Fellowship of Isis ~ Homepage Archive Blog

Oracle of Tiamat

2012-02-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

The February Oracle of the month may be read at the following link:

Message from Olivia

2012-01-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

Message received from Olivia this morning:

"As some of you may have gathered through the family, Casper, new son of Clare & Alexander Durdin-Robertson is flourishing! He was born at 9.19am, on the 19th/1/2012, on the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius. I now have two Great Great Nephews living in the Castle with my family at Clonegal. Herbert is now 16 months old and intrigued and entertained by his younger brother!"

Olivia Robertson

Archival link: Olivia's Letters

(our thanks to Minette Quick for forwarding this message.)

2012-01-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

24 pieces of Olivia Robertson's artwork have been newly "framed" and added to the online art gallery. You may see them at this link:

Olivia's Goddess Art

(photo of Olivia painting by Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.)

Well Wishers of the Sidhe

2012-01-24T08:04:00.001-07:00

"I painted this New Well Cover,

and I feel it expresses

Hope & Joy for us all

For the New 2012!"

- Olivia Robertson -

This piece is called: "Well Wishers of the Sidhe"

(Our thanks to Minette Quick for forwarding this from Olivia.)

Happy Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

Love and Blessings of Tiamat of Dragon Power! - from Olivia.

(The illustration is from the "The Call of Isis" Chapter 2, hand-colored by Olivia Robertson.)

More Changing Faces of the Temple

2012-01-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Five new photos and commentary of the "Changing Faces of the Temple" - please click on this link to view:

Temple Updates

Message from Olivia Robertson

2012-01-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

A message from Olivia Robertson regarding the validity of all FOI information:

January 15, 2012 Message

Changing Faces of the Temple

2012-01-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Three more photos and commentary of Temple updates were sent by Olivia Robertson and Minette Quick this morning. Please click on this link to view them:

Changing Faces of the Temple

Fellowship of Isis Daily Prayer

2012-01-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

FOI 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."

At the Foundation Center, Clonegal Castle, attunement is offered daily, mornings and evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30 GMT. Hear Olivia Robertson speaking more FOI prayers:

FOI Prayers & Blessings

Oracle of Isis

2012-01-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

The Oracle of the Month has been uploaded and is available from the link below:

Oracle of the Goddess Isis

Changing Faces of the Temple

2012-01-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Just received - eight beautiful new photos and commentary of the Temple changes from Olivia Robertson and Minette Quick as a present to all members for the New Year!

View them by clicking here:

Changing Faces of the Temple

Happy 2012!

2011-12-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Happy 2012 to all members!
This photo is of the altar of the Goddess Ishtar

in the Star chapel, Clonegal Castle.

Goddess paintings by Olivia Robertson:

Ishtar in Hathor's Mirror and Tiamat on the altar cloth.

Photo copyright Minette Quick.

Honoring the Mother & Child

2011-12-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Artwork: "Mother and Child" by Olivia Robertson

From Juno Covella by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson:

Anglo-Saxon: THE MOTHERS; Modraniht, Night of the Mothers. (Hislop, The Two Babylons, p. 93) "as the 25th of December was called by our Pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors, 'Yuleday', or the 'Child's day', and the night that preceded it, 'MotherNight' " (Hilda Davidson, Gods, Myths, N. Europe, p. 112). . . "Bede mentions them in De Temporum Ratione (13), where he tells us that the night before Christmas was known in heathen times as Modraniht, 'the night of the mothers'. There seems little doubt that they were closely connected with the birth of children".

Babylonian: THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN. (Hislop, The Two Babylons, p. 93) on the festivals held on December 25th. "Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honour of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven. . The same festival was adopted by the Roman Church . . This tendency on the part of Christians to meet Paganism half-way was very early developed."

Semitic (General): THE HEAVENLY VIRGIN, THE HEAVENLY GODDESS; ASTARTE. (Frazer, Golden Bough abgd. p. 358) "No doubt the Virgin who thus conceived and bore a son on the twenty-fifth of December was the great Oriental goddess whom the Semites called the Heavenly Virgin or simply the Heavenly Goddess; in Semitic lands she was a form of Astarte".

Egyptian: ISIS, NUT. (Eisler, Royal Art of Astrol. p. 270) "the goddess Isis, the Virgo Caelestis, the Egyptian sky-goddess Nut [was] believed to give birth to the Sun on the 25th of December". (Fell. of Isis Dir.) "December 25th: ISIS AND HER SON HORUS. Festival of children and young animals and birds and other creatures".

Persian: SPENTA ARMAITI. (Frazer, Golden Bough abgd. p. 358) "Mithra . . his nativity also fell on the twenty-fifth of December". For Spenta Armaiti as the mother of Mithra see Days of the Month: 25th.

Cyprian: MYRRHA. (Hislop, The Two Babylons, p. 97) "The mother of Adonis . . was mystically said to have been changed into a tree, and when in that state to have brought forth her divine son (Ovid, Metam. lib. x. v. 500-513) . - And this entirely accounts for the putting of the Yule Log into the fire on Christmas-Eve . . As Zero-Ashta, 'the seed of the woman', which name also signifies Ignigena, or 'born of the fire', he has to enter the fire on 'Mothernight', that he may be born the next day out of it".

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Associated links:
Juno Covella
Goddess Art of Olivia Robertson

Winter Solstice Blessings

2011-12-19T12:53:00.001-07:00

"Star Children" by Olivia Robertson

Blessings of the Winter Solstice! Olivia Robertson writes in the liturgy booklet Dea:

"In a Seasonal Rite, the invocation is connected with a special time of year, with the cyclic movements of the celestial bodies and with the climatic changes of the earth. For those living in a town, cut off from nature in her wild form, even the visualising of Stonehenge and the Polar stars at the Winter Solstice brings food for the soul, a reminder of past incarnations, a harmony with nature spirits."

To celebrate the season, here is a special audio clip of Olivia as Oracle of the Goddess Rhea, from the FOI ritual, "Winter, Star Rite." Click on the link below:

Oracle of Rhea

(MP3 file, 2:46 mins/649kb)

Audio transcript:

"If you would find me, look within yourself. Within you is space and time and all the stars that are. There is no star within my being that echoes not some hope, some dream, within each creature held within my Self. There is no distance in me, no separation: am I not the Void of Space? All moves with perfect accord within my blackness: and in my manifestation is there Light. Feel no fear. My life is eternal and so therefore all that have been, that are, that shall be, are my children. When you think - you reflect my thoughts; and when you feel - you know the beating of my heart. The breath of Life is mine and through this you live. Yet each of you is unique: if you were not so, you would not exist! Not one flower is like another. For in me is perfect Origin. Show forth my grace in your ideas and work, in individual particularity. For why should I hold in my embrace so many stars, if only one would do? Laugh! I am too great for solemnity: too mighty for analysis - yet none of my children may be belittled. In my laughter is heard the happy music of the constellations!"

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Associated Archival Links:
Audio Gallery
Winter Star Rite

Message regarding new centers

2011-12-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

This message was forwarded from Olivia this morning, written by the Most Rev. Dr. Vivianne Crowley, regarding two new FOI centers in France:

New Centers in France

2011-12-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

A new clip from "Olivia, Priestess of Isis" courtesy of Dennis Murphy. You may order the DVD from:

Logic Reality

2011-12-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

In honor of tomorrow's lunar eclipse - "The Triple Moon Goddess, Ngame," by Olivia Robertson in 2003.

Egypt - Part II: by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-12-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

The 5th book in the Communion with the Goddess series - "Egypt - Part II, by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, has just been uploaded:

Egypt - Part II

(PDF: 271 kb)

A special thank-you to Lynn of the Iseum of the Mystic Isis for her proofreading work. And our sincere ongoing thanks to the Durdin-Robertson family for their permission to share these booklets.

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Related links: Online Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

Note: You will need a PDF reader on your computer to open these files. Free software may be downloaded from: Adobe Reader

Highlighted artwork

2011-12-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

"The Ship of Isis"

by: Olivia Robertson

Archival link: Online Art Gallery

Oracle of Astarte

2011-12-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Oracle of the Month has been uploaded and is available from the below link:

Go to the Oracle

(photo of Olivia Robertson copyright Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality)

Olivia, Priestess of Isis DVD

2011-11-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

A reminder that Olivia Robertson's DVD, "Olivia, Priestess of Isis" would make a wonderful holiday gift, either for someone special, or yourself!

Order from Logic Reality

Fellowship of Isis High Altar

2011-11-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Above is a past photo of High Altar: "Facing the two pillars is the high altar upon which stands a carved elm figure of Isis, carved by David aged 15. It is flanked by 4 candle sticks with a little lamp in front and an African figure on each side. It is within a baldequin, the former brass tabernacle cover from Bunclody Church. The altar-table came originally from the old chapel. Flowers,... either artificial, or natural, often given as gifts, are placed on either side of the altar."

See recent photos and hear Olivia Robertson speak of changes made to the High Altar this past January:

The High Altar

Shrine of Sagittarius

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Sun in Sagittarius! Above is a photo of the Shrine of Sagittarius, found in the Well Chapel of Brigid at Clonegal Castle Temple. Listen to this audio clip of Olivia Robertson giving a guided meditation of the Window of Sagittarius in a past ritual:

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, 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."

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You may also review last year's blog post, which contains an audio clip of Olivia speaking about the painting in this photo of the "Bride Ad Infinitum":

Painting of Brighid

Related links: Shrines of the Zodiac

Audio Gallery

(Photo by Minette Quick, cropped and enhanced by this website. Photos and audio are copyright protected, all rites reserved, please do not duplicate.)

FOI Thanksgiving Prayer

2011-11-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fellowship of Isis Thanksgiving Prayer

"We thank you our Holy Mother Isis for your Love, Beauty

and Truth which surround us now and evermore."

Members and others may attune at any time to the Fellowship of Isis, knowing that somewhere the Goddess is being invoked and her Blessings sent forth. At the Foundation Center, Clonegal Castle Temple, attunement is offered daily, mornings and evenings, from 6:30 to 8:30 GMT.

Read more prayers and hear Olivia Robertson speak them at this link:

FOI Prayers & Blessings

Isis Healing Chapel

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Isis Healing Chapel" at the Foundation Center, Clonegal Castle.

Photo from the: Online Photo Gallery

Highlighted booklet: "Goddess Art of Olivia Robertson"

2011-11-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Forty illustrations that Olivia has created for the Fellowship over the years. Each page highlights a different drawing, almost half of them in full color. Also includes a preface and introduction. Olivia writes: "My writing expresses my mind and spirit: art for me shows forth my intuition and heart." Available from this page:

FOI Publications

Please also enjoy our online art gallery of Olivia's works: Olivia's Goddess Art

November Oracle: Goddess Gaia

2011-11-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

The November Oracle of the Month - the Goddess Gaia - is available at the link below:

Oracle of the Month

Illustration: The Earth Mother by Olivia Robertson.

