In Memory of Olivia Robertson (1917-2013)
By Luke Eastwood
Olivia was born into the Durdin-Robertson family, during the First World
War, in April 1917. Coming from a colourful, cultured and charismatic family,
that can trace its history at Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co. Carlow over many
hundreds of years, she was no less memorable than any of her illustrious
ancestors.
I was lucky enough to know her for the last ten years but it is only in
her passing that I became fully aware of what an incredible woman she truly
was. Olivia rarely talked of herself, she was modest to a fault and was far
more interested in hearing what other people had to say than blowing her own
trumpet. This was despite the fact that she had been an ardent socialist,
war-time nurse, celebrated novelist and painter long before she became the
esoteric colossus that the pagan community in Ireland and beyond knew her to
be.
Olivia, with her brother Lawrence and his wife Pamela founded the Fellowship of Isis in 1976 and its
sister organisation Druid Clan Of Dana (An Clann Draoidheachta Danann) in 1992.
From small beginnings it has expanded to become a huge international
organisation with many thousands of members worldwide.
Since its beginnings Olivia worked tirelessly to spread a message of
love, hope and toleration in a world that is in many parts beset with the lack
of these qualities. She was idealistic in that her aspirations and standards
were for the highest good in every way, however she was also a realist and
pragmatic in her efforts to bring their vision to life.
She was extremely direct, almost frighteningly honest, sometimes severe
but always this was tempered by her immense love of life and compassion for all
people and all that lives. Olivia was kind and generous, most of all with her
time and attention, a commodity that many have in short supply. She embodied to
the last the concepts of fairness, tolerance, beauty, wisdom and love that are
enshrined in the manifesto of the Fellowship.
I am truly grateful for the time I was fortunate enough to have spent
with her, like so many of us I will miss her lust for life, intellectual
rigour, great humour and overriding positivity. She was a shining example of
what members of the pagan community can be, few of her ilk are to be found, in
any walk of life and her presence will be greatly missed.
Olivia, may you rest in the arms of your beloved Isis and Osiris.
Claudia Wehmeyer
Arddroi Tom, DanaClan piper
played a lament for Lady Olivia past Thusday after we had got the sad message
of Olivia´s passing to TirNanOg.
Our beautiful spiritual teacher and wonderful friend
Olivia now happily enjoys TirNanOg together with her brother and his wife.
May we all honour her legacy in following her example
in how we live and handle our priestly / druid jobs.
Caitlin Matthews
The members of Domus Sophiae Terrae et Sancte Gradalis (Earth Wisdom and the Holy Grail) met this afternoon to remember Olivia. We created an extended version of the Fair Haven, with personal recollections and a reading of the instructions to the soul from the Pyramid Texts of the pyramid of Unas. We also rejoiced that the souls of Olivia, Derry and Pamela, our founders, are now united. This was the image we put upon the shrine, showing the very heart of the College of Isis at work. Olivia hallowed many hearts in ordination and now she herself becomes a shining star in the lap of Isis.
Deirdre Wadding
Alex Langstone
I was immensely saddened
today to learn of the death of Olivia Robertson, co-founder of the Fellowship
of Isis. She died peacefully on Thursday 14th November with her family around
her. I met Olivia several times during the 1990s, and she greatly inspired and
encouraged me to follow my own unique spiritual path. She was a truly unique
soul. May the Great Mother guide her to the next world, and may she find the
welcoming arms of those loved ones who have passed before.
Deborah Brunn Nix Merwin
One of my favorite memories of her - Olivia and I had spent the day at the castle together and the next morning I was heading back to the USA. I mentioned that I was feeling a bit sad about leaving her (and Eire). She walked me to the front door and gave me a quick hug. As I turned to leave she called out to me, "There is no need for sadness, for although every good-bye is a death, it means that the next hello will be a resurrection". She waved merrily, stepped back inside and then closed the door behind her.
