Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Isian News - Beltane 2013, Issue No. 148


Issue No. 148 Beltane, 2013

Published Quarterly Since 1976

Cover Art: “Cup of Tears” by Olivia Robertson


Aset Shemsu - "The Retinue of Isis"

__________________________

ATHENA:
 “ARCADIAN AWAKENING”
IX. GLASTONBURY

REFLECTIONS by Olivia Robertson

“To touch one heart is to touch the world.”


My awareness of the need to bridge radiations between various religions and cultures came through a vivid vision I was given on the 18th of October, 1977.  I found myself in a Temple, by the door, gazing at an altar at the far end.  Behind the altar was a grey veil hanging in misty folds.  On the altar was a metallic silver stag’s head in profile facing left.

I was given instructions in a woman’s voice: “Salute the altar.”  I bowed to the altar and the stag opened a dark eye. I had an impression that his right eye was golden.  The stag shut his eye.  I was told to move forward and repeat the salutation.

I did so saying: “I salute the altar.”  The eye again opened and I was reminded of the dark eyes of Pietas in Byzantine icons.  Then it closed as before.  I heard the mysterious voice again: “If you can bear it, do it for the third time.”  So once more I repeated the salutation and this time as the eye looked at me I felt awe-struck.

The eye closed and the mystical veil now showed forth women’s white arms beckoning me forward.  I drew closer, and a woman’s voice asked me: “What is your intention?” And I felt she spoke from thousands of years in the past.  I replied: “My intention is to bring into harmony the religion of Ancient Egypt and the Tradition of Avalon.” 
I felt that my Intention was accepted.

When I receive a vision I always take care to wait for some inner guidance.  It was many years before I travelled to Glastonbury after my brother Lawrence had passed into Spirit sphere.  He had studied theology at Wells Cathedral.

In the late nineties I regularly visited crop circles, staying with my niece in Wiltshire.  En route I would gladly take part in the Goddess Conference in Glastonbury – conveniently taking place during the crop circle season. I felt that Glastonbury was to be revered for its past, but I appreciated my yearly lessons in sacred geometry, with diagrams marked out on the fields round Silbury Hill and Avebury.

However, a member of the Fellowship of Isis in Wales suddenly changed my idea of Glastonbury only existing in the past.  I was told of the remarkable connection between the West Country in England and our own countryside at the foot of Mount Leinster in Ireland.  Our member told me that over the centuries, folk in Wales would assemble at the foot of the Preseli Hills to watch the full moon when it glided over the Blackstairs Range, including Mount Leinster – and then appear to sink into the Irish Sea.  When this rare event occurred, there would surely be a total eclipse of the sun.

When our member talked to the oldest inhabitant of Preseli, she said that the place of the event was haunted by The White Lady, Bringer of Death.  Clearly she was the Moon who killed the sun with her shadow during their eclipse of the sun.  The members of our Welsh Iseum watched the phenomenon during the most recent total eclipse of the sun late in the 20th Century.  Therefore I felt sure that the knowledge of a forthcoming eclipse had been highly valued by our forbears.  It explained why the early builders of Stonehenge made their earliest stone circle from blue stones drawn with intense labour from Preseli to Wiltshire.

This had me meditating as to the significance of mountains and hills.  From the summit of Mount Leinster we can see the flash of the Irish Sea and the blue mountains of Preseli. Did our forbears signal from hills?  Connections were important because of invasions.  But I felt I had been given a deeper insight.  What about pyramids?  Many people seek a zodiac in the landscape around Glastonbury.

My own personal vision was extraordinary.  Spiritually, in February 1989, I found myself in a dark corner of the Temple and from there emerged a Being of White Light.  Startled, I did not invoke Pagan Deities – I found myself praying through the religion of my childhood.  I tried the Lord’s Prayer – nothing happened.  The Being stood still. Then for no reason I called out the name “Michael”.  At once the Being responded with a leap of exultation!  He put his arms around me like a rushing of wind – and then darted like a meteor through an indoor window in the direction of the High Altar of Isis!  I had invoked and received the Archangel Michael.

I wondered what it was all about.  I assumed it had to do with the inauguration of our new Noble Order of Tara.  But why was he off to the North-East and not to Egypt in the South? 

It was in 2011 that I received my answer.  I had decided that we had invoked the Goddesses so much that in England we had many Priestesses – but no men!  At Clonegal Castle we did have Priests because my brother and I had worked together in equality as Brother and Sister.  Men felt needed.  So I suggested that wherever I visited in the British Isles in 2011 we should ask the FOI Priestesses of the local centre to invoke the God through a Priest.  It was a huge success!  We invoked Merlin in London and Lugh in a stone-age ruin – and Osiris in Southwark and by The Thames.  We invoked the God Eros in the Glastonbury Goddess Conference with great popularity.  But what could we do to equal Eros for our FOI Gathering, with Irish members joining us?

What happened was unexpected and inspiring.  In our meeting-place, our Irish Poet and Priest gave an Oracle of the Archangel Michael of Michael’s Mount – the Tor.  Michael explained that he never killed dragons.  Yes, there was a dragon of energy beneath the Tor and certain other hills, coiled up below.  Such coiled up serpents rotated like discs in an ever-moving spiral of interconnected circles.  Above all, there was a mighty dragon of divine energy within our own planet, guarded by the two Dragons of Magma.  So all spiritual power was rooted in earth and if that power was misused our earth would fall, sterile, into a waste of dead craters.  The time of renewal was at hand.  Let us feel friendliness for all, knowing that from the tiniest lizard every snake has a very large Grandmother!  Let us honour and protect Her and She will help us.

After this Oracle we Irish returned to Eire full of hope and joy.



ARCADIAN AWAKENING
IX. GLASTONBURY
By
Olivia Robertson

ALCHEMICAL RITE
PART ONE:  THE NARRATION

“Weep! The Gods Weep with you!”

HOSTESS IN GLASTONBURY, GWENYTH VIVIENNE.
SCENE in a RUINED CHAPEL BY THE RIVER CAM.

VISITANTS: 
PATH GUIDE: ELAINE,
HELPER: AIDEN
ORACLE OF THE VISIONS: DEIRDRE



ELAINE: “Gwenyth, you have a prestigious career in the London Diplomatic Service.  You have just bought this Chapel, relic of the Reformation and this piece of land where you have planted apple trees.  Why have you sent the Druid Clan of Dana an urgent plea for help?

GWENYTH: “Because in Eire you have managed privately to keep your connection with the Nature Deities, The Sidhe.  In Scotland and Wales the moralistic reformation has thrown out magic, sacraments, icons and any connection at all with Faeries, spirits, Deities and spirits of ancestors.  I was brought up as a non-conformist in North Wales to believe that when you died you either went to heaven or hell, with no intermediate state or hope.”

AIDEN: “I was taught much the same thing in my liberal upbringing.  Only we had no heaven or hell – just extinction when dead.  Not a Deity or faery existed – they were hallucinations brought on by madness or drugs.  The first sign was to hear voices.  The last sign was vision, and then you really were classified as clinically insane if you took these seriously.”

ELAINE:  “I had the same sort of training.  I found to safeguard my natural psychism I had to keep quiet about it.  I only opened up when I met Aiden and others like us.”

