The Fellowship of Isis - Isis
Transcription
The Fellowship of Isis - Isis
1 Isis-Seshat Journal Personal Post of the Fellowship of Isis Issue #26 June 2010 Volume 7 Number 2 2 Life Breath, Sound Out Her Name by Demetria Nanos Hebe is the youthful maid Hera is the bride Rhea is the mother Hekate by her side. When the goddess strikes, Inspired, I call her name and sing the song filled with light and darkness that lived inside me all along. ©2010 ddnj 3 Isis-Seshat Journal Issue #26 Vol.7 No.2 ISSN: 1552-082X TABLE OF CONTENTS: Cover art: You Are A Sun, by Amy Voza Quist Inside Front Cover: Life Breath, by Demetria Nanos Subscription Information .................................................................................................................... ......................... p.3 FOI News……………………………… ................................................................................................ ......................... p.4 Letters……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………p.5 Letter from the editor…………………………… .................................................................................. ......................... p.5 Lady Olivia‟s Birthday, by Minette Quick ........................................................................................... ......................... p.7 Meditation for the Gulf of Mexico, by Sharon McErlane .................................................................... ......................... p.7 International Wwomen‟s Day, by Minette Quick ................................................................................ ......................... p.8 Journey to the Temple of Juno, by Angela Alsira .............................................................................. ......................... p.9 Contemplation On the Manifesto of the Fellowship of Isis: Fellowship, by Deena Butta ................... ......................... p.10 A Glimpse Through the Veil, by Kisha S. ........................................................................................... ......................... p.11 Queen Mab and the Land of Magic, by Morgraine............................................................................. ......................... p.12 Qetesh, by Iona Winton...................................................................................................................... ......................... p.12 A Sekhmet Sunday, by Demetria Nanos & Kiel AnkhNemTiRa ........................................................ ......................... p.13 Review of Performance by Amy Rohn, by Michelle Preste ............................................................... ......................... p.17 Book Review of Offering to Isis, by Corinne Wessel…………………………………………................ ......................... p.18 In Memory of Mike and Nicholas, by MeritAset.................................................................................. ......................... p.19 Sacred Geometry, by Steve Adams ................................................................................................... ......................... p.20 Close Encounters: Coyote and Fox, by Beth duPont........................................................................ ......................... p.21 Mennonites of Marrowbone, KY, by Lady Selket ............................................................................... ......................... p.23 Contributors ...... ................................................................................................................................. ......................... p.26 Inside back cover: Archpriesthood Unions Directory ........................................................................ ......................... p.27 Back Cover: The Manifesto of the Fellowship of Isis ........................................................................ ......................... p.28 Uncited artwork from Dover Publications. All legal rights reserved by the contributors. ISIS-SESHAT SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Inside USA: $30 per year or $8 per issue, shipping included. Outside USA: $38 per year, or $10 per issue, shipping included ISIS-SESHAT c/o Deena Butta 3334 W. Eastwood Ave. Chicago IL 60625-5334 USA Please make checks out to “Deena Butta” with “magazine” in the memo line. You may also send payment via Paypal to DeeAnkh@sbcglobal.net 4 FOI NEWS Personal Message from Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder, Received May 7, 2010: “My brother Lawrence, his wife Pamela and I looked to the future at arrangements for the continuity of the work of the Fellowship of Isis globally. We loved the Temple of Isis and our Festivals at Clonegal Castle. Our members will always receive a loving welcome there! The general work of the FOI is carried out by the FOI Foundation Union Triad: The Archpriesthood Union, The Archdruid Union of the Druid Clan of Dana, and the Grand Commander Union of the Noble Order of Tara. st Membership of Circle of Brigid – May 1 , 2010 In order to secure the success of the 8 yearly Clonegal Festivals for the future, the Membership of the Circle of Brigid has been reconstituted. The 8 members of the Circle of Brigid are responsible for running the Festivals at Clonegal, and Olivia wishes to call only on those members of the Irish Priesthood who have been able to attend fairly regularly, and would wish to on an ongoing basis, personal circumstances permitting. As Membership of the Circle of Brigid is limited to 8 and several of the original members are now unable to share in the work of the Goddess at Clonegal Festivals, she has relieved them of their responsibilities, and invited three new members to join the Circle in order that it may continue to provide a welcome to members of the Fellowship. She is, therefore, delighted to announce that three new Members have joined the Circle of Brigid. The 8 Members of the Circle of Brigid are now: Rt. Rev. Olivia Robertson, Rt. Rev. Patricia Griffin, Rev. Eileen Lawrence, Ards. Rev. Marian Smiles, Rev. David de Roeck, Rev. Cait Brannigan, Ards. Rev. Deirdre Wadding & Rev. Minette Quick, Ards. (hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com) The support of all past and present members of the Priesthood in Ireland, the UK and beyond is greatly appreciated, and together with all members of the Fellowship of Isis they will continue to be welcome by invitation. The dates of Festivals will be set by agreement with the Robertson family, who will continue to show visitors the Temple of st st Isis each year from 1 June to 1 September. As you may know, Olivia is in great health and full of life, uplifted by her work in the Temple, at 93! With reference to the recent notice sent out by Olivia. We would appreciate it if you would amend the spelling of "Brighid" to "BRIGID" s as although Brighid is equally correct and is used by many, particularly in Ireland, the Circle of Brigid has usually been referred to with the spelling without an 'h', and the email for invitations to come to Festivals at Clonegal Castle is hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com Reminder About the Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle, Ireland The Circle of Brigid will continue to organize the 8 yearly FOI Festivals after the passing of the Hon. Olivia Robertson, Co-Founder. Members will continue to be welcomed every day to the Temple of Isis from 1st June to 1st September. Meanwhile Olivia is still around and active! Two Messages from Olivia Robertson Co-Founder, FOI - June 17, 2010 From Olivia Robertson: "There is now a new wall hanging across the whole back wall behind the Well of Brigid at Clonegal Castle. The beautiful drawing - life size – is by an FOI Priestess and Artist. It is highlighted by Olivia Robertson who identifies it with Brigid Na Mara of the Sea and also with Goda, female equivalent of the Saxon "God". Goda holds the trident like Britannia Atagartis, Syrian Sea Goddess." Muses Symposium Notice - Temple Gifts Olivia also writes: "For over fifty years Lawrence and Olivia Durdin-Robertson have given grateful thanks to so many donors of lovely pictures and craft works for their Temple of Isis. Now the time has come for those who have given, to receive acknowledgement of their work on our expanding FOI Global Centres. Many do not wish for this publicity, but other would appreciate being listed. This would be helpful for members wishing to order paintings, wands, figures and other works of art. Those wishing to contribute may give necessary information to the Hon. Secretary of the Archives Centre, in Tucson (http://www.fellowshipofisis.com), the Circle of Isis, California (isiscircleonline@yahoo.com), and the archives of our Isis Lyceum in Chicago, (deeankh@sbcglobal.net)." (Our thanks to the Most Rev. Minette Quick for forwarding these messages.) 