New Iseum

2011-10-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

A new Iseum has been announced by Olivia Robertson and may be viewed at this link:

Iseum of the Sisters of Isis

Shrine of Scorpio

2011-10-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

This photo is of the Shrine of Scorpio, located in the Well Chapel of Brigid at the Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle. The wooden panels are carved by William Morris, and the altar cloth has the FOI Cosmic Web of the Universe embroidered upon it.

Please also enjoy this audio clip of a past ritual meditation, recorded by Olivia Robertson:

Window of Scorpio - Temple of the Zodiac Meditation

(MP3 file - 1 MB - 5 minutes)

Audio transcript:

Visualize the Temple of all your dreams, surrounded by a rainbow of light .. . we enter through the southwest portal flanked by two mighty female sphinxes, wings reaching the glimmering roof. Now we notice four statues of a bull, a lion, an eagle and an angel! Let us approach the window of Scorpio in the West, overlooked by the golden eagle. We approach this window and seat ourselves before this stained glass surmounted by the sign of Scorpio. The picture shows a man in green robes holding aloft a wand entwined with a green and red cobra with raised hood. By him is a woman in purple robes, who is riding up on her tiger with her arms around his neck. Suddenly a wind rushes through the Temple, throwing open the window. Through it we see the brilliant ten stars of Scorpio shining above a mountain by the sea.

You find yourself floating towards a red and emerald star, Antares. As you approach, you see a colour-filled land where fulfilled desires may be enjoyed. Think of this, enter this place - but beware! Do not lose yourself, caught by obsessive passions. Enter the paradise of fulfilled desire. Enjoy what you have longed for in your heart, and dared not feel. This divine within us - desire . . . love . . . but with it may come the desire of power over those we love. We face this in ourselves, to keep them safe within our own arms. With this comes jealousy, fear, hatred against a rival. . . there is the danger of total subservience, surrender to one person, one cause, one overriding desire. The cause for which we kill, for which we are manipulated. . .we are followers shouting slogans, filled with the obsessive passion for tribe . . . for ideal . . . for leader. And is the leader enslaved by passions?

Here is the place of alchemy, these passions must be realized to be transmuted into Love, Beauty, Truth. The Truth of the idea, the Love within the passion. All evil slips away, transmuted into good. The power of the passions is enjoyed. And so we are enabled to receive love as well as give it, to give it as well as to receive. We regret being called back. We leave Antares, slowly withdraw, back away from this wonderful star, and come back before the stars by the doorway, of the Temple of the Zodiac.

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Related links: Shrines of the Zodiac and the Audio Gallery

(Photo provided by Minette Quick. All rights reserved, additional cropping and enhancements made by this website.)

Messages from Olivia Robertson

2011-10-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

A message received this morning from Olivia Robertson:

Email circuit for Global Centers

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Related link: Letters from Olivia Robertson

Messages from Olivia & deTraci Regula: Isis-Fest, Utah

2011-10-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Rev. Kasey Conder shared these messages from Olivia Robertson & deTraci Regula:

Isis-Fest, Temple of Isis, Utah

Audio: Invocation of Isis - Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-10-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

In honor of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson's latest Communion of the Goddess booklet being uploaded (Egypt, Part I, ISIS), please enjoy this invocation from a past ritual:

Lawrence Durdin-Robertson - Invocation of Isis

(MP3 :50 seconds / 202 kb)

Audio transcript:
"Who protecteth the soul with thy feathery wings of the Kite; whose blood, enchantments and power strengthen the soul; inspire us with thy breath of the West Wind. Winged Goddess who concealeth thy brow with thy long hair, spread thy hair of enchantment and shake it over the brow of thy Devotees. Breathe into us thy Breath of life and health and strength."

Related link: Audio Gallery

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Photo: © The Occult Experience. Created with permission, all rights reserved.

From Olivia Robertson: Coursework & Inclusion

2011-10-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Two messages from Olivia Robertson regarding FOI coursework and inclusion were uploaded this morning, which may be found on this page:

Olivia's Letters

Egypt - Part I: Isis, by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-10-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

The 4th book in the Communion with the Goddess series - "Egypt - Part I: Isis" - by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, is now available to be read or printed from the following link:

Egypt - Part I: Isis

(PDF: 288 kb)

Our ongoing thanks to the Durdin-Robertson family for allowing these works to be shared.

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Related links: Online Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

Note: You will need a PDF reader on your computer to open these files. Free software may be downloaded from: Adobe Reader

Oracle: Goddess Dana

2011-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Oracle of the Month has been uploaded and is available from the link below. Happy October everyone!

Oracle of the Month - Goddess Dana

La Familia Animal de Isis

2011-09-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Our Spanish translators, Maa Kheru Nen and Ka-Nakht Ridi Aut-ib, just submitted this translation of the "Animal Family of Isis" page. Our thanks to both of them!

La Familia Animal de Isis

Shrine of Libra

2011-09-22T06:46:00.001-07:00

Blessings of the Sun in Libra and Happy Equinox! The Shrine of Libra at the Foundation Center of Clonegal Castle is pictured above. It shows a statue of the Goddess Etain, which was carved by the late David Durdin-Robertson. She is bestowing a blessing upon the animals that surround Her. The back wooden panel is by William Morris and features an inlaid fleur-de-lis. This altar is located in the Well Chapel of Brigid within the Temple of Isis.

This month we offer a meditation on the Window of Libra in the Temple of the Zodiac, recorded by Olivia Robertson in a past rite. Click on the link below to listen:

The Window of Libra

(MP3 file: 5:30 minutes / 1.25mb)

Transcript of Recording:

"How honored we are to be climbing the hill towards the Temple of the Zodiac. As we gaze at the stars wheeling around us, we realize that each star is the home of Divine intelligences and even mightier Beings and Deities who preside over whole galaxies. Is beyond our believing, yet each of us has a spark of star within us and we belong to the body of the Cosmic Mother. On we climb, up the hill, and we reflect that as each star is haven of Deities, bright beings we may become, yet there are also planets encircling, which are planetary schools for us, as is our Earth. We face the south-west portal of the Temple. It is flanked by mighty winged Sphinxes. Pass the Sphinxes and we enter. Look upon the twelve walls, these beautiful stained-glass windows are each crowned with a sign of the Zodiac.

"Come to the west window surrounded by the seventh sign, Libra: the scales of equal day and night, autumn and spring. The picture shows a Goddess beneath an Aspen tree, cradling the Yin-Yang egg. Think of a Goddess cradling it. The Consort of the Goddess encircles Her with His arms. Below we read the ancient words: 'The aspen will detain, The egg will all explain; Seek not; yourself be sought. All other search in vain.'

"A mighty wind rushes through the Temple, throwing open the window - feel this wind pouring through. We see through it the glittering constellation of Libra with its 28 stars. The star Se Han forms the south-western pan of the scales. Approach the window! Look at the constellation of Libra and enter into entirely other landscape of soft beauty, into this happy land of the Goddess Kwan Yin, full of all we have ever longed for, land of our heart's longing. Here we have the company of those we love, forever - or - as long as we choose. We make our own space and time in Infinity.   Here grow the Peaches of Immortality.   Taste them if you can find them. Those who have tasted these peaches may ever return, if they have the will to do so.

"Here, all are reconciled: love and truth, philosophy and religion, peace and activity. Above all we find harmony within ourselves and with others. Here is harmony with all Nature. Judgment is not judging others: it is having the judgment to bring harmony so there's no loss to any. Peace can only come with justice. Let us do justice to ourselves, and so we will be just to all, and so the Law of Love and Harmony prevails.

"Thus, in harmony with ourselves, we are part of the Cosmos and the Music of the Spheres."

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Related links:   Audio Gallery
                      Shrines of the Zodiac

For those who prefer receiving these posts through Facebook: FOI Homepage Archive FB Page

New photo - Castle Guestroom

2011-09-07T14:15:00.001-07:00

A photo postcard from Olivia Robertson of one of Clonegal Castle's guestrooms. She writes "Nice and haunted by a congenial Bishop! Love, Olivia"

This photo has also been added to the Homepage Archive photo gallery.

From Olivia: FOI Registration Privacy

2011-09-04T09:41:00.002-07:00

Message for All Global Sites
3rd September 2011
From Olivia Robertson – Co-Founder

Because of the need for privacy, all FOI registrations and Centres will be kept at Foundation Centre's Archive Office.

Those Centres and Members who wish to publish their activities and ceremonies are welcome to do so, on Fellowship of Isis Websites. Cressida Pryor will not publish any material sent to her.

When my brother and I published Isian News originally, it was for Members only and we were careful not to print any private names or addresses.

Now with the World Wide Web, the FOI still respects and maintains the privacy of each member and their Centres.

Each individual answers to their own conscience and no-one else.

(Our thanks to Minette Quick for forwarding this message. Message updated via Olivia's instructions on 9/8/11)

New book: "The Many Voices of Isis"

2011-09-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

"The Oracles have returned to aid us."

Olivia Robertson

We are happy to announce a new booklet is now available: "The Many Voices of Isis, Oracles of Alchemy", by Olivia Robertson.

This is a sequel to the booklet "Sybil, Oracles of the Goddess", and contains all of the Oracles that Olivia has since received and incorporated into the FOI Liturgy.

"The Many Voices of Isis" includes an introduction, 8 sections of 98 Oracles, illustrations and photos.

Color cover art: "The Three Oracles"

You may order this booklet here: FOI Liturgy Order Forms ("Liturgy" section - $10 plus s/h)

Or, read it in full here: The Many Voices of Isis

Oracle: Goddess Hathor

2011-09-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of Olivia Robertson's new booklet, "The Many Voices of Isis" (see post directly above), we are sharing this month's FOI Oracle of the Month, which you may also listen to from this historic audio clip of Olivia and Lawrence during ritual.

Listen:

Invocation & Oracle of Hathor

(MP3 file - 4:51min/1.11mb - audio varies slightly from text)

FOI Oracle of the Month

September 2011
Oracle: The Goddess Hathor
Booklet: "Urania, Ceremonial Magic of the Goddess"
By: Olivia Robertson

Invocation:
Adorable Hathor, Kindly Mother of all creatures, Goddess of love and laughter, we are orphaned of Thee! We have turned away from Thy joy which calls us through all Nature to return again to Thy beautiful bounty. Bestow on us happiness and love; health and abundance.

Oracle:
Because you ask Me for these gifts, you shall receive them! For long hard centuries you, my dear human children, have sought knowledge and authority, strength and sanctity, believing that these hardly won gains will make you as the Deities! But though it is well to be powerful, without love and happiness you are as nothing. And this love is not some strange and terrible passion that could tear you asunder, as it does when suppressed or misused: rather it is the kindly benevolence that not only seeks the good for others but also for oneself! For who would be the victim of another's immolation? True friendship and marriage is to share good things such as abundance, laughter and peace. For in the past you clever and hard-working ones have travelled the earth making converts to your puritanical civilization, but have made millions wretched and uprooted them from their own way of living.

