  Midsummer - Summer Solstice |
Isn't the Summer Solstice
the 'Beginning' of Summer?
When you look at your modern calendar, the Estival solstice is labeled as the beginning of Summer, so why do we call it Midsummer?
If we were to actually begin the seasons with the cross-quarter days of
Imbolg, the very beginning of spring,
Bealtaine, the very beginning of Summer.
Lughnasadh, the very beginning of the Autumn harvesting season, and
Samhain, the early beginning of Winter
then it's easy to see why the Summer Solstice is known as "Midsummer". (and why Yule is oft called "Midwinter".)
If we were to actually begin the seasons with the cross-quarter days of
Imbolg, the very beginning of spring,
Bealtaine, the very beginning of Summer.
Lughnasadh, the very beginning of the Autumn harvesting season, and
Samhain, the early beginning of Winter
then it's easy to see why the Summer Solstice is known as "Midsummer". (and why Yule is oft called "Midwinter".)
LITHA
Venerable Bede Litha is a name often heard bandied about as another name for the Summer Solstice. Litha first came into use as a result of research by Aiden Kelly from a treatise called 'The Reckoning of Time' (De temporum ratione) written by a Northumbrian monk, Bede in 725 AD. The scholarly Bede described a variety of ancient calendars, including the Anglo-Saxon calendar that named the month of June (se Ærra Liþa, early Litha month) and July, (Æfterra Liþa, later Litha month). "It may have helped that it had been appropriated, as “Lithe,” for the Midsummer festival in the hobbits’ calendar in J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien 1966)." Aiden Kelly also brought the names of Mabon and Ostara into the neopagan vernacular so that all the sabbats could have traditional names.
Ancient Celebrations of the Solstice
Epona - a Vestal Virgin - Kupala See below for links
Celebrations of the Summer solstice occurs in history around the world, much like that of all the quarter days.
- "In ancient China, the summer solstice was observed by a ceremony to celebrate the Earth, femininity, and the “yin” forces."
- "In ancient Gaul, the Midsummer celebration was called Feast of Epona.
- "Some Native American tribes held ritual dances to honor the Sun.
- "For the Greeks, it would, according to some calendars, mark the start of the new year and the month-long countdown toward the Olympics.
- "For the Romans, the solstice was the occasion for another unique exception to everyday life: on the first day of the festival of Vestalia, married women could, for one day only, enter the temples of the vestal virgins to make offerings to Vesta, goddess of the hearth and home.
- "Mayas and Aztecs used the day as a marker by which to build many of their central structures, so that the buildings would align perfectly with the shadows of the two solstices, summer and winter.
- "In Jewish tradition, it’s known as Tekufat Tammuz, the solstice of the month Tammuz.
- "Eastern Europe celebrates the solstice with Kupala, a Slavic holiday with pagan roots. Named for the Slavic goddess Kupala, it was originally conceived as a fertility rite.
- "Throughout Austria (and especially in the mountains of the Wilder Kaiser region of Tyrol), fires dot the countryside to celebrate the solstice."
How You Can Celebrate Midsummer
Osterfeuer TK on the beach of Binz, Rügen island, Germany by Tom Küpper - See below for link
- Honor the longest day of the year. Wake at dawn. Stay up the entire day & night to greet the next day's sunrise.
- Celebrate the power of the sun. Light candles specifically for the Sun when indoors or host a get-together around a bonfire.
- Have a Midsummer's Night Bonfire Ritual. Include a barbecue feast to follow. Don't forget the Goddess! Supply a kiddie pool, squirt guns, water balloons and other water features.
- Celebrate Fathers: Litha falls near Father's Day, so take some time and honor dads and the sacred masculine.
- Use the day to recharge your magical tools by the light of the sun and the glow of the moon.
- Attune with the God of the Green. Visit a nearby forest. Hike a trail. Meditate about and ground with your surroundings.
- Head to the beach to soak in the heat of the Sun God but remember to cool off with the Ocean Goddess. Spend the evening there as well, with a bonfire to fight the chill coming off the water.
- Light your bonfire by drawing down the sun and use a bit of the flame to light a brand new everlasting altar candle or lamp.