5 Additional information: Muses Symposium inquiries may also be addressed to the Star of Elen, U.K. (contactSOE@starofelen.org), the Circle of Pelagia, California (isishazel@yahoo.com) and Fellowship of Isis Germany (sekhmet@online.de). -"Reflections by Olivia Robertson" are in the Beltaine 2010 - Isian News #136 : "The Blame & Shame Game: Blame others and you expose your own secret failings." Maya Liturgia en Español Nuestros agradecimientos a Maa Kheru Nen (Elena RubioLara) por esta traducción, y a su esposo Ka-Nakht Ridi Autib (Martín Marini) por la edición de la misma. Maa Kheru Nen está permanentemente viajando entre Chile y Argentina. Es traductora profesional, y en el año 2007 tradujo al español el Manifesto de la FOI. Es la fundadora (y su esposo el cofundador) del Iseum de la Sagrada Espiral del Sur, dedicado a Isis y Osiris. Our many thanks to Maa Kheru Nen (Elena RubioLara) for this translation, and to her husband Ka-Nakht Ridi Aut-ib (Martín Marini) for editing it. Maa Kheru Nen is permanently traveling between Chile and Argentina. She is a professional translator who translated the FOI Manifesto into Spanish in 2007. She is the founder (and her husband the co-founder) of the Iseum de la Sagrada Espiral del Sur, dedicated to Isis and Osiris. You can download Maya, Ritos de la Diosa para Practicantes Solitarios for free at this URL: http://www.fellowshipofisis.com/liturgylist_spanish.html LETTERS Hi to Everyone, I wanted to thank all those who took part in the rite by attunement, Spring. Rite of Good Health on April 13th. I had a nice experience during the ritual, an energy that came and seemed to perk away over the next day or two. Last night I had a dream and received a message from the Goddess. I received an impression that it was supposed to be posted here for someone in need. Find a way to make this set of circumstances work for you, find the good, whatever it is, no matter how seemingly insignificant it might seem compared to the upheaval and suffering you have suffered, and build on it. This is the true alchemy of Isis, to transform challenges and negativity into something beautiful and good. Hope this is of help for someone! Loving Blessings of Isis, The message I received was: Linda Iles Letter from the Editor by Deena Hartray Butta Dear FOI Family, The liturgy chosen for this year‟s Chicago Equinox Goddess Festival, Sirius Star of Isis, is about love and twin souls. The invocation beseeches, “May we be One with our own twins in divine reality. “ The twin oracles in this liturgy do not dwell on the love of Isis and Osiris for each other, or how they found each other, or how they lived happily ever after. The twin souls of this liturgy do not gaze in self-absorbed adoration at each other. Rather, their love turns outwards towards the beauty and suffering of the polluted earth on which we live. In her oracle, Isis says, “You long for that which you possess already! …Deep within your hearts is an image of your Immortal Twin.” We carry within us a connection with our twin soul. And we are part of nature. What we do to nature, we do to ourselves..and to our twin soul, even though they may be separated from us by time and space. Isis gives us clear advice: “When you learn to recognize the divinity in all beings, your reward will be unexpected! You will find your own 6 spiritual family, your lost twin, your very self. The arduous search, the suffering, and the loneliness, form part of the growth of a nobler humanity. To learn the task of that new humanity, turn to My Divine Brother, Osiris!” Osiris is not only the judge and king of the Duat. He is a loving and kindly father. He is the fertile land. He, in every possible way, supports us. There was no “happily ever after” for Isis and Osiris. After doing all the right things, horrible events came into their lives. They endured much for each other and for their child. They did what needed to be done. At the end of it, things were different. Osiris became king of the Duat, but he was still dead. They transferred the pattern of their own parents, Nuit and Geb, who yearned for each other on a cosmic level, to a more metaphysical level. Their yearning transcends time, space, dimension, and even death. They are not together happily ever after. Yet they are still twin souls. Turn to Osiris, as Isis suggests. He is the lord of the heart, which is the gateway to all worlds. The heart connects heaven and earth, the above and the below, the electron and the proton, as well as the father and the mother. Laboring on behalf of your twin soul, and searching for them, takes you on a journey through the gateway of the heart, through various levels of being. Osiris presides over the weighing of the heart at the soul‟s final judgment. Whatever makes your heart heavy needs to be healed. We can not keep secrets from our own heart, and our heart does not lie to us. Effort on behalf of the twin soul, whether they are in this world or beyond, will lighten the heart. The Star Sirius can also lighten the heart. Meditate on the Star Sirius, so that through its power your heart may be healed and your being may vibrate at a higher frequency. This will prepare you to enter the Fifth World. Our current state of being is one of half consciousness. We go through life partially asleep. While this planet struggles to ascend and evolve, we have difficulty handling emotions that come through us. It is hard for us to deal with these transitional vibration frequencies which affect us physically and emotionally. We are like Sleeping Beauty. There are many levels on which this story could be interpreted. She was kept in a state of ignorance by her father; about the existence and purpose of the spindle. Is he the same person who was responsible for the social gaffe regarding the Blue Fairy? But the level on which the maiden in a state of suspended animation is awakened by her true love‟s kiss is relevant to those of us whose souls await contact with the twin soul so that we can fulfill our earthly mission. We are dormant, waiting for something to raise our vibratory or frequency level. Like the waiting earth, which, like Osiris, waits for the Water of Life, which is Isis, to activate it….just so, we await the kiss of our twin soul. This liturgy can help us to be open to the twin soul who may be trying to connect with us from beyond this time, this place, or this realm of being. We wait to be made whole. In the meantime, we venerate Isis, who can help us find our scattered parts… and we venerate Osiris, who weighs our hearts. Osiris wants whatever weighs down our hearts and makes them heavy, to be transmuted. To transmute, we must welcome…we must love that part. We must redeem ourselves, perhaps with the help of the twin soul, so that our own frequency level and that of the earth may be raised. With the help of this liturgy, so mote it be. By allowing the energy of the Star Sirius, and by expressing our love for Isis and Osiris by service to the physical world of nature, we open our hearts, which are healed. May your heart be as light as the Feather of Ma‟at. Blessings, Deena 7 RD Lady Olivia’s 93 Birthday Celebration by Minette Quick I thought you would enjoy these photos of Olivia taken on her Birthday, beside two of her latest Shrines. She had a lovely day, not only did the Sun shine brightly, but we went out to lunch on the day with two of our priestesses from Waterford and quite incidentally met up with a lady living locally who loves Egypt so much that she travels there three times a year. She had been to see round the Castle on one of the Summer Tours and loved it. We hope to see her from now on at our Festivals. Meditation for the Gulf of Mexico By Sharon McErlane “The Grandmothers Speak” website http://grandmothersspeak.com/messages.php Grandmothers Message: You Are Desperately Needed Today the Grandmothers woke me with this message and asked me to send it out. Please forward it on so we reach as many people as possible. 