December 31, 2015

Happy 2016!

 
Blessings to all Aset Shemsu in 2016 and beyond!



(Shrine of the Star Children of Polaris between the pillars of Sagittarius and Capricorn at the Foundation Center Temple.  Photo copyright Minette Quick.)

December 22, 2015

Sun in Capricorn


Blessings of the Sun in Capricorn! Click on the link below to listen to an audio file of Olivia Robertson speaking of the constellation of Capricorn during a past ritual:

(mp3 file - 517 kb - 2:12 mins)
 
Audio transcript:
"We move towards the North, to the window of Capricorn.  It is mighty and vivid with colors that seem to be alive.  Above the window is the sign of Capricorn.  We see a stained-glass picture of a goat, with fish's tail, accompanied by a Green Man crowned with leaves, and a mermaid holding a cornucopia - every sort of good thing, fruit and wheat.  We like the Green Man too, with his comical expression, his golden halo and his antlers and his leaves. However, suddenly the wind blows the window open and we face the actual constellation of Capricorn in its spiritual form.. . The Magi of old called Capricorn "Altera Solis Porta": the starry gateway for souls to enter heaven.  Here we gaze at the stars and hope for a vision of the Earth Goddess, who is our Goddess of the Earth, Nerthus.  For we know that She is crowned with the stars, holds the earth in her hands and has the moon on Her brow and the sun as a robe.  We accept the gifts of earth - trees and flowers and animals and birds.  We adore Her and She is in all beings, as is Her green Consort.  We are whole.  May the blessings of the Goddess Nerthus bring you wisdom and peace, now and forever."


(Historic photo of the Shrine of Capricorn in the Castle Temple by M. Quick.  Womb/Grael tapestry by Lisa Fonkert and the winged-Brigid figure was carved by David Durdin-Robertson. Photo and audio copyrights reserved.)

Archival Links:
FOI Homepage Audio Gallery

FOI Homepage Photo Gallery

December 21, 2015

Winter Solstice Festival


"An exquisite sense seemed to pervade the whole ceremony
on this occasion, as if many strands of individuality came together
into a harmonious whole, and every offering reflected that whole
whilst remaining true to its treasured roots in personal experience."
 
Click below to read a report of the gathering at Clonegal Castle, held this past weekend:
 
 
(photo of  the open well at the Castle Temple, copyright M. Quick)
 

December 20, 2015

From Cressida Pryor: Winter Solstice Letter


Dear Friends,
As the dark Solstice beckons through this strange season of ‘non-winter’ with folk outside in tee shirts and shorts and daffodils flowering I am reminded of the topsy-turvy world of Twelfth Night gatherings when the normal order, the expected status relationships are stood on their head.

So now we are being shaken away from the expected norm and the comfort of being able to predict the future. Olivia’s lyrical oracle that was part of our early autumn gathering at Hawkwood seems especially relevant now: ‘When you seek me without my calling you, I am not to be found. Yet I may manifest unexpectedly, in the heedless moment, as you put a foot into a fast flowing stream, or climb to pick red apples....’

As we move now from Samhain’s thinning of divisions to the culmination of the mysterious manifestation hinted at in Olivia’s writings...what is it that we await? The sombre Advent of the Christian cycle of the year, the defiant yet welcoming lights of Hanukah and the return of the Sun?...What is hidden in the bright red apple, the black bird’s song, the fast flowing stream where we can never step into the same place again...?

My growing awareness as I read, study and contemplate is the call of non-duality, of divine union and I feel this is what we endeavour to move towards...the FOI, now in human terms is developing beyond the tasks of the ‘first half of life’ so is able to move from the ‘setting up’ phase where the new identity needs to be strongly demarcated.  In the ‘youth’ stage there is a need to make clear comparisons; an awareness of the ‘other’ and how we differ from them.

Derry and Olivia in devising the manifesto had the wisdom to see beyond this inevitable start up phase’s duality; through their emphasis on the interfaith aspects of membership. They stressed that members did not need to reject their ‘home’ faith, if you had one...acknowledgement of and inspiration through the divine feminine could be subsumed into your faith practice as a Catholic, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or whatever you were. What a huge strength and generosity of spirit...a weaving of peace and understanding through love of the Goddess, the Divine Mother, between the world faiths.

 Thinking about the 1970’s when I was studying Speech Therapy and setting up my career in the NHS I remember it was a time, in the UK at least, of huge demarcation between different classes, the unions and management...the three day week emerged with rampant inflation and we were about to tumble into the dismantling of nationalised industry with Margaret Thatcher’s years as Prime Minister in the 1980s. This is the context for the start of the FOI. The three founders saw how division and the patriarchy, especially within the established churches were not connecting with what many needed and wanted spiritually. The feminine aspects of the Divine had been denied and neglected for so long that many felt their experience of spirit was not acknowledged or honoured in the modern world. The very place of the FOI’s inception offered a flow of energy that spoke to this need, as Pamela, now living in Clonegal, one of Derry’s granddaughters has described so beautifully:

‘Here at Huntington the well of knowledge burst forth from the land itself. Finding willing recipients, the waters flowed freely spreading to all quarters of the globe.'
Water too becomes subsumed into the very being of whatever or whoever absorbs its life giving molecules to foster continued vibrancy and growth. It merges with and becomes intimately part of that organism, be it animal or plant. A real wholeness of existence.
I think and feel that this is what we truly acknowledge and prepare for at this time; a joyful connection with the wholeness of existence not just on the physical levels but also through mind and spirit...so many people of the world’s faiths at this dark time, feel this need to come together and affirm this ‘one-ness’ of light, of spirit, of connection that is in the Divine Mother’s eternal embrace. A flow of energy that connects and is part of us all.
 
