Category: Inner Circle Sanctuary

Imbolg Sabbat

7/8/2021

Imbolg Sabbat
-by Lord Tanys

Imbolg is a very important Sabbat for me, not only because it is so awesome a time in itself, but because it marks several firsts for me.

Brighid's Bed circa 1997 Imbolg Sabbat 2021 Inner Circle Sanctuary

A Brighid's Bed c. 1997

I started my magical path as so many do, as a Solitary, with very eclectic practices. I began practicing Ceremonial Magick, and Witchcraft. I was in a dorm room on Nellis Air Force Base, and thanks to my gig with NAFB Honor Guard, was given a room to myself.
I did many of the exercises I found in my Wicca books, and some spells, but I don’t recall doing any Sabbats- if only I had kept a journal.

My first recollection of performing a Sabbat then, would be Imbolg 1991, with my soon-to-be first wife. I believe the Ritual itself was mainly a mix of Scott Cunningham and the Farrars. And wouldn’t you know my wonderful son was born in October of that year. “In the belly” (one of the more popularly understood meanings of the name of this Sabbat) indeed!

When I joined classes in the Temple of the Inner Circle, with our Founders Lady Morgana and Lord Mordred as my teachers was when my Witchcraft really kicked into overdrive. My first Sabbat with TOTIC was in fact Imbolg, with Lady Rochelle and Lord Karonis as the High Priestess and High Priest of the Ring. Our Sabbats have always been led by students, and after taking part in this particular one, my view of the seasonal practices of Wicca would never be the same.

We were in the desert near the lake and the glow of the fires lit strange shadows on all the rocky walls around us. The standard Sabbat set up for us in those pre-drought days included a fire in every quarter, and in the center, and one for Elders’ Row and one for Guests’ Row. The ring was immense, marked by a long rope, and even larger than the ring we had practiced in the weekend before in Lady Morgana’s front yard.

Lord Karonis was resplendent in the Black and Green robe of a First Degree Initiate, wearing a hugely horned helmet, and as he lit the Center Fire with a plumber’s torch, I thought to myself (and not for the first time in my burgeoning TOTIC career) “Wow, these people really know what they’re doing.” And when Lord Karonis delivers his lines, he proves this over and over again.

I remember Lady Rochelle also being an incredible earthly representative of the Goddess, in her robes and finery, and her voice ringing out into the night and one of the most Witchy deliveries I have ever heard. It gave me chills. Thankfully I got to see her do it again at Spring Equinox. These two were incredible leaders, and made my first Sabbat with Temple of the Inner Circle not only a game changer, but set the bar very high for Sabbat performance, which is a bar that to this day we try to reach and exceed.

“Wow, these people really know
what they’re doing.”

The beautiful thing about keeping to a Tradition, is that every time a Sabbat is done, it brings back memories, emotions, and Magick from Rings gone by. You can call it tapping in, or linking; Lady Morgana called it recharging your batteries. And it does.

As I read one of our Students’ essays, I was particularly struck by her description of the effect on her brought about by the sound of the High Priestess’ sword on the gravelly ground as she cast a more recent Ring. I could hear it in my memory, and it had that similar effect on me as I sat reading about it. In 1995, Lady Morgana’s yard, casting the Ring for practice, the sword pierced the grass, and wasn’t very audible. But a week later, in the desert at night, that sound was electrifying.

Brighid's Bed c. 1997

Imbolg is one of the two times the High Priest of the Ring delivers the Charge of the Goddess. The slight changes in Grammar are very interesting, as is the energy of the person filling the High Priest role. At one point in the Ritual, six people embody different aspects of the Divine, as three Goddesses and three Gods. When the Crown of Lights is “lit” on the head of the Mother Goddess, it is quite spectacular. Entrancing is the procession of those Goddesses, led by the Maiden Goddess as She sweeps away bad from the rest of the Solar Year, while the Coven chants.

We make an offering to the Goddess in the form of Brighid’s Bed. This is a beautiful piece of work crafted by the High Priestess of the Ring, and the Maiden. People sometimes ask why we would burn such a beautiful thing in our Center Fire. It is our belief that offerings to the Divine should absolutely be the best thing we can bring, afford, or make.

Similarly, Ritual as we practice our Sabbat Rituals, can be seen as an offering of the best things in ourselves we can offer the Gods.