8 "We ask you to cast, anchor, and hold the Net of Light steady for the Gulf of Mexico," the Grandmothers said. "This crisis is affecting the entire world, and humanity is asleep. Wake up!" they cried. "Animals are dying, plants are dying, and your Mother is writhing in agony. If you hold the Net of Light steady at this time you will help stave off further catastrophe. "You have been lulled into a false sleep," they said, "told that others (B.P.) will take care of this problem. This is not so," they said. "And this is not the time for you to fall into oblivion. Determine now to stay awake, and once you have made that commitment, think of, cast, and hold the Net of Light. Hold it deep and hold it wide. Amplify its reach to penetrate the waters of the Gulf and dive deep beneath the crust of Mother Earth. Anchor it at the earth's core and as you hold it there, ask it to unify with the mineral kingdom of this planet. It will do this and will harmonize with all the solid and liquid mineral states on earth-including oil and gas. The Net of Light will call these minerals back into harmony. Men have wreaked havoc. They have abused the kingdoms of life on earth for many years, but this time their destruction has reached crisis proportions. "Whatever human beings have damaged, human beings must correct," the Grandmothers said. "This is the law. We repeat: This is the law. You cannot sit back and ask God to fix the mess humanity has created. Each of you must throw your shoulders to the wheel and work. We are asking for your help. Several years ago we gave you the Net of Light so you would be able to help the earth at times like this. Step forward now. This is the Net of Light that will hold the earth during the times of change that are upon you," they said. "First move into your heart and call on us. We will meet you there. The Net of Light is lit by the jewel of your heart," they said, "so move into this lighted place within you and open to the Net of which you are a part. Bask in its calming presence. It holds you at the same time that you hold it. "Now think of magnifying your union with us. We, the Great Council of the Grandmothers, are with you now, and all those who work with the Net of Light are also with you. There are thousands, even millions now connected in light," they said. "Along with this union, call forth the power of the sacred places on earth. These will amplify the potency of our joint effort. Then call on the sacred beings that have come to prevent the catastrophe that threatens to overwhelm your planet. We will work together," they said, nodding slowly. "Think of, cast and magnify the presence of the Net of Light in the Gulf of Mexico. See, imagine or think of it holding the waters, holding the land, the plants, the sea life, and the people. Holding them all!" they said. "The Net of Light is holding them steady; it is returning them to balance. Let the love within your lighted heart keep pouring into the Net of Light and hold, hold, hold. Calmly and reverently watch as the light from your heart flows along the strands of the Net. It will follow your command and continuously move forth. As soon as you think of it, it will happen. We ask you to practice this for only a few minutes at a time, but to repeat it throughout the day and night. "We promise that this work with the Net of Light will do untold good," the Grandmothers said. "We are calling you to service now. You are needed. Do not miss this opportunity. We thank you and bless you." International Women’s Day – 5th March, 2010 by Minette Quick Right around Ireland there is a network of over 70 Family Resource Centres. These were set up some years ago, at the invitation of the Government, by groups of people who were already working voluntarily in their communities. They provide a wide range of wonderful services in their locality, and they are non-denominational. Everyone is welcome. Every year our local Centre celebrates International Women‟s Day, on or near the actual day worldwide. This year to my delight, having been invited to make a contribution in the form of a reflection/meditation, I found that the chosen date coincided with the Festival of “The Ship of Isis and “The Great World Mother”, (see Lawrence Durdin-Robertson‟s Juno Covella Perpetual Calendar of the Fellowship of Isis). The whole room was decorated and looked very festive with balloons and special photos and displays. At the opening ceremony our local woman politician, a very keen environmentalist in the Government spoke of her upbringing and education at home for a year, during which time she learnt a huge amount about Nature. Following this several other delightful reflections, songs and poems were offered by other women, and everyone present was invited to add to the wall display by writing a short note on „What it is to be a Woman‟. At the request of Lady Olivia here is an extract from my own reflection. ---Today we celebrate what it is to be a woman in this world, along with all our sisters wherever they are and at whatever stage they are in their journey through life. 9 A little later there will be opportunities to take part in workshops to help us work with the stress and strains of everyday life. Now for just a few quiet moments let us allow ourselves the luxury of embracing our presence together. ----First, let us remind ourselves! - each of us is unique and beautiful - each of us is worthy of love - each of us is capable and loving by nature - each of us has special talents whether we realise it or not This is surely something to celebrate, something to smile about, because it is true! It has been said that it is impossible to be less than we truly are, therefore all we need to do is let go of what we are not… So let us close our eyes, be at peace and breathe gently and feel the comfort of our own presence right now…… No-one is judging or demanding anything of us. We can feel at home and safe to be ourselves in this company. Now let us quietly realise that we are part of a vast network of women all round the world. We know that many women have extreme hardship facing them in countries where war, famine and natural disasters have torn lives apart. Let us reach out to them in our hearts and send them some of the love which we know from our own families and friends. Take a moment to feel this love warm within us – then we will be ready to send it. We may come from different cultures with widely varying customs and traditions, but we all share in the essential activities of life which women have faithfully fulfilled for so long, working on the land, bearing and rearing the young, sometimes with great difficulty, holding society together even in old age in the face of hardship and illnesses such as Aids, and scant medical support. --In the early days of our Centre, a Women‟s Group was formed to offer a wide variety of activities of particular interest to women. It became known as “The Sunshine Group”… a fitting name I‟m sure you will agree. We all have our own hardships and worries to cope with, but as women we see the needs and we meet them. We still extend the hands of friendship and words of comfort to cheer each other and together with the goodness of the men we love and share our lives with, we have the gift of laughter to lighten the load. --After this we all went outside with balloons, and gathered in a circle in the playground where we were joined by the children in the Nursery Groups, and at the signal we all released the balloons together, and watched them rise in the air and sail away into a blue sky, and with them we let go of our own worries and sent our love to everyone around the World! Journey to the Temple of Juno by Angela Alsira Imagine, if you will, the silver pillars of our temple . . . with a shimmering veil extending between them. The veil dissolves to reveal an earthen path, grass, herbs and flowers are on either side. It is early evening. The shadows from rocks and vegetation are lengthening. You enter upon the path. It is late summer, and the fullness of the earth is around you. The sounds of crickets and cicada fills the air. Ahead, this path joins another. People are making their way along this path, bearing offerings of fruit, flowers, olives, and incense. “Where are they going?” you ask. “It is the evening of the full moon”, a woman tells you, and they are going to the Temple of Juno, to give thanks for the blessings of the Celestial Mother. There is her temple, at the top of the hill. Will you come, too?” You look up, and see the light of the Western sun shining old and luminous upon temple pillars. The path has been well trodden by many votaries, and, though it winds between rocks and fruit trees, it is not too steep. Seeking an offering to bring, you look around. There, beside you on the path, is a clump of fragrant herbs. Beside it, grows a large shrub of lavender. You ask the plants for permission to take some, and, if granted, you harvest some of the herbs and flowers as an offering to Juno. As you walk, there is a movement from the side of the path. Looking quickly, you spot a pea-hen with her older chicks flocking after her some