Report of Winter Solstice Festival

 

Thanks to Minette for this lovely report of the Solstice ceremony at Foundation Centre yesterday, attended by local members.

The day of the Solstice dawned with the crash of thunder and lightning and downpours of rain…..

Then it cleared for several hours and reports were heard that the annual gathering at Newgrange in Co. Meath of those fortunate enough to have won tickets in the national draw to greet the long-awaited dawn were treated to the rare and magnificent sight of the light pouring down the central passage in which they stood right inside Ireland’s ancient and world-famous passage grave.

By the time our Fellowship members had gathered at the Castle later in the day, several further waves of wild, windy and wet weather had swept the country and there was certainly no possibility of processing round the grounds, so we entered the Temple of Isis by Persephone’s Shrine and Garden Gate and all Invocations were made at Brigid’s Well of Truth. The atmosphere shone most beautifully and Lady Olivia’s presence could be felt in her beloved Temple throughout the Ceremony which had been planned, coordinated and led by the Rev. Cait Branigan. Most beautiful live harp music and song was interspersed by various members throughout our time together, which deepened and enhanced the sense of purity and harmony already present. Olivia would have loved this!

Gathered round the High Altar, we first received a most beautiful and encouraging Oracle from the Goddess of Wisdom, Sophia. Then several members stood forward to take the main parts of an insightful Mystery Play based on the story of Newgrange. Various ideas had been offered by members for inclusion, such as the clarity and brilliance of Arianrhod and the winter constellations, the opposing forces (i.e. the baddies, in Olivia’s traditional and much-beloved format for improvised drama); the Deity bringing the message of the Gods (Arianrhod), the message of Boand (the Modron/Mother) and Oenghus the younger, the Divine Child of Light (the Mabon) at this sacred time, and Oenghus the older, God of Love.

Much could be said of the wisdom offered by each but suffice it to say that the opposing and inner nature of the forces of the ‘baddie’ within us expressed as greed and selfishness, was met by the inspired words of the Goddess, seemingly stern and unbending at times but ultimately working through the cycles of the seasons of life to bring back harmony, the love of the Mother for all and the Birth of the Light and Inner Sun which lies within each one of us ready to burst into new life.

The remainder of this inspiring ceremony was focused on providing and encouraging everyone present to take this opportunity to contribute their personal memories of Olivia. Strands of many coloured wools had been given out to everyone and then collected and braided together as a symbol of the joining of our hearts into a beautiful rainbow rope to grace the High Altar as the stories were told. The fun, the wisdom, the astonishing foresight, the adventures, in short the real, irrepressible phenomenon of nature and the divine that was Olivia came forth in abundance!!! The winter’s cold was more than offset by the warmth of our hearts.

We all retired to Osborne’s famous ‘coaching inn’ in the Village afterwards for hot tea and our traditional informal time together and for many more happy memories of a great lady whom so many met and were inspired by during her long and fruitful life. Her influence will last in the lives of us all for many years yet.

Much happiness to everyone throughout the Fellowship at this special time, and every blessing for the coming New Year in 2014.

Photo and text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Photo of Clonegal Castle by Barbara Lee Westlake.

Account of Olivia's Memorial in Ireland by Philip Carr-Gomm

 Olivia Robertson in Glastonbury

Philip Carr-Gomm, head of Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, and long time friend of Olivia Robertson and her family has written an account of his experiences during the memorial and funeral held for Olivia Robertson in Ireland. Caroline Wise of London and  Celia Thomas and Lydia Lite from Glastonbury, along with singer Julie Felix were invited to take part in the rites along with members of the Circle of Brighid, other FOI members, family and friends. The ritual was headed by Olivia’s niece and FOI steward, Cressida Pryor.

In Memory of Olivia Robertson

Photo and text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Photo courtesy of Caroline Wise.

New Video Clip of Olivia

Dennis Murphy and Steven Jones of Logic Reality have sent this new video clip. Olivia Robertson walks about the grounds of Clonegal and to the Temple. DVD Olivia Priestess of Isis. Dennis writes that this is: “the last time we were with Olivia, the final time we filmed Olivia in the Temple.” – Thank you Dennis and Steven!

Olivia Robertson 

Photo and text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Photo courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.

Video Tribute to Olivia Robertson

A video clip created to honor the memory of FOI co-founder Olivia Robertson has been shared with Fellowship of Isis Central. It was compiled by FOI priestess Carrie Kirkpatrick.

