Convocation Review

by Linda Iles & Barbara Westlake

The 1999 Convocation for the Fellowship of Isis at Isis Oasis in Geyserville, California took place on October 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th. The weather was good, it was warm and sunny every day while cooling off nicely at night. It was perfect weather for enjoying the swimming pool, hot tub and sauna during breaks between activities. The line-up of presentations and ritual was the best ever. Somehow Loreon manages to outdo herself every year. Her dedication to this area of service for Isis and her graciousness to the Isian community at large should stand as an example for us all.

The formal activities began just after dinner on Friday evening. We gathered in the Theater for introductions which were accompanied by merriment and the sharing of our individual areas of service and dedication to the goddess.

Immediately afterwards we were gifted by a beautiful dance led by Le’ema and her group of Snake Priestesses. Dressed in simple robes and using their ceremonial drums and rattles they seemed to have come directly from one of the ancient temples. Le’ema has gifted us with dance several times over the past years and in her work as a Snake Priestess has gathered around her an impressive group of talented and spiritually awakened women. Their performance was filled with the power and presence of the goddess.

A lovely dream meditation led by Lady Olivia followed, setting a perfect tone to the energies of the events that came after during the next few days. This was the first of two events that she led during the Convocation.

Saturday morning was put off to a good start with group participation of adorning the goddess Isis led by Linda Iles of Isis, Lotus of Alexandria Lyceum in San Diego. Linda’s presentation began with a discourse of the esoteric symbolism behind temple architecture and the magical use of color and symbol which was utilized to adorn the statues of temple deities. She also discussed the principles of sacred creativity and self renewal that underlie the formulas of the morning rite as performed in all the Egyptian temples. Then she led participants to the lovely Egyptian temple where everyone recited a morning hymn to awaken the goddess. Afterwards everyone participated in putting finishing touches on a picture of Isis that she had painted. Each then received a gift from an offering table.

Breakfast followed immediately with everyone thoroughly awakened and in high spirits!

Next was an offering of the harp music of Melissa Morgan known to many of us through the recording “Invocation to Isis” which also features the flute playing of Diane Clark. Melissa had those attending begin with a few moments of meditation before taking them on an inner journey through the power and sweetness of her music. She was gracious enough to entertain and enhance many of the other segments of the Convocation which followed with her harp playing. This was a true demonstration of selfless service for the goddess.

The Pillars of Isis and the Grove of the Green Cobra, two groups of very fine priestesses and priests from Los Angeles led an inspiring Egyptian ritual under the great tree; one that they regularly perform during the tours they host to Egypt for pilgrimage to the ancient temples. Shakti, (Suzanne Copeland) as Priestess of Sekhmet used sacred dance to raise energies. Among those officiating were Lady Brenda, Lady Cat and Karen and Roy Tate. Their expertise, grace and inner strength raised a high level of vital force during the proceedings. The text of the ritual was an inspiration to us all. It was very moving to see them give so much of themselves for those gathered to participate in the working. Their offering to the Convocation served as a fine example to all of us in the Isian community.

Lunch time served as an opportunity to discuss areas of service and specific ministries that are currently being undertaken by the Isian priestesses and priests of the FOI and the TOI. This was hosted by Ian MacWatt who directed members to various tables set up in the dining hall. Ian has a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer for those wishing to become more active in work with pagans in the military and in visitation work with pagans in prisons and hospitals. Ian can be contacted through his Isis Invicta Lyceum in San Diego.

Normandi Ellis gifted us with a discussion of the power of the creative principle as embodied in the Egyptian deity Khepera. Her skills as a wordsmith then led us to the concepts of Ma’at, embodied in the dual powers of Isis and Nephthys. She wove a spell of magic that invoked heartfelt awe with readings from her poetry, ending with a section from her lovely work, “Awakening Osiris,” her translation of the Book of the Dead, otherwise known as the Coming Forth By Day. The selection she chose to read was The Knot of Isis. Normandi not only studies the legacy of literature left to us from ancient Egypt, she brings the concepts to life. This she does with the insight of one who is quietly aware throughout the stresses and experiences of everyday life. She is a true poet and priestess.