pecking at the ground. A little distance from her, the splendid peacock watches. The light of the setting sun glimmers on his bluish-green feathers with their black eyes. 10 Ahead, there is a stone bridge over a small, gurgling stream. It flows from the sacred well of Juno, a little way from the temple. You cross the bridge, and find yourself in a sacred land. From a distance the sounds of chanting accompanied by stringed instruments can be heard. The sweet & pungent scent of incense begins to waft onto the path, as though to welcome you home. Inspired by this place, someone takes out a reed flute, and begins a modal tune. A woman's voice begins an old hymn: - Juno, Hera, Wisdom, guide us..... A chorus of priestesses can be heard from within, singing the evening paean of praise. Incense fills the air. From the portico of the temple, a Priestess welcomes those who have come. When you come to her, she asks, "Why have you come?" You answer her. She asks, "What have you to offer the Queen of Heaven?" You show your offerings, herbs for healing the mind and body, flowers for the spirit - and, it may be, a work of your hands as well. She nods, and bids you proceed. You enter the Temple of the Queen of Heaven. Here burns the fire that inspires and heals the spirit. Here can be heard the voice of the soul echoing the kinship of the Goddess. Such offerings as you have brought, you give to Her. While you gaze upon the beautiful marble statue of Juno, draped with the palla, you suddenly know the Presence of the Goddess. Now is the time to commune with her. Music calls you back from your meditation. It may be that Juno has given something to you (an oracle, a song, an inspired task...). You thank her for the gift, and lift your hands. Now, in the sacred presence you send forth blessings upon all the land, its life, its animals, its peoples, and every element. As you turn to leave, a priestess tells you that you may return, when you have need for Juno's guidance. Outside, on the portico, twilight has come in the East. The full moon begins to rise through the mist, soft, golden in hue. The chant of the evening hymn begins to fade away. In the sky, the stars and planets are becoming visible. As you move towards the steps to leave, a very old priestess takes you by the hand. “Look”, she tells you. The temple of Juno is everywhere. It is over you always, although sometimes, we cannot see it. She gives you her blessing. An acolyte has gone ahead bearing a torch, and you follow the light back along the path. At the bridge, he stands aside to guide the visitors across. You nod in thanks, and cross the bridge. You follow the path... past the rocks, past trees and vegetation... past the place where you saw the peacock and his hen, now roosting for the night.... to the place where a smaller earthen path branches off. Now the silver pillars of our temple are seen, shining in the fading light...you pass between the pillars, the shimmering veil forms between the pillars again...and you are back in our temple Contemplations on the Manifesto of the Fellowship of Isis: Fellowship by Deena Butta For the last 2 issues of Isis Seshat Journal, I have been contemplating the first word of the Manifesto of the Fellowship of Isis, which is, of course, manifesto. The first time, it was through thoughts of my own; the second time, it was through a wonderful book about artistic manifestos. The second word of the title is the word fellowship. Fellowship is defined as: “the companionship of persons on equal and friendly terms;” “the state of being together or sharing;” “a company or group of equals or associates;” “a group with the intimate relationship or common purposefulness of a brotherhood or fraternity;” “the quality or state of being comradely;” “the state or relationship of being an equal or an associate.” (Webster’s Third New International Dictionary.) Other definitions may exist in other dictionaries. It is significant that the word “fellowship” was chosen by Lady Olivia. It signifies a group of individuals of diverse background who journey together for a common goal and purpose. Think, for example, of The Fellowship of the Ring, in which a group of individuals of diverse origin and affiliations collaborated on an important mission. They did not give up their identity. They maintained their diversity and their 11 original relationships to their people, their nation, their creed, etc.. Yet they collaborated on an important mission for the sake of their world. The FOI is not an order, a religion, a club, an institute, a coven, a church, or anything else of this nature. These are all serious institutions with serious levels of commitment. Many of them require the giving up of s omething. But ours is a fellowship. It is something open, not something confining. Its boundaries are alive. It can embrace and expand. It is horizontal, not vertical. Is it a coincidence that the difference between the words “fellow” and “follow” is but a single letter? The fellowship is a group of followers..of Isis. We travel together in her retinue. In addition, fellowship implies conviviality. For example, the seasonal celebrations at our lyceum consist of rituals followed by feasting and fellowship. They are times of friendliness and camaraderie involving people of all backgrounds and levels of experience. The Fellowship of Isis functions as a network as well as a means to honor the feminine divine. It offers life-sustaining, life-enhancing spiritual nourishment in a light-hearted, inclusive manner. In its very being, it is a raising of the vibratory level. As a fellowship, it is indeed a gateway to the direct experience of Isis. A Glimpse Through the Veil by Kisha S. Last night before I went to bed I asked Anubis to help me know the Neteru better. I am learning when you ask the Neteru a question you better want the answer, a direct answer. I had a dream of my world - my home, my relationships, my neighborhood, my neighbors. Except everything was chaos. There were riots, filth and destruction. Every person was out for themselves, sometimes forming small temporary alliances for instant gratification. My household stood together to defend against the outside world but we still fought very heavily amongst ourselves. It was, in essence, my worst nightmare. Like every way I didn't want my life to be was the way it was in this place. When I woke up, I went outside, let the breeze blow through me, turned my face up to the sun and was overtaken by the beauty of this world. I was so GRATEFUL for everything around me. I'm sure this is not a new concept for most of you. It is not a new concept for me. It has just never been brought to me with such clarity before. I believe the message in that dream is not only that are we co-creators in our own reality but in other realities as well. Our thoughts and actions always manifest in some way. The Neteru love and guide us in all the places that we are. They cross the veil endlessly trying to restore order throughout all of existence, trying to manage the free will that was given to us. We can help by not only making the world we see a better place, but also by filtering our thoughts and the reasons behind our actions so that it sends positive ripples through the entire web of existence. Through the Divinity in each of us we can help the Neteru restore Maat throughout the fabric of life. 12 Queen Mab and the Land of Magic by Morgraine This is a personal meditation that was personally given to me by Queen Mab Herself. I now pass it onto you in turn with Her Blessings Prepare yourself for meditation as you would normally. Light incense, candles, cast a circle, and invoke the four quarters. Play some Celtic music and make sure you have plenty of crystals around you Now sit on a chair or lie on a bed, and close your eyes. Visualise that it is night (if this presents some difficulty for you, you may opt for daylight). You are standing outside of a barrow or chambered cairn (I personally think of Bryn Celli Ddu in Anglesey for this) and a light shines from within. Now, you feel a call to enter, which you do. The place is full of light and you find yourself standing in a crystal stone circle in the Land of Magic. There to greet you is Queen Mab herself, She is a strikingly beautiful woman, with long black and blue hair piled high, she has chiseled features and wears a long robe (this may vary, Queen Mab has greeted me wearing black, lilac, white, and seagreen up to now). What happens now is chiefly between Mab and yourself, however she may wish to teach you in the ways of the Land of Magic. Be open to what happens. You may also meet some of the Fey here (i.e. elves, gnomes, fairies). However, be aware that they can be tricksters, though not malevolent, so be on your guard. When it is time to return, Mab gestures you to enter the crystal stone circle, and you find yourself once more standing in front of the cairn or barrow. Now return to your own time and place. When fully grounded, drink a glass of water and do not go out into traffic for at least half an hour, Once the way is known to the crystal land, the way can always be found again, However, the way you ascend may vary in future encounters, I have found myself „orbing‟ there like Paige does from Charmed, or using the ring transportation device from Stargate! NB – some people have experienced coming up against the fey blocking their way at the entrance of the barrow, if this happens, they are challenging you. The best way round this is, to get them back at their own game and bluff them. QETESH / KADESH In Egyptian mythology Qetesh (also: Qadesh, Kadesh, Qaudeshet, ) was a Goddess of sex (rather than fertility), who is thought to originally be a Semitic god, from Chaldean mythology. She was adopted into the Egyptian pantheon as early as the new Kingdom. Once adopted by the Egyptians she was named Knt (pronounced Kenet). Her lover was Resheph, a married god from Chaldean myth, and she also took Min as a lover (though some believe he was her son). He was the God of fertility and Sexual prowess, so seemed an obvious choice as a lover. She was always depicted as a naked woman riding on the back of a lion, with the crescent moon (representing the night) as a headdress. She was also shown holding snakes (representing the penis) in her right hand and Lotus flowers (representing the vulva), in her left. Among her many natures she was worshiped as a Nature Goddess, a Goddess of Sexual Ecstasy and sacred Pleasure. She was also the deity of Law, happiness, dance, and music and most importantly the Protector of Women. This last nature made her a popular with women who were being treated badly. 13 The Rings of Qetesh by Lady Skydancer The strong appeal of Qetesh lead to there being a secret society formed in her honor. In order to keep the Society of The Rings secret the Macedonian bodyguards of the Egyptian Praetorian Guard, loyal to the Society, would provide the Hand Maidens with reed pens, ink and parchment. The Hand Maidens of the Priestesses‟ of Qetesh would make the request, seal the parchment and return it a member of the Society. He in turn would place the parchment in a false part of the ring, and make his way. Members of the Ring of Qetesh facilitated unique and exquisite gifts of lore to express their love and adoration to the most attractive Priestesses. The Society developed into a „quiet‟ form of diplomacy between the court Princes, nobles and Kingdoms. They are noted as saying “We walk in the dark places no one else will enter”. In the Reign of Cleopatra VII the Secret Society was a „powerbase‟ protecting the regent of Egypt against plots to take her throne. Cleopatra knew that there were whispers and intrigue and attempted plots against her and her court. The women of the rings of Qetesh were ordered to sleep with the dissenters and find out their secrets. Cleopatra was reported to say “What better way to block an attempted conspiracy than from the whispers associated with scented pillows” After the death of Cleopatra and the fall of the Egyptian Empire, the Keepers of The Rings of Qetesh sponsored a group of the strongest and bravest noblemen and named them „Men of Romance‟. The group then left Egypt and spread out to the new Empires of Greece and Rome. The Men of Romance dedicated their lives to protecting Kings and Queens, Poets and Painters throughout history. Two of the famous men they protected were Alexandra the Great and the Painter Michelangelo. Most interestingly it had also been rumored that Robin Hood and His Merry Men were members of The Men of Romance, protecting King Richard‟s land of England. Sekhmet Sunday – March 28, 2010 CE/AD 1:30 pM Sponsor: Temple Isis-Sekhmet Program Procession Offerings at Altar Workshop by Demetria Nanos – “Sekhmet: Primordial Goddess Through the Ages” The history of Her cult in ancient Egyptian religion, functions of Her priesthood, Her manifestations, and Goddess in Modern Religious Expression in the West.” Meditation, handouts, hieroglyph reading Incense Offering 14 Grounding and Centering The Great Invocation – Ankhnemtira 3 minutes of silence The One Hundred Names and Titles of Sekhmet – Demetria 3 minutes of silence Chanting: Sa Sekhem Sahu Sekhmet led by Ankhnemtira Silence The rite ends Feast Door Prizes Until We Meet Again 15 Sekhmet Correspondences By Demetria Nanos Sekhmet is one of the oldest goddesses known. Her name means „the powerful”. She is goddess of healing, medicine, surgery and recovery, passion, sexuality, freedom, and responsibility. She is goddess of war, disease, pestilence, plague, and vengeance. Sekhmet is associated with the Sun, as Hathor she is identified with the Sun and Venus. Venus as the Day Star is considered to be the warrior aspect of the goddess. Venus is always in close proximity to the Sun‟s position. Gold is her metal. Copper or bronze can be used as well. Silver was rare in Egypt and therefore only available to those who could afford it. Amulets in her form are most often blue faience. Precious and Semi-precious Stones of Her Turquoise -- (Hathor, her softer side, is Lady of the House of Sekhmet as well as Lady of Turquoise), matrix stones found with turquoise, faience. Carnelian – success, strength, vitality, life force, courage, focus, energy, self-starter, inner realization, ambition and follow through, emotional balance. Garnet – passion, loyalty, blood, energy, intense situations, reduces toxins, poison or infection in the body or mind, heal emotional problems, stimulate desire, success, luck Peridot – affection, friendship, freedom from jealousy and envy, muscle control, liver Red Jasper – strength, endurance, physical stamina, metabolism, stability, patience, lessen insecurity, protection from gullibility and coercion, accomplishment Sardonyx – Stamina, patience, release of stress, emotional control, confidence, eloquence, drawing together or binding ties, communication, security Tiger Eye – clear thought, inner vision, connection of mind-spirit, foresight, decision making, appraisal of situations, control impulsiveness, creativity, thinking under stress Topaz – fire, heat, solar energy, controlled passion, balance emotions, clear stress away, regulate breathing, protection, focus on success, peace and calm The wand, scepter, sekhem scepter, and sekhem sistrum are her symbolic magical tools. Hathor‟s son Ihy carries the sekhem sistrum. Sekhment‟s son Nefertum is perfection reborn, the sweet smell of the blue lotus that he-Atum-Re rose from at the beginning of time. Red and gold are her colors. Food/beverage: Beer, pomegranates, grapes, raisins, dates, apricots, dried fruits Flowers: single, bouquets, or in garlands – suggestions: Egyptiona Iris, Egyptian lilies, sweet flag, tiger lilies, roses, orange or lemon blossoms Incense: myrrh, frankincense, cassia, cinnamon, kyphi, 16 Procession for Sekhmet by T. M. Milner Sakhmet, MightyLady Goddess who comes silently like the lioness, Strong like the lioness, Sakhmet Bless Me, For I am your child. I am here to listen. I am here to learn, To learn to act. To listen closely. I am here, Sekmet Most Beautiful In Love and Trust. Sekhmet of the Plain, may I walk your path? May I listen with your ears hearing Truth? May I see with your eyes All the Real? May my heart be true? May I breath the essence, Sekhmet? May I praise the plain, Sekhmet? I am your child here to do your work, Mighty Lady Sekhmet. Most Beautiful Lady Sekhmet, Most Beautiful Goddess Sekhmet, May I enter your Heart? May I Cross the Courtyard? May I Enter the Mystery? May I Cross the Courtyard? May I Walk in Beauty? May I Cross the Courtyard? May My Work Be Well Done? May I cross the Courtyard? Sekhmet Bless Me. Sekhmet Bless Me. Sekhmet Welcome Me. I Am Your Child 17 REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE BY AMY ROHN AT LIFE FORCE ARTS CENTER By Michele Preste Amy Rohn and her harp, Guinevere, charmed the audience Friday night, April 16, 2010. The intimate surroundings of Life Force Arts Center in Chicago were perfect for the two hour concert; Amy performed all original pieces which she plans to record on a CD later this fall. Amy is a priestess of Isis. Her music is greatly influenced by the gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Before each piece, Amy shared stories of the Egyptian gods and goddesses that served as inspiration for the music. The audience came to know Nuit and Geb, Nephthys, Isis, Hathor, Ra, and The Boat of a Million Years. Amy also shared some insight into how she used numerology to write her music. Throughout the concert, Amy easily conversed with those in attendance and answered questions. At the end of the concert, the audience was treated to an impromptu dance performance by Joan Forest Mage, founder and executive director of Life Force Arts Center. Joan’s interpretive dance was done to "The Longing" which expresses the endless longing of Nuit and Geb to be together once again. After the harp and dance performance, Amy continued to converse with the crowd and take requests. One request was for a demonstration on how she wrote her music which prompted a performance of a song she wrote using her own name as a basis for determining the notes and chords. She also graced the audience with her first live performance of singing The Mourning Song of Isis as she played the harp. Almost three hours after she began, Amy and the audience said goodnight. It was a night to cherish and remember. 