Tribute to Olivia Robertson

Fellowship of Isis Central extends sincere thanks to Carrie Kirkpatrick and to Caroline Wise.

Photo and text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Photo courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.

In Memory of Olivia

Remembering Olivia

November 20, 2013

by Minette Quick

Many, many thanks to all of you who tuned in from afar and supported everyone present with their love at this sad time. There was never going to be room in the Temple for everyone who would have liked to have been with us for Olivia’s Dulce Domum. Cressida crafted and led this most beautiful and moving private ceremony truly exquisitely, in the presence of her family, their guests and those of the Fellowship whom she had personally invited.

To go back a little, the days following Olivia’s passing, which her great nephew Alexander very kindly informed me of shortly afterwards, were marked by a great peace and the weather which had been wild, wet and windy became calm, dry and bright, and much warmer for a couple of days at least. It was as if Nature was marking and welcoming her passage into spirit. I walked my dogs and drank it all in and reflected upon the personal relationship which I had with her over the past number of years, as she strove to provide the Fellowship with everything which she could to enable it to thrive and grow in grace in the future.

I found myself reminded time and again of something she said to one of our members shortly after she had fractured her ankle and was in hospital in early June. She was puzzled as to “why” this had happened to her. Eventually, after a customary consultation with her guidance on the matter, she reported that she had finally realised “that it had never occurred to her to step down” - at 96! And many members had become used to receiving personal answers to the huge pile of letters which arrived in the post for her every day. In addition, she worked with me on general matters and keeping up to date on writing articles for Isian News; sending emails out to the sites and individuals; and virtually single-handedly planning and running the 8 Festivals with the assistance of the priesthood mainly on the day.

It was a quite astonishing workload for a lady of her age even if, as we all know, she had been “decentralizing” for many years. But so great was her devotion to the wellbeing of the Fellowship that she continued to focus on it right up until very shortly before she finally passed on. Mercifully she had been in good general health and in full possession of her faculties throughout her time in hospital until then. Fortunately she had asked the Circle of Brigid to host Festivals at Foundation Centre in her absence and this has been done since the Summer Solstice. You will be delighted to hear that at the warm invitation of Alexander supported by Olivia’s extended family, and in particular, Olivia’s niece, Cressida Pryor, her appointed successor, we will continue to hold the 8 Annual Festivals at Foundation Centre at Clonegal into the future.

The day before the Funeral, the family graciously extended the customary invitation in Ireland to those who knew her locally to come to her “Lying In” within the Castle and a number of our members were honoured to be included. The weather was mild and the atmosphere full of light as we entered the Yard from the far end. We were assured by some of our members coming out that we could go down into the Temple if we wished and then on upstairs to the dining-room and to Olivia’s drawing-room which adjoins it to pay our last respects.

In going down to the Temple first, we were greeted by a most beautiful atmosphere. Everything shone and gleamed with the loving preparations which had obviously been made by so many family members for the Dulce Domum next day.

Standing for a moment between the pillars facing the High Altar I was transported upwards by the powerful energy of the Goddess and the words of the rite floated into mind – “Rejoice. Olivia is Isis Risen” and I was reminded that immediately above was the true “Holy of Holies” - the place in her private drawing-room, where she had communed with the Goddess, meditated daily, received inspiration and written the Liturgy. This was the very place where Olivia’s body now lay in waiting for her last earthly journey home. Leaving the Temple and going up to the Castle dining-room, everything was beautifully prepared to welcome each guest as they arrived. Members of the family served tea so that they might feel at ease, and share a few words and memories of Olivia before going in to see her one last time.

It was an exquisite experience - she lay at rest, cradled in a beautiful light wicker casket draped at the foot with one of her familiar velvet hooded cloaks in a soft violet, with a small posy of the last of the summer roses from the garden resting on it. She looked totally dignified, as she would have liked, surrounded by her most treasured belongings. She was not there but it didn’t matter for she was everywhere else - in the Temple - in her kitchen where we had spent so many hours together -  and above all, as many of us agreed, outside in the Grounds, where she had walked every day since childhood. Nature again conspired to honour her, reflecting the many moods of this whole period of mourning but also rejoicing in her wonderful long life.

