Mystics of Surrender

Kneeling before Her, we Surrender ourselves to Her power. All living beings bow before Venus and are given renewal through the power of letting go.

The Temple of Surrender invites its Mystics to show their bellies to the Goddess in all ways, for how can we truly become devotees of Her mysteries without allowing ourselves to surrender to them utterly? It is simplistic to think of Surrender as being entirely made up of BDSM and its related activities, though it has been said that bondage makes us free. Any act can be surrendered to. All loving relationships demand surrender of some kind, and there is a special sacredness to the act of surrendering sexually to your partner, whatever that may mean to you. Any person can find release in the Temple whether they are tied up or not. Mystics of our Temple will be given the opportunity to explore catharsis, give over control to another, and help others become unbound.

During the day, we'll set the stage for each night's work, and, having done our work, treat ourselves to the liberation of Surrender. Half of the Mystics will have an opportunity to enter the Chrysalis, with support from the other half. While in the web, they will be invited to shed their old ways and be reborn anew. We plan a scourging workshop, as well, for our Mystics, which will draw upon Wiccan and other traditions in order to embrace the meditative and ecstatic qualities of the act.

At night, our Mystics will assist in the Temple by doing workings (yes, that can mean scenes, both pre-planned and spontaneous), keeping the Temple clean, helping others with their abandonment, and more. We'll be a part of the formal opening of ritual each evening. As a group, we'll make a special offering on Saturday night at the Puja. And of course we'll all take a turn around the fire and enjoy the other temples and elementals.

Who should be a Mystic of the Temple of Surrender? Those with an interest in BDSM are certainly welcome, as are any with a curiosity about the topic. But bring with you a sense that there is more to Surrender than bondage, that there is strength in giving up, that there is a depth to the experience which goes beyond leather and whips. Be prepared to delve deeper and move closer to the edge. Mystics of our Temple will be challenged to look within and bring forth that which cannot be resisted, that which must be set free. We hope you will join us!

Keepers of the Temple of Surrender
Cat Castells is both a High Priestess in the Blue Star Tradition of Wicca and a member of Godhooks, a collective that brings individuals and communities the opportunity, support and safe space in which to embrace transformative change. She lives in New Hope, PA with her daughter and one of her partners. Through Turtle Hill Events, Cat creates spiritually-oriented gatherings that bring diverse communities of people together. As part of this work, she runs Casa Rosada, an intimate retreat center that hosts smaller workshops, weekend intensives, and rituals. Cat's events create unique opportunities for reflection, ritual, and interactive play that guide participants to a greater understanding of themselves and their worlds.
Ivy considers herself immensely fortunate to have found her adopted family of mystics, kinksters, nerds, and fire freaks so early in her life. She brings her academic training in psychology and her love of theatre and ritual to the Temple, where she is excited to help create a space where others can surrender to healing, to Love and to the Divine. Ivy is a student of the Blue Star Tradition of Wicca and of the world in general.