Isian News Samhain 2017

Greetings! The 2017 Samhain issue of Isian News is now available online. The staff of Isian News extends gratitude to all who contributed to this issue. May you all enjoy a rich and warm upcoming holiday season. Blessings and Love to All.

Message from Isis Oasis - Northern California Wildfires

Because so many of you have inquired after the well-being of those who attended the FOI Convocation, and for the staff and property of Isis Oasis, the following is posted here:

Received from deTraci Regula

Director, Isis Oasis Sanctuary

October 17, 2017

We are blessed. Fires in the area surrounding us are contained. Thankfully the Advisory Evacuation notice was lifted. All of our animals have been safely returned. Isis Oasis is currently hosting evacuees. The Santa Rosa Evacuation Center has been sending those in need to us for shelter. There is lingering smoke here and in other areas of Sonoma County.

We are so grateful for messages of love, support and prayers received from members worldwide. At times the situation caused us great concern for our safety. We felt blessed by the prayers of those who hold us in their hearts. We are grateful for what we have, and for what we can still offer to the community, as so many around us have suffered devastating loss. We give thanks above all, to Isis, Our Mother, for Her strength and protection. May we go forth united in loving intent in Her Name.

Because of the fires we have received several cancellations of upcoming stays and events. Added to this, we are using our resources to aid those who have come for shelter on our property. Donations are welcome. You may donate through PayPal, our e-mail address is isis@isisoasis.org More information is available on our website: http://www.isisoasis.us/donate-today/

Another way to offer support, is for those who are able to attend our upcoming inauguration of a new annual event for Samhain, consisting of dinner and a magical play written by FOI/TOI priestess Annie Waters on Sunday, November 5. The theme of this year’s event focuses on the Mystery of Isis and Osiris, and in particular, his resurrection and rebirth. For more information write to us at the e-mail address above, or call our office at 707-857-4747.

Thank you so very, very much. May you all be richly blessed.

deTraci Regula

Director, Isis Oasis Retreat Center

Board Members:

Linda Iles

Arisa Victor

Isis Oasis Sanctuary

Temple of Isis Headquarters

Legal Branch of the Fellowship of Isis Clergy (as designated by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson)

28th Annual FOI Convocation

Prayers for Healing

The Fellowship of Isis Central Website and the FOI Union Triad ask all members to send prayers for healing and protection to all those affected by the hurricanes in southeast of the United States, the earthquake in Mexico, floods in Asia and other natural catastrophes worldwide. May all who have been adversely affected receive the strength, healing and blessings of the Goddess Isis, Great Mother of All, during these trying times.

Art: “Reborn in Isis” by Olivia Robertson

New Translation - FOI Liturgy

A new French translation of the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy has been uploaded to Fellowship of Isis Central. The translation was provided by Lyceum (sanctuaire d'Isis) des Sentiers d'Avalon.  We thank the lyceum founders and Sarah Rooke of Lyceum of Isis and Sekhmet of the Stars, their teacher and sponsor. You may view the new translation at this link: "Le Singe Pelerin" The translation is ritual 2, Monkey Pilgrim from "Fortuna, Creation Through the Goddess."

Photo: courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality

Dulce Domum: Maury White-Hereford

A page honoring the memory of Maury White-Hereford has been uploaded to Fellowship of Isis Central Website. Maury was a beloved friend and mentor, and well known through her service to the FOI community for so many years. 

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/in-memory-of-maury-white-hereford

Journey of Solar Alchemy

In honor of Summer Solstice, a new transcript of a guided journey by Olivia Robertson, offered during the FOI Convocation in 2004 has been uploaded. It is called Journey of Solar Alchemy. I hope you enjoy it!

Journey of Solar Alchemy

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com

Photo: Olivia performing an alchemical wedding courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality

Alchemy of Sekhmet

 
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“… you ascend to the sovereign sun, to the temple of Ra. It is a golden temple with lions at the gates. You see the presiding Goddess - it is Sekhmet. She is crowned with the sun and sends out a glorious energy. It is the golden light that nourishes the earth. She asks you to help the earth. You want to know how to help the earth and all creatures upon it. … You feel a glow, an energy within your solar plexus and heart, you see the inner star, the immortal essence in all that is, feel it shine forth within you, as the Daughters and Sons of Ra … you can face evil and turn it into good … that is the true alchemy of Sekhmet.” ~ Olivia Robertson, excerpt, transcript, guided journey, Isis Oasis, 2008

Olivia's art, guided journeys and writing are available on this page: 

Olivia Robertson Fellowship of Isis Central Website (www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com)

Photos courtesy of Olivia Robertson. Painting by Olivia Robertson of Sekhmet as Eye of Ra, and icon of Sekhmet guarding the temple entrance.