It is not for nothing that I am depicted with the solar disc between the horns of a cow! Do not despise me in this form, for as a cow I have four legs and can stand in my sleep, whereas the walking two-legged human suffers from unbalance! I give my milk generously and have the wisdom to stay where I am, either eating grass or meditating, which is what you call ‘chewing the cud'. You run around too much in your minds and with your bodies. Be peaceful. Be happy. And in this way you will, through gentleness, find power; through stillness, achieve progress, and by living fully each moment, gain abundance for all time. Know that Jupiter Himself appears as a bull, as does Serapis. Yet neither of these Gods nor I Myself manifesting in these animal forms derive Our strength and health from killing and eating our fellows. You petition Me for health. Do likewise. Be happy! For if you are happy now - you are happy forever. To rejoice in the Eternal Now is my secret. My Love abideth, for it is the Love of the All-Mother.

(c) Olivia Robertson, FOI co-founder
All Rights Reserved
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Fellowship_of_Isis_Oracles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: Distribution of the Oracle of the Month is encouraged,
but please keep this notice, as well as the above copyright
info and Yahoo link intact. Thank you!

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Photo of Olivia Robertson courtesy of Dennis Murphy/ Logic Reality, from the "Olivia, Priestess of Isis" DVD.

Archival links:
FOI Liturgy
Audio Clip Gallery

Virgo Shrine and Meditation

2011-08-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Blessings of the Sun in Virgo! Above is a photo of the Shrine of Virgo at Clonegal Castle, and below is a more detailed view. This altar is contained within a blocked-up window in the Egyptian passage of the basement Temple. The center figure of Isis raising Osiris, was carved by David Durdin-Robertson when he was 16, and Olivia painted Her gold a few years ago.

We also have an audio file to share with you of Olivia Robertson leading a meditation during a past ritual. This is a large file, so you may need to allow extra time for it to download:

The Window of Virgo Meditation

(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."

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Related Links: Shrines of the Zodiac
Audio Gallery

Manuals updated

2011-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

We wanted to let you know that all five of the FOI manuals have now been updated for this year. These booklets are in 8.5" x 5.5" format, $7.00 each (plus s/h), and are offered at this link:

FOI Manual Order Forms

Please know that the majority of the content remains the same as before - Olivia Robertson's background commentary, the Liturgy initiation structures, etc. These versions simply include policy changes and any other updates and/or additions that have been issued by Olivia since the last versions were printed. Current information may always be accessed on the various Society sections of the Homepage as well:

College of Isis

Spiral of the Adepti

FOI Priesthood
Druid Clan of Dana
Noble Order of Tara
Guidelines for All Centers

(Booklets printed by FOI-Crossroads Media, provided through the Fellowship of Isis Homepage Archive.)

FOI Healing Prayer

2011-08-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

FOI healing prayer and illustration by Olivia Robertson:

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

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Homepage archival link: FOI Prayers

Highlighted artwork: "We Reap to Share"

2011-07-31T12:11:00.001-07:00

We Reap to Share

by Olivia Robertson

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Related link: Olivia's Online Art Gallery

"Priestesses" by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-07-28T17:08:00.002-07:00

The third booklet in the Communion with the Goddess series - "Priestesses" - by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, is now available to be read or printed from the following link:

Priestesses

(PDF: 237 kb)

Related links:
Online Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson
Fellowship of Isis Priesthood

Our sincere thanks to the Durdin-Robertson family for their generosity in allowing the works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson to be freely accessible to all our members.

Note: You will need a PDF reader on your computer to read these booklet files. Free software may be downloaded from Adobe Reader

From Olivia Robertson: Memories of Preparation for Ordination & Other Initiations

2011-07-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

From Olivia Robertson
via Caroline Wise
Received: July 28, 2011

"A Priestess of Isis here in Avalon, Celia, asked me how my brother and I prepared candidates for Ordination and other Initiations.

"Our essential aim for any Candidate was to receive direct revelation of the real existence of the Goddess. This we achieved through the Candidate developing psychic and spiritual awakening through trance experience and dream interpretation. Development of the Kundalini was all important for receiving the direct flow of energy through the body.

"The Candidate was required to have a practical way to care for others through nature, social work, care for animals or the environment.

"Practice of the Arts and Crafts was necessary for each Candidate to develop his or her unique gifts. Lawrence and myself gave our sessions for eight day periods. We would assemble in the library in the morning and each person was required to read a paper on some relevant subject to FOI. In the afternoons, we made pilgrimage to a sacred place to cooperate with the local energies.

"At 6.00 p.m. we would assemble to experience magical journeys of the soul, where each person would report on what they received spiritually. Here, some found the gift of Oracle, others of Healing and Counselling. We accepted the equality of Teacher and Candidate, demanded no violation of their private lives or asked for any binding vows. When we felt that the Candidate was accepted by the Goddess and her Consort the God, we would then give the Rite of Rebirth, followed by Ordination in our Temple of Isis in full ceremony. The new Priestess or Priest, in our experience, received a full flow of divine energy. They then, as was the custom of the ancient Priesthood, gave their Blessing to the world, with a declaration of their future spiritual intent."

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Archival link: Letters from Olivia Robertson

(Our thanks to Olivia & Celia, as well as to Caroline and Linda for forwarding these messages.)

Letter from Olivia Robertson: FOI Registration

2011-07-25T13:41:00.001-07:00

From Olivia Robertson:
I am so happy that my niece Cressida Pryor is my successor in the spiritual and ethical work of the Fellowship of Isis. We need one single centre for registration of membership and centres (Lyceums, Iseums, Priories and Groves) which should be Clonegal Castle. Cressida has offered to be the custodian of the register. New members may register with her and must sign that they agree to the Manifesto. No member has the right to control another. There are no subscription fees, membership will always continue to be free. I feel my brother is with me as the Fellowship of Isis goes back to basics.

Cressida is the niece of my brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and Pamela Durdin-Robertson.

Olivia Robertson.

From Cressida Pryor:
Registration to the Fellowship of Isis, and registration of centres may be made via my email. (zenziallink@hotmail.com) All must agree to the Manifesto. Please put ‘FOI’ in the title bar of any emails.

Additional from Olivia: "Cressida is responsible only for registration and not new membership."

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Archival link: Letters from Olivia Robertson

Letter to All Centers from Olivia Robertson

2011-07-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

To All Global Centres,
FOI Centres and The College of Isis
From Olivia Robertson
July 22, 2011

Received from Olivia Robertson in London via Caroline Wise.

Admittance to Iseums, Lyceums, Degrees, Druid Clan of Dana and Noble Order of Tara may be accomplished through any existing centre.

Owing to the great increase in Lyceums and FOI centres in many countries and languages, no single national of ANY country has authority over the Fellowship of Isis or The College of Isis, or any of our centres.

There is no special permit of authority from the USA, UK or any other country that recommends or gives permission for any FOI Centre. The FOI has always had a democratic voice.

Signed
Olivia Robertson
Co-Founder of The Fellowship of Isis
22/7/2011
Festival of Opet

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Archival Link: Olivia's Letters

Shrine of Leo & Invocation of Sekhmet

2011-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Sun in Leo! Above is the Shrine of Leo in the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. This shrine is found to the right of the Shrine of Cancer and both are located in the passageway outside of the Cave of the Mothers.

Click on the mp3 link below and listen as Olivia calls upon the Goddess Sekhmet, the Lion Goddess, during ritual:

Olivia invokes Sekhmet

(mp3 file: 1:15 min./299kb)

Audio Transcript:
"The sun leaves the crab, Cancer and enters the sign of Leo of the lion Goddess Sekhmet. Sekhmet is the Goddess of the mysterious lion power, which is within us all.. . Holy Sekhmet, bring to us thy flame within the golden sun which is beneath the earth. We feel the flames rising up from the heart of the earth, Cor Leonis, Heart of the Lioness: star royal, flame, red fire. Bring us Thy flame. Sisters, brothers, feel the power rise up from the earth. Let it rise and shine and warm our hearts with love." (sistrum)

Shrine of The Anthrosphinx of Sekhmet, Bast, and Ra.

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Related Links: Shrines of the Zodiac
Audio Gallery
Goddess Art of Olivia Robertson

(Drawing of "The Lion Goddess" by Olivia Robertson. Photos by Minette Quick. All rights reserved.)

Additional Message from Olivia in London

2011-07-22T07:39:00.001-07:00

Musings on Priesthood Training Courses
From Olivia Robertson 22/7/2011

As we have said in our Manifesto, My brother and I have printed our ordination ceremony but left it to individual priestesses and Priests to offer their own form of training. Purely from a personal point of view I like what Caroline has told me this morning so I have prevailed on her to offer her own method which is modern, democratic and original. It allows the candidate to bring the Goddess into everyday life.

My brother and I were very clear that anyone could leave the Fellowship, including the priesthood and any FOI group or course at anytime and that they will be sent forth with goodwill and kindness however annoyed they are at the time! I don’t mind if they find spiritual support elsewhere. The Priestess allows the candidate privacy and therefore freedom in their personal life. There should be no vows or secrecy. Let us be happy! Love is the Heartbeat of the Universe.

OR

My brother is present as Caroline and I are talking here on the sofa after breakfast:

From Caroline: Olivia has asked me to share the basics of my Priestess training.

My course is open to all who come with a genuine good heart. It is a very practical and the aims are for the candidate to integrate the Goddess into the ‘mundane’ sphere, what we call everyday life, which includes ones’ work, hobbies, and other activities. This extends to some form of conservation work; practical or raising awareness; Some similar work will be taken with animals and the environment. This is not as daunting as it sounds, trust me! This complements academic research – hearing of your genuine psychic and spiritual contact with the goddess is as important, if not more so, than you telling me what you have learned from books!

The practical work also complements this more esoteric work such as the daily meditations and psychic attunements, FOI Liturgy rites, joining us in solo distant attunement, dream understanding, and bi-monthly group meetings. To me the most important aspect of the role of Priestess is to give the oracle of the Goddess, and it is a particular feature of the FOI priesthood. My course offers training with this.

The candidate finds that by the date of their ordination, they are already acting as a Priestess or Priest with grace in all spheres of their life, including how they treat others, how they share, and how they treat themselves. Equally, I see the role of the Pr/Prs offering an ordination course as one of bringing out the Pr/Prs already within the candidate. No form of bossing or discipline should be present in the relationship. There can be no form of domineering from teacher to student, the relationship is not healthy if the teacher acts like a boss, and the student should not accept it. The newly ordained Prs or Pr is free to continue working with the same people, or to start their own group and to go forth with blessings of the Fellowship. Aset Shemu.

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Archival link: Letters from Olivia

Painting of "The Three Mothers" by Olivia Robertson

Message from Olivia in London

2011-07-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Druidess. Festival of Opet, Isis the Awakener
From Olivia Robertson
July 19, 2011

To all Global Centres of The Fellowship of Isis and
The Druid Clan of Dana and The Noble Order of Tara:

I have been overwhelmed by the needs of my friends the Hopi, Mayans, and Polynesians and other Native American peoples both North and South to save their whole life-style from well meaning but disastrous intervention.

Now at last the Divine Command of the Earth Goddess has been heard as Druidess Caroline Wise was summoned to see Her Excellency the Bolivian Ambassador to London to help the Earth Goddess and the indigenous people. The Ambassadress has said we are five minutes to midnight to saving the earth, and that the earth goddess Patchamama is now officially recognised by the Bolivian government.

