Cult Founded in Irish Castle Celebrates Divine Feminine Legacy

The Fellowship of Isis, a spiritual movement dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, has garnered between 20,000 and 30,000 members across the globe since its inception in the basement of Huntington Castle, situated on the Carlow-Wexford border. Founded in the 1970s by Olivia Durdin Robertson, her brother Lawrence “Derry” Durdin-Robertson, and his wife Pamela, this organization has developed a unique following that spans 90 countries, including 46 Muslim nations.

Olivia Durdin Robertson, who served as the arch-priestess of the Fellowship, passed away on November 14, 2019, at the age of 96. She had lived at Huntington Castle in the village of Clonegal, where the Fellowship flourished amidst a backdrop of rich history and local lore. The castle itself, believed to be haunted, was originally built in 1625 on the site of a 14th-century abbey, serving as a military garrison before becoming the seat of the Esmonde family.

Robertson’s journey into spirituality began with a series of profound visions at the age of 29. These experiences led her to conclude that God is a woman, a belief solidified by a vision of the Egyptian goddess Isis. She described Isis as appearing “made of crystallised white light,” and noted that these encounters brought her immense joy and insight into the nature of divinity. In her words, “Those visions made me realise that patriarchy had taken over religion, once the domain of matriarchs…”

The Fellowship emerged from gatherings that started in 1963, known as the Huntington Castle Centre for Meditation and Study. By 1976, the group had transformed into a formal organization focused on worshipping “Isis of 10,000 Names.” Robertson articulated the group’s mission, 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.”

Under Robertson’s leadership, the Fellowship not only embraced spiritual practices but also fostered a community that welcomed participation from the surrounding area. Initially met with suspicion, locals in Carlow expressed concern over the group’s unconventional beliefs. Robertson recalled the village’s reaction, saying, “They thought we were all witches. It absolutely freaked them.”

The Fellowship of Isis has maintained a strong online presence, and in 2011, Robertson appointed her niece, Cressida Pryor, as her successor. Pryor later announced the establishment of the Circle of Brigid, intended as the “central parliament” and executive body of the Fellowship.

As a testament to their enduring legacy, the Fellowship continues to operate from Huntington Castle, which remains open to visitors, particularly around Halloween. The castle’s rich history and spiritual significance draw attention, inviting those curious about the Fellowship’s practices and beliefs.

The Fellowship of Isis represents a unique intersection of ancient worship and modern spirituality, inviting discussions about gender, spirituality, and the role of the divine feminine in contemporary society. As the organization evolves, its roots in Huntington Castle and the vision of its founders continue to influence its direction and purpose. Visitors and members alike reflect on the enduring message of empowerment and reverence for the feminine divine that has captivated individuals for decades.