I will leave the detailed description of the day of the Funeral to others in the main. It was bitterly cold but dry and clear, though it had rained hard during the night. Suffice it to say, the magnificently coloured leaves were coming down and sun lit up the distant hills as I came into the Yard. The tall great lime trees at the head of the Avenue waved their branches and bowed in the breeze as the sun came out from behind the clouds in a burst of warmth, just as Olivia’s casket was carried out through the front door of the Castle, and down the steps, on the strong young shoulders of her great nieces, something which Olivia would have absolutely loved, to be placed reverently into the Hearse, to be led by a Lone Piper followed by the family, friends and Fellowship members down the Avenue to St. Fiaac’s Church of Ireland Church for the service and burial there with her beloved family members in this lovely ancient cemetery, overlooking the Valley of the River Slaney which flows through Clonegal and on to the sacred coming together of the two rivers which she spoke of so many times.

May her memory be blessed.

Much love to you all,

Minette

Report sent by Minette Quick, Circle of Brigid, Ireland. Thank you Minette! 

Photo and text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. Photo courtesy of Dennis Murphy of Logic Reality.

Say My Name That I May Live Ritual

Say My Name That I May Live – for Olivia Robertson

For Those Who May Wish to Participate

After consulting with members of Temple of Isis/Los Angeles, we wish to invite FOI members who wish to participate in the “Say My Name That I May Live” rite for Olivia Robertson. This ritual was conceived by the late Laura Janesdaughter.

This is a very simple ceremony that can easily be added to your regular daily devotions. Light a candle on your altar and then sound a bell one ring. (You can sound a sistrum, singing bowl or gong if you don’t have a bell) accompanied by “I say your name that you may live, Olivia Robertson.”  This ritual should be carried out for 70 days in accordance with ancient Egyptian tradition. 

Photo provided by P. McCarthy. Photo and Text are copyrighted, Fellowship of Isis Central website.

Dulce Domum, Olivia Robertson

Official announcement on behalf of the Fellowship of Isis from Cressida Pryor, Olivia's niece, Caroline Wise and Linda Iles of FOI Central website. Sad news for the Fellowship and the wider Goddess community in the world, Olivia died last night. It was peaceful and she had her family with her. Her family ask that their privacy is respected at this time. A really great and original figure has left us, Many blessings.

Update: Samhain Mystery Play

October 31, 2013 - Notice: Enactment of the Mystery Play for Samhain at Clonegal Castle by the Circle of Brigid has been postponed. The full announcement can be read here: Mystery Play for Samhain  


Photo courtesy of Dennis Murphy. Text courtesy of Minette Quick, Circle of Brigid © Fellowship of Isis Central Website. Please do not reproduce. 

Samhain Mystery Play by Olivia Robertson

Olivia Robertson, top row, in blue with members of the Circle of Brigid and festival
participants at Clonegal Castle, for a Lughnasadh Festival, 2005.

Received October 22, 2013

A New Mystery Play

Written by Olivia Robertson

To be enacted November 9th

FOI Members all over the world are invited to enact this global mystery play.

Available online at this link:

Mystery Play for Samhain

 Photo courtesy of Olivia Robertson. Text and photo © Fellowship of Isis Central Website. Please do not reproduce.

Important Announcement

Use of Secret Identities within the Fellowship of Isis
Received from Olivia Robertson and Cressida Pryor

via Minette Quick, Hon. Sec. Circle of Brigid

September 22, 2013

Protection of Honesty and Integrity Within the Fellowship of Isis

In the Ethos of the Manifesto, since its Foundation in 1976, secret names never had any validity or authority within the Fellowship of Isis.

Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder of FOI

Cressida Pryor, Interfaith Minister and FOI Steward

Winter Workshop - Elen of the Ways

Received from Caroline Wise of Isis of the Thames Lyceum in London:

Elen of the Ways, Her Midwinter Aspects  

Led by Caroline Wise and Maria-Teresa Harmer in Central London on Saturday December 7^th, 12noon – 7pm. £45 includes all materials for talismans. There will be light refreshments provided.

A day of practical and ceremonial magic, following the mythic tracks of the deer goddesses as the Great Wheel turns towards the Winter Solstice. We’ll be looking at the reindeer solstice magic and following the tracks of the deer goddesses in winter, where they can be found in Britain, their plants, elements and symbols. With talks, elemental talisman making, journeying, divination, also exploring the magical properties of the trees most associated with Elen. 