Hallowed be.
Cressida


Archival Link:
Fellowship of Isis Letters and Announcements

December 9, 2015

Fellowship of Isis Credo


FOI CREDO
By: Olivia Robertson

"We grow from the Earth
And we share Her fruits.
We fly with bright wings
And we reach the stars.
We are Immortal with all that is.
Evoe Isis!"



("Star Children" painting by Olivia Robertson, photo copyright Minette Quick.)

December 1, 2015

Dec. Oracle: Goddess Maya

 
"Everlasting life brings deep peace as well as movement;
darkness as well as light; and silence as well as sound."

This month's Oracle is from the Goddess Maya, with audio of Olivia Robertson. Read and hear it in full by clicking on the link below:

 
 
 
 
 
(photo by Dennis Murphy from the Logic Reality DVD "Olivia Robertson, Priestess of Isis", copyright reserved.)

November 22, 2015

Shrine of Sagittarius


Blessings of the Sun in Sagittarius!  The Shrine of Sagittarius is found in the Well Chapel at the Foundation Center Temple.   Click on the link below to hear an audio clip of the late Olivia Robertson giving a guided meditation of the Window of Sagittarius:

Temple of the Zodiac Meditation - Sagittarius
(MP3 file - 4:30 mins./1mb.)

Audio transcript:
"We face a hill surmounted by the Temple of the Zodiac. Now, begin to climb up this hill. . .we reach the South-West portico flanked by two female sphinxes. We now enter this Temple. There are 12 stained-glass windows. In the center is the altar of the perpetual flame of everlasting life. Come to the window of Sagittarius. The window depicts a Goddess enthroned on a mighty rock of ages. She is crowned and bears in Her right hand a sceptre surmounted by a golden eagle. In Her left hand She holds a mighty crystal orb. Above Her on the left is a crescent moon shining down above a winged white horse. On the right is a rayed sun illuminating a peacock with raised tail of blue and green and gold.

"A sudden wind blows open the window and we see the nine mighty stars and the fifty-four lesser stars of constellation of Sagittarius. Protected by the starry bow of the Centaur lies Arcadia. Friend, enter Arcadia of the Starry Bow of the Goddess Diana, leader of the dance of the Muses and receive joy and love and enchantment from the Immortals. This is the realm where rest those who accept divine commands with faith and happiness. But linger too long here and you will be the lotus-eaters, who sit by the Arcadian stream, unendingly smiling, bereft of strength, purpose and wit.

"I want you now to pass through this window. How you've envied those with spiritual faith, the serene countenance of a nun, the absolute acceptance of a follower - of Diana or any Deity - obedience, and in that obedience: certainty, peace, joy, no questioning, no struggle, peace, no war, cared for, loved. Enter Arcadia. Just to let go - to let go the separated self, to obey the rule, to follow the guru, the teacher, to accept the Divinity totally, like slipping back into a warm pool surrounded by still water lilies, for what can grow in tumult?

"Nothing matters without happiness, so accept and drink of the pool of happiness in your cupped hands . . the happiness the Goddess Diana gives. . .the sounds of birds. There is someone you love reflected in the pool and you look up and see this one, smiling at you. Here you are together, forever when you return here, it's always here.

"But even as we lapse into complete peace and happiness at a distance, we hear a voice say: "come back, come back, come back from Arcadia." Reluctantly we drag ourselves back. We return to the Temple of the Zodiac, and from thence down the hill and you find filled with the elation and joy of the Goddess that you return to your own time and place."

  

(Photo by M.E.K., and audio file are both copyright reserved.)

Fellowship of Isis Membership

 
For those who wish to enroll in the Fellowship of Isis, you may do so through our online form or by email:


November 13, 2015

Honoring Olivia Robertson

 
Please join us in lighting a candle in honor of Olivia Robertson, co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis.  Also see the post below to listen to an audio file of Olivia describing her experiences with the Silver Lady, the Goddess who first inspired her.
 
Olivia Robertson wrote in 2000:
"I am proud that FOI has always emphasized that the Deities and the whole Company of Heaven are real and immortal. As their offspring, we partake of this immortality, if only we claim Divine Mother (and Father) and our Spiritual Brothers and Sisters."  
 
 
 
 

(photo by K. McDonough, quote by Olivia Robertson from personal correspondence: both copyright reserved.)