Lady Amber Dawn
I first met Lady Olivia at Deena Butta's house in 1997 (or 1998). It was only my second time in Chi-town but my first time at the Butta house and I had to sleep on the living room floor! NO matter, I was in Chicago!!! I think that Isadora Forrest was featured for that Goddess Fest. Anyway, a petite woman came to me and asked me who I was. I said to her, AMber Dawn, of course being quite proud. She (Lady Olivia) said to me, of course you are!!!! Then she wanted to KNOW how I could serve the Fellowship! We talked for a long while before the others came, then she smiled at me,with her quirky smile and said goodbye! Although I stayed at the Butta house, I did not see Lady Olivia again that particular night! However, everytime we meet, Lady Olivia would say to me "how could I SERVE the Fellowship???!!" Farewell, Lady O, you will be sorely missed especially by me!!! - Lady Amber Dawn
Mana Youngbear
One of the last things that Lady
Olivia shared with me is the power of silence. She said to me that anyone can
speak and few can listen. Continue to be a good listener. I have to say that
she and I always had our little conversations on the inner. She was always
revealing the many aspects of Divinity through her radiance and her teachings.
I look forward to more work on the inner with you Lady Olivia.. I loved you and
I will continue to love and learn from you. Just as you state in the rite I
perform for you today at noon. We must continue to develop our work on the
inner to stay connected to truth. I feel your golden cord of beauty love wisdom
and truth wrapped around me like the Knot of Isis. My prayer is that we all
continue to have a clear and open connection to your wisdom and the Truth about
the Self.
I love you deeply Lady Olivia … Mana.
Aurora Terrenus
Photo of Olivia Robertson and Tribute shared by Pat Cummins
Olivia Robertson, A Dear Beloved
moved from this realm into another on Nov 14 2013.
My life has been blessed by your presence now and
evermore. Thank you for appearing before me in this morning’s waking state as
blue robed Danu. I had not known of your passing, and I’m so grateful you
presented yourself to me. Even as I experience this vacuum of grief with your
departure, you will remain forever in my heart. I’ve no doubt you will continue
to serve and reach out to us in the ways of love. May your Spirit live free
~*~. I love you blessed Lady.
Katie Rose Thorn:
Ms. Magi Berk:
Aurora Collins:
Karen Tate:
Carolina A. Amor of Circulo de Isis: I´ll be translating this rite [Dulce Domum] during this weekend so we can celebrate it in Circulo de Isis
Dave Smith:
Paul Pearson:
Photos
In memory of Olivia, several members sent photos for inclusion in Isian News.
Dorn Simon-Sinnott has sent these photos taken when she attended seasonal festivals at the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle:
Photo of Kasey Conder, above, by Cecilia Chavez
Photo by TaMara Gold
Photo of Olivia at Crone’s Hollow, Salt Lake City,
Utah by Kasey Conder, October 2011
Memorial to Olivia Robertson
Druid Grove of Isis and Uta-Ha, Lyceum
of Isis of Utah, Iseum of Muth
Sunday December 1st 2013
Crone’s Hollow Salt Lake City, Utah
REFLECTIONS
By Kasey Conder, Pr. H. ArchDruid
Many faces joined in the
celebration held at Crone’s Hollow on Sunday December 1st, 2013 to
honor Rt. Rev. Honorable Lady Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder of the Fellowship of
Isis.
Many Utahns were able to
meet Olivia when she traveled to Salt Lake City in 2011. The memorial was serene and gave much closure
to the physical loss of such a truly inspiring priestess of Isis. Olivia’s inspiration and touch was felt.
A long shrine of three
tables constructed was adorned with photos, artwork, Isis statues, sistra,
fruit, flowers, a bell, and an evergreen branch. On Aphrodite Day 2013, Olivia had written to
me granting permission to display her goddess inspired artwork at Crone’s
Hollow. Linda Iles graciously assisting
in the manifestation of the art display.
The artwork displayed in the gypsy space was presented on the memorial
shrine.
The Dulce Doman Rite of the
Fellowship of Isis was read in its entirety while goddess chants played as
background music. Members shared
memories of their encounters with such a fantastic priestess. From her stay on the vortex on the Wastach
Fault at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, to her psychic contact at the
fire puja held in honor and to Durga-Ma, members laughed and cried remembering
fond heart-felt memories.
Alexius Gallegos of the
Iseum of Muth and a Devotee of Our Lady of Guadalupe prepared the memorial
goddess music on a CD to the honor of Lady Olivia.
