The Shrines of Clonegal Castle
A tour of some of the beautiful shrines and chapels of the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle, Fellowship of Isis Foundation Centre. These photos date back to the 1990s - early 2000s, showing the appearance of the shrines in the earlier period of FOI History. Information on these shrines was sent by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson.
The Chapel of Ishtar
The Shrine of Ishtar is linked to the Rite of Rebirth
The Shrine of Ishtar
This shrine is located in what is termed the Holy of Holies or the Chapel of Ishtar within the Temple Shrines at Clonegal Castle. It is dedicated to the Fifth Element, known as Aether or Spirit and contains four shrines in all. The roof of this shrine is painted with stars not associated with the zodiac, including the star Sirius, known as the Star of Ishtar and also as the Home or Soul of Isis.
Upon the altar are two elaborately carved and gilded pieces that are situated on either side of the image of Ishtar. These were made by William Morris. Rock crystal earrings and a rock crystal medallion have been incorporated onto the painting of the goddess on the central altar, giving an unusual three dimensional effect. The painting is inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone shell. Above it, is situated the golden eight rayed Star of Ishtar between two black feather fans adorned with peacock feathers.
On either side of the painting and on the altar stand several small Egyptian statues. A large crystal ball, placed upon a gilded stand, rest upon the altar cloth of silver cloth and black velvet. The other objects on the altar are made of silver or are crystals. Tiny bells adorn the shrine, on either side of the portrait of the Goddess, which are rung when rituals are performed within the chapel. Viewers of this photo will notice a painting hanging on the wall to one side of the shrine, which is predominately in blue. This is an original work of art by Olivia Robertson depicting the divine twins of Sirius, Isis and Osiris embracing amongst the stars.
Main Sanctuary, The High Altar
Olivia writes "1625 AD rafters and 2000 BC dancing girls!"
The High Altar was one of the first shrines to be set up within the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. This shrine is the central focus of ceremonial activity within the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. Its main image, carved by David Durdin-Robertson, is of Isis of Ten Thousand Names. She bears a pitcher of water on her head, signifying the role of the Goddess in the Age of Aquarius. The statue of Isis stands within a golden canopy topped by a Marian crown that once formed part of a church shrine to the Virgin Mary. The altar is situated in the main area of the temple sanctuary.Altars on either side bear images presented to the Temple by FOI members from Nigeria. Queen Tehani, of gold and ebony, ruler of the lost continent of Mu stands on the left, and to the right is a wooden statue of Ngame, Creator Goddess of the Akan people of Ghana. It was here Douglas Reagan performed a vigil before being consecrated as the first Knight Commander of the Noble Order of Tara. Ordinations are enacted before this altar.
FOI co-founder Rt. Rev. Lawrence Durdin-Robertson. Photo © John MerronThis photo of FOI co-founder Rt. Rev. Lawrence Durdin-Robertson was taken by Rt. Rev. Johnny Merron, Hierophant of Elen of the Greenways Lyceum, Priest of Elen and Bridgit, London. Lawrence is seen here standing before the High Altar, readying for participation in a ceremony. A statue of Ngame, Creatress and Mother Goddess of the Akan people of Ghana, is situated left of Lawrence. This statue was a gift from FOI members in Nigeria.
Photo © Caroline Wise.
This photograph was taken in 1990. Caroline Wise is pictured to the left in a green robe, with Johnny Merron behind her, they are accompanied by Sumika Kurimoto with Olivia and Lawrence at the High Altar in the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. Subsequently Caroline, Sumika and Johnny would be appointed to the ArchPriesthood Union when it was formed in January, 1999.
Isis of Ten Thousand Names on the High Altar. A card created by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson.
A postcard created by FOI Co-Founder Lawrence Durdin-Robertson depicting a photo of the central image of the High Altar. The card was created by Lawrence Durdin-Robertson for use in his private correspondence. He would sometimes anoint one of these cards with water from the Well of Brighid or with Holy Oil before sending it. The caption at the bottom of the card utilizes the English name of the castle. After inheriting the castle and the ancestral title Baron of Strathloch, Lawrence decided to change the castle name back to the Irish "Clonegal" which is the form most commonly used today.
Olivia Robertson blessing a stole during the ordination of a priestess.
Seasonal rites, initiations, ordinations and consecrations are performed by Lady Olivia Robertson in the temple shrines throughout the year. In addition she meditates and prays in the temple at the castle at least twice every day. Attunement times are 6:30 am - 8:30 am in the morning, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm every evening.
