Isian News Lughnasadh 2014

Isian News, Issue No. 153, Lughnasadh 2014 has been published. Featuring an oracle from Olivia Robertson, from a transcription during her stay at Isis Oasis for the FOI Convocation in 2011. Another beautiful editorial by Cressida Pryor. This issue features a cover photo of Loreon Vigne and tribute section for her. News of upcoming events and reports and news from members and centers. Blessings of Isis to you all!

http://isiannews.blogspot.com/2014/07/lughnasadh-2014-cover.html

Seasonal Festival Report from Minette Quick

LUGHNASAD FESTIVAL 26^th July 2014, at FOUNDATION CENTRE

Presented by Members of the Priesthood & Circle of Brigid

A lovely programme had been planned and we were delighted to welcome

 Cressida Pryor, the Fellowship’s Steward to be with us again.

We also had some special visitors from Sweden who brought great joy to the occasion as they had asked a member of the priesthood to celebrate a hand-fasting ceremony for them in the Temple before the main ceremony, which I was privileged to witness and found very moving.

The weather which had been extremely hot and humid during the week was cool and inviting and though showers had been forecast, we were able to sing and process the familiar route beneath the famous Yew Walk, on down through the grounds invoking first Dana in the Druid’s Grove, then Tara in Her Abbey, followed by an invocation by her priestess of Persephone - who guards the Garden Gate to the Temple, but now looks out over the gardens from her tall and secure plinth from inside her shrine.  Perhaps she is determined to stay in our hearts with us throughout the whole year from now on!

Entering the Temple the atmosphere was most beautiful due to the dedicated work of members of the priesthood who have loved giving it care over these past months. We are committed to continue with this work which will offer welcome and blessing to all who come to Huntington to visit it during the year and enjoy the tours of the Castle and grounds, which are offered in both summer and winter months now.  For information see the website www.huntingtoncastle.com

Invocations to Deity and the Blessings of the Goddess were given to all who were gathered at Brigid’s Well; and there was a natural focus upon the riches of the ripening time of Lughnasad in this hemisphere.  It was good to see some of our Irish members back home for a brief visit from abroad or from important ventures elsewhere in Ireland.

A heart-rending Oracle from the Goddess Isis was given in Her Temple by her priestess.  “You are all Gods” she cried and begged us to be aware of where thinking ill of others in our daily lives can lead.  It is a source of great sorrow to her that so many of her children’s lives, both young and old, are being destroyed in the world at this time.  She asked that we step back and realise that all conflict is essentially illusion and has no meaning from where she stands, and that peace is really possible when it starts in our own hearts.

This was quite a wake-up call, and it was clearly true, and during a most beautiful Journey offered by David de Roeck to the sounds of an enchanting oriental piece of music, we all entered a most peaceful and rich inner world and realised how blessed we were to be able to experience it in such a protective and supportive atmosphere together.

Amongst other gentle and delightful offerings was an Eastern Chant in which those who knew it could join, and Monica and Anna read us some of their beautiful and evocative poetry. This led us to the Mystery Play as it was also the time of Opet, celebrated in the Ancient Egyptian calendar by the Pharaoh and his Queen accompanying the statue of the Sun God in a barge on the Nile to Karnak and back to ensure a good harvest.  This was played out under the direction of Anna by Luke and Alison, and was very much enjoyed by all.

I had been in touch with Linda Iles to send our condolences to the Circle of Isis on the loss of their much loved Arch-Priestess Loreon Vigne of Isis Oasis in California on July 17^th; and she sent me a delightful little poem by Loreon, which plays on the name of Isis with a great sense of fun.  So I took the liberty of sharing it.  We are glad to hear that our sister centre, Isis Oasis, will continue to serve their community and indeed the whole region as both Loreon had hoped for the future, with the blessing and involvement of her family in the inspiring programme of events which are held there on a regular basis.

