Lughnasadh 2014 - Oracle and Editorial

Oracle

Oracle of the Goddess Isis of Ten Thousand Names

Goddess of the Aquarian Age

Through Her Priestess, Olivia Robertson

Transcription dated October, 9, 2011, Nesu House, Isis Oasis

My New Aeon is the age of the Temple of the Stars. To enter, you must give up the idea of ladders! My starry path is not for those who love status or competitions. The Universe is a spiral, therefore, let the microcosm mirror the macrocosm! All beings are not the same, yet all emanate from the same Source. My Divine Spark resides within each one – whether human or sidhe, angel or animal, tree or plant, stone or star. All were given birth through Me! Leave behind the idea that you are “created” - you were not created - you were born! You are the offspring of My Body. Open your hearts and My Divine Spark will shine forth in each of you. Honor the Divinity in All and you honor Me.

Editorial by Cressida Pryor

Leading on from the last Isian News:

‘Broader structures within the FOI are also going to be ‘spring cleaned’ so we meet the anniversary with fresh energy and purpose. One of these areas is the basic priesthood training and another will be the rites of passage liturgies. More of this in the next Isian News’:

My, what an interesting few months we have had since the last Isian News...Isis’s name, blessings be upon her and all of us, or rather the acronym ISIS has been in the news for far from divine reasons...Is this phenomena a manifestation of the dark side of our humanness? I am reading a fascinating book rooted in the psychology and science of human nature by Graham Music called ‘the Good Life’...the cover shows a drawing of a smiling brain reaching down to grasp ‘the hand’ of a warm heart...an image of cooperation between these two vital organs. His work in forensic settings brings him to meet those where this crucial alliance is severed and wider society suffers as a result.

Mystics and sensitives throughout history have pointed the way to a life that is light filled; where there is an open heart capable of linking and thinking with truth and compassion fostering parity between all.

My vision for the FOI also encompasses a movement away from the gradual developments in past decades of complex hierarchical structures of ‘adepti’; the arch priesthood, the grand orders with Knights and Dames Commanders to something simpler and more transparent ...I discovered that the names of many on these lists are a surprise; not least to those who are named there! There is, of course a need for groupings, which allow those with particular vocations to have support, training, encourage development and friendship. I don’t think such groups need to contain a certain number of people (currently 33 seems to be the chosen quantity) so the ‘gaps’ have been filled with likely names...now I can feel collective gasps coming maybe from certain quarters as I write this. Next to me lies Olivia’s Compendium of manuals kindly sent to me from America where it was recently updated after her death. I know her huge well of creativity and love of drama fostered the development of these colourful and elaborate structures. My fear is that this complexity; imbued with heraldic and Masonic overtones flatter our all too easily fed ego. Who wouldn’t feel bolstered by being initiated as 4^th Grade Grand Dame~Knight Commander of the xxxx Noble Order? Turning to the compendium for guidance I find Olivia used a term I feel is more congruent with the non-hierarchical ethos of the manifesto:

To become Companions ... someone we share bread with, someone we walk alongside on the same path; deepening relationship through conversation and dream sharing... Now this is more ‘my cup of tea’ and not to forget the slice of cake; paying homage to Olivia’s more earthly sacraments!

What about priest/ess training? ... the first task is to know the ‘look’ of what the FOI comprises because this then influences what training needs to happen. There is a working party in Ireland, close to the Foundation Centre and the Circle of Brigid that is currently exploring a possible broad training curriculum. This task is time consuming and gruelling; I bow down to those involved in this work and when we have more definite ideas will communicate these to you.

For the FOI to recharge after Olivia’s passing, to fresh vibrancy and relevance, requires certain developments, which will emerge after discussion and consultation. My fear is we remain in ‘Olivia Aspic’, which she herself would decry and warn against. Stepping into our own glory perhaps feels disrespectful at present only nine months since her death. The right time will emerge and Isis’s wings will protect and refresh these developments.

I hold these words of John O’Donohue close to my thoughts and heart:

“May the gift of leadership awaken in you as a vocation,

Keep you mindful of the providence that calls you to serve.

As high over the mountains the eagle spreads its wings,

May your perspective be larger than the view from the foothills....”

I have just heard of Loreon Vigne’s passing, she was one who had the broad view from the mountain top; may her soul soar.