Caroline Wise has worked with the Earth Mysteries since the 1970s, and has explored the mythic figure of Elen since the early 80s, whom she named Elen of the Ways, and came to associate with the reindeer. She published two monographs on Elen of the Ways in the mid-90s with her colleague, the artist Chesca Potter. She was editor of Skoob Occult Review and then The Occult Observer which she revived in the 1990s, and contributed an article on Elen and other goddesses in the book The Aquarian Guide to Legendary London. She is a Priestess in on the steering body of The Fellowship of Isis and gives talks and talks regularly on Elen of the Ways in the USA, Germany and Italy. She runs The Goddess Group and works as a publisher.

Maria-Teresa Harmer is a Priestess of Elen within the Fellowship of Isis as well as a Ceremonial Magician. She has taught and explored magic in its many different guises both alone and with her magical lodge in London. She organises workshops and retreats. She is a trained homeopath and works eclectically and is particularly interested in the cross-over between homeopathy, alchemy and magic. She is an ardent forager and likes nothing more than mixing potions with what she gathers and experimenting.

Message from Olivia Robertson

Received from Olivia Robertson

September 2, 2013

Received from Cait Branigan

Forwarded by Minette Quick
On Behalf of Olivia Robertson

To all Global Sites and Isian News

As the world moves through its current changes and the Fellowship of Isis continues to grow and evolve, we are reminded of the importance of the founding principles of the Fellowship, contained within the Manifesto. Lady Olivia would like to encourage each member of the Fellowship of Isis to regularly read and reflect on the Manifesto; to come to understand those principles which are the foundation stone and the heart of the Fellowship. Equality, love and respect for all life are just some of the principles - including respect for the animal kingdom and all the inter-related realms of nature. In a world that is experiencing devastating wars and attacks on the natural world, we are reminded that tyranny, cruelty and subjection of any being to negative practices has no place in the Fellowship of Isis.

The Fellowship of Isis also supports and honours the Sacred Arts in all their forms, including the creative arts and those members who express their vocation through said arts.
Lady Olivia would like to encourage all members wishing to move towards priesthood or membership of any other order within the Fellowship of Isis, to seek for guidance from those teachers, Iseums, Lyceums etc. which are recommended on the authorised Fellowship websites. This will enable each member to have a deeper and more enriched understanding of the purpose of the Fellowship and of the liturgy that Lady Olivia has mediated to us.

For more information please see the websites.

Lughnasadh Seasonal Festival Report

Photo: High Altar, Main Sanctuary, Temple of Isis

Clonegal Castle, © John Merron

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Lughnasadh Festival at Foundation Centre, Clonegal

Report by Minette Quick, ArchDrs.

The Festival was, as Olivia would say, a great success!  Sadly, once again she was not able to be with us, but she sent her blessings and was delighted to hear that it went so well.  Still patiently waiting to be fully rehabilitated and back on full form at the Castle, her spirits and general health is excellent and everyone who visits remarks that she is really looking very well and rested.

Having gathered in the Theatre for a short introduction, the Procession set off singing, through the orchard and down to the spiritual home of the Druid Clan of Dana in the Wilderness, the Druid Grove of giant redwoods.  Here David de Roeck of the Ascension of Isis group, opened the portal between the trunks of two of the great trees before the company entered, and Eimear Burke of DCD led the invocations. 

Unfortunately rain began to fall as they proceeded onwards to the Abbey, spiritual home of the Noble Order of Tara. After the traditional portal was opened invocations were led by Cait Branigan.  Because of the rain these were necessarily quite brief and the procession moved on down the steps to the Garden Gate to the Temple, where Maureen Sullivan invoked Persephone in her beautiful garden shrine under the sheltering cover of the steps to the balcony above.

The portal to the Temple once opened the company moved to the Gate into the Shrine of Brigid na Mara. The bell was rung and Priest and Priestess questioned and answered and admittance was gained.  At the Well, Lady Olivia’s recent ‘Rejoice’ message to the Fellowship was read, as an invitation to all to approach the Well of Truth in happy communion and equality of spirit with those who represent Deity and love and guide all who seek their aid. The priesthood invoked many Deities in both Irish and English and as it was Ra’s Birthday, it being not only Lughnasad but also near to Opet, his presence was specially invoked by his priest. 

The Holy Grail filled with water from the Well of Truth was lifted as Brigid’s presence for healing was invoked and individual Blessings from the Goddess were given to each one attending. At the High Altar a priestess in trance awaited, and we were given a most beautiful, calm and clear Oracle  by Mairé Doyle, which spoke of the message of balance, needed so much at this time, not least between the masculine and feminine energies emphasised by the time of Opet.  

Presiding at the Altar, Cait called upon Deirdre Wadding to unfold for us the drama of Lughnasad. The story of Lugh – the Sun God’s miraculous birth, his divine gifts, and magically foretold battles with his evil father, was played out with the eager participation of both primed and unprimed members of the audience who stepped forward to take part.  It was all great fun! We were reminded of the remarkable parallels in the stories of so many of the great messengers of truth over the ages. Cait then took us on an evocative mystical Journey up the Nile to partake in an ancient Egyptian Ceremony which everyone enjoyed very much.  Then it was time for notices, giving thanks and opportunities to receive healings and counselling. Maureen & Eimear presented Marian with a beautiful bouquet of white lilies as a mark of our appreciation of her devotion and care of Olivia during her long stay in Waterford, during which time she was able to send out so many encouraging and excellent messages to us all with Marian's aid.   


Text and photo © Fellowship of Isis Central Website. Please do not reproduce.
 

Isian News, Issue No. 149, Lughnasadh 2013

"Leesa and Mwe"

Cover art for Isian News, Issue No. 149, Lughnasadh 2013

by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson

Isian News, Issue No. 149 for Lughnasadh 2013 has just been published and is now available to read online. FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson has created a beautiful cover for this issue titled "Leesa and Mwe." You may view it here: http://isiannews.blogspot.com/

Artwork featured above, titled "Leesa and Mwe"  © Olivia Robertson. Art and text is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Fellowship of Isis Central website., 

New Oracle of the Seasons!

 Photo © Dorn Simon-Sinnott

Oracular Chair, Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle, Ireland

A beautiful oracle of the Goddess received by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson for the season of Lughnasadh has been uploaded to Fellowship of Isis Central.






Photo courtesy of Dorn Simon-Sinnott. Photo is copyrighted © all rights reserved. Text and photo copyright Fellowship of Isis Central website.

Message from Olivia Robertson

To All Global Sites and Isian News
Rejoice! The Goddesses and Gods are real!

The word “Worship”, which once meant respect, has been a barrier to communion with Deities.

How can perfected Beings commune with us when we offer them obsequious prostration, with all our psychic senses closed down?

The Rainbow Flow of Divine Life, circulates through inter-communion spirals, pervading all beings. As we progress, we extend this awareness from Spirit Guides to the sphere of Angels, and Devas who are advanced beyond us, and are therefore our teachers. The culmination of Divine Beings emanating from a Heavenly Sphere comes when we are ready for it, and can enjoy it. In Heaven there is no fear, nor evil. Why should we object to various names religious people give to these beings? For instance, the one I call the Wanderer, the Shamanic Deity, is known in the North as Odin; to Greeks as Zeus, and to the ancient Irish as the Dagda Mor. The name of the companion who assists the Wandering Shaman is known as Baldour the Beautiful, Mercury, Hermes, or Aengus Og

Let us enjoy the reality of the whole company of heaven, without religious conflict.

All beings are part of the cosmic hierarchy.

Olivia Robertson, Co Founder

Assisted by Marian Smiles and Minette Quick, Hon. Secretary of the Rainbow Circle of Brigid.


Photo courtesy of Temple of Isis Los Angeles, granted permission of use by the late Laura Janesdaughter. Photo is copyrighted, all rights reserved. Text and photo copyright Fellowship of Isis Central website.

Message from Olivia Robertson

  

Received July 1, 2013

F.O.I. Why No Secrecy?

In the scriptures it is written that in the end days that the thoughts of all hearts shall be revealed. It means that there shall be communication by telepathy as well as speech. Animals and birds do this anyway; for example wolves and migratory birds. Secrecy has led to a build-up of power for certain groups, which can lead to a sense of superiority and privilege, and a contempt for ordinary people. It can lead to a feeling of self-importance and more dangerous has led to a culture where individuals hand over their power to power seekers.

Even good vows are bindings of the soul and inhibit freedom of choice. They are also associated with secrecy. The uninhibited flow and communion between ourselves, plants and animals reflect the friendliness and beauty of the other world, which is beyond death. Friendly communion by telepathy is the language of the spirit world. Bad feeling and deceit are exposed and dissolve. Now the two worlds, the psychic world and ourselves, are coming closer together, with communion of vision and telepathy. In the new eon, there will be no death, only a change of consciousness.

FOI is a pioneer for this golden flow communion, without secret binding. We can have equal communion between Goddess and God and the humblest of insects. Many people already inform the bees of their family news! Nevermore will there be a feeling of loneliness. We are all surrounded by a Rainbow Flow of Love.

Olivia Robertson
Co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis
Assisted by Rev Marian Smiles

Photo courtesy of Michael Starsheen, used by permission. All rights reserved.

Summer Solstice Festival at Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle

Garden Shrine of Persephone, created by Olivia's great niece Pamela Currey

For All Global Sites and Isian News

Just over two weeks ago Lady Olivia fell in the grounds of the Castle and unfortunately suffered a fracture to one of her ankles.  She has been in hospital since, however, she is making an excellent recovery and is in good spirits and general health.  All she needs is time to recuperate fully and as our Summer Solstice Festival was coming up very shortly, she sensibly decided to invite the Circle of Brigid, together with the Druid Clan of Dana and Noble Order of Tara to facilitate the Ceremonies with her full support in spirit but not in person for the very first time for us.

Many members of our priesthood have been visiting her over her period in hospital and you will no doubt be aware that she has sent out a number of important messages to the Fellowship, very much facilitated by Marian Smiles who lives in Waterford and has been with her practically every day.  She has our great thanks and appreciation.

We had a lovely day for the Festival, and after gathering briefly at the start in the Theatre we processed, drumming and singing, (many thanks to Eimear & Sara Nolan) down to the magnificent grove of Californian Redwoods which now tower high overhead, but which Olivia remembers her father planting when she was a small girl!  Invocations were given by David de Roeck and Eimear Burke and other members of DCD.  This Druid Grove is the original spiritual home of the Druid Clan of Dana worldwide.

Following this we processed back up towards the Castle past the ancient yew walk, up over the well manicured lawns and lovely fountain, up the steep steps to the ruined remains of the Abbey which is at right-angles to the front of the Castle and is beautifully secluded with greenery and flowers clambering over and round the remaining walls. The original altar stands before a high pointed window, long open to the skies and a perfect place to honour the Goddess Tara, the spiritual home of the Fellowship's Noble Order of Tara. Here David de Roeck, Sean McCabe and members of the Noble Order invoked Deity.

We then proceeded to the beautiful, newly created Garden Shrine of Persephone beside the Garden Entrance to the Temple.  Here Maureen Sullivan invoked Persephone, Queen of Hades, Poet of Elysium, Goddess of Olympus with the apples, and thanks was given to Pamela Currey, Lady Olivia's Great Niece, for her work in creating this delightful Shrine.

In the Temple it is traditional to gather at Brigid's Well, the Well of Truth, and it was Lady Olivia's wish that I, Minette, should represent her at the Well where I felt inspired to read out her recent Message which appeared on all global sites speaking of the Sacred Places at Foundation Centre and her Vision in 1945 that it was to be a Centre of Light for Ireland and the World through the Fellowship of Isis.  Invocations were made by the Priesthood and Blessings of the Goddess given to everyone attending with water drawn from The Well of Truth, The Holy Grail.  These Blessings have always traditionally be given by priestesses.

At the High Altar of Isis a Priestess in trance awaited, and after everyone had quietly assembled we received a powerful Oracle from Isis from Maureen Sullivan.  Marian Smiles & David de Roeck presided over the following ceremonies which included the traditional Midsummer Marriage ritual and Ordination of a new Priestess, Angela Lordan whom we all welcome to our company.

The ceremonies ended with the usual notices and regular members, were asked to let the Hon.Sec.Circle of Brigid know by email, text or phone, that they intend to attend our next Festival (date announced at the meeting) so that catering numbers can be known more accurately in future for our popular teas in the Village after ceremonies.  It was suggested that they look up the email address under FAQ's for visits and invitations to Festivals at the Castle on the global sites.

We concluded with various members of the priesthood offering short healings and consultations afterwards in the Temple.  We then repaired for tea to the Village and enjoyed sharing artwork brought this time by Pamela Currey and Minette Quick.  Members are invited to bring along anything they would like to share in future, poetry, artwork and so on.  Minette had already read out the poem given her by the Fairies of the Shining Web of the Fairy Tree Grove near her home, 'Come with me to the Enchanted Land'.

Marian Smiles at High Altar

Marian Smiles at High Altar, Maureen Sullivan (veiled) acting as Oracular Priestess.

Eimear Burke (left), Maureen Sullivan, Marian Smiles and Angela

Photos courtesy of Marian Smiles, taken by Sean McCabe. Account of festival courtesy of Minette Quick.

New Edition of Isis Magic by M. Isidora Forrest

• NEW! 10^th Anniversary Edition is revised and expanded

PORTLAND, OREGON—After being out of print for more than six years and with prices for that out-of-print first edition rising to $400 or more, Isis Magic is back in a revised and expanded 10^th anniversary edition.

Writer Normandi Elliis, author of Awakening Osiris and Dreams of Isis, says of this new edition, “I am thrilled that this pivotal book is being reissued. Whether you know Her well, or whether She has called you to know her more intimately, this book will bring you closer to Isis as an embodiment of the eternal presence of mystery, healing and love. This book is indeed Isis Magic at its best.”  (To see more reviews of Isis Magic, please visit www.abiegnushouse.com/reviews)

Isis Magic has served as a resource and inspiration for a wide range of people. Historical novelist Stephanie Dray used it to research the religion of Isis for her three-novel series on the life of Cleopatra’s daughter, Cleopatra Selene. Importantly, it has been a valuable guide for the thousands of women and men who have used it to create or deepen their personal relationship with one of the most well-known and well-loved Goddesses of all time, the Egyptian Goddess Isis.

Isis Magic begins with a well-researched and in-depth history of the nature and worship of Isis from Her ancient Egyptian origins to the modern day. In this first part of the book, readers discover the many faces of Isis, from Ancient Bird of Prey Goddess and Lady of Magic to Queen of the Mysteries, Savior, and Mistress of Hermetic Wisdom. Readers will learn how Isis later became disguised as a Black Madonna, a historical Queen of Egypt, and even as an Alchemical Principle—as well as how Her true identity as a Goddess was retained in the inner teachings of some secret societies. Finally, readers follow Isis into the 20^th and 21^st centuries as Her undisguised worship is revived, first by colorful personalities like Dion Fortune and influential groups such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and today by worldwide associations like the Fellowship of Isis.

The book’s second half applies this knowledge to a four-part spiritual journey to the heart of the Goddess. With each step, the reader enters a successively deeper stage of relationship with Isis. By participating in exercises, meditations, and powerful, beautifully written rituals, readers can initiate themselves into the magical religion of Isis and become, if they so desire, Her dedicated priestess or priest.

The 10^th anniversary edition includes a variety of new rituals—including new initiatory rites and a same-sex wedding ceremony—as well as new meditations, illustrations, and photographs.

Written by M. Isidora Forrest, an ordained Priestess of Isis and Hermetic Adept, Isis Magic brings the worship of Isis to life. It is the perfect resource to aid the individual seeker, to inspire a circle, coven, or Iseum, or to serve as a program of spiritual growth and personal development for those called by Isis to be Her priestesses and priests.

Isis Magic is available via the publisher’s website, www.abiegnushouse.com for $29.95 (the same price as the original edition of more than 10 years ago). Other retail outlets are also being investigated.

Announcement from Olivia Robertson: Sacred Places

For All Global Sites and Isian News

Received June 20, 2013

Sacred Places

All Ancient Faiths had deep roots in some earthly home, which meant the mother to them. We think of Jerusalem, Mecca, Glastonbury, The Great Pyramid, and above all the Sphinx.

I, Olivia, was told from Spirit, in 1948, that my brother and I were to work for a Centre of Light at Clonegal.  Clonegal is a mile from the meeting of the waters, where the castle is built, and where the river of healing, the Slaney, is joined by the river of the Oak, the River Derry. Where they join, there is an island of swans.

In a vision, I was shown by angelic beings, a view of the castle from the sky.  Light poured from the castle, and I gathered the source of the light was from the well of Truth, St. Brigid’s Holy Well.

For some years, my brother worked on energy coming from the granite from which the castle is built - some underground source of psychic power, and also the white and silver power, like water, descending from the sky into the well.  My brother was told from Spirit, that the well was for the healing of Ireland, and that the rainbow colours emanating from the dark, black earth energy from underneath the dungeon, was for the world. We were told to welcome people from all over the world, for healing, blessing, and psychic vision.

At this time of the new aeon, 2013, I feel we are to activate this sacred place of Dana, Tara, and Brigid, Danann goddesses of Ireland.

All three have come to me in visions along with the Archangel Michael and the God Aengus Og

On the grounds, at an angle to the Castle, is the old abbey ruin, with a magnificent stone altar. These act as priory of the noble order of Tara. We have performed ceremonies there regularly, at the grove of trees in the wilderness near the lake and the island which is the cauldron of the god Dagda, and river Derry of the goddess Morrigan. This is the grove of the Druid Clan of Dana, where ceremonies have been held for many years.

The Rainbow Circle of Brigid has the honour of giving forth the well water to those in need. Each cup represents the holy grail of the new aeon.  All members spread Brigid’s rainbow rays throughout the world for healing, sent forth with wisdom and love.  Any solitary member can enjoy the healing and vision from the well and from the rainbow rays of Brigid, Love, Beauty and Truth

Olivia, assisted by Marian Smiles and Minette Quick, of the Rainbow Circle of Brigid.

Notice from Olivia Robertson

To all Global Sites and Isian News

June 16, 2013

Olivia Durdin Robertson has arranged for all ceremonies at Clonegal Castle to be facilitated by the Circle of Brigid, the Druid Clan of Dana, and the Noble Order of Tara. A general plan has been approved, including her family. This is part of a general plan to protect the future Fellowship of Isis from inappropriate use.

In Memory of Rt. Rev. Laura Janesdaughter

Rt. Rev. Laura Janesdaughter

September 17, 1941 - May 27, 2013

Laura Janesdaughter: In Memoriam an account of her work as priestess and the founding of her Iseum, an account of her consecration as an Archpriestess and a copy of the ritual, as provided by Linda Iles. The announcement of her passing written by Letecia Layson, link to an extensive interview with Laura conducted written by Joanne Young Elliott and links to Laura's websites. Available on Fellowship of Isis Central

Photo above, of Laura visiting Crossbones cemetery in London. The photo was taken by Caroline Wise, who consecrated Laura as an Archdruidess in the Druid Clan of Dana at a sacred well at Bride's Mound, near Glastonbury a few years ago.

Goddess bless you Laura, now and always. 

All photos © and used by permission. Text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website, Circle of Isis Advisory Board. All rights reserved.  

From Olivia Robertson and Minette Quick: Be Like the Dandelion

“BE LIKE THE DANDELION”

25^th May, 2013

Going down to the Temple with Olivia this weekend to take photos of some of the most recent changes she has been making, I was struck by the way light appeared to be shining out of every Shrine. It was as if the energy had increased exponentially over the past few weeks.  It was absolutely wonderful and when I mentioned this to Olivia, she said that one of our members had recently described an experience of receiving a surge of power as she entered the Gateway to Brigid’s Well Shrine - and that an image of a Dandelion had arisen in her mind - associated with the energy of Archangel Michael! To my astonishment, the message and the words she used to describe this experience were almost identical to those I had received and recorded from him myself, many years ago!  The Dandelion, known to all in this part of the world, its glorious profusion of sunny yellow flowers and multitude of successive globes of winged seed, array every hedgerow, field and ditch in Ireland each spring, and is virtually indestructible!

As Olivia has recently described some of her own mystical experiences with Archangel Michael in Isian News, she has asked me to share this with our Fellowship members.    

“Be like the dandelion,” said Archangel Michael, “which strikes its root deep and strong, then throws up its sunny flowers in season, then changes its form miraculously into a globe of winged seed messengers, forming a ball of thistledown, poised for the slightest breath of wind to sail away.  Remain ready, remain steady, assured that your time of flight will come, rooted deep with knowledge and confidence that all phases of the life-cycle are equally important and all phases are inherent in all that you do and all that you can become.  Who knows where the winged seeds will be blown on the wind?  Who knows where the soil will receive the seed?  Who knows which way the wind will blow?  There is a greater plan and it all depends on how you view it.”

The word ‘Tenacity’ came to mind, together with the image of thistledown, not unlike that of the Dandelion. 

Minette Quick ©