FOI Chicago Annual Autumn Goddess Festival

Hello Everybody!

FOI Chicago in cooperation with the Prop Thtr will host the

FOI Chicago's 26th Annual Autumn Goddess Convention & Festival 

Thursday, Oct. 3, Fri. Oct. 4, and Sat. Oct. 5 at:

Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60618.

Our featured liturgy is from the FOI liturgical book, Urania:  The Magic of Saturn and Astarte.

The Call for Presentations includes not only topics relating to the liturgy, but those of your own

special interests: Nature, the performing and visual arts, music, spiritual practices, the ancient world,

astronomy, astrology, poetry, divination, animal and human rights, cultural studies, etc.

It is a three day event this year, something we haven't had an opportunity to do for a very long time.

Some merchants will be on hand with their wares only on Saturday, others might be there for Thurs. and Fri.

Space is limited, we have to provide our own tables but the theater has chairs.  Vendors are encouraged

to have standing displays if possible to maximize the spaces.  We'll work with all for the best results possible.

The tentative program is in development.  There will be some merchants each day.

The program, speakers, entertainers, vendors, volunteers, etc. are beginning to be booked now.

Thurs., Oct. 3 - Festival Day - Rehearsal and fine tuning the set up.  Thursday is dedicated to Dionysus as patron god of Performance, Transcendence, and Transformation, and the Muses for Inspiration and Creativity.

There will be a couple of Powerpoint slideshows and an Open Mike. (Sign up soon!)

Fri., Oct. 4 - Reception and Pagan Cabaret - over 21 only.  Presentations, music, dancers, and divination.

Light refreshments will be served at the reception.  Astarte, Adonis, Aphrodite, Eros, and Hermes are the featured

deities of the afternoon and evening's activities.  We are blessed to have performers from the Harem of Oddities who will dance for us and the gods this night. 

Sat. Oct. 5 - Convention Day - registration at 9:30 AM, program begins at 10 AM.  Astarte & Adonis altar,

Ancestor Shrine, Saturn & Rhea/Cybele shrine, Astarte workshop, Powerpoint presentations, meditation, liturgy, ritual, and fellowship. 

Free Parking is available on the streets around the theater.  A small public park and playground

are across the street at Troy Ave., and Elston, a welcome bit of Nature in the midst of the city.

Restaurants, bars, a shopping center, bank, and stores are close by as well as the Kennedy

Expressway (I-90-94) at Addison or Belmont.  The nearest CTA Blue Line station is at Addison and

the Kennedy, about 5 or 6 blocks away; the Kimball bus is only 3 blocks west of the theater, while the

California bus turns around a few blocks from there.

CTA Blue, Brown and Red Lines also connect with Addison and Belmont buses bringing one

within a block or three of the theater.  Hotels are in a radius of about 15-40 minutes driving time,

depending on traffic and location.  There's quite a few bed & breakfast places around the area,

which is close to Wrigley Field, Boys' Town, Lakeview, Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park,

Old Irving Park, Thai Town, and more. 

I'm excited to share this good news with you as we work on our convention and festival.

The Facebook event page will be updated as things develop.

Questions, ideas, comments?  Please write to me and let me know what you think.

Wishing You All the Best Summer Ever,

Demetria

Lyceum of Alexandria Mishigami,

Iseum of Neith, Hathor, and MahaLakshmi,

Fellowship Of Isis, Chicago

(Photo: Deena Butta (left) and Olivia Robertson (right) in ritual)

2016: 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the Fellowship of Isis

FOI Co-Founders Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and Olivia Robertson

Details are beginning to take shape for the upcoming celebrations to honor the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Fellowship of Isis in 2016. There will be celebrations worldwide on the exact date, and also many remembrances offered throughout the entire year of 2016. FOI 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Photo: courtesy of Olivia Robertson 

Chicago Fellowship of Isis Convention

This is the 22nd year for this event!

