We posted a meme recently, the punchline of which being our nightly practice of Witchcraft. Funny and cute (I mean who doesn't like Pinky and The Brain) but true. On any given week, we have Online First Year Class on Monday, live First Year Class on Tuesday, New Student Class online Wednesday, live Second Year Class Thursday, Elders on Friday, and live First Year Class on Sunday Morning. We have one Public Event a month (at least) on Saturday, plus other special events. We have a Sabbat Practice the Sunday before every Sabbat. In between, we do other public events, Initiations, and Rites Of Passage. And our Elders and Coveners have their individual practices to attend to as well. As Thorn Mooney said in one of her excellent videos, [You are still a Solitary Witch even when you are a member of a Coven.] I paraphrase, but you get the gist. This is how Lady Morgana and Lord Mordred did it, and we carry their Lineage. It is our way of life, it is our honor, and it is our responsibility. It is also as convenient for students (Lady Morgana would call us Witchlings; how I miss that!) as we can make it. Notice I didn't say easy- "but if it was easy, it wouldn't be cool." by Lord Tanys 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 Thanksgiving Edition 2022 I am very thankful Wicca is my way of life. I am particularly thankful for Lady Morgana’s Tradition, which we carry on to this day, and into the future. I am thankful for this Coven, Inner Circle Sanctuary, which is made up of so many wonderful people, new and long term, from so many different backgrounds, who make us the hardcore, hard working, proud Coven that we are. There’s a lot to unpack in the preceding statement. Wicca is so widespread now, so recognized, it may be easy to forget that it wasn’t always that way. It certainly wasn’t that way in the 90s even, in Family Court, when I had to teach the Family Specialists and even the judge about it, while fighting for custody of my son. It certainly wasn’t when our founder, Lady Morgana, started teaching her brand of Witchcraft to the public, and established Temple Of The Inner Circle. I am so thankful that Wicca is so widespread now, and so recognized- as it should be! We are sometimes asked what Tradition we are, and we have sometimes joked around with trying to create a clever “-ian” type of name for us, but realistically, our Tradition is the Inner Circle, the Mystical Dragons- names chosen by the “first brood” of TOTIC students, and approved by Lady Morgana. Although we had two beloved Gardnerians as Elders (Lady Pandora and Lord Loki) we are not Gardnerian. Although we use A Witches Bible by Janet and Stewart Farrar as our first year textbook, we are not Alexandrian. We are Lady Morgana’s people. While generations come and go, and members come and go, Lady Morgana’s Tradition continues thanks to its members. Our members are hardcore. Does that seem an odd descriptor for a Wiccan? Does that not fit with your understanding of Wicca? Hardcore describes us to a T. One of our mottoes is Wicca To Be Proud Of and that takes hard work. Lots of it. Years of it. But the funny thing is when you love it, as we do, it doesn’t seem like work. It never gets old. I get as excited for each class and each Sabbat as I ever have. I am very proud of our Tradition, Lady Morgana’s Tradition, and all of our Coveners, of every degree. I also hear from Temple members who continue to practice as Lady Morgana taught us, and am very thankful for that. It is a rich Tradition, a deep Tradition, that constantly reveals its brilliance to me, and clearly to those people who see it as a way of life. While never “Bastardizing the Craft” as Lady Morgana put it, Temple Of the Inner Circle evolved over time, and Inner Circle Sanctuary continued this evolution. It is a very well thought out Tradition, both through research and practice, tradition and experimentation. Lady Morgana defined Wicca as “a disciplined philosophy” and this continues to be our modus operandi. We teach six days a week, have a public lecture at least once a month, and of course celebrate every Sabbat. In between, we practice, perform Initiations, Handfastings, Requiems and other rites of passage. And alone, our members are expected to have a consistent daily magical practice. Lady Morgana’s opening line in new student class back in the Temple days was “Sooo, you vant to be vitches?” in a glorious, over the top German accent. I knew I did. I still do. You may notice I use Wicca, Witch, and Pagan almost interchangeably. This is intentional. Not necessarily to piss certain people off (though this is a happy benefit) but because we are. Our practice consists of all of these (and more), to the point where silly limitations disappear, and all are one for achieving mystical and magical results. This is the way we were raised, and I am VERY thankful for it. I am very thankful for Inner Circle Sanctuary. I am very thankful for Temple Of the Inner Circle. The former being my life’s work, the latter being my true Alma Mater. If you are Wiccan, I hope you are proud of your practice, and thankful for Wicca. I know I am. Lord Tanys 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 Interested in attending our 2022 Apotheosis Day Celebration? See our invite here: https://www.facebook.com/events/383979890543121 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. But why “Apotheosis Day” you ask? Why not just “Dead Elders Day?” (I like it - sounds like a Punk Band!)