18 Book Report by Corinne Wessel On: OFFERING TO ISIS: KNOWING THE GODDESS THROUGH HER SACRED SYMBOLS by M. Isidora Forrest “I am called The First to See Her, for it is my privilege and duty to open her shrine, unveil her face, and make offering to her each morning. I know better than most how sweet it is to serve the beautiful one with the right offerings.” This statement is the essence of the book Offering to Isis, especially for worshippers of Isis. It is important particularly for her clergy to actively make the correct gift to Isis. The offerings we make to Isis are our way of communicating with her and showing our gratitude for her having found us and allowing us to worship her. This book is highly instructive and it plainly guides its readers through making all types of offerings. As I am an artist, it was a wonderful way to spark my creativity by making my offerings of clay or drawing them on paper. Isidora teaches the difference between sacrifice and offering. Offerings are motivated by love, appreciation, joy, growth, and connection to Isis. Making offerings was essential to the Egyptian relationship with the Divine. The literal nourishment of the gods and goddesses was a main function of offerings; also it is a way of giving thanks to them for what they have provided to humans. This book states that the character of the giver is more acceptable to the divine than the “splendid ox” of the wrongdoer. By offering and receiving blessings the connection between human and divine is eternally woven and rewoven. Isidora helps you choose an offering by first reading a highly enjoyable list of the types of offering the ancients used. She also suggests offerings by specific purpose. For example, if you are celebrating the birth of a child she recommends offerings that relate to Isis as divine mother… such as milk , birthing bricks ,children, or cows. When making offerings just to please Isis, the book suggests offering by theme such as elemental, zodiacal, plant, animal, celestial, and terrestrial. The book is helpful in listing offerings to communicate with a special aspect of Isis such as Lady of Abundance. You could offer green plants, breasts, bread, wine, persea, or milk. Suggested offerings to celebrate could be costly items such as gold or lapis; or you could choose an offering by chance. Isidora describes the sacred gestures and the offering rites themselves, all of which are updated and practical for modern devotees. I highly recommend this book. 19 In Memory of Mika and Nicholas by MeritAset Mika August, 2004- April 18, 2010 Nicholas-April, 2000-April 18, 2010 On gossamer wings you fly, Always in my memories. Special friends, precious lives, Taken far too soon. Into the realm of Bastet, Into the arms of your Mother. Mika and Nicholas, I will always love you. My children forever, I tried to save you. In the arms of Isis My children shall remain. Always and forever, you shall be loved. You visit me in spirit, And I welcome your presence. If only you were here with me. Mika and Nicholas, my beloved cats, You will never be forgotten. My tears carry your essence, My heart bears your loss. My soul bears the guilt of not being able to save you. But my being bears the love I will always always hold for you. Mika and Nicholas, You shall always be with me. I will love you forever. 20 Sacred Geometry: Art of the Mandala by Steve Blayne Adams Mandalas are symbolic pictures and shapes that can aid us in meditation. They give us a sense of spiritual understanding that can bring us closer to nature and show us the interconnectedness of life and nature. I chose to be part of sacred geometry because of using symbols and artifacts within my jewelry on an everyday basis, and to teach people about primitive forms. I work with stones and nature in my art to show people the beauty that is all around us. Stones and crystals harbor and transfer their energies for healing and meditative purposes. My goal is to teach people to appreciate and embrace all cultures within the history of art, symbolism being my main focus and inspiration. Combining art with spirit teaches us that creation is the essence of all things including the mysteries of like and death and of our own being. The first of my three Mandalas is the Sri yantra showing the creativity of the universe. It is the source of all creation and mystic beauty. 21 The second Mandala is the Celtic cross, showing the elemental forces linking heaven and earth, with the circles within it combining spirit as well. The third Mandala is the Green Man, who is the embodiment of nature and reconnects us with our primal sources and the sustenance of life. I hope these Mandalas inspire you to reconnect with nature. Extra thanks to John Ystrom and James Clark for help with their framing and lighting techniques, and their long hours. Close Encounters by Beth DuPont Thank you for letting me share these stories with you. I‟ve wanted to share them with someone, but worry that if I tell friends or neighbors some of these stories, they will disturb the animals. People could trap them, chase them away, shoot them, or have any of a dozen other equally ridiculous reactions. People tend to have to “do something” to animals that they encounter. They can‟t just leave them be. These encounters usually occur during quiet moments by myself. At this point I have seen several examples of animals (some of them quite large), finding ways around human developments. I am not that surprised about birds, but mammals have to navigate around streets and over-reacting human beings. I drove carriages for 11 years, and am also a Landscape Designer, so I‟m outside almost all of the time, and work strange hours. I am quite often awake when the rest of the world is still. I have noticed that many animals take advantage of these windows of opportunity. I don‟t know where they go, or how they keep from being seen the rest of the time. I don‟t know whether or not these stories will help anyone or not. I have felt blessed with these few encounters, but I know that my sentiments aren‟t shared. Most people are not delighted to see packs of wild dogs running through the streets. Most people seem to imagine worst case scenarios and danger where there really is none. My hope is that people will take some comfort in knowing that these creatures are out there, closer than we think. I hope that we can learn to live alongside the animals that we share the planet with. They are doing their best to adapt to us. 22 Coyotes Summer, 2007 Approximately 4 AM I sat in my truck, parked on Darrow with the windows down, enjoying a soft breeze on the night air. A group of 3 coyotes came down from a berm at the south end of a street that ends in a small parking lot. Two bolder animals were in front. They trotted past my truck, silently, one on the grass to my right, the other down the middle of the street to my left. They were beautiful. As they passed the truck, I caught sight of a third animal in the middle of the street, apparently nervous about passing my car. He (she?) looked at me, then at his companions, then back at me. The distance between him and his companions increased. He (?) took a timid step, then retreated and trotted in a little circle, watching my truck and me the whole time. The other two crossed Church St., timing their crossing with a passing car. The lingering pack member gave a muffled “woof” under his breath, mustered his courage, and galloped past me, tail tucked. He shot across the street to join the others. The trio disappeared into the darkness, on the other side of Church, heading north. Previously, when I worked in a tree lot at a cemetery I had seen one or two coyotes using the Northwestern train tracks. This night, however, was the first time I‟d seen a larger group using actual streets. I was very proud of them for their cleverness at avoiding people, and delighted at my luck in seeing them. Fox Fall, 2007 Restored dunes at the Grosse Point Lighthouse, Evanston IL Waiting to greet the sun, I lay on a dune between tall grasses facing Lake Michigan. It was warm. The sky was clear so despite being so close to Chicago‟s orange glow, I could see stars. I got to the beach around 3:30 in the morning. I lay there for hours listening to the waves kissing the shore, and different birds call to each other. All of a sudden I heard the crinkling sound of a candy wrapper very close to my head. Thinking it was another sun worshiper, I turned to ask them if they needed to be quite so close? I was enjoying the silence. 