Dates for Upcoming FOI Events

FOI Chicago will be hosting a Summer Solstice Celebration on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16, 2017. The doors will open at 11:30am and the event will start at 12:30pm. For more information please contact Demetria at hail_isis@yahoo.com or contact her via Facebook.

A Beach Ritual and Private Gathering featuring author M. Isidora Forrest will be hosted by Temple of Isis/Long Beach. The Beach Ritual will be held on Saturday, July 15 and the private gathering on Sunday, July 16, 2017. The gathering will be at a private venue, so space is limited. Contact Anniitra Ravenmoon sacredraven@msn.com

The FOI Liturgy Circle is offered every month by attunement to members worldwide. For more details please visit the Fellowship of Isis Utah website: http://www.isisofutah.org/upcoming-events/2017-fellowship-of-isis-liturgy-circle

The Inner Sanctum Symposium on Infinite Possibilities is scheduled for Thursday, May 3 – Sunday, May 6, 2018 at Isis Oasis Retreat Center in Geyserville, California. Contact Rain Graves rain.graves@gmail.com

The 28^th annual FOI Convocation will take place Friday, October 6 – Monday, October 9, 2017 at Isis Oasis Retreat Center in Geyserville, California. Contact Rain Graves  rain.graves@gmail.com 

Photo: courtesy of Tony Mierzwicki, beach ritual, TOI/Long Beach, 2016

FOI Liturgy Translations in French

 

FOI Liturgy French Translations - Five new rites translated into French have been uploaded to the FOI Central Website, from "Dea, Rite and Mysteries of the Goddess" have been uploaded: Rituel 6. Hiver. Star Rite (Winter. Star Rite); Rituel 7. Automne: litanie dea la terre (Autumn. Litany of the Earth); Rituel 8. Mystere de l'Eveil d'Osiris (Mystery of the Awakening of Osiris); Rituel 9. Le mystere des spheres (The Mystery of the Spheres); Sophia. Rituel 1. Reveil mystique des poissons et de Cerridwen (Mystical Awakening of Pisces and Cerridwen). Heartfelt thanks to Sarah Rooke and to Rarius Chandalen and Nathalie Guyomarch of Iseum Les Sentiers d'Avalon. 

(Photo: courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality)

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Mirror Magic with Olivia Robertson

In honor of the Centenary of Olivia Robertson (b. April 13, 1917) a series of thirteen meditations will be conducted from April 1 - April 13. The meditations are focused upon a particular magical technique employed by Olivia Robertson and her brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson in their temple. A full account and the meditation for day one can be viewed at this link:

Mirror Magic with Olivia Robertson

Each day from April first until the thirteenth of April (the date of Olivia's birth) a new meditation will be uploaded on the Mirror of Magic page on Fellowship of Isis Central (www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com)

Celebrating the Centenary of Olivia Robertson

Celebrating the Centenary of Olivia Robertson Around the World

Fellowship of Isis Central is asking members and friends, individuals, centres, and Hearths of the Goddess, to raise a glass and indulge in some cake in honor of Olivia’s centenary! There are several celebrations going on around the world next month to celebrate her birthday for this unique and brilliant woman who bought the Goddess alive for so many. They'll be in Avalon, in California, in London, and elsewhere.

FOI Vernal Equinox Celebration
41st Anniversary of the Fellowship of Isis

March 18^th, Saturday

Unitarian Universalist Church

5450 Atherton Street

Long Beach, California

Among the many wonderful offerings will be a special presentation using a magical working by FOI Co-founders Olivia Robertson and Lawrence Durdin-Robertson in their temple, which can be incorporated into honoring the 100^th anniversary of Olivia’s birthday. Admission: Sliding Scale from $20.00 - $15.00. For more information, please contact Anniitra Ravenmoon at sacredraven@msn.com

Celebrating the Centenary of Olivia Robertson

Saturday April 8^th

United Reformed Church, High Street, Glastonbury

Inspired by the Isis Navigium, a favorite festival of Olivia's, Isis of Avalon is holding a day in Ceremony and Celebration, tapping into the magical current at the heart of the FOI, here in 'Mystic Avalon' as Olivia would say. Caroline Wise will be sharing a presentation slide show of Olivia's life.