May we all, dear companions, gather strength at this time of first harvest as the wings of Isis spread wide in protection and gratitude.

With Love and the Blessings.

Cressida

If you have any feedback or ideas for Cressida as we approach the 40th anniversary of the Fellowship of Isis in 2016, please contact her by email: zenziallink@hotmail.com 

Beltane 2014 - Reflections

St. Catherine

Reflections for Beltane 2014

Since writing the last Isian News I have had the wonderful news that I will, Goddess willing, be a grandma around the time of this next Autumn Equinox. This is my first grandchild so I am still adjusting with excitement to the new role and life’s wheel turning forward to the next generation. Through my own study and experience of pregnancy I know the importance of the supporting matrix to the well being of the new baby. I want a bumper sticker that says: ‘special person on board; grandmother-to-be in car’; or another: ‘interconnected web weaver present’. I am, of course by no means unique, but am enjoying how the experience of this primal and essential process connects me with women across the world and across time. My small local 12^th century church has two principal medieval wall paintings close to the altar; one is St Catherine (see attached picture) and the other St Margaret of Antioch. The latter, so the story tells, was swallowed by a dragon but was able to cut herself out of it’s belly to emerge safely and earn herself the honour of becoming the patron saint of childbirth.

When I stand close to her image I can imagine the many women who too have stood at her feet, praying for the safe delivery into the outside world of the precious new life nurtured within their own womb. I make my devotions and I then thank the Goddess for modern health care.

Women in their third trimester find they are pulled to a more inward focus as they disengage from the outside world to enter the necessary maternal preoccupation of motherhood. Many consider a similar period of contemplation, reflection and metaphoric ‘wandering in the wilderness’ to be necessary to fuel the rebirth and growth we witness at springtime and other new starts in our lives.

This is how I see this period now, running up to the FOI’s 40^th anniversary at the vernal equinox in 2016. Not by any means fallow in terms of total ‘set aside’ with no fresh seeds to be planted and tended; but a time to reconnect to what it is you are called to now in terms of divine service.  My focus when I was originally ordained by Olivia a few years ago, feels very different to how I feel drawn to serve now. Recent circumstances have of course shaped the new directions. I am guessing that I am not alone in this; a period of realignment and rededication perhaps around the quiet more fallow times could be a useful spiritual deepening and honing. There will be two such periods, in a sense two winter sabbaticals between now and the 40^th anniversary; the first, the winter months of this year could also be a chance to revisit our own regular spiritual practice, the backbone of our divine connection that nourishes and shapes everything else. Perhaps the second winter can build upon this in terms of how we may serve the divine for a better world. Please communicate with me what your thoughts are on this.

Broader structures within the FOI are also going to be ‘spring cleaned’ so we meet the anniversary with fresh energy and purpose. One of these areas is the basic priesthood training and another will be the rites of passage liturgies - more of this in the next Isian News.

I was reminded on my recent trip to Ireland when talking and enjoying time with members of the Circle of Brigid that the name ‘Fellowship of Isis’ was not a random choice for the three founders. The dictionary definition of a fellowship emphasises it’s a ‘friendly association, people who share interests, meeting to pursue a shared aim’...I have experienced such warmth and support in my new role despite some of the challenges that are inevitably part of it. We connect through the supporting matrix of the fellowship so egoic needs of the self can be laid aside in the knowing that within the warm heart of the Divine One we are all safe.

I leave you with this prayer inspired by Teresa of Avila:

The Beloved has no body on earth but mine.

The Beloved has no hands on earth but mine.

Mine are the eyes through which the Beloved

Streams compassion to the world.

Mine are the hands with which the Beloved

Is to bless all beings.

May I have the grace to know this mystery,

The courage to give myself to it entirely,

And the strength to enact its truth in the world.

With love and blessings, Cressida.

April 10^th 2014, Winchcombe UK

Beltane 2014 - Reports

Reports

Spring Equinox 22/3/2014.

Saturday dawned overcast and wet and more than a little cold. It was only because I was going to Clonegal that I eventually persuaded myself to exit my warm bed.

I set off with windscreen wipers in motion and the radio and heating turned on. Just outside of Brittas the rain turned to sleet and then snow. I didn’t envy some cyclists I passed on the road. By the time I had driven through the town of Blessington there was snow on the footpaths and side of the road.

