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Tribute to Olivia Robertson
April 13, 1917 – November 14, 2013
Olivia Robertson, co-founder of the Fellowship of Isis passed into spirit sphere on the evening of November 14, 2013. Due to health issues, she had been hospitalized for some months. During this time she continued to send messages, write rituals and create artwork for the Fellowship of Isis. These were featured in Isian News, the official FOI publication created by Olivia Robertson and her brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson in the summer of 1976.
The best tribute to Olivia comes from her own words. She writes: “We all fear death. We dread the loss of ourselves, our own consciousness, of all that we know. It is only the body that perishes. If you see death as an unpredictable but inevitable disaster in the future, soon or far ahead, you naturally dread a sudden end to all you love, a stop to your own individual consciousness. But in verity you can experience your own immortality now! …
Enjoy those delights that belong to the eternal spheres, such as the love and care of each other, of animals and plants: philosophy and religion; the practice of arts and crafts. Thus you will strengthen your spiritual body with the nectar and ambrosia of the Deities. …
Death is for the ignorant! Immortality is for those who know the truth! Develop your psychic and spiritual gifts, so that not only will you recognize this “death” as the impostor it is, but you will help others to lose any fear …
Reunion with those you love is certain. In your originality is your immortality, for nothing that is original can perish. It is an essential part of the cosmic scheme. Manifest your Divine Origin which is born from the Mother of All, Nuit, Whose children are immortal like unto Herself. Nourish then all good gifts in each person and each being, and you strengthen the harmony between the Divine Sphere of Heaven with its transient reflection which is this world. There is no death. Love is eternal.”
Olivia Robertson’s life was one of living example. Olivia always encouraged the expression of originality in others. Describing herself as an "enchantress" she refused to follow convention. Her spirituality was guided by her unique inner vision. She lived her role of priestess as an artist would, her path forged by a trust in the guidance and inspiration she received directly from Deity.
How can we carry on without her? I can only say now, that we will. The Fellowship of Isis was her life’s work, and the Fellowship of Isis will continue. Isian News will continue. Olivia wanted this.
We will miss her. We will miss her terribly. Dearest Olivia, we met you in joy, your leaving brings sorrow, but also the surety of joy in the future, for we will meet again.
May you walk in beauty, may you walk in peace, Isis bless you, Olivia, now and always.
Linda Iles
Fellowship of Isis Central website
Obituaries:
Irish Times - death notice and funeral announcement from Alexander Durdin-Robertson: "[Olivia Robertson's] funeral on Wednesday will begin with 'a private ceremony in the temple, organised by the Fellowship of Isis, by invitation only' followed by a public Church of Ireland service at St Fiacc’s in Clonegal." http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/high-priestess-of-carlow-based-fellowship-of-isis-cult-dies-aged-96-1.1596800
The London Times - Obituary for Olivia Robertson: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/obituaries/article3927108.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_11_20
The Telegraph - Obituary for Olivia Robertson: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10468198/Olivia-Robertson-Obituary.html
Online Memorial
Philip Carr-Gomm's Weblog: In Memory of Olivia Robertson: http://philipcarrgomm.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/in-memory-of-olivia-robertson/
From Don Lewis, founder of WitchSchool: http://www.witchschool.com/profiles/blogs/blv-olivia-robertson-1917-2013?xg_source=activity
Memorial Services Update:
Say My Name That I May Live: A simple rite to add to your daily devotions on behalf of Olivia Robertson.
Winter Solstice Memorial for Olivia Robertson at Isis Oasis, hosted by Loreon Vigne. A special two day event, starting Friday night, December 20, 2013 through Saturday evening, December 21, 2013. Linda Iles is scheduled to give a talk on the Magical Novels of Olivia Robertson, focusing on the metaphysical elements in Olivia's novels, written in the 1940s - 1950s. Much more to come! Schedule to be announced.
From Caroline Wise:
Memorial gathering and Celebration of the lives of Olivia and Derry
Central London
Sunday 26th January 2014
2pm – 6pm
Members please join us in the Rite of The Mystery of the Spheres by Olivia Robertson
“Fear not the unknown: for I am the Unknown. From Me riseth suns and their children the planets: and when suns reach their appointed time, I take them to me in my dark embrace: for I am both Birth and Death. And the sun that loses its brightness in my Abyss, returns to greater life in other spheres: for I am Mistress of the Spheres. I am the space within each atom: from its heart I give birth to new galaxies. I take to myself that which is to be transformed into greater life.So is it with yourselves. I need each sun, each tree, each one of you: for without the least of you my starry body is incomplete. I know you. Learn to know Me.” - Oracle of Nuit through Olivia Robertson.
We ask for a donation of £5 to cover the cost of the venue and food. Led by Iseums from London, Glastonbury, Oxford and with guests from abroard, there will be music, food, socialising and a couple of short lively talks – everything you didn’t know about the Fellowship of Isis! To book please email: info@starofelen.com
From Storm Poorun (Olivia's great-nephew): "I just wanted to let you know about the funeral arrangements in case you, or anyone in your circles, wished to and was able to attend: it's at Huntington Castle on Wednesday 20th Nov at 12:30. Also there's a smaller memorial event in London on 27th November, and one being arranged for December."
From Steve Wilson: "A memorial event called "Remembering Olivia" will be held at the next Moot with No Name on 27th November at The Devereux, Devereux Court, London (opposite the Royal Courts of Justice) at 7:30 for an 8 O'Clock start. Please bring your memories to share of a true giant in the Goddess movement. See Moot with no name website at www.mwnn.webeden.co.uk
From Kasey Conder of Fellowship of Isis Utah: "A memorial for Olivia is being planned here in Salt Lake City at Crone's Hollow. Date to be announced." http://www.isisofutah.org/
List of FOI Communities Who have Sent Notices About Holding Special Activities to Remember Olivia:
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
Tara Hedge College, Bielefeld, Germany
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
Lyceum of Antinopolis, Milton, Florida, USA, November 30th at 7 pm
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