If we want to help, each of us can light a candle to the Earth Goddess that we may perform her Divine Will to save the Earth. Not our will, her will by forming a network of lights around the earth.

Olivia Robertson

From Caroline:
I was very honoured to be asked to a meeting at the Bolivian Embassy by the Ambassador to Britain Maria Beatriz Souviron to discuss the summer solstice significance at Stonehenge, and the goddess. I was also asked to describe our own beliefs in the Fellowship of Isis. I told her about our work in the Druid Clan of Dana and the Noble Order of Tara. Vivianne Crowley represented Wicca. Please see my report in the latest Isian News. (http://www.isiannewsfoi.org/) The ambassador said we are five minutes to midnight regarding the diminution of earth’s resources. She was aware that the pagan practice of the Bolivian indigenous people have similarities with modern ‘Western’ pagan practice. While I am aware that there are also differences that may not be in accord with my own practice, the important thing is that the Goddess has been officially recognised by a democratically elected government and this will lead to more recognition of the Goddess world wide.

To help with this restoration of the Goddess, I sanction Olivia’s suggestion that we light candles and send the light forth to the indigenous people of the world. Five minutes to midnight on any day convenient to you would be a good time to do this; if this is not possible, then any time could be symbolic of ‘five minutes to midnight’.

Caroline Wise

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Archival Link: Letters from Olivia

The Animals of Clonegal Castle

2011-07-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

A fun new section has been added to our Photo Gallery:

The Animals of Clonegal Castle

Photo of Olivia Robertson and Otto, the the Burmese Mountain Dog, by Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.

Fellowship of Isis Prayers

2011-07-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

We would like to take a moment to welcome all new readers of this blog, as well as new members to the Fellowship of Isis! Below are two prayers of the FOI:

FOI 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."

FOI Thanksgiving Prayer
"We thank you our Holy Mother Isis for your Love, Beauty
and Truth which surround us now and evermore."

You may read other Fellowship prayers and invocations, as well as listen to recordings of them by the Hon. Olivia Robertson at the following link:

Fellowship of Isis Prayers and Blessings

(Illustration by Olivia Robertson.)

Initiation and the Mysteries

2011-07-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

The second booklet in the Communion with the Goddess series - Initiation and the Mysteries- by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson is now available in PDF form:

Inititation and the Mysteries

(208 kb)

We are offering these booklets in PDF format first, and will then work on providing them in HTML format as well.

Highlighted artwork: Achieving the Inner Sun

2011-06-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Achieving the Inner Sun", by Olivia Robertson

Associated link: Olivia's Online Art Gallery

The Vital Elements by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-06-24T09:19:00.001-07:00

The first booklet in the Communion with the Goddess series - The Vital Elements - by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, has been uploaded to the Homepage Archive. You may access the PDF booklet directly from this link:

The Vital Elements

(220 kb)

A list of Lawrence's booklets, uploaded to date, may be found here:

Online Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

Shrine of Cancer

2011-06-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Blessings of the Sun in Cancer and Happy Solstice! Above is a recent photo of the Shrine of Cancer at the Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle, while the photo below is an earlier version from a few years ago for comparison. The Shrine of Cancer is located in the passageway outside of the Cave of the Mothers, going towards the Chapel of Lakshmi.

This zodiac season we also offer an audio clip of FOI co-founder, the late Lawrence Durdin-Robertson explaining the sign of Cancer during ritual:

Lawrence Speaks on the Mystery of Cancer

(1:45 min./412kb)

Audio transcript:
"Companions on the quest for occult wisdom hidden within the Great Deep, know that the Sign of Cancer was reverenced in remote antiquity. In the fourth month of the Chaldea Duzu, it is the Northern Gate of the Sun whence, at the Summer Solstice, it commences its retrograde movement. With Scorpio and Pisces, Cancer forms the Watery Trigon. To the Coptic Egyptians, this sign was the Power of Darkness of the Jackal Anubis, Guide of the Dead, a Deity of Sirius. It was known as the Dark Sign with no eyes. The Ancient Egyptians knew it as Scarabeus, the beetle Kephera that holds the mud ball of earth. Cancer is depicted as Sacer, the Water Beetle of Immortality, in the most ancient Zodiac known, found in the Temple of Isis in the Denderah Temple of Hathor."

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Homepage Archive links:

Shrines of the Zodiac

Audio Gallery

(First photo by Minette Quick, second photo by Olivia Robertson, with additional cropping & enhancement by this website.)

Olivia Robertson Painting

2011-06-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Five new photos of Olivia painting, as well as a video clip from Olivia's DVD have been added to the Art Gallery. Our thanks to Dennis & Steven from Logic Reality for providing these. Please go to the link below and then scroll down to the "Video" selection:

Olivia's Online Art Gallery

God the Mother by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-06-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

The booklet, "God the Mother, The Creatress and Giver of Life" by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, has just been uploaded in full to the Homepage Archive. It is available to be downloaded from this PDF link :

God the Mother

(395 kb)

You may also revisit all of Lawrence's booklets uploaded so far here:

The Online Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

More Changing Faces!

2011-06-14T08:52:00.001-07:00

Four more new photos of the Temple were received from Olivia this morning, via Minette. Enjoy!

Working directly on the wall, Olivia has now extended her beautiful full-length portrait of Hathor around the curves of the wall, which shows off Her lovely flowing hair, shoulder and arms to perfection. This painting now provides a wonderful welcome to visitors, as they come down the last few steps into the Temple.

In the Shrine of the Anthrosphinx Bast now faces a harvest wreath as She is Protectress of the Harvest at the time of the Inundation of the Nile, between Leo &Virgo.

Directly facing the Anthrosphinx is the Granite Dolmen doorway of the Cave of The Mothers and the Shrine of Opet. Celebrated on 23rd July, also between Leo & Virgo.

This Shrine of Osiris, Nephythys & Isis leads us to the main scene of Opet within the Cave. The Winged Isis restores Osiris to life. We also are reborn through the Divine Wife, the Divine Mother! So are we all. (OR)

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Homepage Archive Link: All Temple Updates

(Photos copyright Minette Quick with additional cropping/enhancement by this website.)

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-06-13T09:21:00.002-07:00

Eight beautiful new photos of the Temple at Clonegal Castle were forwarded by Minette this morning for Olivia Robertson! They were taken by Minette on June 9, 2011. Commentary by Minette and Olivia may be found below each photo.

From Minette: "Olivia has surpassed herself – it appears that the work of the Goddess in the Temple was not yet complete for this season! MQ."

Window Between Aquarius & Pisces

Here we have The Butterfly of Psyche in copper-work with a huge image of The Bee Queen, two carved images of The Nature Spirits of Day & Night preside.

Aries: Isis & Gaea as Nature Spirits

Palu Irish Cat Goddess. Carved by David Durdin Robertson. He had begun to paint her blue – OR completed it. She is between an African wood-carving of a Giraffe, and a picture on slate of Etaine & Midir, Irish Nature Sidhe by OR. Behind him is an African animal hanging on cloth.

Palu Irish Cat Goddess. Carved by David Durdin Robertson. He had begun to paint her blue – OR completed it. She is between an African wood-carving of a Giraffe, and a picture on slate of Etaine & Midir, Irish Nature Sidhe by OR. Behind him is an African animal hanging on cloth.

Shrine of Cancer

White statue of Juno with pictures of a Peacock Angel, Moon Deities & a lot of real Peacock feathers. Below is a richly coloured piece of appliqué work representing the Spider Goddess Arachne.

Shrine of Leo

Lady & the Lion painted by OR. Carving of a Woman in Yew Wood by David D-R. Images of Sekhmet & Amon Ra. A Pekinese dog, head & image of elephant, appliqued Egyptian geese. To the left is a painting on cloth by OR of the Princess Scota, above a full length Egyptian dress.

Isis in the Shrine of the Mirror of Osiris.

First full-face portrait of Isis by OR!

Painted on glass, with a coloured background in a painted wooded shrine, Her Shrine is below that of the painted veil of Osiris over a circular mirror. Above is Nepthys painted on stone. She is always portrayed above the head of Osiris, Isis at his feet.

"When I returned the next day (10.06.2011) Olivia had just completed a full length portrait of Hathor that very morning, and made some other additions as she explains below….. MQ."

Message from Olivia

(10.06.2011)

"After painting Isis, it came to me that there was no clear expression to help others understand the very meaning of the Goddess. So I found myself painting Hathor and adding the flowers and fruits of the Earth to each figure, providing food, beauty and abundance to all.

I realise now that Isis is revealing Herself, through the changing faces of Her Temple, withdrawing Her Veil, not all at once, but Shrine by Shrine according to the Zodiac periods.”

Shrine of The Anthrosphinx of Sekhmet, Bast, Ra.

This was comprised of the Zodiac Houses of Leo to Virgo. The climax was the Egyptian Harvest with the inundation of the Nile. So Hathor Goddess of Love & Abundance is shown giving a cornucopia of food to the hungry, Humans, a Lion and a Tiger. Fruit is shown given by the Deities, Sekhmet, Bast & Ra.

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Homepage Archive link: All Temple Updates

(Photos copyright Minette Quick with additional cropping/enhancement by this website.)

Life in the Next World

2011-06-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

The next booklet by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson that we have uploaded is "Life in the Next World," and you may download it here (pdf file/759kb):

Life in the Next World

We have also created a page for everything to be found in one place:

Works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

We are concentrating on completing the PDF files first, and will eventually provide the booklets in HTML format, as well as printed form. Please let us know if the PDF files become too large to easily download, and we will make two files available. Thank you!

Regarding Visits to the Castle

2011-06-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Received this morning from Minette Quick, Hon. Sec. of the Circle of Brigid:

"Now that the season for Guided Tours of the Castle and Grounds is open for the summer months of June, July and August, I would be grateful if you would make it clear under FAQ's that general questions regarding visits to Huntington Castle for Guided Tours of the Castle and Grounds, and non-FOI events such as concerts etc., should be addressed to http://www.huntingtoncastle.com/.

Members wishing to come to one of our Fellowship Festivals at Huntington should continue to contact hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com for an invitation. It should be noted that these Festivals are private events and are not advertised on-line anywhere. The Castle is a private home and is not open to the public except for advertised events.

Thank you so much.
Minette Quick (hon.sec.circleofbrigid)"

The Religion of the Goddess

2011-06-03T15:21:00.001-07:00

The entire "Religion of the Goddess" booklet by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson has been uploaded to the Homepage Archive in PDF format.

You may read the former excerpt and find the link to read the full PDF file here:

The Religion of the Goddess

With permission from the Durdin-Robertson family, we will soon upload more of the works of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, as well as make them available in printed booklet form. We will let you know when these will be available.

DVD trailer of Olivia: Priestess of Isis

2011-05-29T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sent by Dennis & Steven - a clip from Olivia's DVD, available through Logic Reality.

Order the DVD from this link: Olivia, Priestess of Isis

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-05-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

Four new photos and commentary were received this morning from Olivia Robertson via Minette Quick regarding the Star Chapel.