AIDEN:  “We used the safety camouflage “Bohemian”.  Artists were allowed to be eccentric.  We could write and speak of Divinity – because this was “Art” – therefore fiction.

ELAINE:  “It really seems we are giving the narration for Gwenyth!

GWENYTH:   “My experience has been far more than yours.  I was brought up by my parents who were both ardent atheists.  To them religion was a cast off remnant of evolution.  Science showed us the correct modern way.  They really did give me and my brother a good life.  We had the best schools – my brother went to prep and public school and university, and I was sent to a co-educational establishment that insisted on the absolute equality of the sexes.  They carried it to such extremes that we all wore trouser suits of the same shape and colour.

There was one fact that disturbed me.  Yes, we were all of one sex – but it was masculine!  We all had one religion – none. We all had the same moral code – none.  We just obeyed the law of the land which our elders kept altering to suit themselves – we were Establishment.  We could change things and we did.

We aimed for a unified population that was intelligent, with the same cultural way of life.  Yes… And I found it profoundly dull.

There was a curious dichotomy in my life.  For during the day I worked in caring for abused women and children – but in the evening I took off my worn working clothes and changed into smart clothes with appropriate jewellery.  ‘Breaking Boundaries’ in my social world referred to cricket.  ‘Appropriate’ had a sinister meaning in my work and ‘Boundaries’ in Care Work did not apply to cricket.  Disraeli once said that in England there were two nations – the rich and the poor.  Now there were two different types of humans:  Those who could control computers and the millions who were ruled by them.  Through computers they were fed or let starve, be taken into care or left to be abused. As long as I filled in forms I needed no conscience.  Everything was filed.”

ELAINE:   “We read of such happenings every day.  Humans are evolving into machines and live virtual lives.”

GWENYTH:   “But people cannot live on virtual food and drink.  This I found out in a terrible way.  It was a bright day in October and I planned to meet some well-thought of scientists at a dinner-party in Knightsbridge.  I would wear a sophisticated black dress and do my hair up to show my new opal earrings.  That morning I was visiting a Care Home for elderly women and felt pretty exhausted.  I work long hours.  As I left the final ward I heard someone call me in a weak voice.  Impatiently I turned round.  At the end bed was an old woman.  I don’t remember having noticed her before.  Now she was leaning out of her bed, her right arm stretched frantically towards a cup on her locker.  Her mauve dried lips were moving but she could not reach the cup.  I decided to give it to her, but it only contained an old used teabag.

The woman was dehydrated.  I felt icy cold.  She had fallen back on her pillow and lay motionless, still gazing at the cup.  I sent for a Doctor as an emergency.  Meanwhile I sat on her bed, my legs shaking.  I feared she was dying of thirst.

I found that I was copying the woman by also staring at the cup.  It began to change.  It looked smaller and made of some organic material, like a segment of a cow’s horn.  It had over it a small lid and I found myself thinking:  “That’s to keep off flies!”  I was in shock as I was violently struck by a glowing fire in my heart.  I knew what the cup was.  It was the Holy Grael!

I was overcome by weeping shaking my whole body.  I wept aloud like an Irish widow keening.  I wept for the old woman and for my own dead mother and for all I knew who suffered from cancer and abuse and fear of pain and death.  I was unable to stop.  People were beginning to stare at me.

As I wept I rose above the earth and gazed at the pale face of the moon shining like a silver orb through the cup.  I saw a Faery Thorn which was warmed by a dragon’s fiery breath in the centre of the earth.  The Tree was nourished by the watery atmosphere.  Its white flowers were the stars.  I entered ecstasy.

Suddenly a doctor was touching me on the shoulder.  He said “I am told you are the patient’s Care Worker.  You need a rest.  I too have drawn water from the Well of Tears at the World’s End.  Go to Glastonbury.  There you will find your true Vocation as I did.”  When I rose to my feet and looked around, the Doctor was nowhere to be seen.  In his place a brisk younger Doctor with his I-pad came up and said: “I will take charge now.”

And so now I seek for the Bliss I found when I saw the Holy Grael in the hospital.  Here I am in Glastonbury where the Doctor said I should visit.  Yet I have found nothing spiritual in the famous tourist sites.  I must discover the True Grael again.  Can you help me?”

DEIRDRE:  “To accomplish this I am told from Spirit that we need to invoke the Cailleach, She Who Weeps.”

ELAINE:  “At dawn we shall assemble in this Chapel, which is not as ruined as it appears.”
 

ARCADIAN AWAKENING
IX. GLASTONBURY
By
Olivia Robertson

ALCHEMICAL RITE
PART TWO: “THE MYSTICAL ISLE OF AVALON”

“Where your heart is, there is your Home”

IN A RUINED CHAPEL IN GLASTONBURY
THE ALCHEMICAL PARTICIPANTS
ARE ASSEMBLED


The Chapel looks glorious with silken banners painted by members, showing Celtic Goddesses and Gods, and the air is rich with incense. Thirteen Candles are lighted. In the North, in a shadowed recess, lies DEIRDRE OF THE VISIONS in trance. She is covered with a misty veil. AIDEN is in full robes with high mitre of MANAANAN of the OCEANS.

AIDEN:   “I invoke the God Manannan Mac Lir, Son of Lir of Space, Deity of the Mighty Oceans and All Waters, right down to the smallest tear-drop shed by a little monkey in fear of vivisection in a laboratory.”

ELAINE robed in the violet and blue of the Morrigan:  “In the sacred Name of the Morrigan, Maiden, Queen, Cailleach, the Widow, I pray for the Oracle of An Cailleach, She Who Weeps.  I pray for the lost, the lonely, and the abused.”



ORACLE of AN CAILLEACH, THE WISE ONE


“Rather should you pray for the abusers!  For every small child tormented by the stupidity and egotism of elders is blessed in the Spirit Realm.  Each victim is welcomed by the Sidhe of earth, air, fire and water, and by those humans who have longed for children and yet been denied them on earth.

But the abusers find themselves once more bound to Manannan’s Wheel of fatal cause and effect.  In the circling of the zodiac, all that has been done for good or evil bears fruit in many lives of lost souls, either on earth, or in other planets.  It is they who need help.

In the revolving spiral of time and space, I manifest as Youth and Creator and Wise Woman.  And so does my Consort Manannan.  To attain the Great Awakening which all seek, first blindly, then with passion, you need to place yourself in the centre of the Wheel of your Destiny.  Then you will rise above the waste land of cruelty and stupidity and see that each being on earth has chosen an individual path. Finally each being attains the Centre of Reality that seems so far ***** and yet is under your own feet!”

AIDEN:   “We give thanks to the Goddess An Cailleach for Her Wisdom.”

ELAINE to GWENYTH:   “I shall be your Guide in this mystical Labyrinth of the Wheel if you accept me.  If so, tell me what you truly desire!

GWENYTH:  “I have a life-long nostalgia for the lost island of Avalon for its charming inhabitants, who do not show themselves to me.  I would give my life to reach the Land of Heart’s Desire.”

GWENYTH is led to a couch before a lighted altar.  She is already half in trance and is told to keep enough consciousness to give the Company her report.


