It was Friday evening, and the atmosphere was lively and joyful, as people gathered for the annual Convocation. Old friends met and hugged each other, eager to catch up on the latest news. And before the weekend ended, there would be new friendships, more to look forward to next year. The bond of sisterhood and brotherhood only grows stronger and deeper as the years go by. As usual the Convocation officially began on Friday evening with a wonderful dinner. Loreon is known for her skills at providing interesting and delicious meals during these events, both for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Immediately after dinner, there was the traditional Opening Ceremony, which is always held in the Main Temple. Snake Priestess and Sacred Dancer Le’ema Graham offering a dance dedicated to the Goddess Ma’at. One of the first things we noticed was that the walls of the Temple were lined on both sides with beautiful paintings done by Phoenix, a talented artist.

Then Lady Olivia Robertson took us on a guided journey. It began: “I want to take you on a magical journey on the wings of Maat. We are undergoing the rite of passage of balance, a vertical balance and a horizontal balance.

We are entering into a place of depths of the heart - within the Womb of the Mothers. As we follow the ancient Egyptian path, we approach two dark obelisks with golden tips flanking an alabaster portal in the side of a mountain. Anubis stands there, all black, with His great upright ears, robed in gold. Tehuti, robed in black, stands on the other side. They are the guardians of the portal …” Several of us had tears streaming down our faces when she was finished. We always look forward to her guided journeys. She brings us words that come straight from the Goddess, powerful, meaningful, healing, profound.

The last of the opening activities entailed each one present drawing a word from the Cauldron of Maat. Then we were to write a proverb that was shared with all present, including a brief introduction to others present, as we took turns. After we left the Temple it was up to individual choice, talk the night away in the lodge or by the swimming pool, see who as still in the Pavilion, or perhaps check out the Jacuzzi (a favorite spot for late night conversations). It’s a fact that most of us don’t sleep much during this weekend, the energy is so high, and there is always so much to do, to share, to say with each other. Some of us live far enough away that seeing each other during the year is not viable. This is our chance to interact face to face. And we make the most of it!

Usually early on Saturday and Sunday mornings there is someone to lead a yoga session. This year it was Dragonfly, a wonderful and knowledgeable priest who is well versed in the healing arts. We’ve been very fortunate in yoga teachers. One year the morning yoga sessions were led by Dr. Muata Ashby, and we have also been lucky to have Sonja Sierra Wolf lead these sessions in other years.

After breakfast, convocation attendees were requested to go to the Main Temple for a presentation by Rev. Linda Iles, titled “Birds of Ancient Egypt”. Linda began her presentation by sharing that modern day Egypt is a destination for bird watchers from all over the world. It is a major migration corridor attracting hundreds of species annually. From there the materials covered various birds who played a prominent part in ancient Egyptian religion, citing sources of sacred texts and presenting the reasoning for the places these birds held in the ancient Egyptian cosmology. Finally, she spoke of Nathor, the Pre-Dynastic Bird Goddess. Her presentation was constructed so that the energies would be drawn further and further back in time, in order to prepare the assembly for the Oracle of Maat to be given by Rev. Elda Lantz.

Elda asked later what did I say, do you remember? As usual, the oracular priestess doesn’t recall what came through. We have tried to remedy this situation, but one year the tape recorder didn’t work, another year, my pen disappeared. Let’s hope we have more success in 2007.

Rev. Karen Tate gave a lovely presentation titled “108 Sacred Sites” based on materials from her travels and her book “Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations“. Karen has led sacred tours worldwide to visit sites sacred to the Goddess for several years. The presentation was augmented by a slide show, which showcased some of the magical places she has visited and studied about. Dion Fortune wrote once that worship of the Goddess had withdrawn into the countryside, she was particularly speaking about the Goddess Isis. It dawned on many of us that it was in the solitary, abandoned byways, areas that no longer supported a viable population that sites of Goddess worship exist - in the form of archeological sites. Yet, as this thought struck, Karen then took us to places that exist in cities, that escape most people’s attention! The Goddess is alive and She is everywhere!

After lunch there was a dedication and raising of a dome that has been erected in an area of Isis Oasis that is being set aside and prepared for cultivation as a garden. It is situated next to Loreon’s new art studio. There are many plans for this area, one is to plant garden vegetables and strawberries for the kitchen, another to create a field of lavendar for lavendar tea and other products.

Rt. Rev. deTraci Regula led a workshop in making feathered Maat crowns which some of us wore for the rest of the convocation. Thus attired we felt a further connection to Maat, especially after making the piece from scratch. deTraci has offered several workshops that encourage participants to make a simple ritual object with their own hands. This is very important, because it helps to attune to the creative aspect of Deity through the act of creative devotion.

