancestors which would prove to be the key to our very destiny; the creation of The Serpent Tradition.

The Celts believed in individual animal allies or helpers as shown by their legends, but they also had Clan animals. In Celtic lore Clan animals like individual animal allies, chose you...you did not choose them. This is also true for many tribes of The Native Americans who refer to these types of animals as "Totem Animals".  Many of The Celtic Clan names reflected this same type of reference, and true to form, The Serpent Tradition was born in that same manner.
Back in 1998 we (my wife Becca, myself, and our small intimate group of "like minds" were scheduled to go to a Samhain gathering of various Pagan Traditions & Clans. In this particular gathering, they had asked for all the groups attending to create some sort of banner or flag to represent their group... unless of course they already had one. Upon hearing this news, the image of a serpent encircling a chalice immediately emerged as our focal point for the design. There was never any debate about this; it was the first and only symbol that was created and we knew immediately that it was right for us. Although the serpent was the central focus of the symbolism of the idea, we opted to name the Coven (& its banner) The Hearth of the Silver Chalice. Previous to this point & time to be honest, taking on a Coven was a larger step for us (Becca & Cayne) than we had intended. The fact is, we had always been comfortable doing what we did, the way we did it, and our little "Fam-Tram" seemed perfectly fine for us...however...the Goddess & God obviously had other plans.

Well, time marches on as it tends to do, and with that came some revelations, some epiphanies, and some much needed changes. Somehow the name Hearth of the Silver Chalice never really seemed to fit. After much meditation, consideration, and "shedding of skin"; The Silver Serpent Coven was born. In order to really understand the serpent and it's relevance to our path and Tradition, we must first explore some of the lore.
Some Serpent Lore
The creature which chose our Coven and Tradition is as intriguing as it is mysterious. From the beginning of time the serpents have imbedded themselves into the human psyche. Ancient societies ascribed to their amazing powers...considered among the wisest and most cunning of creatures with their unblinking eyes that were believed to see all. Emerging from Mother Earth, the serpent was believed to be all knowing of the world's secret knowledge and vital forces. It is viewed to be an Underworld magickal animal found in Celtic Tradition & represents the natural cycle of life due to the regular shedding of its skin. Being a symbol of rebirth and by shedding its old skin to reemerge in the spring from the winter's hibernation; it gives the impression of its immortality. Several different cultures recognize this aspect of the serpent. The Ouroboros for example, is the symbol of a circled snake devouring its own tail signifying the continuing cycle of life. The term "Ouroboros" comes from the Greeks meaning "tail eater". This image is also seen as the Midgard Serpent (sometimes referred to as Midgardsorm) of Norse Mythology. This symbol may not represent a specific mythos, but does represent the endless cycle of time, rebirth, regeneration, and the balance of creation.

These aspects of the serpent were obvious and important symbolisms for our Tradition. Through the years we have learned to accept change & the teaching that it brings. Serpents are also recognized as symbols of wisdom and healing. Because of their "wave-like'" movements they are associated with healing waters & sacred wells... sources of healing & regenerative powers within Mother Earth. These facts and symbolisms have also lead us to view the serpent as a protector & keeper of health and well-being. In addition, the serpent is not only a representative of the Goddess, but the God as well. This is yet another very relevant fact to our path because through it all, balance is one of our main focal points. We recognize and honor both aspects of creation and the wisdom they bring. This is just a few of the important relevancies & reasons why we are both honored & fortunate to be chosen by the serpent as part of its Clan Family.
Tenets & Bylaws



In our Tradition, we have a standard Three Degree System. These Degrees and our ongoing studies consist of such topics as:

* Celtic Lore & Deity
* Practicing & proficiency in the art of Witchcraft (energy work, spells, herbalism, meditation, ect.)
* Divination
* Understanding your true self
* Guidelines & practices of self discipline
* Practicing conservation & preservation of The Mother's land & creatures
* Working well with the community (Pagan & non-Pagan alike)

This is of course a very generalized & partial list to give an idea of some of our various topics of study & discovery.
A full list of our bylaws may be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
Goals & Aspirations


Much like most other Traditions of The Craft we have our set standards for most things like the calling of quarters, circle standards, summoning of Deity, chosen pantheon, Tradition secrets & so on. But like the serpent we still shed "old skin" when needed and strive to remain enough in balance to know & recognize what needs changing and observe the lessons we can learn from those changes. Through these things we have come to the personal realization that there is really no such thing as a coincidence. There are reasons (although sometimes unknown to us) why things occur the way they do. If certain circumstances occur that cause you to begin thinking or take some sort of action, there is a reason for it. Perhaps it is for you, or perhaps you may have to act as a catalyst for someone else. There is wisdom & knowledge that comes about in sometimes the strangest of ways.
We make many efforts to try to help and heal our land & community, Pagan and non-Pagan alike. Recycling, restoration and preservation of our land, education for the community at large concerning our beliefs and religious path, and assisting our Pagan sisters & brothers with rites of passage, handfastings, celebrations & festivals... these are just a few of the things we strive to accomplish in our Tradition and as a Coven; for by assisting in the healing and growth of others, we are healed & grow as well.
Whether it is for all time or merely a season, The Serpent Tradition is here. Together with the Priestess', Priests, Elders, and hived Covens of our Tradition, we hope that future generations of seekers will seek out the Old Ways and the wonder of their mysteries just as we have; with the same thirst for knowledge and the love for the Goddess, the God, the Great Mother, and all her creation.
Blessed Be!

Written by Cayne - HP of The Silver Serpent Coven
Our Tradition story is also featured in the Traditions Section on The Witches' Voice Website. CLICK HERE to view it.