The Silver Lady

 
In remembrance of the life and work of Olivia Robertson (see the above post), we share this drawing and audio file where she describes her experiences with the Silver Lady:
 
(mp3 file, 1.85mb, 4:02 mins)
 
Audio transcript:
 
"She who inspired me to do all my work, came to me, at night in 1946 at Imbolc; about Feb. the 1st, I saw her. I associated her with snow, because she came at midnight in the snow with the aura of stars and moon. It was at the time of Capricorn still, getting on to Aquarius - that queer, cold, magical time of midwinter, moving to spring. She told me to get out of bed, which I did reluctantly because of the bitter cold, and put on my red cardigan. Now I guess she wished me to know that she WAS REAL. But she was made of different substance, of crystallized white light, her hair raven black, her dress was cut in v-shapes of different cloths - violet and blue-green. I knew that they were blended together, the material, in some way - not sown. She unwound a white scarf. Her face had delicate features. To me she was absolutely real, as physical reality to be absolutely real, but obviously in different dimensions. She told me to sit, and she sat facing me.
 
"The extraordinary thing is, that I could not remember one word of our half hour's conversation. Now I believe I was not meant to remember in the surface of my mind, that I had to have free will to work out what I wanted to do as well. This has influenced me all my life - whatever our conversation was - from the depths, like the depths of the ocean. My own feeble telepathic abilities were as nothing in comparison with the clarity and power of her thought-stream. This was the first Goddess who had come to me. By Goddess, I mean an advanced feminine Being. The visits were a very rare occurrence, with years inbetween. I knew she belonged to a more spiritual and wise race of being. At the close of our communion - it was communion - she rose and I thought: 'she has a dignity of a queen, the grace of a ballet dancer and the power of a gymnast!'
 
"At that date I had not heard of UFO's, so could not make out at all what was this small plane which she had to wait for? Goddess or no Goddess, she had to wait for some, what I thought, was like a little Aer Lingus plane. And above all, what was the giant ship in the sky that the plane would take her to? I gathered it was as big or bigger than the Queen Mary liner, and that to me was immense. I think that size in the sky made of some wonderful substance like this Lady - well, I couldn't understand it at all - I was overcome.
 
"A year or so later, I had a vision of the Silver Lady, as I called her, appearing in a wretched slum dwelling with an African family of some immigrants, in utter poverty, which then existed in the Dublin slums, which I'd worked in for four years. I looked after children in the most terrible conditions. What struck me was her power. She stood, straight and slim, and raised her right arm in command. Her left arm she gestured downwards in utter dismissal of such conditions. It reminded me of the figure of Christ, in Michelangelo's Last Judgment: one arm up, the other down. It's as if you call down the powers of heaven with your left hand and execute them with your right. It was a call to action."

 
Archival Link: FOI Audio Gallery
 

(Drawing of the Silver Lady by Olivia Robertson, personal collection, copyright reserved.)
 
 

Fellowship of Isis Healing Prayer


"The Healing Wings of Isis
Protect, Enfold and Awaken you!"



(Prayer and illustration by Olivia Robertson, copyright reserved.)



Archival Link:
FOI Prayers and Blessings (with audio)

November 10, 2015

Samhain Festival at Foundation Center

 
"There is much richness in the intimation of immortality
to comfort and sustain us through the deep emotions
of letting go of the past to make way for the new."
 
Click below to read the full report on the festival at Clonegal Castle this past weekend:
 
 
 

(photo of High Altar, Foundation Center Temple, copyright M. Quick)

November 1, 2015

Oracle for November


"Each star my veil surrounds with darkest night
Yet clothed in soft doves' feathers I abide."

The Oracle of the Month for November is from the Goddess Allat.  You may read it in full here and also listen to an audio file of Olivia Robertson giving the Invocation and Oracle:
 

 

(Photo of Olivia Robertson by Dennis Murphy from the DVD "Olivia Robertson, Priestess of Isis." All rights reserved.)

October 30, 2015

From Cressida Pryor: Samhain Thoughts

Dear Friends,

My letter this Samhain accompanies a painting I have lived with all my life. The final time Olivia stayed here she saw this picture and immediately exclaimed: “Ah yes, the Green Goddess! One of Barbara’s best...”

Barbara, my mother, was Olivia’s older sister by four and a half years. She studied before the war at the Slade in London and had a few exhibitions but sadly did not keep painting after she had her four children. I think she then found her creative spark had broadened and was more about people, relationships and an interest in the afterlife rather than oil paint on canvas. Whenever I hear Olivia’s voice I also hear my mother’s.

My thoughts at this time of growing shadows and darkening nights feel more connected to those who have gone before us; who lead the way. For those recently bereaved where grief is rawest and the remaining gaping hole feels too huge to bear I can but offer my hand of friendship with these thoughts on the “Perennial Tradition” that encompasses the recurring themes in all the world’s religions. It emphasises that there is a Divine Reality underneath and inherent in the world and a deep longing for this...and the final goal of existence, of life, is union with this Divine Reality; bringing the fullness of all things in love. Olivia, Derry and Pamela had the wisdom to emphasise the FOI’s compatibility with other faiths; the primacy of the Perennial Tradition I think colours the ethical background to the Manifesto. An awareness of the Divine at work in all things is the Beauty, Truth and Love we honour and celebrate. My spiritual background also welcomes this peaceful connection within the web of world faith.

As we come together at this time when the veil is at its thinnest we can feel even more this connection to the ancestor’s presence...their guiding hands, their love and sometimes their small nudges encourage our reluctant steps on less lit paths that can lead us on to the greater good.