Friday evening, Sept. 25, 2015: Chocolate and Champagne Reception 6:30pm - 9:30pm

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015
 
Sponsored by members and friends of the Lyceum of Eleusis & Alexandria Mishigami, the Iseum of Hathor * Neith * Maha-Lakshmi, The Rekhet Akhu, and Life Force Arts Center.

Location: The Mankind Project Chicago Lodge,
1900 W. Fulton St., Chicago IL 60612
Plenty of free street parking!

9:30 AM – 10 AM Registration - Festival 10 AM to 7 PM
 
“Uranus. The Coming Forth By Day.”
Dedicated To The Goddesses Isis & Nephthys, Nut, Neith, Hathor, Sekhmet, & Maat - Honoring the Gods Heru, Asar, Thoth, Anubis, and Set.

Speakers include: Althea Northage-Orr of the Hermetic Fellowship and Transformational Techniques; FOI Priestess Rev. Gayle Mack of the Keys to Ascension; FOI Chicago Clergy Rev. Anna Applegate, Rev. Vince Hawkins, Rt. Rev. Demetria Nanos, Priestess Carolyn Hawkins, and FOI Priest in training Daniel Noga.  

For more information:

On Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/396757753854937/

Life Force Arts Center: http://www.lifeforcearts.org

Write to: hail_isis@yahoo.com  Place "FOI Gathering" in the subject line.
 

FOI Foundation Union Triad

Notice to Members

Blessings of Isis, Dana and Tara! On the eve of the Vernal Equinox, March 19, 2015, the process of updating membership of the three FOI Foundation Unions was completed. Full details will be provided in the upcoming issue of Isian News for Beltane 2015.

"My brother Lawrence, his wife Pamela and I looked to the future at arrangements for the continuity of the work of the Fellowship of Isis globally. ... The general work of the FOI is carried out by the FOI Foundation Union Triad: The Archpriesthood Union, The Archdruid Union of the Druid Clan of Dana, and the Grand Commander Union of the Noble Order of Tara." 

(Excerpt from a message received from Olivia Robertson by the late Deena Butta, FOI Chicago, published in Isis-Seshat Magazine, Issue No. 30, Summer 2011) 


(Photo provided by Deena Butta. © FOI Central Website, all rights reserved.)

Midwinter Yule Ritual - FOI Chicago

Received from Demetria Nanos of FOI Chicago:

The Chicago Fellowship of Isis is hosting a public Midwinter Yule rite on
Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at:
Life Force Arts Center, 1609 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL, 60657.
Free Parking available – see below.

We will gather from 4:30 - 5 PM, & the service will begin promptly at 5 PM.
Suggested donation - $10.
None are turned away for lack of funds.

The liturgy will be “The Tree of Life”, Oracle of the Goddess Frigga.
We celebrate Modranacht, The Night of the Mothers, from ancient times.
Music, drumming, and discussion will follow, along with refreshments.

After the liturgy, there will be a brief discussion of an Ursa Major stellar rite from the Greek Magical Papyri (handouts to take home), reflect on the Celtic Midwinter spirits Cailleach, Holly King, Arthur, Bear, Raven; why reindeer are connected with the Winter Solstice, and conclude with a Norse prayer candlelight ceremony (handouts & candles). Then there will be music, feasting, celebration, and fellowship -
Bring your musical instruments: flute, sistrum, guitar, and drum!

Please bring something to share for the Love Feast following the liturgy.
Donations are welcome to help pay the rent!

For more information, call or e-mail us at FOI Chicago.
FOI Chicago – Rev. Demetria Nanos – 773-684-9219
hail_isis@yahoo.com

Directions & Parking for Life Force Arts Center

FREE PARKING in Central Savings parking lot
FREE PARKING is available in Central Savings bank parking lot when the bank is closed (during the hours listed below):

after 4 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
after 1 PM on Saturdays
all day Wednesdays
all day Sundays
all day on bank holidays (when the bank is closed)

The Central Savings parking lot is located on Ashland Avenue just south of Belmont, in the rear of Central Savings. You do not need a permit or card for your car in order to park in this lot while you are at LFAC events. LFAC is at 1609 W. Belmont, just around the corner from the parking lot.