23 To my surprise, a red fox was right next to my left elbow & my head. She (?) had her right paw on the wrapper, and had been licking what was left of a Hostess Fruit Pie. She stopped as I turned my head. We both stared at each other, frozen, for a very long second. She was no more than a foot from my face. She snatched up her wrapper and darted away. What a delightful way to end my day. THE MENNONITES OF MARROWBONE, KENTUCKY By Lady Selket I send this to you as an eye-witness to what didn't make the news. I hope you will understand this was a VERY Powerful Event to witness and Sacred place to pray, among all the many other denominations: An Estimated 4000 people came on a Beautifully Sunny Day to the "Esh and Gingerich Funerals," in Marrowbone, KY. It's a small cattle and dairy town. Marrowbone, Ky. is small; it has NO traffic light or gas station. [Eleven members of the Esh family, three generations, died in an automobile crash on March 26, 2010. – ed.] I have never seen that many people in one place, except for a sporting event. Three double-decker Greyhound-type buses from Maryland, Pennsylvania,and Ohio all marked with 'Mennonite Disaster Relief Services' brought some people. I saw car license tags from Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and many other states. Two of this family's sons had a mission in Brazil. People came from that location as well as Paraguay. Two other sons live in South Dakota. After I spoke with 2 American Indian reservations in South Dakota, the Chiefs there asked IF I would represent their reservations, as they knew these 2 sons. Shuttle buses took people from the Marrowbone Fire Department to the large warehouse where the funeral took place. Eight open caskets, one with the 3 month old boy child resting in his mother's arms] were open as part of their cultural belief, were hand made. It was plain to see which of the victims were on the driver's side, their heads were indented from the 80,000 lbs. truck's impact. Three ministers performed the service lasting 2 1/2 hrs. while we sat on metal folding chairs. The congregation was very still and quiet through out the service. Even the small children and infants were silent, very few stirred or cried. Songs sung by the congregation were in A Capella 4 part harmony, Very Beautiful. It sounded a lot like what I imagine Angels sound like. After all that time sitting my back and knee was in great pain, myself and many others had to have help getting up. The Local radio station, WRKY, helped to coordinate part of the service. When the congregation needed anything WRKY was called. Water was needed, the call went out and in 1 hr. 2 trucks with 25 cases of water was brought. Homes were opened by some of the 900 locals of Marrowbone for strangers to stay for the service. After the service, double viewing lines were formed for ALL those who choose to view. While the viewing took place the Esh Family CD of Gospel songs played. One song sung was " I will lift you up on Eagles Wings." Then the option was given to get food or go to the cemetery. I went to the cemetery where there was a very large tent and waited over 20 minutes. [ABC, CBS, and NBC news were all there to film. I then realized I didn't think my back and knee could withstand just standing and waiting another 45 minutes. I caught a shuttle to go back my car. On the return trip we were directed to wait as the 8 hearses rode past us. Very moving and touching to observe. I learned a lot about More Service and Community from this experience. These Mennonite's TRULY believe what they profess and "Walk their Talk." 24 NOTICES Hello from Isis Oasis Sanctuary, home of the Temple of Isis. Lady Loreon, who founded the Temple many years ago, is in need of a personal assistant. The Temple is in Geyserville, California. The work is a volunteer position so you must have some form of personal finances. You must have an interest in helping further the progress of the Temple of Isis. You need to have a valid drivers license and enjoy going to Goddess events. You need to love animals especially cats, but not have a pet of your own at this time. You should be a single woman as you would have a room in the home of Lady Loreon. You would need to keep her house clean and help cook healthy food. You should be healthy, capable and responsible and have a good sense of humor. Loreon is going to be 78 on June 8th and would like to have a person who could be helpful as she now walks with a cane and cannot do some things on her own. Isis Oasis Sanctuary is a retreat center with pool and spa and lots of amazing creatures living on the 10 acres. There is a garden of veggies, a theatre, and a lodge and dining pavilion. We will be putting on events so a person who can help with advertising by utilizing a computer would be helpful. If you think you fit the descriptionand would like to live at our center let us know . Call 707-857-ISIS www.isisoasis.org Anna Applegate … and some fellow Chicago esoteric poets have been published in Scarlet Imprint Press's poetry anthology, Datura, Here is the publisher's link concerning this beautifully handcrafted book of esoteric poesy: http://www.scarletimprint.com/datura.htm 25 FEMALE MUSICIANS & VOCALISTS NEEDED FOR PRIMAL WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO PROJECT ARTIST KRISTEN R. KENNEDY Attention Primal Women, I am looking for volunteer musicians/vocalists (female) to create a collaboration of vocal and instrumental music to accompany a video mosaic of my artwork series; Primal Women. Music can be from all genres, tempos, styles, cultures, and more. The concept is about Women and the primal archetype within. All submissions must include explicit written permission for their usage from the creator(s)/ title-holder (s). All artist musicians will receive credit for their contribution if the work is selected for this project. For more inspiration, and a sneak peak of my artwork, please go online to Fine Art America (enter Sabotia in the search field). This project is time intensive and requires commitment and professionalism from everyone involved. If you are interested in participating, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank You, Kristen R. Kennedy Phone: (559) 410-7294 or (559)925-8685 Lemoore, California, USA Email: sabotia@sbcglobal.net Artwork online at Fine Art America (Sabotia) Submission Deadline: September 1, 2010 26 Contributors Steve Blayne Adams Steve is a stone and gem artist in Chicago IL. has a B.A. in Cultural Studies She and her family live in Chicago. Angela Alsira Angela is Priestess-Hierophant of Iseum of Sekhmet-Bast-Ra, Michigan, USA Michelle Preste Michele is a Reiki Master-Teacher in the Usui tradition and also teaches Lovingkindness Reiki. She is a photographer, artist, and writer, as well as founder of Sacred Arts Publishing. Michele’s photographs and imagery can be seen in the books: In Celebration of Reiki: The Essence of Healing and Once Upon the Beginning. She is currently working on a project called Sacred Circles. Michele resides in Northwest Indiana. Kiel Ankh-Nem-Ti-Ra Priest of Iseum Temple Isis Sekhmet in Illinois Deena Celeste Butta Deena is ArchPriestess Hierophant and Star of Isis Consultancy member. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Isis since 1977. Deena founded the Iseum of Eleusis in 1986, and the Lyceum of Alexandria in 1994. She has been editor of Isis Seshat Journal since 2003. Beth duPont Beth is wise in the ways of nature. She lives in Chicago IL.. Kisha S. Kisha is an eclectic pagan from New York, whose craft name is NytBlayze. She is 29yrs old, and has been a witch since age 15. She practices Egyptian Shamanism through the Lyceum of HeartBeats Drum. Sharon McErlane Sharon is owner of The Grandmothers Speak website MeritAset Una Nefer Isian Priestess MeritAset is the List Owner of Temple of Isis Michigan. Morgraine is Priestess Hierophant of Lyceum of Isis and Sekhmet of the Stars. She has been doing Raqs Sharqi since 1995 and Flamenco since 2001 Demetria Nanos Demetria was raised in a book-and-art-loving home by parents who encouraged learning as the key to personal excellence regardless of socio-economic status. She has been active as an astrologer working with various forms of divination and oracular work since 1968, and active in magickal/philosophical organizations since 1974. Demetria Minette Quick Minette is an ArchDruidess and Hon. Secretary of Circle of Brigid in Ireland.. Contact Minette at hon.sec.circleofbrigid@gmail.com Amy Voza Quist Amy is a writer and artist. She is enrolled in a Master of Arts program in painting/drawing, and author of The Rise of the Sun God. Contact Amy at 12826 Ravenna Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024; or 440-279-3287. Rohn, Amy Amy is priestess of the Iseum of the Divine Isis Within. Also a Reiki Master/Teacher, she teaches classes on a variety of metaphysical subjects and offers healing sessions in central Indiana . She loves to help others on their spiritual path and teach them tools of empowerment. Visit her website http://www.Awaken2Light.webs.com for updated schedule information or contact her at Awaken2Light@gmail.com " Lady Selket Priestess of Redwing Center in Kentucky Corinne Wessel Corinne is an FOI Priestess residing in Pittsburgh, PA. Iona Winton Iona is a Gardnerian HP's based in Scotland. She is a qualified Psychotherapist, Teacher and Counsellor, and married to a lovely Scottish man. She has two Iseums'Daughters Of Qetesh' devoted to helping women and children in hardship, by raising money and sending gifts to Barnardos Children's Charity; and 'Iseum d'Orisha', which also raises money and gifts for a village for orphans in South Africa. 27 Archpriesthood Union Directory (Star of Isis members are marked with an *) *Afarri, Prof. A. E. : Isis of the Mysteries Accra North, Ghana. *Almond, Jocelyn: Lyceum of Isis Myrionymous BM Box 1129, London, WC1N 3XX England. ladythemaga@lyceum.fsnet.co.uk (FOI Q&A Forum moderator) Nwogu, Sunday: Isis of Happiness Imo, Nigeria Nwonti, Joseph: Lyceum of Miraculous Healing Rivers, Nigeria Ohnuma, Prof. Tadahira: Lyceum Isis Orientalis Tokyo, Japan isis@ss.iij4u.or.jp Barikor, Abraham K. D.: Isis and Ngama Paradise Rivers, Nigeria. Okoruwa, Michael: Temple of Ngame Edo, Nigeria Bhagavati Devi Dasi, Mother Beatrice: Lyceum of the Cosmic Isis Abia, Nigeria. Onyeani, Apostel Paul: Isis of Divine Healing Cotoneu, Benin Republic *Butta, Deena Hartray: Lyceum of Alexandria 3334 W. Eastwood Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625 USA. (773) 478-4763 DeeAnkh@sbcglobal.net www.foichicago.org (Isis Seshat Journal editor, Goddess Festival coordinator FOI Q&A Forum moderator) Dillon, Ruth & Richard: Crystal Moon Lyceum Matteson, Illinois, USA info@crystalmoonfoi..com Ekwe, Uchechukwu Oko: Lyceum of the Cosmic Isis Abia, Nigeria *Regula, DeTraci: Throne of Isis Lyceum California tregula@concentric.net *Robertson, Olivia: FOI Foundation Center Clonegal Castle, Enniscorthy, Ireland (FOI co-founder; Star of Isis and FOI Q&A Forum overseeing consultant; creator of FOI policies and procedures) *Rogers, Cathryn Anne: Font of Isis Lyceum Minnesota USA fontisis@yahoo.com (FOI Q&A Forum moderator) Greer, Mary: Isis Aurea 122 Cottage St., Nevada City, California 95959 mkgreer@pacbell.net *Silver, Connia: Crossroads Lyceum P.O. Box 19152, Tucson, Arizona USA isislyceum@aol.com (FOI central homepage; FOI central register; FOI Q&A Forum moderator) Griffin, Patricia: Lyceum of Aine and Sophia Ireland (Assistant Foundation Center Temple priestess) Starsheen, Michael Artonn: Isis of the Stars Lyceum 203 Marion St., Dunsmuir, California 96025 USA starsheen@sbcglobal.net Kurimoto, Sumika: Lyceum Isis Orientalis Tokyo, Japan isis@ss.iij4u.or.jp *Sudheer, Swami Prem: Lyceum of Brighid 166 Rullion Rd., Penicuik Midlothia, EH26 9JB Scotland MacWatt, Ian: Isis Invicta England Vigne, Loreon: Isis Oasis 20889 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville California 95441 USA isis@isisoasis.org (Temple of Isis legal status / federal recognition in California USA) Matthews, Caitlin & John: Fomus Sophiae Terrae and Sancte Gradalis Lyceum BCM Hallowquest, London WC1N 3XX England Tigerna9@aol.com Wehmeyer, Claudia & Thomas: Tara Hedge Lyceum Westfalia, Germany Fellowship_of_isis@online.de McCord, Julie (Estara T’shirai): Lyceum of the Wayfarer California Estara2@earthlink.net Wilson, Steve: Isis of Time and Space England steve@sethur.f9.co.uk Merron, John: Elen of the Green Ways P.O. Box 196, London WC1A ILY England Wise, Caroline: Isis of the Thames P.O. Box 196, London WC1A ILY England (London Conven) 28 The Fellowship of Isis Aset t fem. det. shm s w “go, walk” det. plural sign Aset Shemsu – The Retinue of Aset Manifesto Growing numbers of people are rediscovering their love for the Goddess. At first, this love may seem to be no more than an inner feeling. But soon it develops; it becomes a longing to help the Goddess actively in the manifestation of Her divine plan. Thus, one hears such enquiries as, "How can I get initiated into the Mysteries of the Goddess? How can I experience a closer communion with her? Where are her nearest temples and devotees? How can I join the priesthood of the Goddess?", and many other such questions. The Fellowship of Isis has been founded to answer these needs. Membership provides means of promoting a closer communion between the Goddess and each member, both singly and as part of a larger group. There are hundreds of Iseums and thousands of members all over the world, since the Fellowship was founded in 1976 by Lawrence, Pamela and Olivia Durdin-Robertson. Love, Beauty and Truth are expressed through a multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-racial Fellowship. The good in all faiths is honoured. The Fellowship of Isis has no particular affiliations. The Fellowship is organized on a democratic basis. All members have equal privileges within it, whether as a single member or part of an Iseum or Lyceum. This manifesto applies also to the daughter societies: the College of Isis, the Spiral of the Adepti, the Spiral of Alchemy, the Noble Order of Tara and the Druid Clan of Dana. The Fellowship respects the freedom of conscience of each member. There are no vows required or commitments to secrecy. All Fellowship activities are optional and members are free to resign without question. Membership is free. The Fellowship reverences all manifestations of Life. The God also is venerated. The Rites exclude any form of sacrifice, whether actual or symbolic. Nature is revered and conserved. The work of the Noble Order of Tara is for conservation of Nature. The Fellowship accepts religious toleration, and is not exclusivist. Members are free to maintain other religious allegiances. Membership is open to all of every religion, tradition and race. Children, listed as "Children of Isis", are welcomed, subject to parental consent. The “Animal Family of Isis” accepts members‟ animal and bird friends through centres. The Fellowship believes in the promotion of Love, Beauty and Abundance. No encouragement is given to asceticism. The Fellowship seeks to develop friendliness, psychic gifts, happiness, and compassion for all life. The Druid Clan of Dana develops Nature's psychic gifts. The College of Isis has been revived after its suppression 1,500 years ago. Like Aset Shemsu, The F.O.I. itself, it has always been alive in the Inner Planes. It is from these Inner Planes that its return has been inspired. Magi degrees may be conferred through Lyceums of the College. Correspondence courses are offered. There are no vows nor secrecy. Iseums are the very Hearths of the Goddess, or Goddess and God to Whom they are dedicated. These are listed, along with Lyceums, Groves and Priories in the F.O.I. Homepage Directory. All these centers and Isiam News are for F.O.I. members only. For full information: http://www.fellowshipofisis.com The Archpriesthood Union is over-all Custodian for the Fellowship of Isis. The Fellowship of Isis Priesthood is derived from a hereditary line of the Robertson from Ancient Egypt. Priestesses, priests, every member, have equal honor. Priestesses and Priests work with the Goddess - or Goddess and God - of their own Faith. Every human, animal, bird, tree is an eternal offspring of the Mother Goddess's Divine Family of Life.