Left: Painting of Isis in the Healing Chapel, or Chapel of AirThe Healing Chapel
Two chapels are situated to the right of the main sanctuary of the Temple of Isis of Clonegal Castle in the wing that runs south to southeast. They are dedicated to the elements. The chapel of fire honors Lakshimi and the Sphinx. A narrow door in the northeast corner of this chapel leads to the chapel of air, pictured to the right. It is used for healing. The central focus is a large painting executed by Marian Marshe and Olivia Robertson of a black and winged Isis in starry space.
The Chapel of the Well of Brighid
Olivia Robertson and Lawrence Durdin-Robertson at the Well of Brighid.
The Chapel of the Well of Brighid was created in 1976; water from the well has been used in FOI ceremonies since that time. It is thought by some that a Priory of St. Brighid formerly existed on the site of the castle around the well. Olivia and Lawrence often worked together performing rituals within the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. After years of doing trance work and dream journeys Olivia came to see a need for ritual observances. Her brother Lawrence, who had worked for many years as an Anglican minister, also felt a need for setting up a body of liturgical rites for the Fellowship of Isis. Olivia writes in "The Call of Isis" chapter 11: "The interlinking area between the spheres of Divinity and the earth sphere, was that of the Temple of Ritual. For the law of Octaves of sound prevailed throughout the universe in the law of correspondences. Strike a note on one level, and you produce a corresponding response in the sphere you wish to contact. Make a symbolic gesture on this plane with deliberate intention, and you affect the area on which you are concentrating."
Entry to the Chapel of the Well of Brighid
A view at the entrance of the Chapel of the Well
To the left in the photo above, is the grated iron door, which marks the doorway of the Chapel of the Holy Well of Brighid. A painting of the Goddess Isis by Olivia Robertson is situated to the right of the doorway, and behind the grating of the gate, a companion painting of the God Osiris is visible. Tibetan bells hang from the doorway which are rung when the chapel is entered.
Shrine of Scorpio
The Shrine of Scorpio is dedicated to Freya and the Sidhe. It is located on the left as you enter the Chapel of the Well. On either side are Chinese vases filled with grasses and flowers as offerings of nature. A painting of Freya hangs to one side of the altar by Anna Durdin Robertson. The shrine is flanked in green satin hangings. Silver candlesticks hold dark green candles. In front of the main figure on the altar is a silver bowl with holy water from the well, a stoneware chalice for earth and a scalloped bowl for incense and air. The ritual "Scorpio and Kundalini" links to this shrine.
Above: Olivia in the Chapel of the WellOlivia Robertson shares with the reader in "The Rite of Dana" a Fellowship of Isis Druidic Initiation ritual: "Within our Temple of Isis in the castle is a holy well...The castle was built around it in 1625...The well is dedicated to the Goddess Brighid. We use it for everyday drinking, ritual and healing, and for promoting psychic vision." The Well of Brighid is the central shrine itself within this chapel of the elements. The waters are thought to have healing and restorative properties on both physical and psychic levels.
The element of water played an important role when Olivia was first introduced to the concepts of Druidry. Olivia wrote of her visions of Dana "...her turquoise blue mantle surrounds our islands as the sea." When Olivia was sixteen years old she painted pictures of an ancient ceremony described to her by a local Druid. In a series of visions this gentleman described to Olivia how people of long ago used to rise in the early dawn. They would drink from a well and bathe in the river, then assemble at an altar high on the steep slope of a riverbank and wait for the rising of the sun.
Shrine of Capricorn
The Chapel of the Well is one of the five main chapels in the Temple, all of which are attributed to the elements. The Chapel of Brighid is associated with water. It contains an ancient well going back to the remote ages of history, possibly to the Neolithic period. The well is thought to have Druidic associations, is seventeen feet deep and the water is said to have healing properties.
Behind the well is the altar of the Shrine of Capricorn, which is backed by a tapesty whose image symbolizes the womb and graal. It is woven of Hessian, created by famous Dutch tapestry artist Liesbeth Fonkert, who presented the tapestry as a gift to the Temple in 1976. The figure on the altar was carved by David Durdin-Robertson. Rites for both the Druid Clan of Dana Noble Order of Tara are performed in this chapel.