The Star Chapel

Already we have a Star Child, presumably using our Mirror with a painting of Ishtar on it as a convenient Doorway. Now we have two more.

One, Aisling, is a Mer-girl, offspring of the Goddess Dana. And supported by Fionnuala the Swan Maiden – on the left, and a White Sidhe with Baby – on the right:

The third altar has now been augmented by A Divine Child with an elaborate aura indicating Divinity. The child is sponsored by two women, one black, one white, who are surmounted by a picture of The Goddess Tara, Star of the Mountain.

(All paintings by Olivia Robertson)

What to me means much, is that I have used this chapel to show 3 Goddesses who have come to me: Tara in 1946, Dana in 1952 & a side picture of Brigid in the year 2000.

Am I being told that the descent of Ishtar through various levels represents incarnation, especially now with Star Children?

Anyway all beings have a star within – I’ve been rather reluctant to show these new arrivals from beyond – but the first boy rather took over! He’s found a mirror door.

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Archival link: Temple Updates

(Photos copyright Minette Quick with additional cropping/enhancement by this website.)

Illustrations from Olivia

2011-05-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

Two illustrations were just received from Olivia Robertson, with her written message: "The pictures enclosed are now powerful black and white!"

Medusa:

The Sun Goddess Awakens:

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We are also attaching her earlier versions that are in color, for your enjoyment!

Medusa:

The Sun Goddess Awakens:

More of Olivia's Goddess art may be seen in the online art gallery:

Olivia's Artwork

(Olivia's artwork is copyright protected.)

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-05-22T08:28:00.001-07:00

Star Child

A vision of a child made of crystallised light

seen at dawn on Wednesday 27th April, 2011

by Olivia Robertson

The above photo and commentary was received this morning from Olivia Robertson, via Minette Quick.

Olivia also writes via letter:
"I am immersed in changing faces in the Temple - just painted Ra-at as an African Goddess, all gold! and had a vision of a "crystal" child so had to paint him where I saw him, in our Star Chapel."

Here is the account of Olivia's vision:
(also included in Changing Faces from May 8th)
“While lying in bed at 6 am, I found myself standing before the Ishtar Altar. I was puzzled because a shining figure made of pure white light was blocking my view of the Altar frontal, of my painting of the Winged Goddess. The figure was that of a child – I could not determine the gender. I believe the child represents the Star Children from beyond our earth who are incarnating at present. However, all of us, old and young are born of the Goddess, so we may share this gentle coming with equality, happiness and love.”

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Archival link: Temple Updates

(Photo copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

Shrine of Gemini

2011-05-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Sun in Gemini! Above is a photos of the Shrine of Gemini at the Foundation Center Temple in Ireland. You may also hear Olivia Robertson, during a meditation on the "Window of Gemini":

Gemini Audio

(Link will open and play with the audio software you have designated for MP3 files - it is 3:16 min./765kb.)

Audio transcript:

"We reach the window of Gemini. The picture shows a young man and woman embracing each other, their wings reaching upwards to two stars. They head a spiral procession of twins winding like a serpent through indigo space. Each, man and woman, twins. Suddenly a wind blows open the window and we see the constellation of Gemini itself. Hear the words of Meylo Moya, Sage of the Builders of Zimbabwe.

'Look for the Star! That star does not rise, nor does it set: it holds a fixed place beyond the clouds. O seeker, know that this Nature in which you live and labour is the battleground of the Gods of Storm. Not until you dominate strife will the clouds of fury lift, and the Star illumine the sleeping earth. Then while the Star flames upon the way may you rest with Peace and raise the veil from Her Face. Ngisi kuve hambaseke kahlese! Which in arcane Bantu means: Follow thou after Peace.'

Look upon the orange star, Pollux, of the Gemini twins. Within its aegis is the Heaven of Zimbas. Its rulers are the Rain Queens, each known as Queen Mujaji: 'She who must be obeyed.'

Now, gaze upon the other star of Gemini, light years apart and yet one to our vision: the white star Castor. Within its pure light dwell Mawu and Li-Sa, first of the seven twin deities. Hear the words of the Berber sage Meylo Moya: 'I mounted seven steps of Rainbow Crystal in the Temple, and three more of Opal. And I knelt and adored the Sacred Star. And the crystal pavement of the Temple became a pool, clear as a perfect mirror reflecting the midnight sky. And I heard these words: If thou wouldst be perfect, O servant of Life, thou must dwell in the Light and work in the Shadow. Ili Tongo ka lase nwaya zu ze esu nka dhlineni. May thou and the United All dwell together in Eternity.’

Ponder upon the wisdom of ancient Africa.”

*************************************

Homepage Archive links:

Shrines of the Zodiac

Audio Gallery

(Photos & audio files on this blog are copyrighted.)

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-05-16T08:32:00.001-07:00

Two new photos of the Foundation Center Temple were received this morning from Minette Quick, along with commentary from Olivia Robertson. (photos taken yesterday on May 15th)

In the Star Chapel

High Altar of the Goddess Ishtar of Babylon,

To the left of the Altar Frontal

The Star Child Offspring of Ishtar & Tammuz

Has now come into full manifestation!

Shrine of the Anthrosphinx

The Ancient Egyptians linked Leo & Virgo as one zodiac influence

And invoked Sekhmet Goddess of the Sun at Noon.

Bast, Cat Goddess of Sun & Moon at Twilight, Day & Night.

Ra, the Travelling Sun God /His Female version is the Goddess Ra-at

He has experiences in His Boat of millions of years,

Travelling three cycles of darkness & light.

I have added a painting of Sekhmet by a son of the Rev. David de Roeck. And a golden African wooden statue of a mother travelling with her baby on her back representing The Goddess Ra-at with Her baby Ra.

**************************

Archival link: Temple Update May 16, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

Featured Liturgy: Ordination of Priestesses & Priests

2011-05-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Our featured Liturgy this week is the Fellowship of Isis booklet "Ordination of Priestesses and Priests" by Olivia Robertson.

From the Preface:

"All beings are children of the Mother Goddess. Hence all are in essence Divine. Priesthood involves a voluntary acceptance of work undertaken for the Divine Plan of the Deities... Human beings attain Priesthood in various ways. Vocation is received from the Deities. Reincarnation brings memories of previous ministry. Initiation is given through Rite or touch. Heredity gives family priesthood. Priestly authority may also be claimed through occupation, such as the Smiths with their God, Weyland Smith, the starry Blacksmith in the sky.

"The Egyptian Priesthood was conveyed through heredity or by rites and appointment. The Priesthood of the Fellowship of Isis is hereditary in source, through the Robertsons of Strathloch. It is passed to Priestesses and Priests through the Rite of Ordination by consecration through oil. The ceremony may also be conducted through attunement at a distance through mutual arrangement. The Priestly line comes to Lawrence and Olivia Robertson from the Egyptian Princess, Scota, the dark one, the daughter of the Pharaoh 'Cincris'. Scota was hereditary Daughter of Isis, through her descent from Isis and Osiris. Scota left Egypt with her Scythian husband Nel and gave her name to Scotland. The Gaelic race was named after her son, Goadhal or Gaelglas.

"Lawrence and Olivia Robertson derive the titles 'Priest and Priestess Hierophant' from Scota in another connection. Those Princesses who did not attain the rank of Queen by marriage, filled the office, of Priestesses of the Goddess Nit or Hathor and bore in their households titles which they transmitted to their children, writes Maspero, in the 'Dawn of Civilization'. Hierophant means a Guide, one who both leads and aids: 'At the gates of the other world... one often sees the dead welcomed by a Goddess who offers bread and water. The Deity who thus welcomes the dead is often Ament, Nut, Hathor, Neith or Mayet: Veronica Ions 'Egyptian Mythology', Genealogical Sources, Manetho 'Labor Gabala Erenn', Mediaeval, 'Irish Pedigrees' O'Hart, 1979.

"The Robertson of Strathloch line is traced through Matriculation, Lyon Office, Edinburgh, 1907, and through Matriculation, Genealogical Office, Dublin Castle, 1979.'"

*********************

You may also hear Olivia speak about the FOI Priesthood here:
(1:35 min./334kb)

Priesthood Vocation - Audio Clip

Audio transcript: ""We have our Priesthood derived hereditarily from ancient Egypt, which we have described in booklets and therefore. But a Priesthood really means that you have a Vocation from Deity in some form or other, to help the world in some particular way: maybe through scholarship, writing books, doing nature. You're asked to do something. You feel the Vocation, but it is always from the Goddess - but you can add the God if you like - because the person joining the Fellowship wants to emphasize that part of their lives."

*********************

There is also an accompanying CD to the booklet, which includes both the ordination of a Priest and consecration of a Priestess Hierophant during the same rite, recorded at Clonegal Castle:

Both may be ordered from this link: Order FOI Materials

(booklet: $5, CD: $8, plus shipping/handling)

Additional links:
Priesthood of the Fellowship of Isis
Read the Ordination Rite Online

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-05-08T10:19:00.002-07:00

More new photos received this morning from Olivia & Minette - enjoy!

Star Chapel Ceiling

In 1980 the Star Chapel was created by Co-Founders, Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and his sister Olivia. They worked together painstakingly to clear an ancient wine cellar in the basement of the Castle. The ceiling was designed by Lawrence to show many of the wonderful non-zodiac constellations such as the Polar Constellations, including Caer Arianrhod, her Pole Star home, and the Great Bear.

There are Cygnus the Swan, the Ariadne Crown, Andromeda’s Sea Monster, Sirius, Orion & Cassiopeia. Having first painted the whole ceiling deep blue, Lawrence created cardboard stencils. These Olivia then used to paint the stars in gold. Here are some small photos of parts of the ceiling just to give a sense of it.

Olivia pointed out Sirius at the top of the first photo below.

Ceiling Stars

In the Star Chapel: Ishtar Altar

This is the High Altar of the Goddess Ishtar of Babylon.

She descended the 7 planes from the Stars to the last level, the Earth, to rescue her lover, Tammuz, Shepherd of the Starry Flocks. The 7 stages are shown from the White Angel with wings, A mirror showing Ishtar, Ishtar & Tammuz together in a statuette, a silk frontal with a painting of the Goddess (by OR), and finally the Offspring of Ishtar & Tammuz as a Star Child with a Moon and a White Cat representing all creatures born of Ishtar as Lady of 15 (The Moon) & of the 8 pointed Star Venus, which is in the heart of all beings.

Olivia Robertson writes: “I would like to share a psychic experience I was given on Wed 27th April, 2011, which inspired me to paint the Star Child:”

“While lying in bed at 6 am, I found myself standing before the Ishtar Altar. I was puzzled because a shining figure made of pure white light was blocking my view of the Altar frontal, of my painting of the Winged Goddess. The figure was that of a child – I could not determine the gender. I believe the child represents the Star Children from beyond our earth who are incarnating at present. However, all of us, old and young are born of the Goddess, so we may share this gentle coming with equality, happiness and love.”

Also in the Chapel of the Stars…

Altar of the Goddess Tara

Star of the Mountain.