TRANCE JOURNEY


GWENYTH:  “This is so beautiful!  At last I have Vision.  It is just what I have always dreamed of.  My hair hangs down and I am wearing a robe of blue that is fluttering in a soft breeze.  Oh, I could rest here!  Perfect youths and maidens are in the distance, like a Pre-Raphaelite painting – so that is what artists saw in visions!  And now I can see. They are floating on a shining river in a boat – there are other boats in the distance and to my joy they are sailing towards a mysterious island half hidden by mist.

A small group beckons me to a gilded boat with purple perfumed sails.  Usually I don’t like bank holiday crowds with jolly people showing their teeth in silly laughter.  I like these people.  It must be the future, when everyone will be cultivated and have perfect bodies – no obesity. They have a sweet seriousness and can read my thought.

“Come with us, Vivienne,” says a maiden with long golden plaits. Your time has come.”  Suddenly I feel doubtful.  Shall I go or stay and have a well-earned rest?

I know that if I lose this opportunity to travel into the unknown, it will never occur again and I shall live a quiet but uninteresting life.  So I get into the boat – it glides swiftly and I become aware of swans flying in a V formation above.  I feel vaguely holy, like a Burne-Jones angel, with “Lohengrin” music – yes, I too come from distant lands where shines the Holy Grael – I am getting sleepier and notice we all have reddish hair – why did that girl call me by my second name, Vivienne?  Wasn’t she a witch?

I decide not to risk this voyage – I try to get out of the boat – but the maidens hold me with jewelled arms. 

As our boat approaches the lovely beach of the Island, fringed by oak, apple and thorn trees – there is a sudden gale that bends the trees.  I find I am whirled below into the sea and find I am drowning.  Frantically I reach for help but my hand is caught in a tangle of red hair.  I drag myself free – it is only seaweed – and find I am sinking into an underground cave.  So here I shall find the Well of the Mysteries.  I surrender myself with faith.

I have never been so shocked!  I am not in the depths of the mystical Isle of Avalon.  This is not sacred at all.  I am precipitated into the dinner-party which I had rejected after my Grael vision.  The scientists and writers are seated around an oak dinner-table with place-mats.  On the walls are oil paintings of distinguished persons. “So here is our latest Avalonian Dreamer,” says a clever looking man with a beard. 

An elderly woman in the robe of a University Professor looks me up and down and says:  “She has not had the time to change into her latest black model gown.  But she still wears her opal earrings.  One would expect that.”

A plump lady with red hair takes off her shawl and puts it round me.  “Don’t mind them,” she says in a warm voice.  You know they like holding forth on metaphysics, and you enjoy listening to them.  A perfect arrangement.”

To my intense relief my own Doctor – the one who told me to find the Well speaks.  But my heart sinks at his words.  “She did not weep for the old lady,” he says, “but for herself.  Her overwhelming guilt was to be exposed.  We see now why the word “charity” was dropped in favour of “Care.”  They’ll have to find another word now.  “Care” means cruel.”

I burst out:  “You are as bad.  Why don’t you talk to me and not about me while I stand here?”

“Was this not your method?” asks the Doctor.  “You were the Dominant and “the patient” was the Subject.”

Despite myself I begin to be interested.  “You can apply this Dominant and Subject to empires and states.” I say.  “And to families… babies are blocked by the dominant culture, and are blocked into submission.  As humans we have power of life and death over our “pets”.  Humans are the tyrants of all nature.”

Again this strange swirling motion overcomes me, as if a mighty wind is tearing across the dinner-party.  “I won’t stay here and endure bullying,” I say, “even if you rule the Establishment with your power.”

I am struck by Lightening.  White light strikes my forehead – I have a star in my head.  The dizzy swirling slows down and I am above the earth.  In the centre is a hill and round it a strange landscape is rotating.  I find the Doctor is standing by me.  This time he is not in a dinner-jacket but wears a white Druid robe.  He says “Many call me Merlin.  I have many names on many planets.  I meet the pilgrims at the Threshold when they dare attain a wider consciousness.”

I ask:  “What is this landscape that I see below us?”  Merlin says:  “You see around us the true pattern of space and time, ever changing with the pulse of life.  Here is the real Glastonbury with its Michael’s Mount.  Around is the pattern of the land going back through the ages – from iron to space age.  What I wish to show you is the path of human revolution and the destiny which is already there in divine reality.  Now your heart centre is awakened, you need to beware of obsession, which can delay your Awakening.”

“What obsession?” I ask.  “Tell me and I will avoid it.”  Merlin laughs.  “Ah – if it were only that easy, all suffering and evil would be seen for what it is – self delusion, created by ourselves. For instance, I will show you pictures of this land and see if you are in danger of identifying with the transient and so losing eternity.”

I find myself alone in a vast weeping crowd.  We are at the foot of the Tor. The people look pretty poor with shabby home-made clothes and I notice their bad teeth.  Why are they weeping?  Then more important people arrive on horseback or carriages.  They have a feeling of power and the people shrink away from them.  I am about to witness an execution.  A quiet man is taken forward and I watch his death after such horrible torture that I shut my eyes.  I know who he is – the Abbot of Glastonbury.  I keep telling myself this is only history.  I feel profound sorrow.

The scene changes, but the story is the same.  I see primitive people offering human sacrifice to the Gods. The Gods look on.  The human indifference to suffering I witness in later centuries, in their acceptance of the slave trade by otherwise kindly families who have decided that they can do nothing to stop it, in fear of losing their livelihoods if they speak out.  And I think:  “I always liked those I took to be good natured, kindly people, but now I despise them.  They won’t jeopardise their comfortable lives by intervening and so angering their neighbours.”

Two centuries later I see a city being bombed.  I know it is Bristol.  Its centre is flattened out.  People, animals and buildings are reduced to dust.  I recognise the same Gods and Goddesses as before, calmly looking on.  And I begin to see the connection.  As we sow, so do we reap.  This is the Law.  If the Deities were to intervene, they would also be Dominants ruling over human subjection.        

Then to the dying wailing of an air-raid siren, I find I am whirling through the labyrinth of time and space again – back to Merlin and the hilltop.  “You have passed the Test,” he says. “You have faced the truth.  The Gods only intervene when inspired by the Divine Spirit.  Although you hate evil, you care for people and animals whether they behave well or badly.  You maintain the balance of your work for true Charity through feeling and honesty of mind.  Your sense of humour saves your sanity.”

“Why then do I need help from these Alchemists?” I ask.  Merlin replies: “Because, although you are balanced, you lack inspiration, the White Dove of the Divine Spirit.  Without divinity you are exiled from Eternity.  Eternity is not infinite length.  It is Now.”

I find I am rising above Avalon and the planet earth and I become aware of our starry galaxy.  Through The Tor and all other Sacred Hills on earth are connected with the great channel leading to the spiritual centre of the galaxy. 

So what do I truly want?  I only want to know how I can help the old woman I neglected.  I am back in the dinner-party.  Merlin stands by me and the members are collected at a Round Table and on it are glasses and cups, some valuable and some cheap.  A tall stately woman addresses me.  “This is the Feast of the Gods,” she said “and all may partake.”  I look round.  Here is Manannan and Grainne, and Cerridwen and Taliesin – and I recognise famous artists and poets, and those who are great but unknown to fame.