Dulce Domum, Deena Celeste Butta

Dulce Domum
A Tribute to Deena Butta 
by Linda Iles

We honor Deena Celeste Butta of FOI Chicago. Deena was born on June 1, 1950 and passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Offered here are some highlights of Deenas life and work:

Deena participated in Theosofest during July, 1992 which took place in Wheaton, Illinois. This was an annual gathering of the world's religious and spiritual groups for a weekend of sharing. She attended again on June 13, 1993. 

September, 1993 Parliament of World Religions

In 1993, at the Parliament of World’s Religions held in Chicago, Deena was included in the Fellowship of Isis Procession.  Deena also took part in the FOI Mystery play “Judgement of Osiris” known in the FOI Liturgy books as “Judgment of the Earth” that was presented at the Parliament. She performed an Egyptian Dance as part of a presentation during the FOI workshop.

Later in the event, Deena was consecrated as a Hierophant, with Olivia acting as Priestess and then ArchDruid Isaac Bonewits (now ArchDruid Emeritus) and founder of Ár nDraíocht Féin, acting as Priest, with Ruth Dillon assisting as Priestess of Isis. Deena’s husband Ray Butta was ordained into the priesthood at this time. During the Parliament activities, Deena and Olivia participated together in an interview for local Chicago Radio.

InterFaith Day of Prayer: A Search for Vision

FOI Co-founder Olivia Robertson wrote in 1997: "The Rev. Deena Butta has taken part in an important “Day of Prayer, A Search for Vision,” co-sponsored by the Friends of the Parliament of World Religions and Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Olivia participated in one of these Dialogues, between Buddhists and Christians at the Parliament (of World Religions, 93), including H.H. The Dalai Lama. The organiser of the Day of Prayer was Father von Duerbeck, OSB. As usual the FOI gets a look in at these ecumenical meetings, possibly because of the prestige of the Ancient Egyptian tradition! The programme involved Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Thai Buddhist religions and the FOI, represented by Deena. Deena’s work is greatly assisted by our member the Baron von Huber, Grand Knight Commander of the Order of Tara, who works tirelessly for the world ecumenical movement."

Deena wrote of her part: “Our contribution to the Interfaith Communion celebration at the Lake Street Church on October 5 and 6th was well received. We performed ‘The Opening of the Heart’s Rose’ from “Melusina”. It turned out to be greatly beneficial for us as well, since we all seemed to need some work on our heart chakras. I did ‘Ritual of the Pylons’ at Saint Procopius Abbey’s Day of Prayer last year. It makes sense to do the whole of the Melusina rites in this order - I will know what I will be doing in the next ten years! Baron Von Huber requested an Egyptian Meditation. So we have been very busy promoting FOI. I always emphasize the diversity and individuality aspects, also our personal responsibility toward ‘The Hearth’ however that is perceived; the importance of the arts and the use of the other 90% of the human mind. Also none can posses the only Truth there is, and of course the promotion of (divine) female energy.”

Many news reports were published about the InterFaith Days of Prayer. The Daily Herald Newspaper of Chicago published an article on Feb 16th, 1997, which was titled "Religious Groups Gather for Interfaith Prayer Service" written by Stacy St. Clair. It focused on a day of prayer held at St. Procopius Abbey in Lisle, Illinois. Two quotes are included below from this article:

Deena wrote: “The purpose of the inter-religious prayer day was to stress the similarities between world religions. Though faiths may have different rituals, approaches and clothing, they share the same goal. The Jews praise Yahweh, the Catholic worship Christ and Friends of Isis honor the Goddess. The three boast different titles but embody the same spirit. Sometimes I think what we're really fighting over in some of these religions is the names.”

