Circle of the Sphinx

Oxford, UK

The Circle of the Sphinx was established at Lughnasad 2003, by Lady Eliana and Lord Thoth in Oxford. The Circle of the Sphinx is a grand-daughter group of the Unicorn Tradition, which is rooted in a Family Tradition from which the Tradition founders, Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor, received their training and initiations.

Our roots come from this Family Tradition and not from the writings of influencial modern Pagans. This Tradition is dedicated to worship, working magick, and teaching. In our worship we honour both Goddess and God. Our magick is only worked in accordance with the Counsel of the Wise Ones. All Priestesses and Priests of the Tradition dedicate themselves to service to the Gods and instruction of others.

Our Rites and Initiations

The Circle of the Sphinx celebrates the eight Solar Festivals (Sabbats), the New Moons, and the Full Moons. Students attending our classes on Paganism and the Craft are invited to attend our Sabbats as part of their training. Upon receiving their Pagan Dedication, these Neophytes are then welcome to attend our New Moon rituals as well.

Initiations are given after the Neophyte has trained for no less than a year and a day, has passed an oral examination, and has prepared themselves appropriately for the rite. First Degree Initiates may be chosen to join the Coven and will then be allowed to attend the Full Moon rites. Second Degree initiates take on more responsibilities within the group, while Third Degree initiates become Priests and Priestesses of the Craft.

Classes on Paganism and the Craft

The Circle of the Sphinx continues its tradition of teaching by offering a course of 13 classes on Paganism and the Craft in the Circle of the Sphinx and the Unicorn Tradition. Students of these Pagan Classes will be invited to attend certain Sabbat rituals and students completing the course will be offered a Pagan Dedication and will take a Magickal Name. Membership of the Circle of the Sphinx and the opportunity to study for Initiation is only offered to 'graduates' of these classes. New classes start each February.

All classes will be held in Oxford. Interested Seekers should attend all 13 introductory classes in person. Classes at the Neophyte level are individualized and can be conducted by other arrangements, if necessary. For those traveling from London, the Oxford Tube is a convenient way to get into Oxford for a few hours of classes. We will attempt to make the scheduling of the classes at a time that is most convenient for our students.

Course outline
Class 1: Introduction & History
Class 2: The Goddess & God
Class 3: 3-fold Law & Reincarnation
Class 4: The Wheel of the Year
Class 5: The Four Elements
Class 6: Meditation & Visualization
Class 7: Energy & Grounding
Class 8: Rituals & Ritual Preparation
Class 9: Symbols & Moon Lore
Class 10: Projection & the 7 Planes
Class 11: Pentagrams & Pentacles
Class 12: The Magickal Name
Class 13: The Laws and 13 Virtues

Lady and Lord?

We have occasionally been asked why we use the titles Lady and Lord and what right we have to use them. We hope to briefly explain that here, for those who are wondering. The term Lady comes from the Anglo-Saxon "HLAF-DIGE" and meant Giver of the Bread, while the Lord, "HLAF-WARD" was the Guardian of the Bread. In the Unicorn Tradition, our Priestesses and Priests are called Lady and Lord. These titles are earned through the years of study of the Craft and attainment of the Third Degree. A Priestess is given the title of Lady to remind us that she is a channel for the All-Mother, to make clear her status within the Wiccan community as a Priestess, and to symbolize her commitment ot the Gods. The same is true for Lord. All of our Priestesses and Priests dedicate themselves to service, and it is our of respect for that dedication and sacrifice that they are given the title of Lady and Lord. Personally, we do not insist anyone call us Lady and Lord. Within the Tradition, however, it is respectful to use the term Lady when referring to all Priestesses and Lord when referring to all Priests