We are also aware and present to those yet to come and the responsibility of handing over this planet in a fit state for their lives’ fulfilment.

Divine Greening,
Open our hearts to the cold, damp and fallow.
Allow faith in the doubts that refresh the dark corners,
Blow winds of courage when our spirits waiver.
May the small wisps of your Divine voice be heard
Even when the noise of life bellows;
So we know the fullness of all things in Eternal Love.

With blessings and gratitude,
Cressida, FOI Steward
 
Archival Link:
Fellowship of Isis Letters

(photo of painting by B. Robertson, copyright reserved)

Audio: Lawrence on Samhain Eve


Listen to Lawrence Durdin-Robertson during a past Fellowship ritual:

(mp3/42 sec /330 kb)

Audio transcript:
"Companions, we are assembled on this holy Samhain Eve to make communion with Spirits from other Spheres. At this time the veil between the psychic realms and ours is lifted. The Dolmen Gateways to the Sidhe Mounds of the Faery people are open. Let us follow the custom of our ancestors who offered food to their beloved families and friends in the Spirit World, and offerings to the Deities and faeries."

Archival link:



(photo from the Occult Experience, created with permission, please do not reproduce.)

October 23, 2015

Sun in Scorpio

 
Happy Sun in Scorpio!  This passage is from the ritual of the Mystical Awakening of Scorpio and Kundalini (Liturgy book "Sophia" by Olivia Robertson):
 
1st Priestess: "Know that this is the Stellar House of Initiation. Our instructors on the Path, the Alchemists, taught that only when the Sun is in Scorpio may Iron be transmuted into Gold. For as the sun declines after the Autumnal Equinox, so does the individual soul face the apparent extinction of her dream of separate existence, when faced by death. So does a candle fancy itself extinguished when the sun rises! Scorpio rises in the cold hours of the dawn. So be watchful and fall not into inertia, for who can tell when the Scorpion stings."
 
2nd Priest: "Ponder on the fate of the giant Orion, stung by the Scorpion and so sinks into apparent death in the red Western sky. Was not even the Child God of Initiation, Son to Isis, Harpocrates, killed by a scorpion? He was revived by Isis, and shows himself to the wise as a naked child with his finger to his lips, enjoining silence. Was not the mighty Sun God Ra-Temu bitten by a snake, which Isis sent to him in the autumn? He suffered from the poisonous serpent power circling in every limb, until he fell through the flaming twilight into the watery abyss. Only when he had surrendered His Secret Name with all His magical Powers to Isis, did She restore Him as Ra-Horus, in the bright dawn when spring returned to earth. For though the Mysteries are preserved through silence, we must offer ourselves and all we have to the Goddess, that we may be reborn with knowledge of our immortality."
 
2nd Priestess: "Know that the Path of Scorpio provides a sudden shock! The cunning scorpion strikes at the foot, yet its poison courses throughout the body. Like the serpent it is called the One who Lurks. It is most potent through water and through the blood. Know that this very cruel sting, which seems to torture and to slay, is in verity the Awakener! Only through the sting may the stigmata of Initiation be gained. Yet this awakening may not be bargained for, nor induced, for only when the soul is ready may the Coming Forth by Day be achieved! Scorpio is also the sign of the Eagle and of the Winged Serpent. May we, with the Wings of the Goddess Selket, the Scorpion Goddess, rise above the Path and so learn to know its serpentine deviations, its pitfalls, its goal. Thus may we, with the aid of the presiding Deities, receive the onrush of the Fire Goddess, Kundalini, without loss of integrity or peace."
 
(Photo of the Shrine of Scorpio, located in the Well Chapel of Brigid at the Foundation Center Temple.  The wooden panels were carved by William Morris, and the altar cloth has the FOI Cosmic Web of the Universe embroidered upon it.  Copyright M. Quick.)
 
Archival Link:

October 19, 2015

Invitation to 40th Anniversary Celebration

 
Dear Friends and Members,

I am delighted to inform you of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of the Fellowship of Isis at Huntington Castle over the weekend of March 19th and 20th next year.

Put it in your diary now!

You can be assured of a welcome as we honour and celebrate the first festival of our beloved fellowship; at the very same place that inspired the Founders.

There will be an exhibition of memorabilia, photos, films and other items to prompt memories and a sharing of past involvement. We will hold the Spring Equinox Festival on Saturday; have speakers to add to and extend the contexts of the Fellowship over the weekend and on Sunday the opening of the new Sacred Grove in memory of the Founders. There will be a seated shared meal together on the Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime.

Sadly as places are limited, due to restricted seated space, we would encourage an expression of interest to attend as soon as possible and January 6th at the latest; so we can prepare a memorable and special celebration for everyone.

True to the manifesto ideals the FOI has no membership fee so there are no funds to draw on for this event. We will need to cover food costs and marquee hire so will inform you of this as soon as we can when we know numbers better. We will keep costs to a minimum.

Please RSVP to our Hon. Sec. at the Foundation Centre 
clearly marking the email ‘40th Anniversary Celebration’.

