Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Priestess: County is ignoring its own policy

The unusual stucco structure called Temple of Sekhmet has no windows, roof or doors because its worshippers embrace all elements of nature.

The seven copper rings that interlock above the desert structure are considered the gateway to the sun, the moon and stars.

But spiritual leaders fear their tranquil temple that draws women from around the world will be destroyed by an adjacent building, where people might peel off the highway to guzzle beer and worship video poker machines.

Patricia Pearlman, the priestess of the temple on Highway 95 in Cactus Springs about 50 miles northwest of Las Vegas, said Clark County officials are ignoring a policy that prohibits bars from being built within 1,500 feet of a church.

Cactus Springs Station, whose license will be considered by the board during Tuesday's 2:30 p.m. Liquor and Gaming Licensing meeting, is located within 1,500 feet of the temple.

In a February letter to Commissioner Lance Malone, Pearlman said when she asked the county's business licensing division about its decision to approve Cactus Springs Station, she was told the file was not available to the public.

"I inquired why the Department of Business License ignored the regulation of distance from tavern to church," Pearlman wrote.

Neither Pearlman nor business licensing director Ardel Jorgenson could be reached for comment.

The priestess, who says she is also a witch, said the location of Cactus Springs Station is too dangerous; drivers must pull on to the highway from the parking lot and quickly work up to speeds of 70 mph.

The temple, which has been open since 1993, is open 24 hours a day to worshippers. It offers a quiet place to meditate and take part in various rituals, including spring equinoxes and new moon ceremonies.

A bar, where loud music will reverberate each time the doors open, will destroy the temple's atmosphere, Pearlman said.

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