The House of Life

The House of Life

An Optional Service That May Be Offered within Fellowship of Isis Iseums

“The original House of Life was an adjunct of temples in ancient Egypt. It supplied support services to the temple in the form of libraries, medical services, cooking, magicians, artisans, scribes, blacksmiths, and all other forms of support that specific temple might need. I got the idea for this while reading Bob Brier's book, “Ancient Egyptian Magic”, and considered that it might be worth adapting to the needs of the Fellowship.”

- Michael Artonn Starsheen, ArchDr., AU

Is the House of Life an FOI wide procedure?

The House of Life is a new and optional service that may be offered within Fellowship of Isis Iseums. It is not an FOI wide based procedure.

Why was the House of Life created?

While interacting with members of the FOI community, ArchPriest Michael Artonn Starsheen became aware of a specific need. Many members of the Fellowship of Isis have definite skills - as astrologers, herbalists, healers and in many other fields - whose expertise is offered to the FOI community.

At the same time, there is a percentage of these skilled members who are not able, for various reasons, to take part in study of the FOI Liturgy or in the earning of degrees. Yet, Michael felt these people deserved recognition for their valuable contributions.

Has Lady Olivia Robertson issued any statements about the House of Life?

Michael wrote to Lady Olivia Robertson, FOI co-founder, about the concept which he had named in the interim, the House of Life. Olivia responded with great enthusiasm in support of the idea and asked Michael to announce it to the general FOI membership.

Olivia’s response, dated June 19, 2006, is included here:

"Many congratulations on your splendid, inspired idea of the House of Life. It is truly a concept I myself like - a library, hospital, and support staff. It will be the life support for our FOI in the future. Houses of Life attached to Lyceums* and Iseums - wherever needed. Truly you are inspired. You have my warm support for this new process for FOI."

A second letter from Lady Olivia was received on July 10, 2006, to further clarify her wishes concerning the House of Life:

"I, Olivia Robertson, have already given enthusiastic permission for the excellent idea of the "House of Life" to be used by the Rt. Rev. Michael Starsheen within his own Iseum (not his Lyceum).

Overall authority on any such innovation, affecting other centres within the Fellowship of Isis as a whole, belongs to the Combined Membership of the ArchPriesthood Union. No new path, branch, titles, certification or any addition whatsoever to the overall established structure of the Fellowship can be made without full permission from all the Members of the ArchPriesthood Union.

I encouraged the idea of "Houses of Life" which might inspire other centres. "Iseums" are free to create their own range of services through their membership, but not to legislate for other centres.

With the Blessings of Isis, for peace and harmony.

The Rt. Rev. Olivia Robertson,

Co-Founder of the Fellowship of Isis, AU"

What type of FOI Center has Lady Olivia authorized to offer House of Life certification?

House of Life certification may be offered through any FOI Iseum.

Is the House of Life a new FOI Pathworking? Does it replace the existing Spirals or the earning of Degrees in any way?

The House of Life is not a pathworking structure. Michael calls the House of Life a form of “local empowerment”. The House of Life is offered as an optional form of certification. It does not replace earning a degree within the various Spirals which are corresponded to the rituals of the FOI Liturgy.

The intended purpose of certification within a House of Life is to recognize the ability and commitment of those members who support the work of their FOI group and the greater FOI community, often behind the scenes. It is a way to honor the genuine contributions made by FOI members who, for various reasons, cannot partake in formal study of the liturgy and the earning of degrees.

My FOI Iseum is not ancient Egyptian based, how can I employ the concept of the House of Life in my center?

The term 'House of Life' is from ancient Egypt, but this name could be adjusted within a group to reflect their focus. The titles can also be adjusted to fit the orientation of the particular Iseum.

For example, a Celtic pantheon based Iseum would give out certification using the appropriate nomenclature, a group that honors the Greek pantheon would use wording for the titles appropriate to ancient Greece, etc. They are specific to that Iseum - an acknowledgment issued in keeping with the spiritual focus and patron/patroness deities of the particular Iseum.

What is the criteria for House of Life certification?

(1) Demonstration of substantial ability and knowledge in the given skill.

(2) Demonstration of substantial commitment of time and energy utilizing the given skill in support of the work of an FOI Iseum, both within the group itself and in cases where it applies, within the greater FOI community.

Example of types of skilled service are listed below:

Writer/Author
Poet

Webmaster
Editor
Newsletter Staff Member
Lecturer/Workshop Presenter
Event Organizer/Host
Healer
Astrologer
Cook - as in preparing meals for group meetings and ritual gatherings
Caregiver - performing services for FOI members who are elderly or ill
Animal Welfare - offering services to animals in need
Artist/Craftsperson
Astrologer/Diviner
Brewmaster/Vintner
Singer
Dancer
Ceremonial Drummer or Chanter
Musician
Ritual Magician

Is House of Life certification only offered to FOI members who are not ordained or not certified through the FOI Pathworkings?

The original concept arose out of a need to recognize those FOI members who, for various reasons, do not study the liturgy or earn degrees, but have a high level of skill offered in service. However, certification within the House of Life is not limited.

People who are ordained, or certified in other branches or spirals of the FOI may be awarded House of Life certification as well as non-ordained and non-certified FOI members. The emphasis is on service and the recognition of service freely given.

Is House of Life certification transferable?

Regarding transfer of House of Life certification between FOI Iseums, a letter from the head of the center who issued the certificate would be required, stating the rationale for granting the title. Each new center should be willing to honor such a letter, given that certification is awarded for service.