Father von Duerbeck stated: “The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Parliament for World Religions and Monastic Inter-religious Dialogue. Its purpose mirrors Pope John Paul II’s belief that group prayer fosters understanding.”

FOI Chicago

Olivia Robertson once wrote of Deena‘s work in Chicago: “Members wishing to participate in the Chicago gathering, also aligned to the World Parliament continuing meetings, should contact Deena. Her rituals are extremely beautiful, meaningful and effective.”

Deena offered classes and workshops throughout the year, besides hostessing Olivia Robertson for a week every September and a week in October in Chicago. A reception was always held in Olivia’s honor, followed by the Equinox Goddess Festival, sponsored by Deena’s lyceum.

During the rest of the year, Deena offered classes both in person and by correspondence centered around the Fellowship of Isis Manifesto, and conferred Adepti degrees, Magi degrees, Solar Alchemy degrees for the FOI Priest/esshood and a structured course for ordination into the FOI Priest/esshood. Deena was publisher and editor of Isis-Seshat Magazine, which Olivia often referred to as “The Personal Post of the Fellowship of Isis.”

Deena was a member of the ArchPriesthood Union, the ArchDruid Union and Grand Commander Union, which form the FOI Foundation Union Triad, joint custodians of the legacy of the Fellowship of Isis. She was also registered as a legal minister through the Temple of Isis in Geyserville, California.

Deena participated in various radio and TV interviews representing the Fellowship of Isis, including a segment of the TV program, “Friday the 13th” which aired on March 12th, 1997 on the Arts and Entertainment cable network as part of a series on “The Unexplained”.

She also served as a member of “United Communities of Spirit - A Global InterFaith Initiative” in which she represented the Fellowship of Isis.

Career

In her professional life, Deena was a Reference Librarian. She attended the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, she was an Alumna of Northwestern University and a member of the President’s Honor Roll, Class of 1978, Regina Dominican University. Deena had been employed at the Glenview Public Library in Chicago since 1997. She was an expert on Genealogy. Deena provided guidance and instruction in genealogical research and taught internet classes in this area. She also annotated new reference books for staff at her workplace. Her thorough research and careful attention to detail carried over beautifully into her work as a Priestess in the Fellowship of Isis.Dulce Domum, Gentle Priestess.

Invocation and Oracle of the Goddess Isis from the Fellowship of Isis Liturgy rite “Dulce Domum. The Soul Returns Home” by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson:

Priestess: (Invocation) Divine Isis, Who doth hold the Ankh, Sign of Life, have pity on our human weakness. We all fear death. There is no creature that will not fight for its life! The most terrible calamities that befall us are yet more acceptable than their ending through even the quickest death. We dread the loss of ourselves, our own consciousness, of all that we know. When we grieve for those who die, truly we fear for ourselves! Thou Who didst shed Thy tears for Thy dead husband Osiris, and Who brought Him to everlasting life, bring us true knowledge.

Oracle: Know that your very love of life, of your own selves, is a surety that you live forever! It is only the body that perishes. Therefore those who dread death the most are those who enjoy life the most! And in that very enjoyment is your salvation. If you see death as an unpredictable but inevitable disaster in the future, soon or far ahead, you naturally dread a sudden end to all you love, a stop to your own individual consciousness. But in verity you can experience your own immortality now! Eternity may be experienced through two passing seconds of earth time. You can awaken from this dream of worldly life into a greater reality. Only veils of ignorance and unconsciousness divide each one of you from your own Immortal Self. Hence death is sin: sin is ignorance. For when you wrongly think: "I am only the brain; I am the body with its senses" you deny your true self through choosing that which is mortal.

Enjoy those delights that belong to the eternal spheres, such as the love and care of each other, of animals and plants: philosophy and religion; the practice of arts and crafts. Thus you will strengthen your spiritual body with the nectar and ambrosia of the Deities. You will learn to participate in heavenly life as your earthly body sleeps. Love, and you are in harmony with Heaven. Be truthful, and you drink of the Water of Life. Laugh, and you laugh with Jove! Weep with compassion, and you mingle your tears with Mine.