View from inside the Chapel of the Well with temple cat. Glimpse of Shrine of Virgo, left.Cats of Clonegal Castle
Olivia writes: "Magic cat at way to well. 1625 AD steps." Visitors to the castle will often find themselves adopted for the day by a feline companion. These cats are the descendants of a white cat owned by Ailish O'Flaherty, the first wife of Lord Esmonde and granddaughter of Grace O'Malley, the pirate queen. The ghost of Ailish can be seen on the castle grounds by the 'Spy Bush' accompanied by her white cat.
In the foreground to the left is the wooden circular cover formerly used for the well, which has a metal mesh grating and iron handle. It rests against brick masonry of a pillar dating from the 17th century. To the right is the open iron grate door of the entrance to the Chapel of Brighid's Well.
Shrines of the Zodiac, Temple Colonnade
Shrine of Libra
This shrine has an ornate carved wooden backboard directly behind the altar. At the time of this photo, it was dedicated to Etain, the Sidhe, the elements of air and earth. The central figure, dedicated to Etain, was carved by David Durdin-Robertson. Her arms are held as if in the act of invoking, her left hand facing outward palm up, her right hand palm facing down. Her right leg is slightly forward as though walking towards the front of the altar. Chinese vases on either side hold grasses and flowers as offerings of nature.
Purple features prominently in the story of Etain, as does the element of water. She is sought after by Midir, a king of the Sidhe, whose wife, Fuamnach, becomes jealous of Etain and turns her into a pool of water and then into a beautiful purple fly. Etain lives in this form for a thousand and twelve years until she lands in the cup of the wife of Étar, who swallows the purple fly and becomes pregnant. In time a baby girl is born, whom the couple name Etain.
Shrine of Cancer and Juno
The central image depicts the Goddess Juno and is made of white Italian marble. She is a Goddess of women and the mysteries of womanhood. This shrine sets in a rough stone niche within the Temple wall. Before her is a shell filled with crystals and small shells. Above her head is situated a Marian crown, jewelled heart in a starburst and eleven silver jewelled stars.
The cloth that draps the altar of the shrine represents the weaving goddess Arachne. The design upon it is that of an eight pointed star with upward turned crescent Moon. This crescent form is the Tattvic symbol for Water. There is a pale spider at its center, symbolizing Arachne. A painting of the full moon hangs behind the figure of Juno. The ritual of Cancer and Tiamat is linked to this shrine.
Shrine of Leo
This shrine is dedicated to Sekhmet, the Egyptian Lioness Goddess and to Venus, Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty. To the left sits a golden statue of Bast, and in the center is a statue of Sekhmet, along with figures of animals. On the altar is a carved torso of a woman representing Venus, which was carved of Yew wood by David, who is the son of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson. Two pedestals of wood carved by William Morris stand on either side of the altar. The altar cloth is adorned with images of Bast, the cat headed Goddess of ancient Egypt. The Shrine of Leo corresponds to the ritual of Leo and Sekhmet.
The Shrine of Aries and Bast, Goddess of Joy, Healing and Life.
The Shrine of Aries
This shrine of the zodiac is located in the northeastern corner of the nave of the sanctuary. It is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Goddess Bast. The central figure was carved in wood by David Durdin-Robertson and stained black and brown. Bast wears a necklace of tiger eye with a golden locket. She has golden earrings and a green stone on her brow. Offerings of pink and red carnations have been placed in vases on either side of the altar. The large golden plate directly behind the figure of Bast represents the sun, the smaller silver one, the moon. The small latticed window directly above looks into the Healing Chapel. A hanging to the left of the window depicts the ancient Egyptian God Amon-Ra. Bast was titled Daughter of Ra.
Although it is not in view in this photo, directly above the shrine on the wall is a plaque of Isis of the Palms who is also associated with this shrine. The FOI ritual Aries and Durga links to this altar of Aries.
Chapel of the Stars
Altar of Nuit and Shrine of the Goddesses of the Pantheon
The western wall of the sanctuary contains the area known as the Chapel of the Stars. Sometimes referred to as the Egyptian Corner. This Chapel offers a quiet place to sit in the chair provided to the right of the altar for meditation.
Egyptian figures are placed throughout the shrine, including statues of Isis and figures of ushabtis. A crystal ball is placed front and center upon the Altar of Nuit, which is draped in a silver metallic cloth. Featured above the altar is an original painting by Olivia Robertson, showing Nuit, as a winged goddess of the starry sky, her feet resting on the earth, and the disc of the sun being held in her hands and raised above her head. It is flanked by two framed Egyptian papyrus paintings. The fleur de lys on either side of the shrine are gilded and were carved by William Morris.