With blessings and thanks,
Cressida Pryor; the Founder’s Successor and Steward of the FOI.
October 19, 2015
 
Update: In view of the numbers of members who have already indicated their interest in attending, it will not be possible to facilitate the attendance of members who have chosen another path from those loyal to Foundation Centre, Olivia's family and Cressida, her chosen successor.   (written by C. Pryor)
 

Post script: The recent amendment grew from an awareness of space limitations in the Temple given the number who have already said they want to attend. Also the vision for this event is one of celebrating the founder's gifts to us; meeting old and new 'fellows' in friendship and spiritual harmony. It is not the appropriate forum to try and tackle some of the profound disagreements that have occurred; this would require a separate more focussed specialised approach another time.  In March 2016 Huntington will be family home and the Foundation Centre open for friendship, celebration, inspiration and spiritual connection...as it is for all the regular festivals. Cressida Pryor FOI Steward.

 
 
Homepage Archival Link:  Invitation to 40th Anniversary

October 12, 2015

Shrine of Ngame

 
The Shrine of Ngame,
Foundation Center Temple,
Ireland
 
 

October 6, 2015

FOI Daily Prayer

 
The Fellowship of Isis Daily Prayer
"Holy Goddess Isis, Mother of all beings, come to our hearts.
Grant us, Thy children, Love and Joy, Wisdom and Abundance.
We offer Thee our loving care for all who are born of Thee."
 
 


(Prayer and drawing of Isis on glass with cloth background by Olivia Robertson, Foundation Center Temple, Ireland.)


Fellowship of Isis Prayers and Blessings with Audio

October 1, 2015

October Oracle: Goddess Ngame

 
"Nothing devoid of love or truth or beauty is real.
Immortality is the unfailing test of reality."
 
This month's Oracle is from the Goddess Ngame.  Read it in full and listen to an audio clip of Olivia Robertson giving the Oracle at the link below:
 

 
 
(photo of Olivia from the DVD "Olivia Robertson, Priestess of Isis," copyright Logic Reality.)

September 27, 2015

Lunar Eclipse

 
Blessings of the Full Moon and eclipse! You can hear Olivia Robertson speak on the mystery of the occulted Moon in this historic recording:

The Occulted Moon Audio
(mp3/1:50min./ 431kb)
 
Audio transcript:
"The Moon is the mirror both of the polarized rays of the Sun, and of Earth, when its shadow blackens the Moon. So those who fear the occulted Moon reject their own shadow! The Moon symbolizes duality. . . the Moon is our sister planet and her influence moves both the tides of the sea and our own souls. In her darkness she shows us our own black image, the earth's shadow.. . So she is an enigma that conceals the truth. For everything in this physical world is but a reflection of greater spheres. Harken to the Mystery of the Occulted Moon: 'And I beheld a mighty Goddess and Her head with its dark waving hair reached the heavens, and Her feet stood within the abyss and a black panther with blazing golden eyes was coiled about them. Her naked body was black as night and the only light therein were two white crescents about her majestic dark eyes. In Her hands She bore a rough rock of quartz. And I knew that She held the Moon and that She was Ngame'!"
 
 
("Triple Moon Goddess Ngame" artwork by Olivia Robertson)

September 23, 2015

Sun in Libra

 
Blessings of the Equinox and the Sun in Libra!  Listen to Olivia speaking of the Constellation of Libra in this historic audio clip:
 
Audio - The Constellation of Libra
(mp3 / 2:34 mins / 605kb)
 
Audio transcript:
"You say, I may not be born under the constellation of Libra, what are the stars to do with me? The stars are the mystical body of the Goddess. We have stars, atoms within ourselves, and we are atoms within the body of our galaxy, and the Ancients taught us of the wonder of the stars, taking our own humble names. A Lady, a bright Being from the stars would come to a simple person and point to an area of the sky where certain radiations came and would say: 'what do you call that?'  'We call it the scales' - man - 'it looks like scales'. And the Lady would pause and go into a contemplation and then say:  'my friend, get your family and the elders of the village together. And I will tell them about the meaning of the scales and of balance between violence and gentleness, love and truth.' And so were the mysteries brought forth to our ancestors who could not read, but to whom the picturebook of the sky was a revelation.

"Each man and each woman - each creature - has two forces, complimentary: positive and receptive. You are receptive now, to my voice, but when you give a person directions, of any sort, even the way, you are being positive in relationship. So no human being is either all positive or all receptive - there's a beautiful flow and harmony between both. Now magical ritual helps attune us to the stars. . .and this is the time of the Atumnal Equinox, when day and night are equally long. It is the time of harmony, of Libra of the Scales."
 
(Photo copyright M. Quick who included the following:  "Shrine to Sun sign of Libra: Presided over by Niamh who brought spiritual knowledge of Atlantis, the Sidhe and Dana. To Oisin a human Irish hero. Dedicated to The College of Isis, wooden plaque of Coat of Arms of Magdalen College, Oxford, where family scholars studied under the auspices of Magdalen as spiritual teacher. The continuation of this takes place in the Old Mill House, which houses lectures, exhibitions and events of various kinds.")

