Aset Shemsu - The Retinue of Isis
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 inquiries 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 honored. 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 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 FOI 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 in every Isian News. Tara Priories and Dana Groves are also listed regularly. All these centers and Isian News are for FOI members only.
The Archpriesthood Union of the FOI Priesthood, together with the ArchDruid Union of the Druid Clan of Dana and the Grand Commander Union of the Noble Order of Tara (FOI Foundation Union Triad) are Guardians to inspire the ideals of The Fellowship of Isis. All members are equal, and are not subject to anyone. All work with the Goddess - or Goddess and God - of their own Faith. Every Being - human, animal, bird, tree - element - is an eternal offspring of the Divine Family of the Mother Goddess.
What does 'The Iseum of the Tao of Isis' mean?
Iseum: The Greco-Roman word for a temple, shrine, or sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Isis.
Tao: Ancient Chinese word that literally means 'The Way', as in 'path'. The Tao is the undefinable, unmanifested, universal divine, often referred to as 'The Mother of the Ten Thousand Things of This World'.
Isis: A Goddess whose worship began in prehistoric Egypt. By Greco-Roman times, she was worshipped as a Universal Goddess throughout the civilized world. Isis is the manifested universal divine, often referred to as 'The Goddess of Ten Thousand Names'.
The Tao of Isis: The personal spiritual path of Paul 'The Mystic Fool' Ingrassia, slowly developed over the past decade and constantly changing and evolving. It is a solitary, eclectic mix of Taoist, Wiccan, Shamanistic, Isian, FOI, and even Catholic Marian practices and rites.
More info forthcoming...
Tao: Ancient Chinese word that literally means 'The Way', as in 'path'. The Tao is the undefinable, unmanifested, universal divine, often referred to as 'The Mother of the Ten Thousand Things of This World'.
Isis: A Goddess whose worship began in prehistoric Egypt. By Greco-Roman times, she was worshipped as a Universal Goddess throughout the civilized world. Isis is the manifested universal divine, often referred to as 'The Goddess of Ten Thousand Names'.
The Tao of Isis: The personal spiritual path of Paul 'The Mystic Fool' Ingrassia, slowly developed over the past decade and constantly changing and evolving. It is a solitary, eclectic mix of Taoist, Wiccan, Shamanistic, Isian, FOI, and even Catholic Marian practices and rites.
More info forthcoming...