To the right of the Altar of Nuit is the shrine of the Goddesses of the Pantheon. It is situated in a small alcove which is framed in orange tiles and draped with a dark blue hanging. Images of the Goddess from all over the world have been placed within this shrine, including original works of art sent by Fellowship of Isis members, photos, cards, prints of classical paintings and tantric images.
Shrine of the Androsphinx
Olivia writes: "I love this photo! I took it after a ceremony." This is a new chapel in the Temple of Isis at Clonegal Castle. Olivia writes that the ancient Egyptians placed the sphinx between Leo and Virgo - Lady and Lion. There are several papyrus paintings in the background of the shrine, one of an ankh, another showing the pyramids.
The main altar figure is of a golden Bast cat, partially veiled and obscured by draperies to symbolize the eternal mystery of the Sphinx. A golden winged figure rests just in front of the draperies. This partially obscured enigmatic figure entices the imagination into the realm of creative myth, ranging from those of Atlantis to Sirius. Our minds reach inward to utilize our powers of intuition and attain a greater wholeness. Those who enjoy their own unique originality find the way of blending the animal body, human face and spiritual wings of the sphinx, which reside within themselves into a harmony of being.
This shrine is linked to the rituals of Alchemical Transformation offered to the Fellowship of Isis Priest/Priestesshood in the Spiral of Alchemy.
Chapel of the Mothers
The Chapel of the Mothers is also known as the Cave of the Mothers. It is dedicated to the element of earth. The roof in this section of the Temple is low enough that it causes taller visitors to stoop over when they enter. The roughness of the stone and brick walls and ceiling further enhance the feeling of being enclosed in a cave. Animals provide a prominent theme in the Cave of the Mothers. To the left of the shrine is a large painting of the Owl of Athena and next to it is a large wooden statue of a Jaguar, at whose feet is the figure of a cat.
Above: Painting of the Owl of Athena next to the Shrine of Coatlique.
Shrine of the Goddess Coatlique
The Shrine of the Goddess of Coatlique is located within the Chapel or Cave of the Mothers. The central figure depicts Her aspect as primordial Creatress and Mother Goddess. She is flanked by Her Children, the Cosmic Twins who are named Quetzacoatl (Feathered Serpent) and Xolotl (Lord of the Evening Star). Two tall white candleholders have been placed on either side which imitate the appearance of stalagmites, further enhancing the feel of being in the womb of the earth.
On the left side of the altar is a large yellow flower symbolizing the sudden emergence of Coatlique like a flower springing forth when the Sun and His Magicians brought Her gifts of love. She bears the fruits of the earth on a platter upon Her head. Behind the altar is a rainbow coloured hanging which has a three-fold meaning. It symbolizes all forms of life in a rainbow network of harmony, it provides a visual reference to the Rainbow Serpent, a creator deity of the Australian Aborigines, and it represents the son of Coalique, the God Quetzalcoatl as the feathered serpent of many colours.
A New FOI Members Shrine
Dedicated to the Greek Goddess Pallas Athena as a Warrior Goddess. It features an image of Medusa as a shield over the heart of the Goddess. On either side of the shield is the Sun for Strength and Courage and an Owl for Wisdom. Photos and artwork of FOI members who have carried on with their work in the face of adversity and hardship adorn the walls of this shrine. A shield bearing the Olive Tree, which was Her gift to the people of Greece, rests below the altar accompanied by another figure of the Owl of Wisdom.
Shrine of Muth, Horus and Hathor
A set of ornately carved wooden doors swing open onto stone steps that lead into the temple sanctuary. Within an alcove in the entry way is this shrine to Muth, Horus and Hathor as deities of the sky. A cloth adorned with images of sun, moon and stars is draped across the altar. Offerings of fruit on branches are placed on either side of the main tapestry, which depicts Muth, the Great Mother Goddess of ancient Egypt. A small rug on the floor bears the images of sunflowers, a visual play on the concept of the celestial motif.
Photo of Olivia in blue at High Altar courtesy of Starsheen. Photo of Lawrence Durdin-Robertson courtesy of Johnny Merron. Photo of Isis painting in the Healing Chapel courtesy of Karen Tate. All other photos courtesy of Lady Olivia Robertson who also was gracious enough to send written information on these shrines. All photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved.