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 an optional service that may be offered within Fellowship of Isis Iseums.
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 through coursework
based on 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 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.