Again we have stages of incarnation. Above is the Winged Isis. Below is the painting of the Goddess made of White Light who came to OR, then below that a large painted medallion of Tara laughing, by OR, with an unexpected blackbird by her white wing. Sharing her liveliness is a large blue dolphin, splashing on the Altar. The frontal shows a Tara Hill with stars. Her hills are all over the earth. The Dolmen is Her Star Doorway.

Altar of Aquarius

Dedicated to Amaterasu No Kami, Sun Goddess of Japan

Altar furnishings designed by William Morris in the 19th Century with gold-leaf ‘fleur-de-lys’. A Sun disc with Japanese face, represents the Goddess and another in gold below this is of Uzumi who drew Amaterasu out of Her cave to shine again by her dancing, thus founding No Plays. The cloth frontal of 3 Japanese Muses was brought back by OR from Japan. To the left is a Japanese, fox fairy, represented by an Art Nouveau face & cloth Illustrating ‘fin-de-siècle’ Japanese influence in French art.

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Archival Link: Temple Update May 8, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website. Our thanks to Olivia & Minette!)

Remembering Lawrence Durdin-Robertson

2011-05-06T08:48:00.002-07:00

This post is in honor of the late Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, who was born on this day in 1920 and passed to spirit sphere in 1994. Please take a moment to remember this FOI co-founder and Olivia's brother, while listening to this audio clip as he described his own religious background:

Lawrence Speaking

(Link opens as MP3 file 1:32 min./361kb)

Audio transcript:

“I started as the Church of Ireland, or as we call Anglican, as an Anglican. I suppose one approaches. . . everyone is basically interested in religion, and their first approach is through their religion to which they were born, and as I say I was born into the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church. And then my horizon broadened and I became interested in many other religions, and so many of them the last 150 years have been prevented, Indian, Chaldean, Egyptian, Japanese, the old Norse and Celtic, and so on - that my horizon broadened, so I became – actually I call it – a Universalist, believing in all the religions, but particularly of course, the fair feminine aspect, which is now very much coming into the fore again. Of course you get that in Christianity, particularly in the cult of the Divine Wisdom, Sophia, that you get of course in the Hebrew Bible, Hakma, but also in the Virgin Mary. So there isn’t really such a gap because the Virgin Mary has many of the titles as the Goddess Isis. Isis represents all women and corresponds to all the Great Goddesses or in fact, every Goddess, or every woman to that extent."

Archival links:

Co-Founder Biographies

More Audio Clips

More photos from Olivia's Documentary

2011-05-03T10:49:00.001-07:00

Below are four new photo stills taken from Olivia's DVD:

Further photos from Olivia's DVD, video clips and ordering details may be found here:

Olivia, Priestess of Isis DVD

Our sincere thanks to Dennis and Steven, producers of the DVD for sharing these and for creating such a beautiful tribute to Olivia's life and work.

(Photos are copyright Logic Reality, with additional cropping and enhancements made by this website.)

Athena, Arcadian Awakening

2011-04-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

Olivia has completed the working cover art for her next booklet, "Athena, Arcadian Awakening." It has been uploaded, along with the first ritual and introduction here:

Athena, Arcadian Awakening

As always, the Fellowship of Isis liturgy may be read online in its entirety, or ordered in booklet form:

Read Liturgy Online

or:

Order Booklets

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-04-26T09:27:00.002-07:00

The following 9 new photos and text were received of the Castle Temple this morning from Olivia Robertson, via Minette Quick:

NORSE VERSE

By: Olivia Robertson

Birds call their song of hope to Wandering Souls

Pilgrims in search of their lost Heaven

Within the Mothers’ Home lies hidden

The source of life

Cave of the Mothers

I did feel our curtained off dungeon,

“Cave of the Mothers” lacked cheerfulness.

It was all Fates & Norns & Eggs.

So for the New Aeon I have opened it wide for all.

On the altar is a joyful Osiris awakened by the Winged Isis!

This is eternal bliss springing from the Mothers (and Fathers).

Arianrhod of the Silver Wheel

Here is Arianrhod of the Silver Wheel,

(These are the stars that circle the North Star Polaris)

She between the passing age of Pisces

and the Aquarian altar of Amaterasu No Kami

Shrine of Andromeda

In the Eastern Corner is the Shrine of Andromeda

Containing our Sister Galaxy of the same name

She is shown holding a new planet as her baby.

Isis Blessing Plants

Above the lintel of the Shrine of Aries

Is a carved wood pyramid depicting

ISIS Blessing Plants

By David Durdin-Robertson.

Shrine of Aries

The Shrine of Aries includes Animal Deities

Palu the Cat Goddess carved by David Durdin-Robertson.

Athena's Owl

Athena’s Owl above Athena’s Head – painted on slate by OR.

The Shrine of Taurus

With a painting of the Goddess Maya as seen by Olivia

with copper coloured light appearing over the sky.

Kachina figures donated by Elders in Hopi Land to OR

And carving by David Durdin-Robertson of a Golden Eagle and

White Buffalo Calf Woman on slate by OR.

In the Shrine of the Anthrosphinx

An African Mother with Child on her back, carved in Africa,

Stands by a bowl giving water to a large stone tortoise.

Behind her on a Moorish screen are

lemons, apples and orange branches

Next to a painting on cloth by OR of Margo the Korean Goddess of Mercy

And below is a real large pottery jar.

On the other side of the Art Nouveau

stained glass window showing an Ankh, is:

The Goddess Gangur of Rajasthan

She is also distributing water & fruit –

carried by a sacred white elephant.

She is working with a carved African giraffe, and a sea monster carved by David Durdin-Robertson & painted by OR, and NU KUA the Creator Goddess, in the form of a jade dragon. On the right is the Sphinx Ra Herut. Behind Her is the Golden Disc held by 2 folding wings by David Durdin-Robertson. The Rainbow banner was given from Hawaii and symbolises our Rainbow network of friendliness and harmony that circles the earth.

Archival link: Temple Update 4/26/11

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website. Our thanks to Olivia & Minette!) 

Greeting from Olivia

2011-04-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

A fun drawing just received from Olivia Robertson with the message: "Happy Festival of the Goddess Oestre!"

Shrine of Taurus

2011-04-20T08:18:00.002-07:00

Blessings of the Sun in Taurus! Above is the Shrine of Taurus at the Foundation Center Temple in Ireland, honoring many Native American Deities. The painting above the altar is of the Goddess Maya, by Olivia Robertson.

Below is an audio file of Olivia Robertson, which will take you on a magical journey to the constellation of Taurus:

Taurus Audio

(Link will open and play with the audio software you have designated for MP3 files - it is 3:00 min./709kb.)

Audio transcript:

To realize the harmony of Justice and Compassion, we need to make a magical journey to the Constellation of Taurus. Know that these signs are given to us by the Adepti, the Magi of old, so that we may relate to the reality of the stars - not through the sciences, but through our spirits: this is spiritual rising. Come. Approach the window of Taurus. This window depicts a red-haired Goddess seated on a white bull, which is emerging from the sea. Descending from the stars of Taurus, are 14 maidens who bathe in the ocean. Now suddenly a sharp wind blows, and it throws the window open, and we are faced with the constellation of Taurus. Gaze upon the 7 stars of the Hyades, in V-formation - 7 of the 14 Atlantides maidens. Within their aetheric sphere is the mountain of Hursag, Paradise of Creation. For what appears as earthly, flaming stars, planets and space, is but a symbol of a reality beyond. Hear of this mountain of Hursag, this paradise. Ninurta, the God, created the mountain to save his people from the flooding of the Tigris. Hear the ancient words written on tablets, about this God-king: "Behold now, everything on earth rejoiced afar at Ninurta. The Lord made mourning disappear from the land, he made happy the spirits of the Gods. Because of his Mother's great joy at his great and heroic deeds, Ninurta addressed her: ‘O Lady, O Ninmah, because for my sake you would enter the matchless land, the hill which I have set up, let its name be Hursag, and you be its queen’.” In this magical world ruled by Ninmah and Ninurta, only those who do great deeds are admitted. Pass through the window, if you dare. Imagine yourself now, entering this land if you would - if you would do great deeds. Enter and visualize what you would like to do in the future, and see it as if it happens!

Archival links:
Seasonal & Zodiac Audio

Shrines of the Zodiac

(Photo by Olivia Robertson, with additional cropping/enhancement by this site.)

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-04-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

Below are five new photos taken by Minette Quick at the Foundation Center Temple of the ongoing work of Olivia Robertson. As always, our sincere thanks to both of them!

Mayan Sun Disc

Represents Ra in the Mayan Calendar

In the Shrine of the Anthrosphinx.

The Goddess Margo is a Korean Goddess

Who threw humanity out of her land for bad behaviour.

(She is now between the Anthrosphinx and the Gangur Shrine.)

Her Sun-Gold hair and Blue-Sky eyes harmonize with Ra.

Her gifts of fruit and water from the Aquarian jar

mirror the gifts of fruit and water

Given by Gangur to all creatures.

The Cave of the Mothers

Now the Cave, for the 1st time, is unveiled.

GAEA is represented by a very young girl on the Altar

beneath the loop-hole.

On the left of the cave is the entombment of Osiris

and a painting of MARY MAGDALEN holding her Daughter, Sarah by OR.

On the left back wall are the 3 Creator Artists,

PELE, BRIGID & MAYA by OR

They are releasing red, green and purple rays

on a new green planet on a tripod.

On the right is a full length figure of the Goddess Persephone,

Queen of the Underworld

and a painting of the Goddess Muth, Queen of Spirits.

On the floor before her is a South American plaster figure of

COATLICUE with her twins QUETZALPETLATL and QUETZALCOATL.

Behind her are wooden figures by David Durdin-Robertson of

THE THREE NORNS, Urd, Vivandi and Skulda.

Above are paintings of THE THREE FATES, Lachesis, Clotho & Atropos

To the right of the Granite Dolmen doorway is

OSIRIS REBORN by THE WINGED ISIS by OR.

Guarding the Doors to the Temple, one on either side

are paintings of a Male Sphinx

And a Female Sphinx.

Both by Olivia Robertson.

******************

Archival link: Changing Faces April 17, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

New trailer of Olivia's DVD

2011-04-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

This trailer was shared by the producers of Olivia's DVD in honor of her birthday yesterday. Thank you Dennis & Steven!

Also, Minette Quick reports on Olivia's birthday in an email that we received this morning:

"We had a lovely day with Olivia yesterday. The weather was damp but we didn't mind at all - the earth really needs rain at present for growth, but everything is looking beautiful with the white and pale pink cherry blossom and pure white of the blackthorn in the hedgerows. Three of us took Olivia out for lunch and then a couple of us also went to visit her great niece Pamela for tea together with her young family, which was, as ever. delightful.
Love,
Minette"

Happy birthday Olivia!

2011-04-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

This April 13th is Olivia Robertson's 94th birthday, and we join with all members worldwide in wishing her a day full of love and joy!