The second presentation led by Lady Olivia followed. She recruited several volunteers from the audience to put on a sacred drama, mostly improvised, but under her direction. She then led us in a spiral dance and chant which ended with us all raising our hands upwards to heaven. There is something special that always happens during chanting in a large group, in that each person’s voice seems to find a perfect and comfortable resonance, mixing with everyone else, until the resulting tones invoke through a presence of beauty and peace. It sounded positively angelic!

Kadea Metara of Arcanum Lyceum in Meadow Vista, gave a demonstration and lecture on the use of sound in healing. The dining hall resonated with her skills as she demonstrated how to break up energy blockages in the body using only the human voice. She had us all take part, encouraging us to practice daily and strengthen ourselves in order to take advantage of a healing technique we are all capable of by utilizing sound. The power of vital force that she can summon through vocalization was extremely impressive. She gave a fine example of a skill that can be acquired and used to supreme advantage; a healing tool that we always have available anywhere and anytime!

After dinner Mary Greer hosted a presentation of a Living Tarot. Mary has written many fine books on the history, meaning and use of the tarot as a means of self discovery. She also heads Isis Aurea Iseum of Nevada City. The cards of the Major Arcana were represented by volunteers she had recruited earlier in the day. Each one was dressed in a costume provided by the amply provisioned wardrobe room of Isis Oasis. The robes and other insignia represented years of collecting and lucky finds by Loreon who keeps a constant look out for beautiful and useful items for her plays, workshops and ritual work at Isis Oasis. Mary instructed the participants to meditate on the card they were supposed to represent, but not to plan a speech ahead of time. She wanted everyone who took part to be open to channel a special message from the archetype that works through the energies of the cards. The various energies of the Major Arcana came into full play. The reactions of those who acted as the vessels were each unique and special each one to itself, offering a wide range of reactions. Some were light hearted and some were comic with a profound meaning behind the laughter. Others were solemn or openly filled with emotion, hushing the audience with the force of their presence. A tarot reading was next conducted by Mary for the FOI and its mission in the New Millennium. Four cards were drawn. They were the World, the Magician, the Lovers and Death.

We had just enough time to catch our breath when deTraci Regula, Isis of the Throne Lyceum and also of Isis Invicta Lyceum, led us in groups to the new Tomb Room behind and underneath the Theater. We chanted to Osiris and listened to the words of the Oracle Priestess who lay within the painted sepulcher. The various forms and use of divination in the worship of Isis during ancient times is one of deTraci’s areas of interest. Her most recent work, soon to be published, will focus on an aspect of divination which came to her in a dream a few years ago. Afterwards Lady Starsheen of the Lyceum of the Stars led a few of us on a tour of the night sky, pointing to the stars overhead and telling us of their magical lore.

Sunday morning before breakfast, Dr. Muata Ashby and his wife, Dr. Vijaya Ashby offered a demonstration on Egyptian Yoga. They had much information to share about the significance of the postures and the correspondences to the archetypal energies of various Egyptian deities. We gathered on the lawn outside of the dining hall and followed them through a basic sampling of some of the postures.

After breakfast we met in the theater for a Gnostic Mass officiated by Elizabeth Kelley. Elizabeth is descended from a line of priestesses in the tradition of the Holy Order of Mary Magdalene. The heritage of this spiritual practice is traceable to the twelfth century in France. Sabina and Christy were among her assistants, along with Ian MacWatt. Beauty of spirit radiated from Elizabeth as she officiated and gave all who wished it Holy Communion. Compassion and radiance flowed from her in abundance to each one in the audience. Many of the women were openly weeping while we sang a lovely song of love and dedication as a presence of divine grace filled the room.

Dr. Muata Ashby then gave a fascinating lecture on his study and findings which trace an ancient connection between India and Egypt. He was assisted by his wife Vijaya who also shares in this work. Dr. Ashby has written many books on Egyptian concepts, interpreting them in the light of the knowledge and practices of the yogis of India. He brought up many fascinating insights. He and his wife radiate a purity of spirit and genuine feel for their work that can only come from the daily practice of study and devotion. Their work is an important asset to anyone interested in the spiritual tradition of ancient Egypt. Dr. Ashby also has several recordings of some very beautiful music which he has composed in the manner of the temple musicians of Egypt’s past.

During lunch a beautiful dancer, costumed as the Winged Isis, performed to one of Dr. Ashby’s recordings to honor his work. She then recruited several others to join her in dance, including Lady Olivia! A good time was had by all.