We aim to start at 11am and to finish around 5pm. All are welcome with a contribution of £5 - £10 (whatever you feel) to cover costs.

Central London Celebration

6.30 – 9.30pm. Evening of April 13^th

Olivia’s 100^th Birthday

For those in London who knew Olivia or have an interest in her work, come along to on her 100th birthday, April 13th, 6.30 onwards, to raise a glass, have some cake and good goddess company, and a couple of cheerful presentations and show some slides. She had an interesting life, with many facets, and she loved visiting London, where she was born and lived for quite a time. We’ll offer a glass of Baileys, her favorite tipple, to the spirit of the place for the goddess, and have fine discussion and share memories. There will be a £2 charge to cover cost of the room. Please PM FOI central you want to come. We are just hiring their upstairs room.

Temple of Isis/Isis Oasis

6:30 – 9:30pm. Evening of April 13^th

Olivia’s 100^th Birthday

Meditation and remembering of Olivia Robertson in conjunction with FOI members in London. Contact Kasey Conder at kaseyconder@hotmail.com

And by Attunement Around the World

Members may wish to light a candle, some incense, and join in attunement, or at a time suitable to them, on the evening of 13^th April, with reading the oracle of Hertha aloud from one of Olivia’s oldest Liturgy books, “Urania, Ceremonial Magic of the Goddess.” Meditate and share any insights. Have a drink and some cake for afterwards.

Earth Magic of Transformation

Oracle of the Goddess Hertha

Whenever the longing heart turns to the Mother, there I take up My abode. I am the Hearth Fire, the Heart of Life, and the secure earth that is your home. And this My hearth is one, and yet manifest throughout the galaxies. Honour your home, the earth, not for its greatness, but for its littleness. For in this matrix is your protection.

Be as My children the animals, the birds and the plants. For they die not but live forever in My everlasting home. Their existence of birth and struggle and death are to them but dreams. Only humans believe they die. And through this delusion they suffer.

Turn to My deeps and you will find My jewels. These many coloured gems are concealed in your own bodies. My rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds glow in your red Tree of Life: My veins of Gold and Silver flow in your blood: My Poles of Balance are fixed within your bones. Turn to your roots. Despise not touch nor smell nor taste. These bring you into communion with Me and with all My children. Know Me as the Earth Mother Who bringeth forth all things that breathe and move and have their being. My Body holds all the elements. So My children are of My substance. I am in them all. And I am Immortal.

https://sites.google.com/site/fellowshipofisisliturgy/urania---rite-5-earth-magic-of-transformation

Photo: Olivia Robertson at her 90th birthday celebration. All rights reserved.

Isian News, Brigantia 2017

Brigantia Greetings Aset Shemsu! Isian News, Issue No. 163, Brigantia, 2017 has just been published! Cover: “Brigid na Mara” by Olivia Robertson. Oracle: The Goddess Brigantia by Olivia Robertson. Editorial: The Fellowship of Isis by Steve Wilson. Daily Attunement Times & FOI Daily Prayer. Officially Authorized Groups on Facebook. Announcements: Call for Submissions for Anthology on the Goddess Hathor; What is New on Fellowship of Isis Central; Upcoming FOI Events: Reports; Muses Symposium Contributions by: Lady Isis Cerridwen; Shakila Ioanna Brati, Hamsa Devi, Tina Georgitsis; Caroline Wise; Mana Youngbear; Michael Starsheen; Carolina A. Amor. Goddess World Contributions by Michael Starsheen and Linda Iles. News from Members and Centers.

A new Oracle of the Seasons has just been published. It is the wonderful Oracle of the Goddess Brigantia from the FOI Liturgy Book “Brigid of the Rainbow Planets” rite. No. 4, “Realm of Jupiter: The Sword in the Stone.”

In Memory of Steve Wilson

Photo: FOI members enact the Mystery of Isis and Osiris. Photo © Johnny Merron.

Members of the Priesthood of the Fellowship of Isis, including Steve Wilson (in striped robe, arms upraised), Caroline Wise, Ingrid Fischer and Johnny Merron enact The Mystery of the Awakening of Osiris with Lawrence and Olivia near the balustraded portico entrance to the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. Johnny is seen here lying prone as Osiris.  He had a time lapse on his camera, which enabled him to set it and have time to get in position before the photo was taken.

It is with great sadness FOI Central announces the passing of Steve Wilson, Archpriest, Hierophant, Grand Knight Commander and Archdruid of the Fellowship of Isis.

Steve Wilson was a priest in the FOI and dedicated to the Goddess Nuit. He joined in the mid 80s. He was originally a member of Isis Lyceum of the Stars, in London, the first Lyceum in the British Isles (The first FOI Lyceums were in the USA).

Steve was made a Druid in the Druid Clan of Dana by Olivia and Lawrence, at their request, and edited the Druid Clan of Dana’s official magazine “Aisling”, which was produced by FOI priest Karl Duncan with Caroline Wise at Atlantis Bookshop. It carried original articles and research into the origins of Modern Pagan Witchcraft and Druidry. Steve wrote “Robin Hood: The Spirit of The Forest” in 1993. It was published by Neptune Press in London. His book “Chaos Ritual” was published in 1994, and a second edition of this book was republished ten years later by Neptune Press. Steve wrote numerous articles on the theory and practice of contemporary magic for many publications throughout the years.

He contributed to Olivia’s spiritual autobiography "The Call of Isis" (Neptune Press edition only) and stayed at Clonegal Castle on several occasions with Olivia and Lawrence and in the early days, Pamela.

Steve was very active in speaking up for pagans and druids, and had a central role in the Council of British Druid Orders as representative of the Druid Clan of Dana. He was vocal in defending pagans from scurrilous attacks in the press at the time of the ‘Satanic Abuse’ libel.  He appeared on Television and in the press often. This article appeared in the Independent, a British national newspaper. He also liaised with the government via the Home Office on pagan rights and Stonehenge issues. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/my-week-steve-wilson-druid-1338121.html

Here is a letter that appeared in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph newspapers  in August 6^th 2007:

“So the next Archbishop of Canterbury has become a "white druid" (Rite on, August 6) and denounced any attempt to link it with paganism, labelling such suggestions as "offensive". As a pagan druid I find his dismissal of pagan druidry offensive. Druids made up the first known national culture in these islands.”

Steve Wilson

Media officer, Council of British Druid Orders”

Steve was a very active member of the pagan scene generally. He was particularly active in the FOI in the mid-nineteen-eighties through late-nineteen- nineties. He was involved with the “Moot with No Name” in Deveraux Court in London for many years, and gave talks at other venues throughout that city. He was also an active member of the Pagan Federation and the Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (SACRES) through the British Humanist Association and a founder of PEBBLE (Public Body Liaison Committee for British Paganism Committee), which is helping to create government guidelines for recognising paganism. 

Steve was very supportive of FOI Central Website and kindly gave permission for his interview with Olivia to be posted there, along with an article about the Fellowship of Isis, an article about the College of Isis; quotes from him are featured several places on the site, including information about the first central FOI webpage which he programmed and hosted in London in the mid nineties, and his involvement as a representative for the FOI via the Council of British Druid Orders. He was present at a ceremony marking gaining access to Stonehenge after a long struggle of several years. He had grown quiet within the FOI for the past few years, but his heart remained with the Goddess and he loved Olivia greatly.

The First Lyceums with an excerpt from an introduction written by Steve Wilson for the “Call of Isis” published by Neptune Press on the nature of the College of Isis:

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/college-of-isis---college-of-isis-and-first-lyceums-1986 

The Druid Clan of Dana and the CoBDO at Stonehenge:

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/druid-clan-of-dana---cobdo-and-stonehenge

The Fellowship of Isis: An Article by Steve Wilson, 1989:

https://sites.google.com/site/fellowshipofisiscentral/fellowship-of-isis-history-archive---the-fellowship-of-isis-an-article--by-steve-wilson

Interview with Olivia Robertson by conducted by Steve Wilson in 1992:

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/fellowship-of-isis-history---interview-with-olivia-by-steve-wilson

The First FOI Convocations:

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/fellowship-of-isis-history-archive---first-foi-convocations

Announcement: First Official FOI Homepage in Isian News #79, Brigantia, 1996:

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/fellowship-of-isis-history-archive---first-foi-central-site 

FOI “Firsts” on the World Wide Web – First FOI Homepage, London, 1995 - 1999

http://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/fellowship-of-isis-history-archive---foi-firsts-on-the-world-wide-web