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Improvise! Adapt! Overcome! has long been a motto of Inner Circle Sanctuary. That motto was put to the test recently with the viral outbreak of COVID19.
As state and federal officials were calling for self-isolation, many events locally, as well as throughout the country were cancelled. Non-essential businesses were closing doors, people were asked to go home and if you didn’t have to go out, then #stayhome. Inner Circle Sanctuary is very good at keeping up with local and world events and the Elders were watching with a careful eye, to see how all of this would unfold. Our coven members’ safety is our first priority and with the implementation of social distancing for the next 30 days as ordered by our governor, our Ostara sabbat fell smack dab in the middle. For those who like to search out "obscure" holidays, today would be considered one. Unless you're a Wiccan, of course. March is the beginning of the fertility season; it makes sense! So even though we cannot find the "origin": of who made March 18th the day of the Goddess of Fertility, we are glad we found it.  Fertility GoddessesClick on any photo for a larger version. Click on the description for the link to the source.    
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Did you know that the observance of the 'New Year' was once dictated by the outbreak of Spring which 'seemingly' happened to coincide with the moment the Sun crossed the celestial equator from south to north? For many cultures, the Spring Equinox is the start of a new year; a fresh start; a new beginning.
 The advent of two new members joining our small congregation allowed us to experience the newness of a sabbat again. The nervousness, the ceaseless smiles, the frenzied excitation... it hearkened us back to our own first times with this new group. Sometimes the emotional tension is not displayed so readily, which is why we love being able to read the journal experiences our members are required to write after every sabbat.
 The newness of the season, the new students, the sightings of new gorgeous growth and the abundance of fauna in our desert gladdened our many hearts. Our ring was set up quickly and deftly and the members were able to relax and commune before the ritual began. Many explored the sights, nooks, and crannies of our sabbat site. Some napped, some were swept up with family and friend fellowships, and others enjoyed the quietness of the escape from the Las Vegas urban landscape.
 As the sun set, the announcement of the approach of our High Priestess Lady Joyanna and High Priest Lord Tanys rang through the air starting the ceremony. Lady Ravenfeather swept the ring and Lady Nashoba and Lord Tanys took their places as the leaders of the ritual. Everyone gave their blessings for the potted seeds and a new, fresh poem from Lady Sistterwolf debuted. After the magical ring was taken down, we crowned Lady Ravenfeather as the Spring Queen and were delighted with all the attending males giving her the five-fold kiss to honor her. We ate the decorated eggs and drank the wondrous mead in celebration. After ring festivities graced us with a haunting song, a fire dance, poetry, stories, and jokes lending to another exceptional sabbat celebrated.
A note about sacrifice...The High Priestess for our sabbat spent a few weeks creating a wheel of the year for her sabbat altar. It was remarkable and everyone took their time in admiring it.  At sabbat's end, Lady Nashoba placed the piece into the holy fire and gave it to the Gods. There was a bit of shock from some of our younger (and older) members. The concept of sacrifice is something we cover during our sabbat chapters for there are many. The Bridhe's Bed at Imbolg, the Maypole and flower crown at Bealtaine, the best (first) fruits at harvest, etc. On a personal note, this kind of offering is my favorite: a hand wrought gift with the deities in mind as they are being made.
Blessed Be, Lady Atheona Ostara Sabbat 2016 High Priestess: Lady Irydeean High Priest: Lord Tanys A wondrous celebration! High Priestess Lady Irydeean leads her last sabbat with us. Lady Sive is crowned the Spring Queen. Summoner Lord Rand and Maiden Lady Ravenfeather receive the Gold and Scarlet egg, respectively.
Ostara / Spring Equinox Sabbat 2015
High Priestess: Lady Celeste High Priest: Lord Tanys |
Inner Circle SanctuaryInner 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 Traditionalist Oath-bound, Initiatory Wiccan Coven |
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