“Your true prayer is heard,” says the Lady, and she rises into celestial heights, surrounded by the stars.  “I am the old woman in the bed, An Cailleach, She Who Weeps.  Give Me to drink of the Grael, and you will forgive yourself.”  She lifts her right arm and it becomes the withered arm of the old woman.  I am once more in the Care Home.  She is reaching towards the cup.  I know what to do.  I reach for the cup and I pick out the teabag, now sodden with my tears.  I gently ease the old lady back onto the pillow and I squeeze the strong tea upon her dry lips.  She smiles and then she falls asleep.”

GWENYTH VIVIENNE SLOWLY RETURNS FROM TRANCE.  THE LINES OF CARE ON HER FACE HAVE VANISHED. SHE SMILES AND JOINS IN THE THANKS TO THE DEITIES.  THE COMPANY SHARES REPORTS.  GWENYTH SAYS: “I HAVE FOUND THAT SHE WHO WEEPS ALSO SMILES.”


Note:  These Rites may be used for meetings of the Muses Symposium and the Arcadians.


Announcement from Olivia Robertson

Review:
Bast, Cat Goddess of Ancient Egypt
by Linda Iles
Published by Isis-House Publishing, 2012

By Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder of the Fellowship of Isis


This erudite and inspired revelation of the Myths, Magic and Mysteries of the Cat Goddess is a New Aeon tribute both learned and mystical.  As one who remembers the poet W.B.Yeats and AE - George Russell, visionary poet, essayist and artist, I acknowledge that Linda Iles is worthy to enter their Golden Dawn esoteric company.

Too often I read books brimful of information about Divine Beings yet which show no direct spiritual contact by the author, who can only access other people's experiences.

I quote from the Preface Poem to Bast:

         "Lady of the Beautiful East
          You come to us on a River of Light
           From a Field of Unwearied Stars."

So for those who wish to feel the Divine Essence of Bast as Solar, Stellar and Lunar Deity, yet who incarnates as a Mother holding a basket of kittens, I warmly recommend this beautiful book.

News from Members and Centers

Announcements from Members

Kasey Conder, FOI/Utah: “These are the rites the FOI centers in Utah will be studying and working with this upcoming 2013 year. All are welcome to attune. This month upcoming working with the energy of Cesara at the time Ploiaphesia, Isidis Navigium, Vernal Equinox. Lawrence's works in the Calendar of the Goddess are encouraged to be studied with rites. I journey to the Great Salt Lake or other rivers or bodies of water (The ocean would be lovely) also will be guided with time of Cesara and Isis of the Eternal Waters. Blessings.

2013 FOI Liturgy Schedule (FOI Liturgy by Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder FOI)

February - Time Magic Oracle of Neith from Urania
March - Cesara’s Ark Oracle of Magna Mater from Fortuna
April - Rite of Good Health Dea Oracle of Dana from Dea
May - Rite of Rebirth Oracle of Goddess Allat
June - Initiation of the Pylons Oracle of Isis from Melusina
July - Magical Journey to Sirius Oracle of the Goddess Isis
August - Festival of Opet Oracle of the Goddess Muth
September - Utah; The Enchanted Doorway Parts I & II Oracle of Uta-Ha from Athena
October - Communion with the World of Spirits Oracle of Brighid from Panthea
November - Mystery of Awakening Osiris Oracle of Isis from Dea
December - Sun Magic of the Life Force Oracle of Kundalini from Urania

Events & Reports




Photo sent by Kasey Conder, FOI/Utah: "Lunch during Isis Fest 2012 with Fellowship of Isis members. Photo courtesy of Russell Erwin.” Linda Iles writes: “Seated next to Anniitra Raven moon (left, facing camera) is Pat, but you can't see her very well, then me, Caroline and deTraci. Kasey in front on the right, and then my dear friends, Ron and Dietlinde who come all the way from Germany every year to attend the FOI Convocation at Isis Oasis. This year we all went to Utah. Loreon is seated next to Dietlinde and at the end of the table Lady Amber Dawn is waving! We were a merry band of Isian Gypsies!”

Report: Circle Bron Putberg,  Limburg, The Netherlands  



At the Autumn-Equinox in September 2012 a new start took place with a water blessings ceremonies at the well at Putberg. Many years already I visited the site for beautiful walks enjoying the flora and fauna and searched for awesome flint stones which have a very special quality, which caused them to be sought after, so they were spread 100.000 years ago througout many countries for use as work-hunting tools, ornaments and amulets. It was later, during my research on leylines that I discovered how  the home centers of the circle members were connected with this well on the Putberg and that we start last year as group with ceremonies at the well which connected us with leylines through houses of all members. This discovery was really astounding  for all of us (6)! as well as the ceremonies that took place after. Another line brought me to the Autumn-Equinox. In 2011 I was invited for the Autumn Equinox ceremony at Clonegal Castle(Ireland), the home of the Fellowship of Isis. In my almost 30 years membership I never visited the home temple of  Isis in Ireland.  The ending part of the ceremony, after evoking the Goddess, took place in the basement of the old Castle around the well inside, before an old Druid gathering place. I was together with my spiritual sister and we had just finished walking beforehand, the so called Wicklow trail, an old trail trough the Wicklow mountains from Dublin to Clonegal. The trail was already an spiritual experience for us with visions and unexpected meetings and gifts, but the ceremony impressed us on many different levels. So, with the coming of the great shift 2012, it was another Goddess gift founding you, Omi , with the Water song line on my path. And so we started on 23 September with ceremonies at the well Putberg (Put means Well) These ceremonies took place on 23-09, 04-11, 05-12, 12-12, according to the astronomical and festival calendar and cycle. On the first ceremony on 23 September, after cleaning and opening the space, we called 4 winds and spirit helpers, we placed a Dow-crystal in the well. Just after the ceremony a beautiful rainbow appeared. We were so full of gratitude, thanks to the Goddess for this beautiful gift. The ceremony next, on the 4th of November was followed by a huge water blessing, a heavy unexpected weather crossed over Limburg and the next province, all in the newspaper. On the 5th of December, friends were already making jokes, just when we ended the ceremony, it started snowing and we were so in wonder  about that, within an hour a soft white cloud covered the landscape, this was so beautiful and peaceful! The size of the snowflakes we never seen so big.  Also the 12-12 ceremony, it was a beautiful day,  I saw in the blue sky a square of clouds with a kind of angel inside, but during  the ceremony, it started to rain, rain and more rain came, a blessing.  On 21th December we all gathered together, the complete circle, and started with cleaning the air and ground around the well. We burned candles , pray and sing and laugh, walk around , we blew wishes into crystals, touching the waters  and putting them in the well and closing the ceremony by building the Meru around a white and yellow candlelight.  We closed the Meru with the light within. We came together after with tea and cakes and other sweets and were all in peace and happy!

Report: February 25th 2013



Photos Above: Olivia Robertson (left) and Eimear Burke (right)

On February 25th 2013, at the first Full Moon in Mercury of a new eon with the Sun in Pisces, Olivia Robertson and Eimear Burke performed a ceremony of Harmony at the Ring of the Rath one of the oldest ring forts in Europe. The Ancient Irish Deities and the Ancestors were invoked, with the Sídhe of Air, Fire and Water. Rays of Harmony and friendship were sent forth to the North and South of Ireland and all the British Isles with their manifest citizens and to all humanity, animals and the Earth Mother of all beings.