September 22, 2015

Vessel of the Seer Announcement


Cait Branigan of the Circle of Brigid, Foundation Center, announces the Vessel of the Seer:

 
 
 
(Pallas Athena, Medusa Altar. Members' Shrine, Foundation Center Temple. photo copyright  M. Quick)

September 21, 2015

Autumn Letter from Cressida Pryor

 
FOI Autumn Equinox letter

Dear Friends,

At this time of balance in the year’s turning...

Recently I watched the beginning of ‘Question Time’ on the BBC which followed a busy evening’s AGM where I handed the leadership mantle of ‘my’ Morris side over to another member of the group. This was a side I had founded seven years ago. I felt like a mum at the school gate waving ‘my baby’ off to their first day at school to inevitably develop a new allegiance to their class teacher thereby transplanting my centrality. I knew it was the healthy thing to do but still feel the loss. Such transitions happen all the time but each has potential for pain as well as growth.

But back to the BBC programme...there a politician actually apologised for a past blunder ‘from the bottom of my heart’ and it did sound genuine...and was even commented on as unusual by the political colleague sitting next to him. Perhaps what marked these two out was that they were both new to political front line debate. Not yet cynical and word-slick; they were still able to be ‘real’ and in the new phrase from Nicola Sturgeon’s lauded campaign, they were being refreshingly ‘authentic’.

The reason I picked this out is that I feel this is something that balance can bring...balancing between head and heart; balancing between strategic needs and the pragmatic; between the transcendent and imminent...not either or but both and. Emphasising the huge need to move away from the easy black and white solution that further entrenches the differences without bringing arguing parties to the table. Part of finding some sort of workable solution to a problem is the need for both parties to listen to each other, which again requires balance. Apology and its bed fellow forgiveness are both part of the balance equation. One does happen without the other but attempts to move to a coherent whole are aided when both are present.

Perhaps we should look to the story of Isis herself gathering the fragmented parts of her beloved to form a coherent whole again; all but the ‘vital’ bit which is refashioned to serve current mutually accepted needs.

Divine Mother; may we too find balance and peace in our lives,
Find ways through difficulties when paths seem over grown and impenetrable;
Hold the flame of hope true when it gutters and wanes.
May we feel the warmth of your love and protection in these shorter days;
As we prepare for the dark, quiet and rest of your eternal holding.

Blessed Be All in the Love, Truth and Beauty of Divine Being.
From Cressida, this September Equinox 2015.


Archival Link:
Fellowship of Isis Letters and Announcements

September 18, 2015

Shrine to Lakshmi



Olivia Robertson wrote in "Sophia":  "I offer this incense to Thee, Lakshmi, Goddess of the Cow, who produced the turning Universe from the churning of Thy Sea of Milk! Yet Thou canst appear as any of Thy children, disguised Avatar. 'And the pilgrim asked in his wanderings: whence doth that wind blow, the sweetest-scented I ever inhaled? And it seemed to him as if his own conscience were advancing to him in that wind, in the shape of a maiden fair, bright, white-armed, strong, tall-formed, beautiful of body, noble, of a glorious seed, of the size of a maiden in her fifteenth year, as fair as the fairest things in the world. And the soul of the faithful one addressed her, asking: ‘What maid are thou, who are the fairest maid I have seen?’ And she answered him: ‘Oh youth, of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, of good religion! I am Thine own conscience. I was lovely, and thou madest me lovelier; I was fair, and thou madest me still fairer; I was desirable, and thou madest me still more desirable. I was sitting in a forward place, and thou madest me sit in the foremost place, through good thought, good speech, and through the good deeds of thine.’"
 
From the "Guide to Clonegal Castle" by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson:  "The South angle of the temple leads into the Hindu chapel, on the N.W. wall just inside the door is a picture of Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth or prosperity (Shree), with the Elephant God Gayanana on one side of her. At the far side of her is an Indian picture of Shiva and Parvati, the Third Persons of the Hindu Trinity."

(Photo by Minette Quick, all rights reserved.)

September 14, 2015

Autumn Festival at Foundation Center

 
"Lakshmi, Goddess of Kindness and Compassion spoke in
Her Oracle of the abundance still of summer flowers and fruits
from Nature’s Garden which in its generosity
provides more than enough in plenty for all."
 
Click below to read the report on the festival at Clonegal Castle this past weekend:
 

 

(Lakshmi Moon, copyright Val Young)

September 10, 2015

Artwork: The Morrigan


Painting by Olivia Robertson entitled
"The Morrigan, Great Queen of all Rivers".
Foundation Center Temple, Ireland.


September 1, 2015

Sept. Oracle: The Morrigan


"Embrace My Mysteries with courage and you will find
greater life in ever increasing spirals of Being."

 September's Oracle is from The Morrigan.  You may read it in full and listen to an audio file of Olivia Robertson giving the Invocation and Oracle by clicking below:
 
 
 
(photo of Olivia Robertson, copyright Alice Smeets.)
 

August 27, 2015

Shrine of Ishtar

 
"This chapel of the Non-Zodiac Stars is centre of our Temple Labyrinth.
The main altar of the Goddess Ishtar of the 8-pointed star, Lady of 15
shows a 'Mirror of Hathor,' which reflects the soul's dreams.
Ishtar is painted on the surface.
She descended the Planes to rescue her Lover, Tammuz
Shepherd of the Starry Flocks.
The Goddess Tiamat of space is painted
with outspread wings on the altar frontal."



