FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson writes (*) that the work of all FOI centres, including their individual coursework, ordinations, consecrations and certification of degrees is honored. There can be no ‘rigid laws’ as exist in hierarchic Churches and Orders. Heads of centers rely on psychic consensus of the group and guidance through intuition and the manifestation of particular attributes of the Deity or Deities concerned in their centre, therefore there can be no set curriculum. Thus, heads of centres, through inspiration from their particular Deity or Deities, produce their own training course, which is based on the rituals of the FOI liturgy. 

Many heads of centres have had long experience in the spiritual field and choose to create their own course. The following is intended as a suggestion for those others, who desire guidelines for the forming of a course.

They may offer various supplemental teachings and exercises within their coursework, such as breathing exercises, meditation techniques, Yoga, path-workings, study plans, how to build an altar, how to invoke  Deity, etc. combined with attunement in person or attunement by long distance, to enhance each stage.

(*) Sources: Original Fellowship of Isis Handbook (1992). Original College of Isis Manual (1992).  

Based on the suggestions offered by FOI co-founder Olivia Robertson, a guideline is presented below:

Stage I. Identification with the Divine Archetype

The first stage of training covers both basic initiation and the preparation for the eventual attainment of a first degree. The keynote is Spiritual and Psychic Receptivity.

An FOI member who is newly admitted into an Iseum, Solar Iseum or a Lyceum will undergo the FOI Liturgy Rite “Flamma Vestae: Initiation into a Fellowship of Isis Iseum.”  This rite is used for initiation into a Solar Iseum of Alchemy and a Lyceum in the College of Isis as well as Iseums.

Priories and Groves

Candidates in the Noble Order of Tara perform the basic initiation rite appropriate to a NOT Priory, “Tara and Lugh: The Ordeal of the Danaan Treasures.”

Candidates in the Druid Clan of Dana perform the basic initiation rite appropriate to a DCD Grove, “Rite of Dana.”

2. Identification with the Divine Archetype

The Candidate then prepares to undergo a basic Rite of Initiation in which they identify with the Archetypal energies of a Goddess and/or God.

Iseums

A Candidate in the Spiral of Adepti training undertakes a period of study and preparation which culminates in the enactment of one of the Daily or Seasonal Rites of the FOI Liturgy, which are Rites 1 - 7 from “Dea, Rites and Mysteries of the Goddess.” The choice of the ritual drama is accomplished through intuitive choice by the Candidate.

Solar Iseums and Lyceums

In Solar Iseums of Alchemy and Lyceums of the College of Isis, the ritual used is “The Rite of Rebirth.” By performing this ritual, the Candidate experiences the descent and ascent of Goddess and God. Thus awareness of her/his own divinity may be attained.

Priories and Groves

Candidates studying within a Priory of the Noble Order of Tara will undergo preparation and subsequent performance of a ritual based on their intuitive connection to a specific Deity and Protection of the Earth. The ritual will be written by the Grand Dame/Knight Commander of the Priory.

A Candidate in a Grove in the Druid Clan of Dana will undergo preparation and subsequent performance of a ritual based on their intuitive connection to a specific Deity and the Etheric Elements of Nature. The ritual will be written by the ArchDruidess or ArchDruid of the Grove.

For All Centres

After the basic initiation ritual is performed, a time of study and preparation is provided by the Teaching Centre as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Centre. As stated above, this may include supplemental teachings and exercises, such as meditation and path-working. Each stage in this period of teaching will culminate in the enactment of FOI Liturgy rites that correspond to the specific branch of study in which the student is enrolled for training (Adepti, Alchemy, Magi, NOT or DCD).  Study of the relevance of the Seasons and their corresponding Rituals is beneficial at this stage.

Iseums, Solar Iseums and Lyceums

Within an Iseum, Solar Iseum or Lyceum, the Candidate chooses a role with which to identify through intuitive choice of the FOI Ritual Dramas presented within their particular branch of study, thus choosing her/his own spiritual path. This period of study and preparation will culminate in enactment of an FOI liturgy Rite.  Awarding of an Adepti degree, Alchemy degree or Magi degree will be conferred as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Iseum, Solar Iseum or Lyceum, respectively, after the enactment of an FOI liturgy rite.

Priories and Groves

Candidates studying within a Priory of the Noble Order of Tara focus on developing Spiritual Strength.

A Candidate in a Grove in the Druid Clan of Dana seeks to develop Inner Balance.

After completing the work and rituals necessary, this stage of training will culminate in the attainment of the first grade.

Stage II. The Development of Will Power

The keynote is Responsibility for One’s Own Destiny.

For All Centres

In ritual work the student takes on the equivalent role of neophyte.

The essential task of the student at this stage is to learn and thus develop Individual Creative Will. In most human beings Free Will needs to be gained through Strength. Thus control is won by the Spirit over the elements of being: Soul, Mind, Emotions and Body. Ceremonial Magic, Study of the Etheric Elements and of the energies of the Sun, Moon and Planets is helpful at this level.