We processed in and out of
the temple space as Olivia taught us while in Salt Lake. We read from the Book of the Dead and shared
fruit and drinks to her honor. A
student of a Dolores Ashcroft-Norwicki tradition out of Mexico put the artwork
back on display in a very lively, “Olivia” way.
It was expressed the
gratitude to know such a remarkable person, truly genuine and original. Her contact with the Goddess Uta-Ha has
opened many eyes.
Words cannot completely
express the experience of this serene and spiritual memorial to her honor but
nonetheless it providing solace to many hearts.
Travel well dear Olivia and
thank you for all the blessings you have given.
BLESSINGS OF ISIS &
NEPHTHYS
2014
Fellowship of Isis Liturgy Schedule
Lyceum
of Isis of Utah
The
Lyceum and friends will be working with “Melusina, Life Centres of the Goddess”
by Lady Olivia Robertson and the one annual rite from “Dea, Rites and Mysteries
of the Goddess” also by Lady Olivia Robertson.
Ray
information used from the Fellowship of Isis Central Webpage on the Spiral of
Tiamat, Star of Ishtar.
January (Ray 0 & VIII, White and
Rainbow, corresponding to Earth and Pluto, North): The Creation of Life
Forms - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS NUT
February (Ray I, Red, corresponding
to Mars, Northeast): The Dawn of the Inner Sun - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS NANA
BULUKU
March (Ray II, Orange, corresponding
to Venus, East): Opening of the Heart's Rose - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS VENUS
April (Ray II, Orange, corresponding
to Venus, East): From “Dea”. Spring Rite of Good Health – ORACLE OF
THE GODDESS DANA
May (Ray III, Yellow, corresponding
to Mercury, Southeast): Unfolding Wings - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS ANAHITA
June (Ray IV, Green, corresponding
to Jupiter, South): Initiation of the Pylons - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS ISIS
July (Ray IV, Green, corresponding
to Jupiter, South): Music of the Spheres - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS MAYA
August (Ray V, Blue, corresponding
to Saturn, Southwest): Opening the Eye of Vision - ORACLE OF THE GODDESS
BRIGHID
September (Ray VI, Indigo,
corresponding to Uranus & Inner Sun, West): The Descent of the White Eagle
- ORACLE OF THE GODDESS BRYNHILDE
October (Ray VI, Indigo,
corresponding to Uranus & Inner Sun, West): Crowned with Glory - ORACLE OF
THE GODDESS ISHTAR
November (Ray VII, Violet,
corresponding to Neptune and Moon, Northwest): Lighting the Rainbow Aura -
ORACLE OF THE GODDESS TARA
December (Ray VII, Violet,
corresponding to Neptune and Moon, Northwest): Arousing the Kundalini Serpent -
ORACLE OF THE GODDESS KUNDALINI
Anniitra Ravenmoon of Lyceum of the Nubian
Moon and Temple of Isis in Long Beach sent these photos taken during Anniitra’s
ordination by Olivia in 2004. Photos by Sheridan Hope. Anniitra writes: I hope that
for you, this year (of the horse) is taking a positive gallop. 2013 was a difficult year,
for we lost so many friends, loved ones, and colleagues. We will be sending blessings to our Earth mothers, but
also, we will be sending petitions to our Orisha Mothers to aid in our ailing
oceans, and seas. Fukishima is poisoning our sea family! So we must put our
voices, and vibrations together, and send them across the waters.”