(photo copyright Minette Quick, Star Chapel, Foundation Center. Artwork by Olivia Robertson. Text by Olivia and Minette.)

August 23, 2015

Happy Sun in Virgo


The Shrine of Virgo is located in the passageway outside of the Cave of the Mothers in the Castle Temple of Isis.  Click below to hear an audio file of Olivia Robertson leading a meditation during a past rite: 

Meditation on the Window of Virgo
(MP3 File / 7:00 min. / 1.62MB)
 

Audio transcript: 
"We shut our eyes and still our minds. We see before us in the distance a hill crowned with a beautiful Temple surrounded by myriads of stars. We mount the hill by a winding path. We are climbing up to the Temple of the Zodiac. It is twelve-sided and pearl colored with long windows that glow with many colored lights. We are approaching a Gateway in the south-east, guarded by two bronze statues of Sphinxes - women to the waist, lions below, their wings reaching the roof. On the left of the Gateway is a spring from which a stream flows into the Temple through a conduit.

"We particularly examine the windows on either side of the doorway. On the left, is a window marked "Leo". The stained-glass depicts a naked woman surrounded by a Hawk, a Lioness, a Cow and a Winged God. On the window on the right, is a picture of a woman veiled from head to foot, holding an Ankh in her right hand, a scroll in her left. Over the window is the sign of Virgo, formed by two folded wings and the knot of Isis. The sign of Virgo looks like an "M" and you can form a loop in the center, the Knot of Isis.  Over the doorway is a bas-relief of a Sphinx, her lion's body facing the Leo window, her woman's face turning towards the window of Virgo. Her wings sweep downwards on either side of the entrance, forming two feathered curtains.

"Suddenly a powerful wind rushes through the Temple pushing open the Window of Virgo! Through it we see eight blazing stars shining through nebulae. Within this astral sphere of Virgo are the Isles of the Blest where we learn how to weave the future from the past, by using the present.

"Now I want you to visualize yourself passing through the Window of Virgo, the eight blazing stars, and we see islands of great beauty.  All may enter this place, the Isles of the Blest, but those who have done wrong, learn here how to expiate and make all well. How lovely are the islands.  There is music here, great beauty, nature spirits, wonderful animals.  Peaceful lions, deer, small animals playing around their feet, lionesses. . . The animals and birds here are intelligent.  You can communicate with them telepathically, as we can with angels, nature spirits, Deity.  Do this. . learn. . learn how to be blest so we may attain this place even in sleep on earth.  You learn here the weaving, because we are the Fates, we create our own Fate.  They're not sinister ladies sitting on thrones being disagreeable to us.  We have to learn even how to turn evil into good, which is wonderful because nothing's wasted you see - we can use the past now to create the present.  But you need help to do this and that is why we need to be in the Isles of the Blest.

"At first we feel overcome when we think of the harm we've done.. . maybe we've harmed animals or people.. .but now we see how we can 3-fold make up for it.  We can forgive others.  There's all of infinity to do good in.  There's much laughter here because nothing is more delightful than to recognize the Truth, and often it makes one laugh, at oneself, preferably.   All pretense vanishes here.  Now if you feel you have experienced this bliss of creation, of creating a better future for ourselves and our earth, you may now, I should think, feel like looking at the eight stars.. . you feel spiritual light pouring through you.  We learn here to center ourselves.  Now is the center of the circle around which time flows - past and present, like a stream flows around us - that is the secret.   We are not moving through time, we are ever the same in spirit - no, time is moving around us.  We are not moving through space, space is moving around us.  Feel this consciousness, this awareness.  You are in the center.  Time and space are flowing around you and you may therefore alter what happens.  This is the art of Creation."

"It is now time for us to return through the Window of Virgo.  Leave by this Window of Virgo, come back through the window.  We all return to the holy Temple, changed - even a little." 


(photo of the Shrine of Virgo, Foundation Center Temple, copyright Minette Quick.)


August 18, 2015

Fellowship of Isis Manifesto

 
Fellowship of Isis Manifesto

Growing numbers of people are rediscovering their love for the Goddess. At first, this love may seem to be no more than an inner feeling. But soon it develops; it becomes a longing to help the Goddess actively in the manifestation of Her divine plan. Thus, one hears such enquiries as, "How can I get initiated into the Mysteries of the Goddess? How can I experience a closer communion with her? Where are her nearest temples and devotees? How can I join the priesthood of the Goddess?", and many other such questions.

The Fellowship of Isis has been founded to answer these needs. Membership provides means of promoting a closer communion between the Goddess and each member, both singly and as part of a larger group. There are hundreds of Iseums and thousands of members all over the world, since the Fellowship was founded in 1976 by Lawrence, Pamela and Olivia Durdin-Robertson. Love, Beauty and Truth are expressed through a multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-racial Fellowship. The good in all faiths is honoured. The Fellowship of Isis has no particular affiliations.

The Fellowship is organized on a democratic basis. All members have equal privileges within it, whether as a single member or part of an Iseum or Lyceum. This manifesto applies also to the daughter societies: the College of Isis, the Spiral of the Adepti, the Spiral of Alchemy, the Noble Order of Tara and the Druid Clan of Dana.