Arriving in Clonegal I turned into the daffodil-lined driveway to the castle. Soon other members of the priesthood arrived and we greeted each other with hugs and ‘how are you’. We gathered in the warmth of the Theatre where Cressida Pryor soon joined us. Because it was so cold and I’m recovering from a bad cold I decided not to join the procession to the Grove. Our esteemed Gatekeeper Andrew accompanied Priestess Eimear as our brother Priest David was unable to attend the Festival. Minette and I waited a while and then went and joined the procession as it arrived at Persephone’s shrine where Priestess Maureen, looking regal in her purple attire, invoked the Goddess.

Cressida opened the door to the Temple and led us in as Andrew went to ring the bell. At Brigid’s Well the Priesthood invoked deity and then Cressida asked the recently ordained priestesses to give blessings to all present. Priestess Cáit began singing in her gentle voice and we joined.

When we took our seats at the High Altar Priestess Sara, who was in trance, gave an inspired and beautiful oracle. Following this I read my poem (which I will post later). Priestess Barbara sang for us and then we had our mystery play. Priestesses Eimear and Alison took on the roles of the Mother and the Maiden. The Mother explained that it was time for her to hand over the Sacred Eggs and Seeds to her daughter, the Maiden, and it was now her responsibility to carry on the role of instructing the next generation, as the new life of the eggs and seeds come to fruition. The Maiden accepted her new role with the promise to carry on the ancient tradition. Grapes and chocolate covered raisins were then passed around.

We were then led on a magickal journey to the centre of the Earth, by Cait, where we encountered the hare and became one with him. Priestess Monica thrilled us with her own poem. Cressida called on Pamela to come forward with the Sun Wheel which was crafted by Lady Olivia’s nephew, David. Pamela held up the Wheel and we saw that it was covered with Olivia’s scarves, each one entwined around the wheel. This brought lots of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahhs’ as Pamela explained that Olivia always wore scarves, either around her head or neck, or around her shoulders. But when Pamela invited each of us to select a scarf, well, there are no words to describe the absolute delight of everyone in the Temple.

Even as I write I experience again the bittersweet emotion. The whole atmosphere was one of excitement. We were like children opening presents on Christmas morning. And we turned to each other to see what the other person got. With our newly acquired and prized present draped around our shoulders we thanked deity. The date of our next Festival, which will be Bealtaine, was announced for Saturday, 3rd May. Several priestesses gave healing; in the Star chapel, the Cave of the Mothers and in front of the High Altar. I went to Minette, our Archdruidess, and within a couple of minutes she said “She says you’re not to worry, everything will be fine”. Minette explained that ‘She’ is Lady Olivia!! This then was Olivia’s message for me. Minette asked if it meant anything to me. It certainly did, because I’ll be retiring in 6 weeks time and embarking on a new venture.

I arrived in Osbornes and was greeted by a welcoming heat. I joined Pamela and was soon tucking into sandwiches and the usual great cup of tea, of which I had several. Soon I began to feel more human, for my stomach had begun to think that my throat had been cut! Then Andrew and Maureen joined us. Some time later Cressida, Minette, Cait and Eimear arrived and the conversations became animated and intertwined.

Some people began to leave around 6.30 and by about 7pm most people were heading for the hills. I arrived home about 8.45 have enjoyed a most uplifting and pleasant day.

Memorial for Olivia Robertson in London

By Caroline Wise

Photo of Programme for Olivia's Memorial in London

January 26, 2014, Memorial for Olivia Robertson, London: Here is the running order for our celebration yesterday. The audio message at the end of was recorded by Cressida and was Olivia's voice, telling the story of White Buffalo Calf woman. the visual journey was a brief pre-history as well as history of the FOI with slides. In the Mystery of the Spheres, the quarters were acknowledged by Elle Awen Hull, Michael Staley, Vivianne Crowley and Maria-Teresa Harmer. The goddesses invoked at the beginning were Isis (Muriel Reynard) for the FOI name, Brigid Celia Thomas) for the link with Ireland and Glastonbury and the coming festival of Brigantia, Hecate (Carol) for linking the 3 levels, and N'Game of Africa (Phyllis) who has a special place in the FOI. Then Nuit was invoked (Caitlín Matthews) for the Oracle of Nuit Debbie Gallagher). Priests were John Matthews, David Spofforth, Rufus Maychild, and the Priestesses included Cressida, Jocelyn Chaplin and Baya Beatrice Salmon-Hawk.