Rev. Arisa Victor, who is a gifted astrologist and taroist gave a wonderful and insightful presentation on the Tarot Trump of Justice. While sharing ideas based on the symbolism of this card, the discussion then turned to an address of injustice and how we, as Goddess devotees can help to balance the Scales of Justice using the energies of the Goddess Maat.

In the afternoon there was a rest period for some, but not for all. A number of participants met for a rehearsal of an upcoming Sacred Dance in honor of Maat in the Main Temple, expertly guided by Rev. Le’ema Graham and Rev. Elizabeth Kelley.

There was also a Blessing Circle, a practice that has now been revived after a few years lapse. It is a powerful event, held in honor of those who are soon to be ordained. It was led by Rev. Laura Janesdaughter, Rev. Annitra Ravenmoon, Rev. Callista Lee, Rev. Letecia Layson and Rev. Catherine Wright of TOI/LA. Callista and Annitra had brought their portable Isis wings! Rev. Elda Lantz and Rev. Linda Iles also took part.

After dinner, we assembled once more in the Main Temple. Rev. Loreon Vigne gave a presentation titled “Nine Priestesses Traveling in Egypt”. A whole chapter in her autobiography “The Goddess Bade Me Do It” is devoted to this trip. Loreon shared memories of her travels accompanied by a slide presentation by Elizabeth Kelly.

After this, the priestesses who had rehearsed with Rev. Le’ema Graham and Rev. Elizabeth Kelly earlier in the day, were led by them in a danced titled the Spiral of Maat. All 42 Ideals were presented through the movement of dance. The basic form of the dance, though simple, provided a beautiful vehicle for expression. This was followed by a Dance of the Veils and the invitation for all in attendance to join in freeform dancing.

Sunday began with early morning meditation at the Isis Chapel followed by breakfast.

A Gnostic Mass was celebrated in the Main Temple, officiated by Rev. Elizabeth Kelly, Rev. Christy Salo, Rev. Sabina and by Rev. Catherine Wright. This mass is celebrated in accordance with the Order of the Magdalene. This event always touches heartstrings.

Phoenix, a long time friend of Loreon, and an extraordinary artist, musician and priest, gave a one man concert, playing various instruments, including an electric keyboard, Tibetan bells and singing bowls, and even items he had found at yard sales that when struck gave forth a beautiful tone. The music was improvised and dedicated to his father who had passed away just a few days earlier.

Lunch was served at 1:00 pm.

Ordinations took place at 3:00 pm. This is one of the most sacred and special moments of the entire weekend. The ordinations are officiated by Lady Olivia Robertson, who is assisted by deTraci Regula and Loreon Vigne. After each candidate is ordained, they are asked to give a blessing to the world and then assembled for a group photo. The energy is so high at that point, but always punctuated by a parrot nearby who can view the activities and is known to produce a wolf whistle at uncannily appropriate moments! He really gets excited when each candidate is invested with stole, crown and wand.

After a period of photo taking, congratulations, camaraderie and shopping, it’s time to eat once more! Dinner is served at 7:00 pm.

This year for Sunday evenings event, Rev. Arisa Victor brought a copy of the film ‘The Secret.’ Another film was also presented, created by a friend of Loreon’s about Rumi.

Monday morning at 7:30 am. We gathered for “Water Neter Yoga” with Loreon. This is a form of gentle exercise that is very effective, based on the positions in which ancient Egyptian deities were typically depicted. After this, breakfast was served at 9:00 am.

At 10:30 am an Adoration of the Goddess Maat was performed in the Main Temple. Each person was asked to privately review the Ideals of Ma’at listed on a handout that was given to each person as they came through the Temple doors. We were asked to choose two principles, one that represented the best in our lives and one that represented an area we need to work on. Lady Olivia went around the circle, giving each person a private message. After this another presentation of the Dance of Maat by Le’ema Graham was offered after which we divided into groups of twelve each, and descended into the Tomb Room, standing around the sarcophagus in darkness lit by candles, we shared our struggles and triumphs with the principles of Truth. Some of us felt a shot of deep reddish light travel up our spines or white light come out of our crown chakras. After ascending we all gathered together as one unified group again, placing an offering on the Altar of Maat one at a time. This event was solemn and profound, touching our lives in a deep and meaningful way.

After lunch it was time for people to start leaving the Oasis. Though some of us stayed on to plant vines around the dome in the Isis Garden and to attend the meetings that always follow the Convocation. A meeting of the Circle of Isis Advisory Board and then the Temple of Isis Board were conducted under the Great Tree.

Loreon writes of the Convocations each year, when sending out forms for registration: “Each year we strive to make this the highlight of all the events we have at Isis Oasis.”

And it’s so true. Each year these events get better and better.