The Fellowship respects the freedom of conscience of each member. There are no vows required or commitments to secrecy. All Fellowship activities are optional and members are free to resign without question. Membership is free.

The Fellowship reverences all manifestations of Life. The God also is venerated. The Rites exclude any form of sacrifice, whether actual or symbolic. Nature is revered and conserved. The work of the Noble Order of Tara is for conservation of Nature.

The Fellowship accepts religious toleration, and is not exclusivist. Members are free to maintain other religious allegiances. Membership is open to all of every religion, tradition and race. Children, listed as "Children of Isis", are welcomed, subject to parental consent. The “Animal Family of Isis” accepts members’ animal and bird friends through centres.

The Fellowship believes in the promotion of Love, Beauty and Abundance. No encouragement is given to asceticism. The Fellowship seeks to develop friendliness, psychic gifts, happiness, and compassion for all life. The Druid Clan of Dana develops Nature's psychic gifts.

The College of Isis has been revived after its suppression 1,500 years ago. Like Aset Shemsu, The F.O.I. itself, it has always been alive in the Inner Planes. It is from these Inner Planes that its return has been inspired. Magi degrees may be conferred through Lyceums of the College. Correspondence courses are offered. There are no vows nor secrecy.  

Iseums are the very Hearths of the Goddess, or Goddess and God to Whom they are dedicated. These are listed, along with Lyceums in every Isian News. Tara Priories and Dana Groves are also listed regularly. All these centers and Isian News are for FOI members only.

All members are equal, and are not subject to anyone. All work with the Goddess - or Goddess and God - of their own Faith. Every Being - human, animal, bird, tree - element - is an eternal offspring of the Divine Family of the Mother Goddess.



(The FOI Manifesto was originally created in 1976 by the Fellowship of Isis founders: Olivia Robertson, Lawrence and Pamela Durdin-Robertson. It has been updated many times throughout the years and the most recent revision is above, last updated by FOI Steward Cressida Pryor on Samhain 2014.)

Archival Link:
Fellowship of Isis Manifesto

August 12, 2015

Fellowship of Isis Thanksgiving Prayer

 
FOI Thanksgiving Prayer
By:  Olivia Robertson
 
"Holy Isis, Holy Osiris;
We give you thanks
that your Love, Beauty and Truth
are manifest with Power and Peace
throughout all spheres,
within all beings,
and we accept your Blessing now,
in Mind and Heart."
 
 
 
(Painting of Isis and Osiris by Olivia Robertson, photo copyright M. Quick.)

August 7, 2015

Shrine of Persephone

 
Shrine of Persephone,
Castle Portico to the Temple of Isis.



(photo copyright Durdin-Robertson family, Huntington Castle.)

August 1, 2015

August Oracle


"Hear My call.
Defend our children, the animals.
Protect our woods and waters."

 The Oracle for August is from the Goddess Kore and includes audio of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and Olivia Robertson giving the Invocation and Oracle.  Read and listen to it by clicking on the link below:





(Photo copyright Dennis Murphy from "Olivia Robertson, Priestess of Isis" DVD.)

July 31, 2015

Lughnasad Letter from Cressida Pryor

A letter at 2015 Lammas
Dear All,
After many days of cold and rain we now have sunshine and my heart sings!
I have been reminded recently of life’s fragility; a viral infection in me and my close family, especially with the youngest member, shows how near we are at any time to that frightening tipping point. The worry was mirrored by the dark cloud and intermittent storms.
Through these times I found I turned to quiet sitting, a candle’s steady flame gently holding my thoughts and frightened ‘what if’s’...I found it a great comfort to know there is now a ‘Prayer Tree’ for healing in the Temple at our beloved Foundation Centre. A beautiful whole tree; from its roots, up through its slender trunk and reaching out through expansive branches to all who need its connection and support. There through the efforts of Pamela Currey and others in the Circle of Brigid. I offer huge gratitude to her and to everyone who has contributed to making this happen and who will also attend to facilitate the tree’s healing service in times to come.
What a beautiful and fitting ‘first harvest’ for Lammas.
 An important balance in a time when a leader’s careless word can reduce desperate people to being described as if they are insects needing to be swept away and ‘dealt with’. In contrast may we be reminded of our humanity, our capacity to be whole despite challenges of illness, separation and migration. May random acts of generosity and kindness be our service in the world.
I finish with a short prayer to Isis:
Beloved, Spinner and Weaver of our lives, your loom is love.
May we all be empowered by that love to weave new patterns of Truth and Justice into a web of life that is strong, beautiful and everlasting.
And so may it be.
With love and blessings,
Cressida

July 30, 2015

Moon Goddess Painting

 
Artwork by Olivia Robertson, 
as displayed in the Foundation Center Temple.

 
Archival Link:
 
 
(Photo copyright Minette Quick, w/additional cropping/framing by this site.)

July 27, 2015

Lughnasad at the Foundation Center

 
"We all need understanding and respect for the deep earth cycles
upon which we rely to support life upon our planet.
 
Click below to read a report about the gathering at Clonegal Castle this past weekend:
 
 
  

(photo of  the Shrine of Vesta-Gemini, copyright Minette Quick)