The Study and Development of the Psychic Centres is of particular benefit at this stage of study.

Iseums

For Adepti Training the Candidate focuses on the four basic stages of earthly existence, the basic four elements of earth, air, water and fire, and on the Seasonal Rites.  This period of study and preparation will culminate in enactment of an FOI liturgy Rite.  Awarding of an Adepti degree will be conferred as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Iseum after the enactment of an FOI liturgy rite.

Solar Iseums and Lyceums

Within a Lyceum, the Candidate either achieves ordination (“Ordination of Priestesses and Priests”) into the Fellowship of Isis Priestess/Priesthood or participates in the ordination of another.

In the case of Spiral of Alchemy training, the Candidate enacts the Ordination Rite for a Spiral of Alchemy course. 

This period of study and preparation will culminate in enactment of an FOI liturgy Rite.  Awarding of an Alchemy degree or Magi degree will be conferred as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Solar Iseum or Lyceum, respectively, after the enactment of an FOI liturgy rite.

Priories and Groves

Candidates studying within a Priory of the Noble Order of Tara focus on developing Awareness and Communion with Nature.

A Candidate in a Grove in the Druid Clan of Dana seeks to develop Attunement with the Inner Forces of Nature.

After completing the work and rituals necessary, this stage of training will culminate in the attainment of the second grade.

Stage III. Cosmic Consciousness

The keynote is Harmony with All Beings.

For All Centres

Trance Journeys and exercises to encourage Mystical Awakening is of assistance at this stage of training. Study of the stars, their mystical lore and meaning is of benefit.

Here the Spirit turns from the use of power, and instead becomes aware of the Deities. The true Candidate receives inspiration, creativity and all good qualities through the Deities from Divine Source. Then the Candidate is able to share these qualities with others.

Iseums

For Adepti Training the Candidate continue study of the elements, both physical and etheric, which culminates in the joining of the physical and spiritual into one divine awareness.  This period of study and preparation will culminate in enactment of an FOI liturgy Rite.  Awarding of an Adepti degree will be conferred as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Iseum after the enactment of an FOI liturgy rite.

Solar Iseums and Lyceums

If studying within a Solar Iseum or Lyceum, the Candidate participates in “The Isis Wedding Rite” either as groom or bride or friend. This ritual is performed after a period of study and preparation which culminates in enactment of this FOI liturgy Rite.  Awarding of an Alchemy degree or Magi degree will be conferred as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Solar Iseum or Lyceum, respectively, after the enactment of an FOI liturgy rite.

Priories and Groves

Candidates studying within a Priory of the Noble Order of Tara focus on developing Attunement with Others and Skill in Working with Others.

A Candidate in a Grove in the Druid Clan of Dana seeks to develop Harmonious Relations on All Levels.

After completing the work and rituals necessary, this stage of training will culminate in the attainment of the third grade.

At Isis Oasis an FOI Priestess asked Olivia Robertson the following question:

The following comes from notes written during her reply:

For All Centres

Training concludes within the fourth stage, and culminates in the final Initiation and attainment of a degree, followed by a ritual of Consecration.  FOI Priesthood Training culminates in the rite of Ordination.

Iseums

After the attainment of four degrees and training within a Spiral of Adepti course, and the FOI Liturgy Rite “Consecration of an Adept,” the 4th Degree Adept can offer Adepti Training within his/her own Iseum.

After completing a course of Priestess/Priesthood training, receiving Ordination and the completion of the subsequent waiting period, the ordained Priest/Priestess can offer Priesthood Training within his/her own Iseum.

After completing a course of Spiral of Alchemy training of four degrees and receiving the appropriate Rite of Consecration, the newly consecrated Priestess/Priest of Alchemy may offer Alchemy Training within her/his own Solar Iseum.

After completing a course of Magi Degree training within the College of Isis, the 4th Degree Maga or Magus may receive consecration as a Hierophant through the Rite “Flamma Sacerdotae: Consecration of a Hierophant.”  The newly consecrated Hierophant may then found a Lyceum and offer Magi Degree Training within her/his own Lyceum.  Hierophants must be ordained members of the FOI Priest/Priestesshood.

A Hierophant in the College of Isis may offer Priestess/Priest training through their Lyceum as well as Magi Degree training.

Any FOI Priestess/Priesthood member who studies and receives Ordination as a Priestess or Priest through a Lyceum must also complete a Magi Degree course of study and attain four Magi Degrees to qualify for founding a Lyceum.

Priories and Groves

After completing the necessary levels of training, and receiving the appropriate Rite of Consecration, the new Grand Dame/Knight Commander of the Noble Order of Tara can found her/his own Priory within the Noble Order of Tara. 

After completing the necessary levels of training, and receiving the appropriate Rite of Consecration, the new ArchDruidess/ArchDruid of the Druid Clan of Dana can found her/his own Grove within the Druid Clan of Dana.

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