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 Originally posted 07/01/2021 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. Originally posted 03/25/2020 Tarostar has crossed the veil. March 25, 1942 - April 27, 2022 - May 30, 2022 This weekend marked the 30 day Ceremony commemorating one of the last OG Vegas Witches from the late 60s/early 70s Tarostar. People from all over North America attended. The following day was a live memorial in his adopted Canada, and was a beautiful event. This is the piece I sent to be read: TAROSTAR The Magical community of Las Vegas is built on the foundations laid by Tarostar and his magical companions, who are larger than life to those Witches here who know a bit of local history. History is a rare thing in Las Vegas, a town that is constantly reinventing itself. Stability as well is hard to find. Tarostar thankfully gives us a sense of both. My late High Priestess Lady Morgana spoke fondly about him, and I particularly recall her tales of the rented halls he would use for the Hallowmas Dumb Supper. I was of course duly impressed! His website rounded out my own Vegas Magical History education, and there is a special feeling knowing I have been to several of the places he mentioned, and met some of the people he wrote about. But alas, I never met Tarostar in person. I am eternally grateful for my dear friend Kate Russell, who put me in contact with him. I tried, to no avail, to not fan boy out in our conversations. Fortunately for me he was very gracious, informative, and even agreed to be interviewed. I know him mostly from his books, which are so unique and awesome! As Kate told me originally, the many spells that fill his books were written for clients with a specific need. Knowing Las Vegas people, it was so obvious once she pointed it out! I can easily imagine Tarostar reaching for the oils and herbs to dress the candles and give the directions to the would-be spell worker. His books on the religion of the Craft are the most dear to me. What an incredible body of wisdom and practice he gave to us. The books for the Solo Witch, the three person Chamber of Hecate, and the Sacred Pentagraph Tradition are the clearest, most complete out there. What an amazing body of work! Through these I came in contact with Thorn Nightwind, who is so inspirational, such a good leader, and is such a perfect person for keeping the Sacred Pentagraph Tradition alive and thriving. He gives me hope for the future. Tarostar was rather surprised when I told him that my late High Priestess Lady Morgana had used the corporate documents for his All Saints Church of Mystic Science for her own Witchcraft church, Temple of the Inner Circle, in 1991. That Temple became our Coven, Inner Circle Sanctuary, in 2014. The original documents from 1976 are a tangible link to the Man and what he started here, are a connection to him, and we cherish them. Our Coven still works material Tarostar wrote, including spells and some ritual lines such as the Invocation to Hecate from A Book Of Shadows. My memories of Bell Book & Candle (where I got my magical start) and Psychic Eye shops are charged with his presence. The power of place is evident to me whenever I am near the places in which he Worked. I am very thankful for you, our Siblings to the North, who made Tarostar so welcome and supported him for so many years. Thankful and a little bit envious to be honest! Our Magical Community in Las Vegas and indeed, our Coven Tradition would not be the same without Tarostar. He looms large in our collective spirit. He inspires us to more. And his spirit lives on. We love you and thank you Tarostar. Blessed Be. Tanys https://witchworld109.com/main_page.html Interview with Tarostar | Inner Circle Sanctuary https://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/interview-with-tarostar-occult-author Interview with Kate (Lady Iris) Aug 2019 (Audio Only) - Inner Circle Sanctuary https://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/interview-with-kate-lady-iris Happy Birthday, Tarostar! Or as we often refer to him: “The Man”. Today, March 25, we honor this incredible Witch, Author, and Craft Elder, who has touched the lives of so many people. Whether you have gotten readings from him, or magical supplies, or read one of his many books, or are a Sacred Pentagraph member, or putting his Sacred Pentagraph Lodge-Style Wicca system to work for you, many thanks are owed to this dedicated, hard working man! Here in Las Vegas, Tarostar perfected his Craft at the original Bell, Book and Candle, and running his own store, Ye Olde Herb Doctor. As our mutual friend Lady Iris describes, many of the spells in Tarostar’s books come from customer requests for magical solutions to the real life issues they had. Anyone who has read his books, can see how serious some of these issues were. "A classic occult curmudgeon, Tarostar's no-nonsense practical application approach to the Craft, his written legacy and role modeling of life as lesson is cherished by those who love his wit, follow his blazed trail and find themselves more self aware and deeply engaged in the inner occult path as a result. He is a true Elder in every sense of the word." Lady Iris Love and Money, Luck and Revenge, were all aspects of life for which Tarostar crafted spells. And they got results. And whether you do the spells, or just read them, Tarostar’s rhymes, diagrams, and attitude make them so FUN! In 1976 Tarostar did the coolest thing: he incorporated the All Saints Church Of Mystic Science with the State of Nevada, putting Witchcraft and Magick on the same playing field as other religions. This would have the ripple effect not only of bringing respect to Witchcraft, but fast forwarding several years, the All Saints Church Of Mystic Science doing business as (dba) Temple of the Inner Circle, would again teach Witchcraft to the public, and was the parent organization of Inner Circle Sanctuary. Speaking of the religion of Wicca, Tarostar also created the Sacred Pentagraph Tradition. This Lodge Style tradition of Craft working is a monumental achievement. And fortunately, he has written it all down for us to use. These incredible documents can be found at http://witchworld109.com/main_page.html and in two beautiful books called The Sacred Pentagraph. So really, Tarostar has thought of it all, and written it out for us. He wrote spellbooks for people who need practical results. He wrote a book I hope to see republished soon- “Sabbat Ceremonies for Solo Witches”. For a group of three, there are the “Chamber of Hecate” rituals found in his Book of Shadows. And of course, an incredible wealth of material in the Sacred Pentagraph books awaits any group of people ready to do work seriously cool Witchcraft. “Tarostar V* is not just an Elder who has passed down tried and true occult wisdom to us through the lodge-based system we know, love and hold dearly as the Sacred Pentagraph Tradition, but is such a trusted friend and teacher. He has been the most impactful teacher I’ve had on my Wiccan & occult journey and my life has forever changed in the most magical of ways. Today, the legacy of Sacred Pentagraph has continued and is honored by many generations of practitioners stemming from our coven and his teachings. Happy Bday Tarostar!” -Matt, High Priest IV* from the Wolfa Coven of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. https://covenofthewolfa.wordpress.com/ Tarostar is still working Magick and doing readings for clients in Canada. He is active on facebook, and of course you can read more about him in his own words at his website http://witchworld109.com/main_page.html Happy Birthday Tarostar! We love you!
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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.
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 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 |
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Inner Circle Sanctuary
An Eclectic Traditionalist Oath-bound, Initiatory Wiccan Coven |
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