After the usual announcements, thanks were given to Deity, and healing/counselling sessions offered by the priesthood to those who wished to receive them, and the company repaired as usual to the newly-refurbished Osborne’s in the Village for our customary spread to enjoy each other’s company and rest awhile before setting off home.

Minette Quick

Announcement from Cressida Pryor on the Passing of Loreon Vigne

From Cressida Pryor, custodian of the Fellowship of Isis, niece of FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson:

"I was sorry to hear of Loreon's death and know Olivia was fond of her. My thoughts and sympathies are with those who mourn her passing. With the blessings of Isis, Cressida"

Photo: Loreon Vigne and Olivia Robertson, FOI Convocation, 2010, Geyserville, California

A Tribute to Loreon Vigne

A Tribute to Loreon Vigne, Archpriestess of the Fellowship of Isis

Founder, Temple of Isis in Geyserville, California

June 8, 1932 - July 15, 2014

We mourn the passing of Loreon Vigne, Archpriestess and founder of the Temple of Isis in Geyserville. She was able to loving serve the Goddess up until the time she crossed over the rainbow bridge. A beautiful tribute to Loreon has been uploaded to Fellowship of Isis Central. Dearest Loreon, the realization of your passing is sinking in and we are filled with grief, yet we also have hope, in that now after decades of service to the Goddess, you truly wear Isis Wings and are surrounded by the protective arms of the Goddess you loved so dearly and served as Priestess:

Dulce Domum: Loreon Vigne 

For more information on the work of Loreon Vigne you may wish to visit The Founding of the Temple of Isis page in our Fellowship of Isis History Archive section or read the Biography of Loreon Vigne Other informational pages about Loreons life and work: The First FOI Convocations and Isis Invicta Military Mission


Photo above: Loreon Vigne standing in front of the Isis Chapel wearing her Isis wings!

Midsummer Seasonal Festival at Clonegal Castle, Ireland

 Garden Gate, Foundation Centre

MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL – 21st June, 2014 AT FOUNDATION CENTRE 

Presented by Members of the Priesthood and the Circle of Brigid 

Our Coordinator, Cait presided throughout a delightful programme of events. The Sun had blazed down on Ireland for several days as a large gathering of members met with our guests and enjoyed some refreshments in the Café before the Solstice Celebrations began. The Castle arranges many events for visitors and there were plants for sale and tables outside to enjoy the sunshine. Nature’s incredible energy seemed to have culminated in a display of glorious abundance in the beautifully kept grounds. Indeed, a cascade of enchanting bluish-lilac roses tumbled down the wall beside the gate into the garden and begged us to stop and smell its gentle perfume as the happy and relaxed company finally set off in Procession.

It is the custom to sing our way in Procession down to Dana’s sacred Grove to invoke Her presence, then up to the Goddess Tara’s home in the Ancient Abbey; and yet, there was a sense of deep stillness behind it all at this balancing point of the year, and we were glad to invoke not only the Goddesses but also Lady Olivia who so loved these places. Her presence is still very much with us it seems from the reports of so many from far and wide who have experienced her continuing support in their lives, attesting to her words that we shall find, to our delight, having crossed over the barrier of death, that in truth we can do far more from there to help those we love. Finally approaching Persephone’s Gate, Her presence was invoked to prepare us to enter. The Temple of Isis awaited, its energy wonderfully renewed by the dedication of our members who have given generously of their time and devotion over the past few months to undertake a regular programme of step by step cleaning, replenishing and honouring the sacred energies so long cared for by Lady Olivia. This work will provide a foundation from which to continue her work into The New Aeon which she cared so passionately about. So many thanks to everyone who has taken part so far. We shall all have a chance to contribute in this way in support of Pamela, Olivia’s Great Niece who has worked tirelessly throughout. We cannot thank her enough.