The God Face Surreal by Kyle Pearce - See below for link
Midsummer Folklore & Magic
- Jumping a bonfire safely would guarantee good luck for the coming year.
- Make an amulet of protection from the ashes of your Midsummer bonfire.
- Create a stone circle and sit up all night on Midsummer's eve to see the fae. Carry rue in your pocket for protection or turn your jacket inside out to confuse them.
- Whisper a wish to a pebble, circle the Midsummer bonfire three times and then toss the stone in to fulfill your wish.
- Write your prayer (wish) on a paper boat, fill it with flowers, set it on fire, and let the boat travel down a stream.
- Raise a tall, leafy Maypole to dance around.
'Fairy Islands' from the book Elves and Fairies 1916 by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite - See Link Below
Sun Gods
Ra aboard the Atet, his solar barge - See link below
Ra - Horus - Apollo - Helios -
Freyr - Huitzilopochtli - Lugh - Hvar Khshaita -
Inti - Liza - Mithras - Sol Invictus -
Surya - Tonatiuh - Utu (Shamash)
Freyr - Huitzilopochtli - Lugh - Hvar Khshaita -
Inti - Liza - Mithras - Sol Invictus -
Surya - Tonatiuh - Utu (Shamash)
Apollo in his chariot with the hours by John Singer Sargent in the Museum of Fine Arts - See link below
Latest Blog Posts from
Inner Circle Sanctuary
Your Holy Day (Birthday)
Bealtaine 2017
June 2017 Newsletter
Origins of Inner Circle Sanctuary
The Pentagram for Inner Circle Sanctuary
Bealtaine 2017
June 2017 Newsletter
Origins of Inner Circle Sanctuary
The Pentagram for Inner Circle Sanctuary
Upcoming Events with
Inner Circle Sanctuary
July 15 - Pagan Bread Making
Aug 19 - What You Need To Know About Tarot
Sep 9 - My So Called Magical Life
Oct 21 - Samhain: Winter Has Come
Aug 19 - What You Need To Know About Tarot
Sep 9 - My So Called Magical Life
Oct 21 - Samhain: Winter Has Come
Midsummer Information gathered from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/why-we-celebrate-the-summer-solstice/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reckoning_of_Time
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00155870802352178
Photo credits:
Globe Photo from http://www.michaelquinton.org/summer-solstice.html
Epona ~ The Celtic Horse Goddess By Emily Balivet, 2009 http://www.emilybalivet.com/Epona.html
Vestal Virgin by Jean Raoux (1677–1734) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jean_Raoux_-_Vestal_Virgin_-_WGA18999.jpg
Kupala (aka Festivities on Midsummer Night) by Wojciech Gerson (1831–1901) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gerson-Kupala.jpg
Osterfeuer TK on the beach of Binz, Rügen island, Germany by Tom Küpper
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Osterfeuer_TK.jpg
The God Face Surreal by Kyle Pearce
https://www.flickr.com/photos/keepitsurreal/1794450683
'Fairy Islands' from the book Elves and Fairies 1916 by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%27Fairy_Islands%27_from_the_book_Elves_and_Fairies_1916_by_Ida_Rentoul_Outhwaite.jpg
Ra aboard the Atet, his solar barge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity#/media/File:Ra_Barque.jpg
Apollo in his chariot with the hours by John Singer Sargent Museum of Fine Arts
http://www.mfa.org/collections/publications/john-singer-sargent-murals-museum-fine-arts-boston
Copyright © 2017 Inner Circle Sanctuary, All rights reserved.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/why-we-celebrate-the-summer-solstice/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reckoning_of_Time
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bede
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00155870802352178
Photo credits:
Globe Photo from http://www.michaelquinton.org/summer-solstice.html
Epona ~ The Celtic Horse Goddess By Emily Balivet, 2009 http://www.emilybalivet.com/Epona.html
Vestal Virgin by Jean Raoux (1677–1734) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jean_Raoux_-_Vestal_Virgin_-_WGA18999.jpg
Kupala (aka Festivities on Midsummer Night) by Wojciech Gerson (1831–1901) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gerson-Kupala.jpg
Osterfeuer TK on the beach of Binz, Rügen island, Germany by Tom Küpper
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Osterfeuer_TK.jpg
The God Face Surreal by Kyle Pearce
https://www.flickr.com/photos/keepitsurreal/1794450683
'Fairy Islands' from the book Elves and Fairies 1916 by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%27Fairy_Islands%27_from_the_book_Elves_and_Fairies_1916_by_Ida_Rentoul_Outhwaite.jpg
Ra aboard the Atet, his solar barge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_deity#/media/File:Ra_Barque.jpg
Apollo in his chariot with the hours by John Singer Sargent Museum of Fine Arts
http://www.mfa.org/collections/publications/john-singer-sargent-murals-museum-fine-arts-boston
Copyright © 2017 Inner Circle Sanctuary, All rights reserved.