In honor of the day, we have uploaded three new audio files. In the first clip, Olivia speaks of her first vision of the Silver Lady, the second is another encounter with Her and how she influenced Olivia's charitable work, and the third is Olivia's first vision of the God. Transcripts of each may be found below.

Silver Lady Part I

(MP3 file, 745KB, 3:10 mins)

Silver Lady Part II

(MP3 file, 508KB, 2:09mins)

Vision of The God

(MP3 file, 275KB, 1:10mins)

The Silver Lady

Audio clip transcripts:

Silver Lady Part I: "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."

Silver Lady Part II: "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 Michalangelo'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. My brother Lawrence, his wife Pamela and I did go on doing my social work when we created the Clonegal Welfare Association in 1960 to '63, when the government then took over local authority and the people actually had enough to eat. In our area of Clonegal, it was extraordinary that there were people living below subsistence level. There was one farm family living on 15 pounds a week, and yet they'd be too proud to accept. This wasn't charity - we suggested people join the scheme, contributed when they could and then - well, we did get a lot of money, we got 10,000 pounds from the English who helped us in this, but nontheless - the people all contributed themselves when they could. It was extraordinary - we visited 400 families, we knew all about them intimately. We were fascinated by what they wanted. One woman who had absolutely nothing longed for a peacock firescreen. Another one wanted a cuckoo clock and my sister Pamela, very imaginative, she managed to get it for them as a Christmas present. So I think those small thing matter, just as much at subsistence level. I feel that we can't really proceed in our spiritual life without respecting not only our fellow human beings, whatever race or color, but all the other beings."

Vision of the God: "Some months after we had finished the Order of Tara, which is very much environmentally active, I had an extraordinary experience, which introduced me to the God. In vision I found myself at night, down in our Temple of Isis. The male being appeared, made of crystallized white light. These bodies are energy bodies. They are made of pure light and they and they are actually and can work on our - people often think they're no use here, they just light. They're not. They can actually affect our physical matter because they include our physical material in some other way: it's inclusive. He radiated Divine happiness and love. I received a sudden lightening flash down from the top of my head, right through my body, so extreme that I experienced in two locations: at the Temple Chapel of Healing, and at the same time, in my earthly body which was lying in bed. I was given the name of the being - Michael. The Archangel Michael. Or Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. Whatever name you love. Like Shiva or Krishna."

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Archival link: Olivia's recordings

Photo of Olivia during Castle festival by Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.

Olivia's DVD & Photos

2011-04-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

The producers of "Olivia: Priestess of Isis" have created an updated cover for her DVD, which you may see above. You may also see 25 photo stills from this wonderful video, as well as enjoy the many video clips that they have shared, on this page:

Olivia, Priestess of Isis - Photos & Video Clips

Order the DVD here: Logic Reality

***********************

More photos of Olivia may also be found on these pages:

Olivia's photo gallery

Historical photos

More Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

Six new photos taken by Minette Quick yesterday, April 9, 2011 of the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. (Click on the photos to view them at full size.) Our continued gratitude to her and Olivia Robertson!

In the Cave of the Mothers

Death of Osiris in mummy form

The Mothers at altar – the 3 Creator Artists,

The Goddess Persephone - Queen of the Underworld,

The 3 Fates & The 3 Norns.

Osiris born again by the Winged Isis

As you leave the cave on the left side we now have

OSIRIS born again by the Winged Isis

A perfect projection of “Opet” that shows Osiris as alive and well

as Isis OUT of the tomb – painting by OR

The Sphinx, the Lady and the Lion

In the Shrine of the Anthrosphinx

This is between the shrines of Leo & Virgo

where the Ancient Egyptians honoured

The Goddess Sekhmet, The Goddess Bast & The God Ra.

We have the Sphinx, the Lady and the Lion, by OR

The God Ra

And now RA Himself painted as a radiant God.

In the Passage

Now we have the Red-Haired Witch, Enchantress Melusina,

who manifested on stone helped by OR’s paints

above: The Green Man - Mystic Orion – Orpheus – Dionysos

now appearing as MERLIN.

Melusina is holding the Veil separately over Merlin in his mirrored image.

In the Star Chapel

Here is Dana again, now joined by Aisling,

A Merchild from the Stars of the New Aquarian Age.

She is protected by Deities of the Waxing & Waning Moon

& Isis and Osiris are with her through the windows.

********************

Archival link: Changing Faces April 10, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Below are four new photos of the ongoing changes Olivia Robertson has been making to the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle, received this morning from Minette Quick. Titles and commentary can be found underneath the photos.

STATUE OF ISIS by David Durdin-Robertson

Isis is represented as the Aquarian Goddess holding a Water Jar

formed by the Sun with two handles of the waxing and waning Moon.

Above Her is the Crown of Rulership and by Her

are statuettes of Bast & Horus of the Rising Sun.

Comment by Minette: Isis has, in fact, been literally ‘brought down to earth’ by about 6 inches. Olivia spent hours disassembling the High Altar and then rearranging and putting it all together again. What struck me as I gazed at it was the amazing presence of the Goddess. Her energy almost stepped forward and down off the Altar. MQ

THE WINGED DISC carved by David Durdin-Robertson

This represents the Spiritual Sun with two balancing wings

overlooking the Leo & Virgo Shrines of the Rising of the Nile

within the double sign THE ANTHROSPHINX.

On the left is the Sphinx of Leo receiving a procession of followers of Amon Ra, the Ram God. On the right are followers of the Aten Sun of Akhenaton. Below the winged disc are Sekhmet, (Head of a Lioness), as the Lady and the Lion, painting by OR, and Bast Cat Goddess with Ra overhead as the Deities of the Anthrosphinx, and a red disc. SEKHMET, BAST & RA overhead, are thus represented as a Triad. Within the Anthrosphinx period of Leo & Virgo is the Rising of the Nile heralding the Egyptian New Year. We have the symbolic figures of Sekhmet, Goddess with head of a lion in a woman’s body and the Sphinx, God Harmachis, with head of a God and body of a lion.

Within the GANGUR SHRINE OF COMPASSION is a picture

of the Divine Lovers, RADHA & KRISHNA playing his flute.

We see Gangur on the right with the Sacred Jade Dragon,

the GODDESS NU KUA working with her.

******************************

Many thanks to Olivia & Minette for sharing!

Archival link: Changing Faces April 6, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

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Manifesto translations

2011-04-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

A Russian translation of the FOI Manifesto has just been uploaded, provided by member Anastasia Fennell. In addition, Rev. Isis Shaktyma recently updated the French version that she submitted a few years ago. Both of these, along with other languages, may be found here:

Manifesto Translations

A warm thank you to Anastasia and Isis Shaktyma, and all members who have shared their translations over the years.

Two articles from Olivia

2011-03-31T09:57:00.002-07:00

Two articles written for Isis-Seshat & Mirror of Isis were shared by Minette for Olivia this morning, and have been uploaded to the "Olivia's Letters" section (link below). They are entitled "The Four Donkeys of the Zodiac" & "How to Escape Control" and also include artwork. Enjoy!

Olivia's Letters

Message from Minette

2011-03-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Minette Quick writes:

"I believe this truly can help and therefore it would be wonderful if you can put this request up on your sites. I'm sure you are all aware of Dr Masaru Emoto's amazing work with ice crystals of water and how they respond to positive messages and love to heal themselves." (link received from FOI Prs. Deborah Merwin)

http://emotopeaceproject.blogspot.com/2011/03/to-our-friends-around-world.html

The Call of Isis - new edition

2011-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Recently we have had questions about whether we were going to publish The Call of Isis in booklet form, and the answer is yes!

The Call of Isis is quoted by Olivia Robertson as being her "spiritual autobiography" in which she "vividly describes her adventures in the psychic, occult and mystical fields," during the early years of the Huntington Castle Centre for Meditation and Study. This was first published in 1975 - before the founding of the Fellowship of Isis. Olivia writes: "It's how it all happened."

Our edition includes the original 18 chapters and 12 illustrations, as well as a new introduction by Olivia, and added photographs. (7 x 8.5" format)

You may order The Call of Isis, or read it online, from this page: FOI Publications

Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-03-24T12:04:00.005-07:00

Six new photos of the ongoing work that Olivia Robertson is doing in the Temple. Many thanks to her, as well as to Minette for sending them. Titles and descriptions may be found underneath each photo.

The Egyptian Princess Scota

"Ancestress of the Gaels - By the Amon Ra Shrine of Leo.

Mask figure by O.R."

Cynthia & Mooncat

"Healing Chapel.

Cynthia - Moon Goddess Sculpture by David Durdin-Robertson

with Mooncat, sculpted by Anna Curry, David's sister"

Mother Goddess Cerridwen of Preselii, Wales

"Mask figure by O.R.

Cerridwen by Her huge Cauldron"

Close-up of Cerridwen

Cauldron of Cerridwen

"Containing 3 magic drops of Inspiration, Prophecy, & Shape-Shifting

in 3 Sunflowers & Fanner Wheel. Critique of Her Gifts by O.R.:

'Inspiration - Splendid. Prophecy - A Burden. Shape-Shifting - Scary.'"

Amateras & Uzumi

"Beside the Well.

Amateras Sun Goddess of Japan &

Her Beloved Dancer Uzumi

with The Holy Grail"

Archival link: Changing Faces March 24th, 2011

(Photos copyright M. Quick with additional enhancement by this website.)

Shrine of Aries

2011-03-21T12:34:00.001-07:00

Shrine of Aries, Clonegal Castle

Bast figure carved by David-Durdin Robertson

Happy Sun in Aries! The above altar of the Shrine of Aries is dedicated to the Goddess Bast. It is located opposite the High Altar on the left side of a deep alcove, which had been the original hearth of the Castle.

Olivia writes in the "Mystical Awakening of Aries and Durga" ritual:

"Companions, on the quest for the Golden Fleece of Love and Life, know that Aries the Ram is Shepherd of the Starry Flock, leading the Zodiac procession round the encircling year! Shining unattainably in the bright sky are the gold cloud sheep of Phoebus Apollo. The flock's Ram bore Helle and her brother Phrixus on his back as they flew from the wrath of their step-mother Ino. Alas, Helle flew into the sea, hence called the Hellespont. 'First Golden Aries shines, who whilst he swam lost part of his freight, and gave the sea a name'. To this constellation belongs the starry Shepherd, Tammuz Dumuzi. As he sank to his death into the Western Sky Ocean, he was rescued by Ishtar, Goddess of the eight-pointed star Sirius. The mighty Amon Ra, Ram God of the Egyptians, reigns in this House. He is also the Agnus Dei, the Easter Lamb. His is the Golden Fleece. "

Isis relief by David Durdin-Robertson,

directly above the Shrine of Aries

Archival link: Zodiac Shrines

(Photos by Olivia Robertson and enhanced by this site.)

New Audio Gallery

2011-03-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

In honor of the Fellowship of Isis' 35th anniversary, we have added a new Gallery to the Homepage Archive - an audio gallery of over 40 clips of the FOI co-founders, Olivia Robertson and her brother, Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, speaking on various subjects, as well as enacting ritual. These have been compiled from FOI ritual CDs, as well as other tapes provided by Olivia.