 Entrance to Chapel of the Well

At the Well we all gathered to invoke Deity and bestow the customary individual blessings from the Goddess. We were delighted to welcome two of our much-loved senior Priestesses who have not been able to come down for a while. This was followed by a powerful Oracle from the Un-Named One through Her Priestess. Though spoken in quiet tones there could be no doubting that we are each asked to listen for and respond to Her Voice in our everyday life, to stand for protecting our Planet and everything on it in justice for all, not just the fortunate few. We were then taken on an Inner walk in Nature by Eimear, passing on through a mist ‘between the worlds’ into a wooded clearing at the centre of which was a mighty Oak, and many wonders transpired and were reported later. It was good to hear new voices speaking of their sacred experience in a supportive space. Next we all joined in a lively Goddess chant led by Deirdre, and accompanied by sacred rattle. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all and provided an excellent atmosphere for our Solstice Mystery Play presented by Marian, “The Enlivening Rite of Aine and Dagdha” and enacted by her small band of players in the following roles: Ceridwen and Her Cauldron, The Irish Goddess Aine – As Summer Fairy Queen, The Irish God known as the Dagdha Mor; together with their two youthful assistants who volunteered their services on the day; The Summer Princess; the Hawk Prince her protector. Inspired by Ceridwen, the Goddess and God spoke on behalf of the true nature of ‘Femininity and Masculinity’ acting in harmony and cooperation. A beeswax candle was lighted and our young Summer Princess and Hawk Prince processed with it around the Temple in and amongst the assembled company before returning to share sweets with all to the lively strains of an Irish Jig which ended in general merriment. Proceedings drew to a close with the usual announcements of upcoming events, and included the success of one of our members at the recent Irish Council elections which she has been working towards for some time. Olivia knew of her work and had supported her wholeheartedly, as indeed she always did with each and every one of us who had set our hearts on a path of service to our communities in whatever way we felt drawn.

Short healing sessions were offered as is customary to those who wished to receive them. As ever it was a wonderful gathering at Foundation Centre to continue to celebrate the 8 Annual Festivals. We all thoroughly enjoyed meeting up for tea afterwards and catching up in excellent company.

Minette Quick (Hon. Sec. Circle of Brigid)

Photos and text  © Fellowship of Isis Central Website.

 

Inner Sanctum Symposium of Infinite Possibilities

Mark your Calendars! August 22-24  at Isis Oasis

Inner Sanctum Symposium of Infinite Possibilities

This is a community -driven event with lectures and workshops on practical application of skills, knowledge and high magic within the Egyptian Pantheon of Mysteries.  Workshops and lectures will be taught by Priests and Priestesses with specific gifts of knowledge to help you with new ways to tap into your connections with the Divine, or enhance your already well fortified toolbox.

For more information please visit isissymposium.blogspot.com

Those who wish to present should contact Rain Graves at rain.graves@gmail.com

Photo of entrance to the Main Temple at Isis Oasis.

News from Isis Oasis

News from Isis Oasis!

Isis Oasis is proud to be hosting the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce Summer BBQ on Tuesday evening June 10. 

We are expecting about 300 people, many of whom have not been here since we hosted the Chamber dinners over 20 years ago.  We will have a band playing on the deck, a large BBQ truck offering food and 10 wineries pouring wine in the Pavilion. We are hoping to have a belly dancing performance as well to dazzle the locals. 

And …

Geyserville has a new Ankh Throne!

Just as you get off the freeway, there is a sculpture park, which now includes a new earthen cob Ankh Throne, which is made from a straw bale and pallets filled with plastic bottles, covered in Earth.  Students from Geyserville High school helped make and set the adobe bricks used for the steps of the throne.  The Throne will be on display until next May, and possibly beyond.  Permission has been given as well for a new earthen bus stop to be built right outside Isis Oasis which will happen soon.

Isis Oasis will be hosting a week long summer camp focused on natural building for children ages 9-12. The camp will be lead by Miguel, aka "Sir Cobalot"  and other guest instructors.  Children can come for one day, or stay all week.  To register or for more information, please contact Miguel at livingearthstructures@yahoo.com

Photo above: "Hobbit Hut" created by Miguel Elliott at Isis Oasis.