We called on cooperation of all the peoples of this island and throughout the world. We called on the diverse qualities to be acknowledged and combined for healing of the wounds of the past, including those women who have suffered in the Magdalene Laundries.

Olivia and Eimear have a special friendship with Maureen Sullivan, priestess and are happy to see her case against exploitation and slavery vindicated by a total and comprehensive apology by an Taoiseach, Enda Kenny in the Dáil, recently.
The ceremony at the Ring of the Rath prepared the way for a water healing ceremony later that evening at Three Castles. We were gathered in the West as the rising moon watched over us from the East. The qualities of the four quarters were invoked. The new beginnings of the East, passion of the South, ancestral wisdom of the West and knowing when to enter darkness of the North combined to make a powerful energy supporting Maureen and all those who join the long struggle for justice.

Written by Olivia Robertson and Eimear Burke.




Prs. Hierophant and ArchDruidess Carolina Boggs, Circulo de Isis: “Life is quite busy lately but I wanted to keep you in the loop since you are my teacher and mentor! I was invited to go to Spain for three weeks in November and I will be teaching a seminar in four cities - Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Nerja. I have decided to create a seminar on the Druid Path so both men and women can participate in the class. I am also going to teach a one day seminar about the Goddess and Her Archetypes.
Two of my students have been initiated as Priestesses so we are now four Priestesses under the Circulo de Isis and there are four more in training. Most of them are in Spain so we will get together when I travel and do a ritual together.
I have also participated in a radio show in Spanish - Pagans en Español and I had several sessions. One about the Fellowship of Isis, one about the Goddess Archetypes, and some about the sabbats.
As you know, I created the website for Circulo de Isis - www.circulodeisis.org- and I have that website in English and Spanish.”

Report of Seasonal Festival at Clonegal Castle 

by Circle of Brigid member and Pr. H. David deRoeck:

Festival Report Clonegal 15\09\2012

Greets all and I hope you are all well and energized by the wonderful frequencies that are permeating our planet at the moment, now I am not going to bore you with my coffee breaks and diesel fill-ups.
Arriving in the car park of the castle I was greeted by a large tour coach so many tourists come to see the historic castle and then find out about its unusual temple and eclectic friends and followers. I retrieved my briefcase from the boot of my vehicle and hastened to the courtyard coffee shop where greeting a few of the priesthood sitting for a fragrant rumbarten coffee with Andrew (sorry I said I wouldn’t mention coffee). Then Lady Olivia glided over the graveled courtyard from the castle to the theatre in an appropriate paprika red sari dress emblazoned with golden Sun, Moons, Stars and other mystical sigils, upon her head was the copper Wad jet band and she had her signature drum in hand. Welcoming the priesthood and guests we adjourned into the theatre and sat in a large circle and Lady Olivia spoke of her visions and interaction with the Supernatural prompting each of us to speak of what it meant to us. I spoke of the feast day of Thoth and how in ancient time they would have had a scribe write upon certain foods this day and therefore consume the essence of the knowledge and how we these days need to experience the simple complexity of the cosmos. Priestess Minette spoke eloquently of the wonders of the interaction of her connection with the fairy folk and animal spirits and from the Three Castle our Druidess spoke how all nature to her is natural and Oneness thus no super or higher just nature, it was one of those times when a moment of silence took place. Then one by one all present around the room gave great account of how the super or not so super fits into their nature and the nature of their levies we smiled giggled and pondered with more than one thing in common a spiritual feast was taking place. We then rose and processed out from the theatre turned right and through the iron gate and ancient grant arch into the orchard where the castles two Vietnamese potbellied pigs where munching on grasses and fallen fruit. Around the dwarf apple trees and along the path to manicured lawns towards the fountain then across to the temple entrance of Persephone where we invoked the Goddess Persephone to grant all present access to the temple as Deity was invoked and we moved through the temple towards the sacred well of Brigid Blessing where given with holy water by Priestesses to all. Then we moved to the High Altar of Isis where the Priestess Maureen was in trance she gave an inspiring yet moving Oracle the resonated far beyond the words of mortals. Then the Goddess energy buzzed around the temple with sweet song as Priestess Deirdre toned our way as Lady Olivia lead us all to the land of hearts desire Tir na nÓg on a journey with golden keys to return. From then we thanked all the Gods and Goddess present issued healing thoughts around the world to all we were aware of and those we were not as announcements were made and the priesthood offered healing and counseling to any whom would wish, the festival moved to it next phase to Osborne’s the local coaching hostelry for libations sandwiches and fresh cream cakes. The conversations where grand and inspiring living up to the gifted people present from there we moved to Pamela’s cottage to her wonderful garden and trees truly a divine sight I personally left them still regaling stories from Lady Olivia and all of the magickal people, a few words taken from my sister priestess Magickal Hummingbyrd it was an ambrosial time and place. My journey home was filled with thanks that I can embrace the presence and be blessed by the energies of so many gifted and Divinely inspired people of the FOI and AOI I share this with you and keep you all in my thoguhts as I know Lady Olivia does. Blessing s to you All.

Report on Spring Equinox Festival at Clonegal Castle by Maire Doyle

I've written this in place of the report David does, as he was not with us yesterday.

In view of the volume of water energy that Ireland has experienced in the past week it was a pleasure to drive to the Festival in Clonegal minus the rain. In fact not long after I left home Ra made a welcome and unexpected reappearance. Everything was alight with colour and warmth. I felt uplifted and I smiled to myself as I greeted him. However it was only a short visit and he disappeared after about 10 minutes. I always experience a sense of tranquility as I drive. Arriving at the Castle I was greeted by an abundance of daffodils coming into bloom along the driveway. As I was first to arrive I decided to to go for a walk around the grounds. All was still except for the songs of different birds and I stood for a while savouring the stillness. As the ground was soggy and muddy I didn't walk too far and slowly made my way back to the car to don my robes. By then several other people had arrived including

Archdruidess Minette and Druidess Eimear were there and we chatted and shared a giggle at our own expense. Lady Olivia had already arrived in the theatre and we danced the spiral dance before walking around the Castle to the Priory where several of the Priesthood invoked Deities. Our Gatekeeper, brother Andrew, was on hand to lend his arm to Lady Olivia as we walked and I drummed. By this time there were quite a few people in attendance, some first time visitors and some who hadn't been to Festivals for some time. Arriving at the entrance to the Temple the Goddess Persephone was invoked by Eimear and Minette. Lady Olivia asked Andrew to go ahead of us and ring the bell while she opened the Portal to the Temple. At the Well Eimear invoked Brigid 'Ás Gaelige', other priestesses invoked their chosen deity. It was very much a Female presence of the Priesthood and visitors on this occasion. At the High Altar Priestess Marion was in trance and brought forth an Oracle from the Moon Goddess, a soft and beautiful oracle that touched the Heart. Lady Olivia invited two priestesses to come onto the altar to give their opinion on the pros and cons of Love versus Logic. And she asked for a mediator. Priestess Barbars spoke on behalf of Love while Priestess Lesley offered her opinion on Logic. Yours truly was mediator. Then it was time to go on a journey to Tir na nÓg lead by Lady Olivia. After this notices were given of upcoming events. Priestess Maureen was asked to update us on the Magdalene Laundry situation. She said that she and the ladies are pleased with the apology given by An Taoiseach and she spoke about plans for the future use of one of the buildings which has been given to them. In her own words 'Watch this Space'. She thanked Olivia and Minette in particular and others for their steadfast support in dealing with the difficulties of this terrible state of affairs and she acknowledged how much she herself has changed and come on in leaps and bounds to where she is now. She received a well deserved round of applause. Healing and counselling where then given by Minette, Eimear and myself. To round off the day's event in which we received food for the Soul we gathered in Osborne's for much needed tea and sambos for the body with cake to follow. And so ended, for a short time at least, another festival which touched the Hearts and minds of many.