We hope you will enjoy this new gallery, and revisit often, as we continue to add new material.

Fellowship of Isis Audio Gallery

Happy 35th Anniversary Fellowship of Isis!

2011-03-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Foundation Center - Clonegal Castle

The Fellowship of Isis was founded by Olivia Robertson, Lawrence and Pamela Durdin-Robertson on the Vernal Equinox of 1976.

Click here to listen to Olivia speaking of the Vocation that led her to this work: Emphasizing the Divine Feminine

Audio transcript: "It was direct spiritual experience, as with my brother, that I had a direct spiritual Vocation to do this from God - the feminine aspect of God - God who is also feminine to emphasize this, because the world is threatened by destruction, through pollution, through misuse of nature - often through stupidity and greed. We're destroying the planet. And the Divine Plan appears to be to emphasize the feminine: charity, kindness, care for nature, nurturing, motherhood - all that side. Not to get rid of the male aspect, but to balance male aggression and materialism and this linear-logical, mental thought: always analysis, analysis - we're more for healing and synthesis."

Please also enjoy this audio clip of Lawrence, enacting the ritual of: "The Athenaea"

Audio transcript: "We are here assembled to celebrate the ancient Athenian Festival of the Panathenaea. The singer Orpheus instituted the Athenaea in honour of Pallas Athena, Goddess of Power, Wisdom and the Arts. At this time of the Vernal Equinox of equal days and nights, when the sun leaves the sign of the tied fishes for the ram, Athenians and foreign visitors formed a joyful procession. They climbed the hill of the Acropolis and brought to the Parthenon the Peplum of Athena."

(Audio and photos copyright protected by this site. Photo of Olivia from Logic Reality. Photo of Lawrence created with permission from "The Occult Experience".)

Olivia's Message to Japan

2011-03-16T08:15:00.001-07:00

The Japanese Earthquake & Tsunami

The Divine Mother, Isis, Amateras, Kwannon,

loves and cares for each one of Her children

suffering from the earthquake.

We in the Fellowship of Isis together with all who love Her

send Her Blessings to all in Japan.

Olivia's drawing is entitled: "The Mother consoling Her Child".

Many thanks to Minette and Olivia for sending this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who continue to be affected by the recent tragedies.

Archival Link: Olivia's Message to Japan

The Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-03-13T07:06:00.003-07:00

Photos and commentary received this morning via Minette Quick from Olivia Robertson:

The Mirror in the Labyrinth - Ishtar Altar

"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.
(Paintings by OR) "

Hathor's Mirror - Members' Chapel

"Olivia speaks at length about her mystical experiences looking

through mirrors so she suggested I also take a photograph of
Hathor's Mirror in the Members' Chapel which she recently repainted.

(These were taken on Wed. 9th March 2011)"

Masks of the God Apollo in Toga & the Veiled God Dionysos

"The primary dichotomy between TRUTH & LOVE

was represented in Greek philosophy by these Deities.

At one time they shared their ceremonies at The Parthenon

to bring balance. Then Dionysos burnt down the Temple!

Apollo and the 9 Muses preside over Mount Parnassos

and Dionysos in wild woodland.

The Academic world and the Nature votaries still require Harmony."

Gangur's Shrine

Minette adds: "I'm sure you all loved Gangur's new Shrine - it now has a delightful green canopy over it, so I had to send an updated photograph of it for you!" (taken 3/12/11)

********************
We have also added a new section to the Fellowship of Isis Homepage Archive, so you can easily view the ongoing changes in the Temple. This "Temple Updates" link may be found on the left column under "Clonegal Castle", as well as in the Photo Gallery section.

New section: Changing Faces of the Temple

Archival link: Changing Faces March 13th, 2011

Our sincere thanks as always to Minette and Olivia! Photos copyright M. Quick, with additional enhancement by this website.

New trailer - Olivia's DVD

2011-03-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the producers of Olivia's video, Steven and Dennis, for forwarding this. Our prayers and blessings go out to all who have been affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

Order DVD from: Logic Reality

FOI Liturgy announcement & new Tara booklet

2011-03-07T12:58:00.001-07:00

Olivia Robertson's latest liturgy booklet, Tara of the Oracles, has just been released by FOI-Crossroads Media. It includes full introductions, 26 illustrations and rituals, and a new original cover art of The Fates Transform the Earth. Olivia writes: "The Tara Booklets are magnificent! I've dedicated them to the Temple."

Also, please know that the entire FOI Liturgy may now be ordered in printed form, from the Homepage Archive website. Each booklet includes complete cover art, illustrations, introductions and rituals as originally written by Olivia Robertson. Booklets are offered in 2-formats - large: 8.5" X 11" (good for ritual use), or small: 5.5" x 8.5" (convenient reading size). Olivia writes: "I love the easier larger format for our Rites!"

Since 2000, FOI-Crossroads Media has been offering manuals, ritual cds and booklets through the Homepage, after Olivia shared her publishing rights with us in 1999. The first liturgy booklet offered, Nuit of the Milky Way, was published at her request in 2004. Now that she has decided to no longer personally ship her booklets by mail, and only offers them to those who visit the Castle, she has asked us to help provide this service to our members. Olivia has also given Isis House Publishing the rights to sell the liturgy, and there may be others in the future as well. We are honored to be one of the outlets producing the FOI Liturgy booklets.

You may order Tara of the Oracles, as well as any of the other FOI Liturgy booklets at this link:

Fellowship of Isis Publications

Or, read the entire FOI Liturgy here:

FOI Online Liturgy

The Changing Faces of the Temple

2011-03-01T11:58:00.002-07:00

The Most Rev. Minette Quick writes: "Here is a portion of a lovely letter Olivia received from Uganda. I will be sending photos separately as I'm having difficulty making attachments today. One of them ties in with the Great Mother Eke-Eyen."

Message from Rev. Vincent:

Holy Place of the Great Mother Eke-Eyen Rediscovered

New Iseum of Eye-Eyen, The Great Mother

There is clear evidence that our entire family if not the Whole Village were devotees of The Great Goddess.

Last year in our plot of land a sacred site, once a shrine of a Great Goddess. My Great-Grandfather and even my Grandfather converted to Christianity and abandoned the site. It is now in bush farm land but it is still alive.

The Name of the Deity of Goddess in our language is EKE-EYEN. This means “THE CHILD’S MOTHER,” like the Madonna or Holy Mary. She carries a baby on her back and cares for the entire family/village. Something unusual happened after the rediscovery of the forgotten Mother.

My elder brother Michael in his residence at UIyo – the capital of Akwa Ibony State, fell seriously ill. His whole compound became filled with vultures. An Oracle told Michael that the Ancient Ones had come to inform him to come to the Sacred Site and take the office of Eka-Eyen.

*** Michael miraculously recovered his health. His family Ekwere offer libations to the Great Mother.

Message from Olivia:
"Support for this Iseum in Nigeria would be so helpful in the form of books and magazines and exchange of ideas through personal letters."

Additional Note: This website will send materials via our Isian Outreach program. Members who wish to contact Rev. Vincent, please contact us for his address.

Wooden African Carving of Mother & Child. The Mother Goddess, Eke-Eyen. Behind, the 3 Artistic Creators, Pele, Brighid, Maya. Stone figure of Child of Gaia. Painted cloth of Persephone, Queen of Hades.

The Goddess Gangur, hand-crafted and painted by Devotees in Rajasthan village. She is connected with the Goddess Parvati. She 'protects from excessive male violence.' So She is Gangur the Protectress. Before Her is a bowl offering water to a jade dragon, a sea monster, a frog and a crocodile. An elephant bears fruit for the hungry. To the left is a banner of Green Tara, Goddess of Compassion. To the right is a wall hanging of Radha and Krishna, happy, divine lovers. He plays his magical flute.

Quan-Yin, Goddess of No Plays, with Uzumi & Pia, Japanese No Goddesses.

On the outside door to the Temple from the outdoor Chapel of the Goddess Persephone. Olivia has painted the Goddess Ariadne below a tiled picture of the Snake Goddess, which she got at Knossos in Crete. Ariadne is painted in front of the Outer Door of Her Labyrinth, which is the plan of the Temple of Isis with 5 chapels of the Elements and 12 Zodiac Shrines. She upholds 2 snakes, dual aspects of the Melusina - Kundalini Powers of Life.

Archival Link: Changing Faces of the Temple

Additional photos found in the: Temple Photo Gallery

Our sincere thanks to Minette Quick for the photos and commentary found underneath them, and to Olivia for sharing her vision for the Temple.

FOI & DCD Manuals - 2011 versions

2011-02-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Wings of Isis

The 2011 versions of the Fellowship of Isis & Druid Clan of Dana manuals are now available. As usual, these include policy and any other updates/additions that have been issued to the FOI by Olivia Robertson since the last versions were printed. These booklets are 8.5" x 5.5" format, $7.00 each, and are offered on this page:

Wings of Isis & Druids of Dana Manuals

Rites & Practices
of the DCD

(Booklets printed by FOI-Crossroads Media, provided through the Fellowship of Isis Homepage Archive.)

Shrine of Pisces

2011-02-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

Blessings of the Sun in Pisces! The above photo is the current Shrine of Pisces, in the Temple of Isis of Clonegal Castle. The two photos below are earlier versions, showing how this Shrine has evolved over the years.

Olivia Robertson writes in the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy:

"Comrades on the quest for Truth and Virtue, know that the constellation of Pisces now contains the place of the Vernal Equinox, and the Fishes are called Leaders of the Celestial Host. The Magi saw them as two mighty forces held together by the Cord, the Yoga or Yoke of religion, which means 'to bind'. Thus those who dwell under this influence learn self-control, and through such discipline have authority over those under their aegis. Fishes were seen as emblems of chastity, and the monastery and convent represented a fishpond rather than the open sea. . .

"The restraint of the cord holds in equilibrium the union of opposites. . . In ancient times the constellation of Pisces was seen as a mighty Goddess with the tail of a fish, worshipped as Atargatis in Syria, Parthia, Rome, the Danube lands and in England. . .

"Companions, let us contemplate the constellation of Pisces! We see the pale form of the fishes, the North-Western fish's tail near Aries holding the place of the Spring Equinox. Above shines Andromeda and her Mother Cassiopeia. Flying near the Eastern fish is the glorious winged horse Pegasus! Below Pegasus, replenishing the sea of Heaven is Aquarius and below the fishes is Cetus the whale. When Dione with Her Son Cupid fled from Cetus, the Goddess was rescued by the Piscean fishes, who carried Her and Cupid to safety on their backs. For Venus is exalted in Pisces and none may harm Her who rules the starry sea! Behold the river Fluvius Eridanus flowing below Cetus, and to the East of the fishes rises the White Bull of the Sea, Taurus.

"Know that the constellation of Pisces brings dreams and fantasies and the sound of distant bells of forgotten lands below the sea. . ."

(First two photos by Minette Quick, the third by Olivia Robertson - all cropped and enhanced. Wooden panel carved by William Morris.)

Homepage Archive link: Shrines of the Zodiac