As Lord Mordred would say, “It’s what we do.”

Follow Inner Circle Sanctuary on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

If you are interested in learning more about us,
please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

If you are interested in joining our classes,
please start with our questionnaire here.

Want to see how we do things? Try out a sample test:
Follow this link to a Google Doc: https://forms.gle/7oaQ5GF3d8k4CsA37

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Apotheosis Day with ICS

7/1/2021

Interested in attending our 2021 Apotheosis Day Celebration? See our invite here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/573747590315537

Apotheosis noun, uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis
1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god 2. the ideal example; epitome; quintessence:
This poem is the apotheosis of lyric expression.
From dictionary.com

Sounds nice doesn’t it? Like Imhotep, Amenhotep son of Hapu, and Antinous, who were once commoners, but were so well loved by Kings and an Emperor, were elevated to Godhood.

(Imhotep - "the one who comes in peace" - was an Egyptian chancellor to the pharaoh Djoser, probable architect of the Djoser's step pyramid, and high priest of the sun god Ra at Heliopolis. Very little is known of Imhotep as a historical figure, but in the 3000 years following his death, he was gradually glorified and deified. wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imhotep)

The Apotheosis of Washington in the eye of the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. Architect of the Capitol. https://www.flickr.com/photos/uscapitol/6082318543

Or as in the painting “The Apotheosis of George Washington” which graces the inside of the dome of the United States Capital building. I first read about this in a Dan Brown novel - you know, the one about the Freemasons.

Anyway, it’s a good thing, Apotheosis. And from our mortal, commoner point of view, it’s a very respectful thing. We here at ICS have been celebrating our Founders’ birthdays every year, even after their departure for the Summerlands. We continue to do so, but we also looked around and acknowledged that we ain’t getting any younger either, and someday, there may be just too many Founders and Elders rockin’ the Underworld to celebrate all their first days of this incarnation.

So, much like Washington and Lincoln sharing a Holy Day to celebrate their lives, we decided to commence celebrating Morganamas as "The Holy Day" for all our beloved Inner Circle Founders, and someday, Elders.

But why “Apotheosis Day” you ask? Why not just “Dead Elders Day?” (I like it - sounds like a Punk Band!)

Why not? I mean, why are we here? Why are we doing Magick if not to recognize and utilize our inherent Divinity? It is certainly a worthy goal, to become Divine, as I am sure you agree.
As a wise old Punk says, “If you don’t like it, I hope it pisses you off.”
Because it sounds so cool!

There you have it. It’s a little peek into the inner workings of Inner Circle Sanctuary. As with so many things we do, it can be explained by one of three ways: Traditional, Magical, or Practical. In this case it’s all three.

We feel close to our Lady and Lord, even though they are operating on other planes of existence, much like Gods. The ties that bind us to them are strong, and strengthen us, our rituals, and our magick. We hear their voices (sometimes laughing, sometimes chewing us out) and feel their presence.

As the saying goes (quoting Starhawk, I believe) “What is remembered, lives” and we know this is true. It’s a lot of laughs, food, and fond memories on Apotheosis Day. At Samhain, at least the way we observe Samhain, it’s quite different.

May we all achieve Apotheosis, if not in or at the end of this incarnation, then hopefully the next. And may those we leave behind celebrate our existence on this Earth after we have left Her.

Lord Tanys
High Priest, Inner Circle Sanctuary

Charity Donations 2020

2/18/2021

Inner Circle Sanctuary and it's members are so proud to have donated funds to the Las Vegas and the World community in 2020. Donations totaling $8,220.91 were given to:

America’s Vet Dogs (https://www.vetdogs.org/) placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to those who have served our country honorably
Armenia Fund (https://ArmeniaFund.org ) Providing Humanitarian, Civilian & Medical Relief To Artsakh
Barn Buddies Rescue (https://barnbuddiesrescue.org/) is dedicated to the rescue of abused, neglected, or abandoned farm animals. We provide housing, rehabilitation, and holistic care for abused farm animals. We also offer educational services that promote safe habitats and care of farm animals in the valley.
Broadway in the Hood (http://www.broadwayinthehood.org/) provides educational training in the theatre arts to youths ranging from 10 to 20 years old
The Center for Suicide Awareness (https://centerforsuicideawareness.org/) dedicated to preventing suicide through proactive education, training, emotional support, collaboration, and intervention
Cornerstone Mission on Project, Inc (http://www.cornerstonemissionaz.org/)
Covid 19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/donate) goes towards funding the activities of the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (https://www.cff.org/give-monthly/) to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (https://gorillafund.org/) fully dedicated to gorilla conservation
Dream Big Nevada (https://dreambignv.org/) provides aid to Nevada’s immigrant families
Furgotten Friends Dog Rescue Inc. (http://furgottenfriendsdogrescue.org/) dedicated to finding furever homes for the dogs in our rescue
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, Inc (https://thecenterlv.org/) furthers the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community
Gender Justice Nevada (http://genderjusticenv.org/) is dedicated to an intersectional approach to changing law, policy, and attitudes so that all Nevadans can live safely, authentically and free from fear, violence and mistreatment regardless of their sex/gender identity or expression.
Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions (https://homewardboundcats.org/) a modern, free-roaming adoption center minimizing the stress of homeless cats so it's easier to find them loving families
Kingman Aid to Abused People (https://housing.az.gov/kingman-aid-abused-people-kaap) 20 emergency beds for domestic violence victims; counseling; homeless beds when available; clothing; advocates in court; some monetary assistance to shelter clients
Kingman Area Food Bank (http://kingmancares.org/kingman-area-food-bank/index.htm)
Las Vegas Freedom Fund via Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/vegasfreedomfund) post bail for people who are forced to stay in because they cannot afford bail (BLM protesters)
Las Vegas Natural History Museum (https://www.lvnhm.org/) a museum promoting an appreciation and understanding of global life forms, past and present
Nevada Public Radio (https://knpr.org/) an independent, not-for-profit, public benefit corporation enhancing the quality of life and fostering civic engagement by informing, educating and inspiring audiences.
Nevada SPCA (https://nevadaspca.org/) 27th provides shelter and care for homeless pets.
A Path 4 Paws Dog Rescue (http://ap4p.petfinder.com) rescues all breeds of dogs to give them a second chance at finding a loving home.
Safenest (https://safenest.org/) shelter for residents and anyone who may be experiencing abuse
The Shade Tree (https://www.theshadetree.org/) provides safe shelter to homeless and abused women & children in crisis.
Three Square (https://www.threesquare.org/) provides food to hungry people
UUCLV - Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas (https://www.uuclv.org/) a religious community where people of diverse ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, and religious beliefs covenant to affirm and promote the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism.
Vegas PBS (https://www.vegaspbs.org/) public television
Wikimedia (https://wikimediafoundation.org/support/) protects the human right to free and open knowledge for everyone.

We look forward to see what we can do in 2021!

Our policy is that whenever we collect any money for an event,
it is donated to the house in which we had the event in. After the March lockdown to reduce the transmission of Covid-19, we moved everything to Zoom but still had safe-distanced pick-up drops for workshop supplies. Thank you to UUCLV for allowing us to hold our drop pick-ups at their physical location.

Our students are never required to "pay" for classes, however, we ask for non-compulsory dues from members. At the first year level, these dues total $15 for classes monthly and an additional $30 for each sabbat. The student can give cash to their instructors, who in turn puts it in the next sabbat envelope (which is usually given to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum) or the student is free to donate monthly to an organization they believe in and want to help. All we ask for is the receipt of that donation. This is why there is so much diversity in our donations.

We get three questions over and over and over again.
This is the most common. Read about the two others here: About US

Follow Inner Circle Sanctuary on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.

If you are interested in learning more about us,
please don't hesitate to Contact Us.

If you are interested in Joining our classes,
please start with our questionnaire here.

Want to see how we do things? Try out a sample test:
Follow this link to a Google Doc: https://forms.gle/7oaQ5GF3d8k4CsA37

The State of Inner Circle Sanctuary 2021

12/6/2020

What a long way Inner Circle Sanctuary has come in six years. Our Coven has grown, even in the time of Covid, as have our activities, both private and public. Our Sabbat practices and Sabbat Rituals continue to be excellent, magical, and communal. We hold six classes a week, and in between these classes, the Elders interview potential new students, plan our activities, and continually edit our materials. Our planning also includes planning for the long term, as we try to leave as little to chance as possible.