FOI Events

Seasonal Festivals - Clonegal Castle/FOI Foundation Centre hosted by FOI co-founder Rt. Rev. Olivia Robertson and the Circle of Brigid. FOI Foundation Centre at Clonegal Castle offers gatherings by invitation only at Clonegal Castle on Samhain, Winter Solstice, Brigantia, Spring Equinox, Beltaine, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh and the Autumn Equinox. These festivals are by invitation only. They are the preferred time for FOI members to visit Clonegal Castle. For information about dates and invitations, contact the members of the Circle of Brigid listed directly below. Please include “FOI Invitations” in the subject line. Honorary Secretary, Circle of Brigid: hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com

Setjataset, Priestess Hierophant, Lyceum of Heka, Australia conducted an Autumn Equinox FOI ritual in the Southern Hemisphere.
https://www.facebook.com/events/124703977710586/?ref=ts&fref=ts

 


 Altar at Lyceum of the Nubian Moon

The Goddess is Alive In Long Beach!
There are many upcoming and wonderful events scheduled for 2013 at Iseum/Lyceum of the Nubian Moon. Call Ravenmoon MaKafia for any info: 562-627-5697, or 714-686-3341Full and New/Black Moon rituals are conducted every month at the Lyceum Of The Nubian Moon. Each phase, we have "guest Gods, and Goddesses, We also put names in the "Sacred Cauldron" on parchment and ask for "Healing, Strength, and Prosperity".  If you want your name to go into the Sacred Cauldron please send it to sacredraven@msn.com

Below: Two more beautiful photos from Lyceum of the Nubian Moon 


The Fellowship of Isis Utah a.k.a. Iseum of Muth or Lyceum of Auset and Heru em Aakhuti, holds public rites to the Goddess Isis of 10,000 Names every second Sunday of the month at 2 pm at Crone's Hollow, 2470 S. Main Street Salt Lake City, Utah.  Current information on dates and times can be found on the Isis of Utah Webpage at www.isisofutah.org

Fellowship of Isis Utah also holds a public meet & greet the fourth Friday of each month at Crone's Hollow, 6 pm, to discuss Isis, Queen of Heaven and other Goddess related Egyptian esoteric concepts.  Also the Grove of Isis and Uta (Druid Clan of Dana) will outline upcoming plans at the meet and greets. 

The temple was founded by Kasey E. Conder, Pr. H. SA., in 2008.  The Lyceum of Auset of Heru em Aakhuti, also founded by him, focuses on studying and teaching the esoteric sciences and Egyptian & other many cultural Mysteries connected with the great goddess Isis. The Temple of Isis Utah (Fellowship of Isis Utah) is the host for Isis Fest 2012. Full details can be found at www.isisofutah.org  Telephone: 801.755.4419 E-mail: rainbowwaters1982@yahoo.com Held at Murray Lodge #33 Odd Fellows Hall, 8698 Center Street, Sandy, Utah Website: http://www.templeofisis.com/SaltLakeCityUT

Women’s Prayer Circle: The Buffalo Messenger Family cordially invites you to participate in a women’s prayer circle to honor our Creator’s instructions for women of all faith traditions to join in prayer with all of our relations and begin to activate the energy of the sacred feminine with the pure intention for the People of all Nations to return to a spiritual path of living. Please make the time to make a difference . All life is a Sacred gift from Creator. Let us leave our children and all of our relations with the gift of a better world to live in. Mitakuye Oyasin.
Where:  Nemacolin Woodlands Prayer Lodge site at Millioke Meadows, Farmington, Pennsylvania.
When:  Every Sunday
Time:  1pm - 2:30pm
Come with a clean heart, grateful mind, humble spirit and with the faith of a child.
Please call with any questions :Reverend Susan W. Ferraro 412-973-6300.

Sunday Services hosted by Rt. Rev. Loreon Vigne at the Temple of Isis, Isis Oasis, Geyserville, California. 2pm - 4 pm. The Temple of Isis is a fully recognized non-profit organization (separate from Isis Oasis Retreat Center and the Isis Society for Inspirational Studies), which does not follow concepts normally associated with traditional religion, striving rather to create an entirely new path of spiritual experience that we affectionately call, Catma. There is no sermon, yet a Priestess or Priest of Isis will be in attendance to guide each Sunday afternoon. Begin with a private meditation in the small Isis Chapel or on the grounds under the 500+ year old Douglas Fir tree. At the Grand Temple we will gather at 2 PM to partake of the program of the day, which could take many forms -- video, song, dance, readings -- all selected for its pertinence to our topic. This will be followed by a sharing of ideas. We will gather in the Pavilion for tea at 4 PM. Our Sunday temple program is designed to teach subjects such as: ecology, science, archeology and other subjects that promise to enrich and enhance our lives. No fee is charged for the days activities, although any donations will be gratefully accepted. This offering is open to all interested in the wonders of nature, who wish to Bridge the gap of the ancient past and the present, creating a new era.  Loreon may be contacted at isis@isisoasis.org
For information and an update of events, please visit http://www.isisoasis.org

Our Lady’s Prayer Circle, founded by Prs. H. Diveena and late Prs. H. Barbara Lee Westlake. The 13th of every month. The circle was founded on Winter Solstice December 2005 through a vision quest on Mount Shasta. Diveena and Barbara Lee Westlake initiated this circle on the 13th day beginning January 2006 to honor the Goddess and to acknowledgment her power on the 13th day of the month. This was incited by the apparitions that took place in Fatima Portugal that progressed for a year in which all the visitations occurred on the 13th day of the month with recorded healings and miracles. Since January 13, 2005 many others have joined us to hold and help create the energy of healing and miracles of love. Contact Diveena at: info@starwaysnews.com  Website: http://www.starwaysnews.com/starwayswebfolderfiles/html/SapphireStar%20-%20SERVICES.html#PrayerCircle

Iseums and Lyceums Lyceums, College of Isis

Thursday March 21, 2013, at 21.45 on Keltoi Radio (http://www.keltoiradio.org/), Sarah Bernini - author of the book "Voices Pagan" vol. I and II (Anguana Editions) interviewed Aglaia, founder of En Erebos Phos Iseum, of the Fellowship of Isis currently active in Rome. Aglaia shared about her spiritual journey and services within the spiritual community. Aglaia has provided several beautiful translations of the FOI liturgy into Italian on Fellowship of Isis Central website. She has created a page on Facebook for her iseum: https://www.facebook.com/pages/En-Erebos-Phos-Iseum/193062480738296