 “Olivia: Priestess of Isis” Screening

Friday February 28^th, 2014, 7 pm MST

Crone’s Hollow 2470 S. Main Street Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

By Kasey Conder, ArchDruid, Druid Grove of Isis & Uta-ha

The screening had a fine turnout to view the outstanding documentary “Olivia: Priestess of Isis” by Logic Reality.  Many thanks to Dennis Murphy for granting such permission.  With many intrigued participants, the film was shown free of charge, projected on to a large screen.

The documentary is a stellar account of the life and work of Olivia Robertson, her involvement in the founding of the Fellowship of Isis and her ancestral home, Clonegal Castle. 

The film is truly something that can be repeatedly watched, each time gaining introspection on the living legend, Olivia Robertson, and her work via the Fellowship of Isis.

With many laughs and fond memories shared before and after the screening about Olivia, the documentary provided additional solace to the loss in the material realm of such a truly extraordinary ArchPriestess, Lady Olivia Robertson.

Crone’s Hollow warmly welcomed the community event and Olivia’s inspiration was felt.   The superlative documentary can be purchased online at:  

http://www.logicreality.co.uk/available-on-dvd/olivia-priestess-of-isis

We are blessed to have such a finely presented historical account of the great priestess, visionary, artist and author, Lady Olivia Robertson.

Altar for Olivia's Memorial, Lyceum of Heka

Memorial for Olivia Robertson in Australia

By Setjataset, Prs. H., Lyceum of Heka

The Lyceum of Heka within the Fellowship of Isis, ran and facilitated by myself (Priestess Hierophant, Setjataset aka T. Georgitsis) hosted the Dulce Domum Ritual in memory of Olivia Robertson on Sunday, December the 1st at 3.30pm in Sandringham (SE Melbourne, Australia).

It was a warm day filled with dazzling sunshine as we met on the liminal beach cliff beneath the bandstand rotunda. We gathered in seclusion underneath the shade of a giant pine tree and set up the shrine upon the pine needled covered earth to enact the Dulce Domum ritual. 

Upon the shrine I placed an image of Isis.  This was used to represent this wonderful Goddess who is the namesake of the Fellowship I have come to love due to Olivia Robertson being one of the founding members all those years ago. Around the image of Isis I had placed a heka infused ankh necklace I had made from carnelian and bronze.  The ankh is the symbol of ever lasting life and carnelian is identified as the setting sun and with the blood of Isis. Before the image of Isis, a candle was placed atop a holder in the shape of the Egyptian heart - Ib which houses thoughts, feelings and desires. Flanked on either side of the image of Isis, candles were placed in candle holders with engraved pictures of the dragonfly which is a totem symbolising transformation and adaptability.  Also upon the shrine was a handmade iron ankh which had been given to me as a gift previously by one of the attendees (Owen), which highlighted the symbology of the power of the ankh as the key of life. Other items used within the ritual such as my Bast handled sistra, glass chalice containing water, incense holder and several resin blends I had specially made for the ritual were also put upon the shrine.  The shrine was completed with an image of Olivia brought by one attendee who had taken the image during a trip to Olivia’s castle (Roxanne) as well as some lovely orchids left as an offering by another attendee (Cosette).

All gathered had a role to play during the ritual – as priestess hierophant I enacted the role of Isis and Hermies, Osiris by P’Wolverine, Anubis by Owen, Persephone by Cosette and Mayet by Roxanne.

The background noise around us reduced to a hum as the invocation and oracle was enacted and the ritual was worked through by shedding the shadow, the fair haven, the spirit awakens, spirit communion and the committal aspects of said rite whilst making various offerings of incense, candles being lit and sistrum shaking with accompanies prayers by all attendees gathered.

After the rite was completed and we wished Olivia’s spirit a safe journey to the Summerland, a few of us shared some personal stories we had before retiring to the pub for some more libations and agape in Olivia’s name.

December 2013, Setjataset (T. Georgitsis)

 Blog: http://setjataset.wordpress.com/2013/12/29/foi-report-lyceum-of-heka-dulce-domum-ritual-in-memory-of-olivia-robertson/

Lyceum of Heka site:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lyceum-of-Heka-Fellowship-of-Isis/223016837711229