Over the past few years, our people, and friends who have attended our events have donated several thousands of dollars to charitable organizations, demonstrating Inner Circle Sanctuary’s commitment to the greater community.

Our public lectures and other outreach have been beneficial to the public’s understanding of Witchcraft/Wicca. Inner Circle Sanctuary has been on TV and one of our most talented Elders, Lady Sisterwolf was interviewed for the piece. We are very thankful the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Fox 5, and Henderson International School have given us the opportunity to edify the public regarding our religion and practices.

Now that the “State of the Sanctuary” has been addressed, please bear with me as I describe how we got here.

2021 ICS Monthly Public Events

11/7/2020

More details to come. All these events are scheduled as online events. If that changes, we'll be sure to let you know.

January 16, 2021 - Corn Dolly Crafting
February 20, 2021 - Introduction to the Runes
March 27, 2021 - Spell Bags
April 17, 2021 - Familiars Lecture
May 15, 2021 - Everyday Witchery
June 26, 2021 - Introduction to the Tarot
July 17, 2021 - Bread Magic and Baking
August 7, 2021 - Apotheosis Day
August 21, 2021 - Candle Magic
September 11, 2021 - How to Give a Hand Job: Introduction to Palmistry
October 16, 2021 - Hexes, Jinxes, and the Evil Eye
November 13, 2021 - Witchcraft on a Budget (Subject to change depending on Pagan Pride Day)
December 4, 2021 - Yule Log Crafting

#InnerCircleSanctuary #ICSEvents #Wicca #witchcraft

Mercury Retrograde Spell

10/19/2020

The way Inner Circle Sanctuary lives with Mercury Retrograde is to stay in touch with Him, via Candle Magick.

In this case, we use a Blue Candle, Mercury Oil, and draw/inscribe His Planetary Glyph and Rad (symbol of three diamonds) on it.

-For Jar Candles, this Rad can/should be carved into the wax.
With Mercury Oil, we anoint the top counter-clockwise, because He appears to be moving backwards through the heavens. This is NOT a Reversing Spell, but to stay close to Him.

-If one uses Pillar or Household Candles, we suggest anointing towards one’s self, for the same purpose.

We light these candles during Mercury Retrograde, and until He is out of His shadow - when He reaches the point where Retrograde started.

****Never Leave Candles Burning Unattended!*****

Ours is a Candle Shop Tradition when it comes to spellwork, namely from Bell Book and Candle, and Cat n Cauldron, which were both home to the Temple of the Inner Circle, headed by Lady Morgana and Lord Mordred. Bell Book and Candle was the oldest Occult Shop in Las Vegas, and had its own deep roots through Tarostar and Charmaine Dey.

Read our post about what is Mercury Retrograde: https://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/mercury-retrograde

Let's Talk About Witchcraft Event

8/28/2020

Let's Talk About Witchcraft
Q & A with Inner Circle Sanctuary
Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 6 - 9 PM

Join ICS for an open discussion about what it’s like being part of a coven during a time of isolation and forced solitary practice.

Being part of a coven doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not a solitary witch. Our coven members and students are taught how to practice on their own and be successful solitary witches, even though they are part of a large group. Group magic is fulfilling and powerful, but you can be just as effective when working by yourself.

Interviews with Inner Circle Sanctuary

7/27/2020

Audio of interviews conducted
by Inner Circle Sanctuary

Originally posted on July 24, 2020

Tarostar Interview with Inner Circle Sanctuary
Click on this link to listen or right click to downloadhttps://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/uploads/2/2/5/0/22502950/tarostar_interview_by_inner_circle_sanctuary.mp3

Tarostar is a well known and beloved author, leader of several Wiccan/Pagan Communities, and was an original mover and shaker of the Occult community here in Las Vegas Nevada.

He resides in Canada, and still reads for clients at The Occult Shop in Toronto. Tarostar can be contacted at tarostar@ymail.com and is on facebook.

Read about Tarostar and download his incredible Sacred Pentagraph books at http://witchworld109.com/main_page.html

Tarostar’s Sacred Pentagraph Tradition can be found at https://www.facebook.com/sacredpentagraph/

Erin Lale Interview by Inner Circle Sanctuary
Click on this link to listen or right click to downloadhttps://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/uploads/2/2/5/0/22502950/erin_lale_interview_by_inner_circle_sanctuary.mp3

ERIN LALE (Author, Editor, Artist, Gythia)
Author of Asatru: A Beginner’s Guide to the Heathen Path

Erin is the originator of the Time Yarns Universe. Her most famous book is Asatru For Beginners. An updated, longer version is coming August 1, 2020 titled Asatru: A Beginner's Guide to the Heathen Path.