Mana Young of the Temple of the Muse in Willits, California: My work with children and families with children with special needs is good work as well as my writing and my blog . hospice work and the operation of the Temple of the Muse. It continues to offer programs for all spiritual practices based on harming none and keeping to some form of reform such as work for the planet and its animal , plant and human kind…I also have been studying my Cabala with the goal to teach it one day.I love this work and find it helps me get through my hard times.I am working solely with the Golden Dawn and Builders of the Adytum. It works well with Isis and my connection to Nephthys and Isis connection .Hathor ofcourse stays close to my heart and my feet… I  was recently gifted a Sitar so along with my Cello I am studying sitar and Harmonium.Offering Kirtana monthly at my temple . It is nice.The priestess I sponsored some time ago at the Convocation is steady with her monthly Dancers for Universal Peace Project.She is dedicated. At the present she is on tour to Mexico and the sun and moon temples and then on to Turkey to the birth place of Sufism and also to visit the shrines of Hafiz and Rumi.

Announcement for Donna Swindells: Dorn Simon-Sinnott of the Iseum of Hekate, Phosphorus, Soteira & Psychopompus Hermeneus, & Kenneth Matthew Bearden of the Lyceum of Hathor of the Ten Houses, would like to announce the Ordination of Donna Swindells, Priestess of Dionysus, Ariadne & Aphrodite, which took place on Imbolc Feb 2nd 2013.  Donna will be founding the Lyceum of Dionysus, Ariadne & Aphrodite, Star of the Sea in due course. Congratulations Donna!

From Sarah Rooke, Prs. H. of Lyceum of Isis and Sekhmet of the Stars:

Tarnia Spaven of Waterlooville has gained her first magi degree of Sun Magic in the Fellowship of Isis.

Heather Elston of Portsmouth has gained her first magi degree of Moon Magic in the Fellowship of Isis.

The Rev. Gaynor Linnecor of the Iseum of Universal Learning in Havant has gained her fourth magi degree of Sun Magic in the Fellowship of Isis.

Rev. Claire Stewart, of the Lyceum of Maat, Nuut and Shakti of the Divine Dance, has gained her sixth magi degree of The Labyrinth in the Fellowship of Isis, College of Isis. An excerpt from her report follows: Ariadne the goddess of conscience took me to the Labyrinth, my guide was the same young Arab man who takes me to the Temple of Isis. As I went backwards in time, I saw that the whole of my life up to now contains little bits of my past lives, it was amazing to see how it all fitted together – the things I like, the things I avoid, those things I am drawn too for 'no obvious reason'. For a lot of the journey into the labyrinth I was able to observe my life and situations, but there were dark areas I could not access, my mind must be doing a good job in blocking things out. I will return to these dark spots over time and process the darkness and its silence. Observing was an uncanny experience, there was no emotion until I returned to age 5 yrs. when I was overwhelmed with tears, it was painful, this image was very clear in the journey, although in everyday life I barely remember it. I stopped at this point to send in compassion to that situation …The Labyrinth was not easy and I don’t think I will ever stop working on those things I learned during the journey, but I am glad I made the journey for the first time.”

The Rev. Allen Gittens of the Iseum of Selene and the Lunar Sphere, has gained his third magi degree of Sun Magic in the College of Isis, Fellowship of Isis. An excerpt from his report follows: “The Sun Magic Magi Degree, produced so many layers of imagery in my mind after its first hearing that I needed a full seven days before I could listen to it a second time with my notes in front of me to prepare this report. Even so, there were moments when I found my concentration again following those images and had to rewind the tape at several points in order to compose my thoughts … Olivia relates the tale of how Isis makes use of the “fire” of a magically-created serpent’s sting to learn the True Name of the Sun-God Ra, and so gain his power. (Interestingly, only days before I had told the same story to one of my druidic students to illustrate the power of names, and the importance of choosing and concealing a Magical Name. Synchronicity in action!) Our Magical Company now chants the name of “Isis–Ra”, the newly-created Sun Goddess, and we feel Her energies rising through the Middle Pillar, from out feet up through our spines, opening the Chakras, experiencing the colours and Planetary aspects of each of the seven centres, while the sistrums, gongs and Tibetan bells steadily rise around us…”

Rev. Linda Hilborne has been consecrated as a Priestess Hierophant in the Fellowship of Isis.  Her new Lyceum is called the Holly, Oak and the Rose. Linda writes: “The aims of the new lyceum are to teach in the Liturgy of the Fellowship of Isis, in practice as well as theory, progress as well as interest, and more empathy with other people.”

Antonia Newlands has gained her 2nd and 3rd magi degrees of Moon Magic and Sun Magic in the College of Isis, Fellowship of Isis. An excerpt of extracts of Antonia’s report follows: “I saw the astral moon as whitey silvery crystalline light.  I  moved across the surface of it and have not yet been guided to enter.  The silvery light is reminiscent of a gateway to another realm and allows the healing light to flow through from the Otherworld to the physical realm.  If my light shines in union with the moon then it radiates outwardly as healing spiritual light which will be used in the universe wherever it is needed. The power of the moon rising does feel like a more emotional and sensitive time and I am mindful that during the full moon, many emotional issues will feel exaggerated…”

Also from Sarah Rooke: I am pleased to report that over this Spring Equinox, the Rev. Antonia Newlands has been Ordained as a Priestess in the Fellowship of Isis by attunement – this is her fourth magi degree. An excerpt from Antonia’s report: “In the ceremony, I see the Morrigan and she blesses me and I fall back into the arms of the Merlin.  I ask what needs to happen for me to embody the energy of the See-er and she gives me a symbol. I move to Hathor and Mannanan.  I sense the water realm and I ask what needs to happen for me to embody the energy of the Enchantress.  I am told to wait. I move to Nephthys in the realm of the stars and see the opening in the veil …”

Groves, Druid Clan of Dana

The Following Entries are all from Sarah Rooke, Grove of Cerridwen and the Grail: I am pleased and delighted to announce that Rev. Gaynor Linnecor, Tarnia Spaven and Heather Elston have been Initiated (via the Rite of Dana) and Consecrated as Archdruidesses in the Druid Clan of Dana on 16 February 2013. The initiations and consecrations were assisted with the kind help of Archdruidess Deborah-Jayne Heaton King. I give below for Isian News the names of their Groves and addresses and brief aims:

Heather Elston - Grove of the Blue Hawk - To work with the energies of the Goddess and nature.

Tarnia SpavenGrove of the Clan of the Wolf Moon - The aim of my Grove is for nurture in the elements and ourselves and particularly Moon Magick to unite the energies of the Stars with the Earth for healing and growth.

Rev. Gaynor Linnecor - Universal Grove Of Light Keepers - Aims, to respectfully serve and conduit the Divine Energy of the Universe.

