Fellowship of Isis: A Spiritual Movement Born in an Irish Castle

The Fellowship of Isis, a spiritual movement honoring the divine feminine, was founded in the basement of Huntington Castle, located on the border of Carlow and Wexford in Ireland. Established in 1976, it has grown to encompass between 20,000 and 30,000 members across approximately 90 countries, including an unexpected presence in 46 Muslim nations. The organization was created by Olivia Durdin Robertson, her late brother Lawrence “Derry” Durdin-Robertson, and his wife Pamela.

Olivia Durdin Robertson, who passed away on November 14, 2019, at the age of 96, lived in Huntington Castle until her death. This historic site, built in 1625 on the grounds of a former 14th-century abbey, has long been associated with the supernatural, making it an intriguing backdrop for the Fellowship’s activities. Robertson claimed that her journey into spiritualism began with a series of visions at the age of 29, which led her to believe in a female representation of divinity.

From Visions to a Global Movement

Robertson’s visions included encounters with the Egyptian goddess Isis, which profoundly impacted her spiritual outlook. “She seemed to be made of crystallised white light,” Robertson recounted, describing a striking image of Isis that shifted her understanding of God. These experiences prompted her to conclude that the patriarchal structures dominating religion had led to societal issues, including warfare and environmental exploitation.

In 1963, the seeds of the Fellowship were sown during gatherings at what was then called the Huntington Castle Centre for Meditation and Study. By 1976, these efforts culminated in the official formation of the Fellowship, which aimed to worship “Isis of 10,000 Names.” Robertson articulated her vision for the Fellowship, stating, “At the end of an Aeon and the beginning of the space age, the Goddess Isis is manifesting as the feminine expression of divinity.”

The Fellowship continued to evolve, with Robertson’s niece, Cressida Pryor, being appointed as her successor in 2011. Under Pryor’s guidance, the Fellowship established the Circle of Brigid in October 2014, which serves as the organization’s central governing body.

Rituals and Community Engagement

The Fellowship of Isis is known for its elaborate rituals, often taking place in the castle’s underground temple, which features twelve zodiac shrines and five chapels dedicated to various goddesses. Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and Olivia donned ceremonial robes, with Olivia typically wearing vibrant gowns and carrying a sacred rattle known as a sistrum during these ceremonies.

Initially, the local community in Clonegal reacted with skepticism to the activities of the Fellowship. “They thought we were all witches. It absolutely freaked them,” Olivia recalled, noting that the Fellowship sought to be transparent by keeping the castle’s doors open for public participation during ceremonies.

Today, Huntington Castle remains both a residence for the Robertson family and a hub for the Fellowship of Isis. The castle opens its doors to visitors around Halloween, inviting the public to explore its history and the ongoing legacy of the Fellowship.

The Fellowship of Isis represents a unique blend of spiritual practice and community engagement, rooted in the mystical atmosphere of its Irish origins. As the movement continues to attract followers from diverse backgrounds, it challenges traditional religious narratives and promotes a vision of divinity that resonates with many in today’s world.