Remove then the deadening pall of gloom which stifles your earthly funeral obsequies! Death is for the ignorant. Immortality is for those who know the truth! Develop your psychic and spiritual gifts, so that not only will you recognise this "death" as the impostor it is, but you will help others to lose any fear, but rather look forward to participating in heavenly joys. Reunion with those you love is certain. In your originality is your immortality, for nothing that is original can perish. It is an essential part of the cosmic scheme. Manifest your Divine Origin which is born from the Mother of All, Nuit, Whose children are immortal like onto Herself. Nourish then all good gifts in each person and each being and you strengthen the harmony between the Divine Sphere of Heaven with its transient reflection which is this world. There is no death. Love is eternal. Osiris and I are One. So is it with us all. 

Deena's obituary can be viewed here:  Mrs. Deena Celeste Butta

Directly beneath her photo on the obituary page is a link to light a virtual candle for her.

Photo provided by Deena Butta in 2005 for use by Fellowship of Isis Central. Text © Fellowship of Isis Central Website and Circle of Isis Advisory Board. All rights reserved.  Blog entry written by Linda Iles, Fellowship of Isis Central website manager.

Olivia Robertson's USA Fall Tour

Just uploaded to Fellowship of Isis Central - Three pages featuring information on the three upcoming major public events featuring FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson in the United States. 

Annual Equinox Goddess Festival - Chicago, Illinois

Featuring the Goddess Nu Kua

Annual Fellowship of Isis Convocation - Geyserville, CA

Featuring the Goddess Taweret

  


Isis Fest - Salt Lake City, UT

Featuring "Isis and Osiris: The Judgment"








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

Final Chance to Visit with Olivia Robertson in the USA for 2010

From Deena Butta:

"If Chicago is convenient to you, Olivia will pass through here on her way home to Ireland this coming weekend. A Full Moon with Lady Olivia will be celebrated on October 22 at the Lyceum of Alexandria by members of the Solar Iseum of Argo. Samhain with Lady Olivia organized by the Lyceum of Alexandria will take place at Life Force Arts Center, October 23 at 6 pm. A final reception will take place on Sunday October 24 at the Lyceum of Alexandria. Please RSVP (773) 304-7230 or DeeAnkh@sbcglobal.net"



© The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

Full Moon Celebration with Olivia Robertson

This just came in from Deena Butta of Chicago: A Full Moon Celebration with Olivia Robertson will take place Friday, October 22, at 7pm at the Lyceum of Alexandria, Chicago, Illinois.

Please bring a pot luck food or drink item. RSVP DeeAnkh@sbcglobal.net

Deena writes: "Olivia wants to see as many people as possible during this pre-Samhain full moon."

Note: For those of us not located in the Chicago area, we can send best wishes and tune in!

© The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

Fellowship of Isis Convention 2011
Reviews of Venue
Iseum of Eleusis, Hearth of the Goddess

It is now the intention of so many iseum founders to hold their gatherings in their own homes.

Olivia Robertson notes that the original intention of Lawrence, Pamela, and herself was to return the Hearth Fire of the Goddess to the home. Under patriarchy, their followers were forced to build churches and halls at great expense to keep priestesses from power.

Now the financial climate makes a return to the Hearth for ceremonies appropriate. Many conventions already do this, including those held in Clonegal Castle.

Founders of FOI centers who would like to join this return to the Hearth Fire may list their participation under the heading of The Vestal Flame.


Signed,

Olivia Robertson
Iseum of Eleusis of Chicago

Note: Iseum of Eleusis is the FOI centre of Deena Butta, where Olivia is currently staying during her stay in the USA. Deena is Olivia's hostess in Chicago each year, and facilitates the annual FOI Goddess Festivals in Chicago.

Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website. Painting of Isis and Osiris, © Olivia Robertson, located in Chapel of Healing, Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle, Ireland, used by permission. All rights reserved.