I am pleased to announce that Danielle Blackstone has been initiated as a Druidess in the Druid Clan of Dana Here's her report of her experience with the Rite of Dana for Isian News: "I began to relax as the ritual began, making some notes on occasion. I began to think about the environment, and how it could be improved with better care for nature. My favourite animals insects and stars were established. These would be the sheep, the bee and Rigel. I also resonated to the white and red roses. I feel the spirit and nature of Dana is beneficial for me, and further on into the initiation upon me hearing the piece of music about the gate from "Pictures at an exhibition", I could identify with that and felt I was passing through a gate. I felt some of the intensity of the Morrigan during her section. During this I tried to commit myself to keep relevant things in my life. I enjoy the references to the mythology and resonate with that too. For the Oracle of Brighid I got astrological symbols, Neptune and Venus. I work with astrological stuff a lot.  I thought about creativity and originality, their planetary rulerships and how they can be intensified in a person's birth chart. Some parts of the Druidic rites reminded me a bit of the Welsh Eisteddfod, including about the crowning of the Druid, which I'm well used to seeing and sometimes attended as a child.”

Tarnia Spaven has been consecrated as an Archdruidess in the Druid Clan of Dana. Tarnia’s new grove is called Grove of the Clan of the Wolf Moon. An excerpt from her report: “I have been following a spiritual path all my life, but the Druidic path in particular since Alban Arthan 2006. I have been with the Kingley Order of Druids since 2006 and was made Modron (Grove Mother) which I enjoyed for two years while the Grove came through a difficult patch.  They have recently renamed themselves the Ancient Yew Druids and I still attend some of their rituals and am part of their Grove, but no longer as Modron. I am currently following the OBOD course and working my way through the Ovate Grade. I recently became a member of cLAW (Coven to the Loyal Arthurian Warband).  We unite our energies to help in LAW's causes and we meet up with the rest of LAW at Stonehenge for the Solstices and Equinoxes. I regularly connect with Spirit and commune with my Spirit Guides to heal myself or to pass on messages or just for a chat.  I perform spirit rescue when spirit ask for help. Early in 2012 I formed my own Grove called Clan of the Wolf Moon, primarily for my own family's use.  It is a closed Clan and all female at the moment because I have three daughters only.  I came about the name because Clan means 'family'.  Wolf is in honour of my main Spirit Guide, Running Wolf who has been my constant companion and friend through many difficult, and joyful, times.  Moon was chosen because I 'feel' more around the time of the full moon.  It draws me outside where I could sit and stare at it, going into almost a trance. The aims of the Clan are to nurture the elements and ourselves, in particular moon magick, to unite the energies of the stars with the Earth for healing and growth. As Arch Druidess and Matriarch of the Clan I will help the other Grove members to work with the energies of the Earth and Universe to create healing and harmony.  The tools that I make are blessed with positive energy for all who come into contact with them to feel energised and content within themselves.  I will show others how to work with this energy for the greater good of mankind, the animal kingdom and our precious planet.  I will also teach my children to use herbs to heal themselves and, if they can, to help others.

Planned Work

I will work with the energies of the Earth and Universe to create healing and harmony.  The tools that I make are blessed with positive energy for all who come into contact with them to feel energised and content within themselves.  I will show others how to work with this energy for the greater good of mankind, the animal kingdom and our precious planet. The ceremony made me feel empowered and that I am in control of my own destiny and nobody can take who I am away from me.  It was also a wonderful feeling to have Clan of the Wolf Moon recognised officially at long last, even though it is a closed grove.

Heather Elston has been consecrated as Archdruidess in the Druid Clan of Dana. Heather’s grove is called Grove of the Blue Hawk. An excerpt of her report: “Morrigan draws our attention to the three stages of woman hood, the Maiden, The Mother (The Queen) and the Crone (The ancient one/The wise woman. Other wise known as the goddess Cerridwen and Hecate. These three stages are also represented by the triple moon and the cycles of the moon.  We all want an easy life for ourselves with little or no effort or striving or suffering. We take materialism for granted and yet we do not want illness, suffering, poverty or to lack what life has to offer. Every stage of life involves suffering i.e. when we are young, we dream of having a boyfriend, marriage, babies etc.; when we are middle aged we look back at what we have or have not achieved and then turn our minds to prepare for our old age! When we are elderly, we are relegated to societies dumping ground, to homes for the elderly with no stimulation, lack of care, to vegetate and then to die – and sadly, forgotten about. But if  we live life to the fullest, your love of life will always be fulfilled in all you do, in all you see and in what you feel. Your success will be assured if you live in peace and harmony within your surroundings and with others, by living in the moment and making good use of what you already have. As for your old age – you are always young at heart and in the mind, so old age does not exist!!!

Rob Blackstone has been initiated as a Druid in the Druid Clan of Dana. Sarah sends this excerpt of his report below for Isian News: “I always seem to be, placed into a more peaceful state of mind. During the first phase, I found my mind drifting back to vivid memories of visiting my old High Priestess in Cheshire in my early 20's. I myself am of largely Irish descent too. As the ceremony and descriptions continued, I was there again with her, on the winter walks through deserted frosty farm fields we used to take for miles. Then I was in her house, re-experiencing the long hours of talk and learning and discussion on Celtic spirituality and legends we had. I realised this wasn't really my old High Priestess, as the rites continued. It was the essence and spirit of Dana communicating with me by filtering herself through memories and experiences that had affected me concerning the Celts and their lives and their Gods. I felt I was being centred and brought home spiritually. As the rites and descriptions moved on into philosophical and deeper ideas, I felt how spiritually impoverished I have been in recent times, and got emotional about feeling the connection to plants, animals, agriculture and the countryside again. Like giving nourishment to a starving person who'd forgotten how it tasted. During the initiation of Morrighan, I felt I was being reminded of the darker rites of the Craft, and being reassured that Death is not necessarily the end, life continues and I will be born again, though not necessarily on this plane. I feel there is a home in the Otherworld I will feel more comfortable with at some point. During the initiation of Brigid, I saw squirrels again, (sometimes I see squirrels when I think of looking after the Earth, as even though I care for all animals I've been looking after some local squirrels most in recent years.) I felt my connection to my creative side being refreshed, and hopefully this will help me create more in future. At the finale when Dana's priestess and the Danian things return, I felt again that connection to the ancient Brits, in the land and in the ancient monuments but also in the back streets of semi-rural towns, the history and fellowship of ordinary people I sense embedded in old communities sometimes.

Muses Symposium

From David deRoeck:


Trend
 

A splash of sunlight a glistening prize;
The smallest reticule with truth belies;
For hidden gift that resides for sure;
Of ancient carbon ground facet pure;
On banded gold for all to see;
A weighted promise of what’s to be;
Can those whose eyes are tightly closed;
Navigate the heart of what’s proposed;
For all the fire that life can bring;
Clouds logic mind with sweetness sing;
So preordain on one such night;
The oration of vocal hearts take flight;
Then raddle in hand to mount the loom;
Braiding their life’s path that ends all to soon;
So waste not your time with what at the bend;
Live life to the full and create your own trend.

From Hennie van Geel:

Evermen


this old man
just sat and sang
and I watched him shining

he didn't know
what he sang about
and if his words
were rhyming

he sang about beauty
truth and goodness
in a language
non-existing
but deep
in its meaning

the sound of love
the light of shadows
the song of evermen.