Below, three photos from Celia Thomas of Glastonbury, UK, who was Olivia’s hostess for many years. These photos were taken during Olivia’s last visit in 2012:
Below, three photos from Carole Linda Gonzalez of Grove Argentum, New York City, New York. Carole was hostess to Olivia during her stays in New York City. Carole was so generous we are able to share these three photos and still have others for use in future issues of Isian News:
Grove Argentum member Jed Ryan with Lady Olivia in
2008 at Berne, NY
NY Priestesses from different NYC Iseums visiting the
Stillpoint Retreat organized by Kedea sometime between 1998 & 2000
Olivia in magical mask delivering an oracle during
the Isis and Osiris ritual drama at Stillpoint
List of FOI Communities and Members
Who Held Special Services to Remember Olivia, as sent to Fellowship of Isis
Central Website:
Iseum of the Blue Hawk,
Portsmouth, UK
Temple of Isis Los Angeles,
California, USA
Lyceum of the Mystery of
Isis and Osiris, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Grove Argentum, New York
City, New York, USA
Domus Sophiae Terrae and
Sancte Gradalis Lyceum, Oxford, UK
Isis of the Thames, London,
UK
Isis, Lotus of Alexandria
Lyceum, San Diego, California, USA
Lyceum of the Nubian Moon,
Long Beach, California, USA
Temple of the Lotus Pyramid,
Fairfax, Virginia, USA
FOI Chicago, Illinois, USA
Temple of Isis, Geyserville,
California, USA
Temple of Bast, Divine Feline;
Oakland, California, USA
The Iseum Of The Sacred Lotus,
Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Temple of Ptah Nevada,
Virginia City Highlands, Nevada, USA
Temple of Mau Bast, San
Francisco, California, USA
Iseum of Isidis Navigium,
Los Angeles, California, USA
Heart Beats Drum Lyceum,
worldwide
En Erebos Phos Iseum, Italy
Isis of the Mountains Iseum,
Biella,Italy
Lyceum of Isis of Utah
-Druid Grove of Isis and Uta-Ha, Utah, USA
Iseum of The Solar Goddess,
Hastings. UK
Iseum Templo de Isis, Chile.
Lyceum For The Isian Society
For Integrated Studies / Temple of the Muse Willits California .
Lyceum / Grove of Dana,
Priory of Rainbow Tara, Bielefeld, Germany
Lyceum of Artemis and
Cernunnos, Widdern, Germany
Iseum with the Goatfish,
Berlin, Germany
Lyceum of Heka, Clarinda, Victoria,
Australia
Iseum of the Goddess
Pertiwi, Queen of the South Seas, Surabaya, Indonesia
Temple of Isis Serpentarius
Marin County, California, USA
Lyceum of the White Sow,
Suffolk, England
Lyceum of Isis, Star of the
Delta, Mobile, Alabama, USA
Temple of Isis of the Stars,
Dunsmuir, California, USA
Blue Lotus Temple,Berkeley
California, USA
Lyceum of An Neimheadh,
Three Castles, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Sanctuary of Isis,
Sebastopol, California, USA
Isis, Señora de los
Misterios (Isis,Lady of Mysteries) in Rosario City, Argentina
Isis of the Throne Lyceum,
San Diego, California, USA
Temple of Isis of the Stars,
Dunsmuir, California, USA
Iseum of Sesheshet - The
Sacred Sound, Latina, Italy
Lyceum of Isis of Avalon,
Glastonbury, Somerset, UK
Iseum of Hekate, Phosphorus,
Soteira & Psychopompus Hermeneus, Ireland
Lyceum of Antinopolis,
Milton, Florida, USA
Temple of Nuit/Hathor of
Dendera Lyceum, Atlanta, Georgia, USA (Via Google+)
Temple of Isis Serpentarius,
Marin, CA
Lyceum of Universal Learning
& Universal Grove Of Light Keepers UK
Lyceum of Isis and Sekhmet
of the Stars, Portsmouth UK
Iseum of Isis Paedusis,
Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
Lyceum of The Circle of
Spirit, Earth and Elements. Portsmouth UK
The Lyceum of Ma'at Nu'ut
and Shakti of the Divine Dance of Northumberland, UK
Iseum of Pandora, Llanelli,
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Iseum of Sesheshet-The
Sacred Sound, Latina, Italy
The Iseum of Athena, Brigid
and Freya, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Iseum of Sulis &
Nemetona, Bath, Somerset, UK
Bega of the Gifts Iseum, Bodmin
Moor, Cornwall
List of Solitary Members:
Susa Morgan Black, Oakland,
CA, USA
Erica Raven Branch-Butler,
Seattle, Washington, USA
Nicholas Gillingham &
Partner, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Martha Remy,
Sacred-Connections, Boca Raton, Florida USA
Dorn Simon-Sinnott, Wexford,
Ireland
Runa Geirsdóttir,
Austin, Texas, USA
Rev. Willow Raven Jacky
Barfoot, Iseum of the Hearth of the Falling Stars, Stoke on Trent, England
Olivia Church, Wales
Diane Marie Champigny,
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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