Lale is an official blogger for Witches & Pagans Magazine on Pagansquare, reviews books for Eternal Haunted Summer Magazine, and is the originator of the Heathen Visibility Project.

Find all her links here on her new website: http://www.erinlaleauthor.com/

Lady Joyanna Interview by Inner Circle Sanctuary
Click on this link to listen or right click to downloadhttps://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/uploads/2/2/5/0/22502950/lady_joyanna_interview_by_inner_circle_sanctuary.mp3

Inner Circle Sanctuary interviews their own High Priestess, Lady Joyanna. February 2020

Candace Ross, Resident Priestess, Sekhmet Temple Interview by Inner Circle Sanctuary
Click on this link to listen or right click to downloadhttps://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/uploads/2/2/5/0/22502950/candace_ross_resident_priestess_sekhmet_interview_by_inner_circle_sanctuary.mp3

An interview with Candace Ross, Resident Priestess of the Temple of Goddess Spirituality dedicated to Sekhmet by Inner Circle Sanctuary's Lord Tanys, Yule 2019.

In 1993, on Highway 95 in Nevada, in the tiny oasis of Cactus Springs, a plot of land owned by the Western Shoshone is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Goddess, Sekhmet. Candace Ross, since 2007, has taken care of the grounds AND SO MUCH MORE.

Pagans from all over southern Nevada and beyond revel when they are able to visit the site. 600 people donating 10 dollars a month will guarantee the Temple of Sekhmet financial stability.

Since this interview, a lot has happened. Click here to read more.

Kate (Lady Iris) Interview by Inner Circle Sanctuary
Click on this link to listen or right click to downloadhttps://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/uploads/2/2/5/0/22502950/kate_lady_iris_interview_by_inner_circle_sanctuary-08-2019.mp3

Aug 2019-Kate (aka Lady Iris) stops by Tanystown to talk about her magical journey of Wicca and Witchcraft, Tarostar, and Aurum Solis.

Correction: the Coven mentioned is Coven of the Wolfa, and can be found at covenofthewolfa.wordpress.com as can the Sacred Pentagraph Tradition, and Horsa Coven. Also of interest is galawitchcraft.com. Tarostar's website is: witchworld109.com. Aurum Solis is found at: aurumsolis.org

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News, Updates, & Information

Imbolg Sabbat

Imbolg Sabbat
-by Lord Tanys

“Wow, these people really know
what they’re doing.”

Apotheosis Day with ICS

Charity Donations 2020

Inner Circle Sanctuary and it's members are so proud to have donated funds to the Las Vegas and the World community in 2020. Donations totaling $8,220.91 were given to:

The State of Inner Circle Sanctuary 2021

2021 ICS Monthly Public Events

Mercury Retrograde Spell

Let's Talk About Witchcraft Event

Let's Talk About Witchcraft
Q & A with Inner Circle Sanctuary
Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 6 - 9 PM

Interviews with Inner Circle Sanctuary

Audio of interviews conducted
by Inner Circle Sanctuary

Inner Circle Sanctuary

Categories

Archives

News, Updates, & Information

Imbolg Sabbat-by Lord Tanys

“Wow, these people really knowwhat they’re doing.”

Inner Circle Sanctuary and it's members are so proud to have donated funds to the Las Vegas and the World community in 2020. Donations totaling $8,220.91​ were given to:

Let's Talk About Witchcraft​Q & A with Inner Circle Sanctuary ​Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 6 - 9 PM

Audio of interviews conductedby Inner Circle Sanctuary

Inner Circle Sanctuary

Categories

Archives

Subscribe to our mailing list

Imbolg Sabbat
-by Lord Tanys

“Wow, these people really know
what they’re doing.”

Inner Circle Sanctuary and it's members are so proud to have donated funds to the Las Vegas and the World community in 2020. Donations totaling $8,220.91 were given to:

Let's Talk About Witchcraft
Q & A with Inner Circle Sanctuary
Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 6 - 9 PM

Audio of interviews conducted
by Inner Circle Sanctuary