We celebrated our High Priest's birthday this week. We were able to surprise him with cake and gifts and sentimental cards. He loved it! We loved it! We mark the days that a person was brought into the world because their lives touch ours in the most profound ways. We are grateful and thankful for it, so we celebrate them.
Stevie Nicks Poster (CC BY 2.0) 16th birthday quote Unfortunately, there are many who don't think their birthdays are very special at all... or to consider them special is to be vain or egocentric. There may never be convincing them otherwise but we are pretty sure Isaac Newton, John Gutenberg, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, William Shakespeare, Michelangelo, or Martin Luther King didn't think their birthdays were special.
We, as pagans practicing Wicca with Inner Circle Sanctuary, think differently. Here are some wise words from our beloved High Priest, Lord Tanys.
"Here are some religio-magical reasons to celebrate your birthday the best you can:
1. It is your very own Holy Day.
2. It is when your soul (the real you, eternal and divine) entered your body (vehicle) for this incarnation.
3. It is when your Holy Guardian Angel/Daimon/Augoides/Higher Self attached Him/Herself to you for this go-around.
4. It is your personal New Year's Day.
5. It is the beginning of your Wheel of the Years.
6. It is the beginning of your Solar Year.
For more information on this, read Laurie Cabot's Book of Shadows.
7. In a real sense, it is your First Initiation in this incarnation.
So please observe your own birthday with joy. Try to take the day off. Try to do some magic (ritual, divination and/or meditation, etc.).
You are worth it!
1. It is your very own Holy Day.
2. It is when your soul (the real you, eternal and divine) entered your body (vehicle) for this incarnation.
3. It is when your Holy Guardian Angel/Daimon/Augoides/Higher Self attached Him/Herself to you for this go-around.
4. It is your personal New Year's Day.
5. It is the beginning of your Wheel of the Years.
6. It is the beginning of your Solar Year.
For more information on this, read Laurie Cabot's Book of Shadows.
7. In a real sense, it is your First Initiation in this incarnation.
So please observe your own birthday with joy. Try to take the day off. Try to do some magic (ritual, divination and/or meditation, etc.).
You are worth it!
 |  |
The Elders of Inner Circle Sanctuary (ICS) are made up of second and third degree initiates of the ICS, or previous TOTIC, program. The job of the Elders, as administrators, is to resolve issues, plan extracurricular events, review the teaching programs, discuss the advancements and well-being of our members, and plan, assign, and execute the sabbat holidays. When needed or desired, an Elder will step in and perform the sabbat ritual.
Being a student of ICS means you never stop learning. Our 1st year students learn the basic sabbat ring and perform as High Priestess or High Priest when they want to and are able. It is the only ring we ask our students to use whenever they do any work. It is chock full of every basic ritual a new and burgeoning witch needs.
Being a student of ICS means you never stop learning. Our 1st year students learn the basic sabbat ring and perform as High Priestess or High Priest when they want to and are able. It is the only ring we ask our students to use whenever they do any work. It is chock full of every basic ritual a new and burgeoning witch needs.
Our second year students learn a whole new ring to add to their repertoire; a different way of creating sacred space. Just as in the first year, it is a ring they must commit to memory while maintaining the first year sabbat ring.
Third year students learn several rings. The rings for the third year program cover the gamut of priesthood duties: Wiccanings, Handfastings, Requiems, Initiations, and more involved sabbat rings, or as we call them: Greater Ritual Rings.
When an ICS Elder fulfills the role of a High Priestess or High Priest of a sabbat, they can institute something we call "Elder Options." An Elder Option is when an Elder adds particular parts of a Greater Ritual Ring to the first year sabbat ring. It is a change-up and quite the treat (or scare tactic) for those students looking to attain their second degree initiation. On rare occasion, both roles of High Priestess and High Priest are filled with an elder and when this happens, those elders can decide to blow the socks off their younger, up & coming, brethren. This was the occasion at our Bealtaine sabbat.
Third year students learn several rings. The rings for the third year program cover the gamut of priesthood duties: Wiccanings, Handfastings, Requiems, Initiations, and more involved sabbat rings, or as we call them: Greater Ritual Rings.
When an ICS Elder fulfills the role of a High Priestess or High Priest of a sabbat, they can institute something we call "Elder Options." An Elder Option is when an Elder adds particular parts of a Greater Ritual Ring to the first year sabbat ring. It is a change-up and quite the treat (or scare tactic) for those students looking to attain their second degree initiation. On rare occasion, both roles of High Priestess and High Priest are filled with an elder and when this happens, those elders can decide to blow the socks off their younger, up & coming, brethren. This was the occasion at our Bealtaine sabbat.
Lady Sistterwolf, 2nd degree initiate, Elder, & Guardian was the High Priestess and Lord Tanys, 3rd degree initiate, Guardian, and High Priest of ICS led our coven in the Bealtaine sabbat and fully populated it with Elder Options. The younger members of the coven were able to see the entirety of the opening ritual from a wholly different viewpoint.
Because we wanted it to be a surprise, there was a bit of discombobulation when they realized none of them had been assigned to call quarters, sprinkle, or cense. When the huge bag of salt was uncovered by a first year student, their thought was, "Holy Cow, was it really necessary to bring this gargantuan bag [of salt] to fill up the little bowl for the altar!?” And then there was more "hubbub and confusion" when the members were asked to line up their chairs outside the ring in a spot where that is not normally done. Thankfully, our group is a curious bunch so the irregularities were more in wonderment that chaos, as if the fun and endearing Lord of Misrule had come to share the night.
Because we wanted it to be a surprise, there was a bit of discombobulation when they realized none of them had been assigned to call quarters, sprinkle, or cense. When the huge bag of salt was uncovered by a first year student, their thought was, "Holy Cow, was it really necessary to bring this gargantuan bag [of salt] to fill up the little bowl for the altar!?” And then there was more "hubbub and confusion" when the members were asked to line up their chairs outside the ring in a spot where that is not normally done. Thankfully, our group is a curious bunch so the irregularities were more in wonderment that chaos, as if the fun and endearing Lord of Misrule had come to share the night.
We remind our members every single sabbat to dress in layers because here in the high desert of the Mohave, it gets quite cold at night... no matter how hot it gets during the day. The relief from the cold of being outside the ring was collectively felt when they were finally allowed to enter. Immediately, the Witches' Rune helped to bring the temperature higher so that the cold was all but forgotten. The ritual for Bealtaine itself was filled with mirth and rejoicing. The Great Rite was a beautiful and poignant display of our reverence for all life, and the closing ritual was filled with toasts and love. The sabbat was incredible for elders and younger members alike.
But the after party though... So. Much. Food. So. Much. Our beloved guests entertained us with stories and the members themselves provided us with poems and songs and jokes to delight.
Last word concerning this sabbat for all of us at ICS: Unforgettable.
-Lady Atheona
Elder & Guardian
Inner Circle Sanctuary
But the after party though... So. Much. Food. So. Much. Our beloved guests entertained us with stories and the members themselves provided us with poems and songs and jokes to delight.
Last word concerning this sabbat for all of us at ICS: Unforgettable.
-Lady Atheona
Elder & Guardian
Inner Circle Sanctuary
Samhain: Winter Has Come
with Lady Atheona
from Inner Circle Sanctuary
SATURDAY, October 21, 2017 at 6pm
This event is RSVP only.
Please email us at innercirclesanctuary@gmail.com
or message us here for location details.
$10 donation
or bring what you can afford.
100% of donations are given to charity.
“Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed. While Bealtaine was a summer festival for the living, Samhain "was essentially a festival for the dead." Traditionally, Samhain was a time to take stock of the herds and food supplies. Samhain is seen by some Wiccans as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have died, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and
other loved ones who have died."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain
Join us on our Facebook invite for magical tidbits until the event. Click here.
with Lady Atheona
from Inner Circle Sanctuary
SATURDAY, October 21, 2017 at 6pm
This event is RSVP only.
Please email us at innercirclesanctuary@gmail.com
or message us here for location details.
$10 donation
or bring what you can afford.
100% of donations are given to charity.
“Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. Samhain was seen as a liminal time, when the boundary between this world and the Otherworld could more easily be crossed. While Bealtaine was a summer festival for the living, Samhain "was essentially a festival for the dead." Traditionally, Samhain was a time to take stock of the herds and food supplies. Samhain is seen by some Wiccans as a time to celebrate the lives of those who have died, and it often involves paying respect to ancestors, family members, elders of the faith, friends, pets and
other loved ones who have died."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samhain
Join us on our Facebook invite for magical tidbits until the event. Click here.
There are five things needed to start with Inner Circle Sanctuary (ICS). Something you may already have is the pentagram pendant, ring, or other jewelry. The pentagram is not only an ancient protective symbol, it is also the premiere symbol of our religion and ICS has specifics in regards to its appropriate style. Our specifics are definitive for us and may differ for any other Wiccan group.
The star must be an openwork woven line star. Non-woven stars may be acceptable but it cannot be a solid star. Each point of the star represents one of the five elements and those elements work in synthesis with one another as represented by the unbroken line traveling through each element.
The star must have one point at the top.
The circle must be complete and unbroken as it is the symbol of unity linking each point with one another.
The star must be WITHIN the circle with the points of the star touching the edge of the inside circle. A closed circle amplifies and directs energy back into itself creating a stronger, more powerful symbol.
In our tradition, we believe the walls of our magical ring is a barrier that should not be broken by human, animal, or a paper plate on the wind. To create a 'boundary between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones' we must be secure in knowing that the 'place that is not a place and a time that is not a time' is a secure precinct.
We choose to have the symbol our members wear reflect this understanding.
In the photo, one through four are unacceptable as a pentacle for our group.
1. The points extend outside the circle breaking the secure barrier.
2. The pentacle rests ON the circle instead of being in conjunction with it.
3. The star is neither woven or within the circle.
4. Same as number two.
In the photo, five through eight are acceptable as a pentacle for our group.
7. As decorative as this pendant is, all the criteria is met. The star is with the circle and the the circle itself is unbroken.
8. The star within the circle is a complete piece. The overlay of the symbol of the goddess makes it pretty but more importantly, does not interfere with the symbol itself.
During the first year, we administer a long lecture on the history & symbology of the pentagram.
For the other items needed to start in our classes, please see the 1st degree class page on our website: http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/1st-degree-classes.html
The star must be an openwork woven line star. Non-woven stars may be acceptable but it cannot be a solid star. Each point of the star represents one of the five elements and those elements work in synthesis with one another as represented by the unbroken line traveling through each element.
The star must have one point at the top.
The circle must be complete and unbroken as it is the symbol of unity linking each point with one another.
The star must be WITHIN the circle with the points of the star touching the edge of the inside circle. A closed circle amplifies and directs energy back into itself creating a stronger, more powerful symbol.
In our tradition, we believe the walls of our magical ring is a barrier that should not be broken by human, animal, or a paper plate on the wind. To create a 'boundary between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones' we must be secure in knowing that the 'place that is not a place and a time that is not a time' is a secure precinct.
We choose to have the symbol our members wear reflect this understanding.
In the photo, one through four are unacceptable as a pentacle for our group.
1. The points extend outside the circle breaking the secure barrier.
2. The pentacle rests ON the circle instead of being in conjunction with it.
3. The star is neither woven or within the circle.
4. Same as number two.
In the photo, five through eight are acceptable as a pentacle for our group.
7. As decorative as this pendant is, all the criteria is met. The star is with the circle and the the circle itself is unbroken.
8. The star within the circle is a complete piece. The overlay of the symbol of the goddess makes it pretty but more importantly, does not interfere with the symbol itself.
During the first year, we administer a long lecture on the history & symbology of the pentagram.
For the other items needed to start in our classes, please see the 1st degree class page on our website: http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/1st-degree-classes.html
One of our very favorite stories is of how Our Lady Morgana started our classes back in 1991. She had been in a coven for a few years and was working at a metaphysical shop where she encountered many, many people who were interested in learning about the Craft. She went to her own High Priestess and asked if they could start some classes for neophytes and her Lady said NO. A few months later, Lady Morgana asked her High Priestess again and her Lady said No. Again, she asked and the answer was no… and again; NO.
Finally, after countless times asking, (she persisted) her Lady acquiesced but admonished that it would be a project for just Lady Morgana and her reluctant working partner, Lord Mordred. They partnered with a couple of other Wiccans they knew and put together a curriculum and a sabbat celebration.
Of course, they asked that their High Priestess attend the sabbat and she did, but after witnessing the non-coven style, haphazard ring, her Lady said,
"Oh no, this will never do.”
In the following days and weeks, Lady Morgana worked closely with her Lady and working partner to develop a ritual and curriculum that was based on coven-style training and that included information that was correct, but already in print. Lady Morgana was not allowed to teach her own covens teachings, but if she found something in the myriad of books being published that was accurate or close enough, it could be utilized.
Our group has kept evolving since it’s beginning and is still a growing, advancing, coven, but it’s establishment from the onset; the desire to give back to a curious community, still remains today.
-Lady Atheona
Finally, after countless times asking, (she persisted) her Lady acquiesced but admonished that it would be a project for just Lady Morgana and her reluctant working partner, Lord Mordred. They partnered with a couple of other Wiccans they knew and put together a curriculum and a sabbat celebration.
Of course, they asked that their High Priestess attend the sabbat and she did, but after witnessing the non-coven style, haphazard ring, her Lady said,
"Oh no, this will never do.”
In the following days and weeks, Lady Morgana worked closely with her Lady and working partner to develop a ritual and curriculum that was based on coven-style training and that included information that was correct, but already in print. Lady Morgana was not allowed to teach her own covens teachings, but if she found something in the myriad of books being published that was accurate or close enough, it could be utilized.
Our group has kept evolving since it’s beginning and is still a growing, advancing, coven, but it’s establishment from the onset; the desire to give back to a curious community, still remains today.
-Lady Atheona
 |
WELCOME TO
INNER CIRCLE SANCTUARY'S
JUNE NEWSLETTER
INNER CIRCLE SANCTUARY'S
JUNE NEWSLETTER
As we say goodbye to the month of May, the month named for the Goddess Maia, the time of the fullness of Spring in the northern hemisphere, we begin to enter the season of Summer. The days have been getting warmer and warmer and the nights shorter and shorter.
June delivers itself to us tomorrow and brings with it the month of the Sun. For us, as Wiccans, it is the God’s month, dominated by the advent of the Summer Solstice holiday. However, the God and Goddess go hand in hand, so while June may be a month long celebration of the Sun, it is named for Juno, the goddess of marriage and wife to Rome’s supreme deity, Jupiter. The Romans, along with honoring Juno, also celebrated the festival of Vestalia (June 7-15), where “married women could, for one day only, enter the temples of the vestal virgins. There, they would be allowed to make offerings to Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home.”
Juno is often depicted wearing a crown, carrying a scepter, and accompanied by a peacock. Her husband Jupiter had fallen for a young woman named Io and to hide her from Hera, he transformed her into a cow. Hera captured Io and set her servant, Argus, to keep an eye on her. The task would be easy for Argus because he had a hundred eyes, which only a few were shut at one time. Unfortunately, Ju[iter sought out Mercury to help retrieve Io from the giant. After many long, winsome tales and lulling the giant to sleep, Mercury beheaded the giant. Juno was saddened by the loss of her servant so she gathered up his one hundred eyes and scattered them over the tail of her favorite bird, the peacock.
Juno is often depicted wearing a crown, carrying a scepter, and accompanied by a peacock. Her husband Jupiter had fallen for a young woman named Io and to hide her from Hera, he transformed her into a cow. Hera captured Io and set her servant, Argus, to keep an eye on her. The task would be easy for Argus because he had a hundred eyes, which only a few were shut at one time. Unfortunately, Ju[iter sought out Mercury to help retrieve Io from the giant. After many long, winsome tales and lulling the giant to sleep, Mercury beheaded the giant. Juno was saddened by the loss of her servant so she gathered up his one hundred eyes and scattered them over the tail of her favorite bird, the peacock.
 |  Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678) - Mercurius en Argus - Grand Curtius Luik |
June’s birthstones are pearl, alexandrite and moonstone.
Pearls
Pearls were believed to be the tears of mythical creatures like the mermaid and nymphs; the treasures of dragons; and tears from the moon herself. Highly associated with the moon, pearls are considered feminine associated with nurturing, healing, happiness, innocence, honesty and integrity. They can be used in magic for relationships and commitments or can be worn to heighten intuition and imagination.
Pearls were believed to be the tears of mythical creatures like the mermaid and nymphs; the treasures of dragons; and tears from the moon herself. Highly associated with the moon, pearls are considered feminine associated with nurturing, healing, happiness, innocence, honesty and integrity. They can be used in magic for relationships and commitments or can be worn to heighten intuition and imagination.
Alexandrite
By the magic of science, Alexandrite is a color changing gem. In daylight it is a bluish-mossy green color and under lamplight it flashes a warm raspberry color. Alexandrite is believed to help bring a sense of calm and a peaceful state of mind to the wearer. It can attract joy, prosperity, good luck for gamblers, and boosts creativity and magnetism.
By the magic of science, Alexandrite is a color changing gem. In daylight it is a bluish-mossy green color and under lamplight it flashes a warm raspberry color. Alexandrite is believed to help bring a sense of calm and a peaceful state of mind to the wearer. It can attract joy, prosperity, good luck for gamblers, and boosts creativity and magnetism.
Moonstone
Ancient Romans considered the moonstone to be the solidified light of the moon herself. Wear to attune yourself to the natural rhythms of the moon, to attract true love, to enhance fertility, to settle disagreements in a relationship, and to arouse passions. Moonstone is also said to bring wonderful dreams at night.
Ancient Romans considered the moonstone to be the solidified light of the moon herself. Wear to attune yourself to the natural rhythms of the moon, to attract true love, to enhance fertility, to settle disagreements in a relationship, and to arouse passions. Moonstone is also said to bring wonderful dreams at night.
June’s flowers are rose and honeysuckle.
Rose
Roses have been in gardens for over 5000 years. It is said that the foam that dripped from the freshly born Aphrodite as she emerged from the sea turned into white roses and when she mourned over the body of Adonis, her tears turned the white roses red. Roses are highly prized for all love magic. Roses bring peace, love, and are empowering to the spirit.
Roses have been in gardens for over 5000 years. It is said that the foam that dripped from the freshly born Aphrodite as she emerged from the sea turned into white roses and when she mourned over the body of Adonis, her tears turned the white roses red. Roses are highly prized for all love magic. Roses bring peace, love, and are empowering to the spirit.
Honeysuckle
Since ancient time honeysuckle has been burned for prosperity within the home. It is also used in love magic and to induce dreams of love and passion. With its ability to cling to walls, honeysuckle is also known as ‘love bind’ and is symbolic of devotion.
Since ancient time honeysuckle has been burned for prosperity within the home. It is also used in love magic and to induce dreams of love and passion. With its ability to cling to walls, honeysuckle is also known as ‘love bind’ and is symbolic of devotion.
If you know someone born in the month of June,
their zodiac sign is either Gemini or Cancer.
their zodiac sign is either Gemini or Cancer.
Gemini
If someone is born before June 20th, their zodiac sign is Gemini. Traits for the Gemini are adventurous, have a love of variety, are charming, sociable, and quick-witted although, on occasion they can be talkative or bitingly sarcastic. Gemini’s are very independent yet can sometime throw caution to the wind. They are intelligent, adaptable, and confident yet can be unemotional, devious, and tend to take their own path.
If someone is born before June 20th, their zodiac sign is Gemini. Traits for the Gemini are adventurous, have a love of variety, are charming, sociable, and quick-witted although, on occasion they can be talkative or bitingly sarcastic. Gemini’s are very independent yet can sometime throw caution to the wind. They are intelligent, adaptable, and confident yet can be unemotional, devious, and tend to take their own path.
Cancer
If someone is born on or after June 21, they are a Cancer. Traits for Cancers include loving, loyal, and intuitive yet can be overemotional, clingy, and overly sensitive. They are self-motivated, natural leaders, and practical yet can side on controlling, bossy, or pessimistic. Cancers love helping others although can have a hard time trusting others. They love feeling secure but can tend to overreach on occasion. Cancers really enjoy the people they care about but aren’t fond of change.
If someone is born on or after June 21, they are a Cancer. Traits for Cancers include loving, loyal, and intuitive yet can be overemotional, clingy, and overly sensitive. They are self-motivated, natural leaders, and practical yet can side on controlling, bossy, or pessimistic. Cancers love helping others although can have a hard time trusting others. They love feeling secure but can tend to overreach on occasion. Cancers really enjoy the people they care about but aren’t fond of change.
Join Inner Circle Sanctuary for an
Introduction To Our Coven
SATURDAY, June 10, 2017 from 6pm - 9pm
In years past, when we were an open and public Temple, we held introduction classes before the start of a new class. There was a sign-up sheet hanging on the perfumed walls of the Bell, Book, and Candle and people would list their names and phone numbers when they felt it was time to check out a genuine witchcraft class. The week before an open night, actual phone calls were made to invite the sign up sheet to join us. Anyone who signed up was invited to come, sit, and learn about who we were and how we did things.
On Saturday, June 10 from 6pm to 9pm, we return to our roots.
If you are curious about who we are and how we operate OR if you are interested in petitioning to join our Wicca group and classes;
Come Join Us.
Subjects we will cover:
The history of Inner Circle Sanctuary
How ICS has evolved over the years
What is Wicca
What we teach
The magical name
The magical tools needed to start classes
Our textbooks
How to become a member/student
What we offer as a group
What we expect from a member/student
What to expect if you are accepted as a member/student
And as an added bonus, we will demonstrate our basic ritual ring.
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/inner-circle-sanctuary-intro
https://www.facebook.com/events/1807419629475587/
On Saturday, June 10 from 6pm to 9pm, we return to our roots.
If you are curious about who we are and how we operate OR if you are interested in petitioning to join our Wicca group and classes;
Come Join Us.
Subjects we will cover:
The history of Inner Circle Sanctuary
How ICS has evolved over the years
What is Wicca
What we teach
The magical name
The magical tools needed to start classes
Our textbooks
How to become a member/student
What we offer as a group
What we expect from a member/student
What to expect if you are accepted as a member/student
And as an added bonus, we will demonstrate our basic ritual ring.
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/inner-circle-sanctuary-intro
https://www.facebook.com/events/1807419629475587/
Stay Tuned for Inner Circle Sanctuary's
Midsummer Newsletter!
Midsummer Newsletter!
PAGAN BREAD-MAKING DEMONSTRATION & TASTING
Presented by Inner Circle Sanctuary
Saturday, July 15, 2017
6 PM - 9 PM
This event is RSVP only.
Please email us at innercirclesanctuary@gmail.com for location details.
$10 donation
or bring what you can afford.
Just about every Wiccan ritual and festival calls for wine & cakes or wine & bread. We'll present some pagan holiday bread recipes, how to weave and design breads, and we'll have some fabulous breads to taste and for purchase.
It's potluck; please bring food to share.
This is an RSVP ONLY event. Please message us for the location.
Join us on our Facebook invite for bread tidbits until the event. Click here.
This is an RSVP ONLY event. Please message us for the location.
Join us on our Facebook invite for bread tidbits until the event. Click here.
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Inner Circle Sanctuary
Inner Circle Sanctuary is a school for traditional style Wicca and holds eight sabbat festivals every year.
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Inner Circle Sanctuary
An Eclectic Traditional Oath-bound, Initiatory Wiccan Coven |
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