Next we had ordinations into the Fellowship of Isis under the Great Tree. This tree is over five hundred years old. Everyone always comments on the nurturing presence that dwells in its sheltering limbs. Lady Olivia blessed each candidate, who received their wand, stole and crown from the priestess or priest who sponsored them for ordination. Afterwards each one gave their blessings to the those gathered around and named their chosen deities and areas of service to the goddess. Each candidate is always greeted by a wolf whistle from one of the birds who resides in a large cage nearby. This same bird demonstrates his appreciation for priestess garb every year!

After break time and dinner we met in the Theater for a play written by Loreon. Every member of the audience received a glass of glacier water which had been specially enhanced to reverse the aging process. It came straight from the land of Shangril-la, or Shangrila-la (la, la, la!) according to the Isis Players! The play was an adaptation of the story of Lost Horizons written and directed in the charming and warm manner in which only our light-hearted Loreon could present it. Everyone did a fabulous job and we all had a very, very good time just as Loreon had intended.

This was followed by Sacred Dance with Diveena accompanied with live music and drums. Diveena has written many rituals and dances which have been performed at Isis Oasis over the past years. She is also a very gifted singer. Her beauty, grace and love for the goddess shine through all her work. She is so adept at raising energy through movement and song it is easy to imagine her performing over many lifetimes in the ancient temples.

(I departed on Monday morning just before breakfast. So the review of Monday’s activities had to be left for another. Monday's events were reviewed by Barbara Westlake. There were two events set up for Monday, besides breakfast and lunch. Loreon takes good care of us - never let it be said that a group of Isians will miss a meal!)

On Monday after breakfast we were gifted by a lecture on the Kabbalah and the Goddess by Arisa Victor. She shared many meaningful insights of her life experiences, starting from her early childhood that led to a life of dedication to the work of the Goddess. Then she skillfully wove these stories into her deep knowledge of Kabbalistic studies, showing how we all live and breathe sacred experience every day. The subject matter was fascinating and proved highly enlightening for all who attended. She serves as an inspiration to us all.

Next Diveena led her Life Force reading which took place under the Great Tree. She was, as always full of love and grace as she led us through a blessing to the four directions and passed around items representing the four elements - a bowl of dried earth from Mt. Shasta for the earth element, a bowl of water for the water element, smoldering sage incense for the air element and an alter of lit candles for the fire element. Everyone passed their hands over the flame of the candles on the alter to receive the fire element. Then Diveena got out her white bag of divination stones: white for spirit of the creatures, gold for the spirit of creation, green for the spirit of manifestation, red for the spirit of fire, blue for the spirit of feeling/emotion. Everyone read from a book that was passed from one to the other about the meaning of the stone that they drew. Then going around the circle we all shared our feelings about the personal significance these messages held for us. In this way we each got a message for the new millenium. It was a perfect way to end the Convocation for the Fellowship of Isis at Isis Oasis, 1999.

To read more about the Fellowship of Isis Convocation at Isis Oasis in 1999 please visit this page:

Tarot Reading - Future of the FOI in the New Millennium

The Oracle of Temperance
as given to Linda Iles at Isis Oasis FOI Convocation
during the Living Tarot Presentation
October 1999
Saturday evening in the Theatre

I was wearing my white ordination robe, and a pair of swans wings. I was barefoot and held a brass pitcher in one hand. Earlier in the day, when handing me the Temperance card, Mary Greer told me not to preplan a speech, to let the archetypal energy fill me with words. As my turn approached, and nothing had come, I was worried. My mind was a complete blank when I stepped up to the front of the stage, I had just turned to look at Mary and say “I’m sorry” when all of a sudden a beautiful presence filled the area immediately around me. The quality of the angel of Temperance was so holy and so full of majesty. ‘Awesome’ is the word that came to me afterwards, it was ‘awesome’ with emphasis on the ‘awe’. This was not a ‘light and fluffy’ presence, but one of spiritual purity and mastery. I was so overwhelmed with the sheer force of the presence, I very nearly broke down, but fortunately did not, though at the end tears streamed down my face. The whole room was silent, and people quietly said, “Wow!”  I was told afterwards that others had felt the presence too.