The Robertson Family Coat of Arms

Lawrence Durdin-Robertson was the 21st Baron of Strathloch. This gave him the authority to found an Order of Chivalry. The photo to the left is the Charter for the Barony of Strathloch. The Coat of Arms of the Robertson family is shown directly above to the right. They were matriculated and issued by the Chief Herald of Ireland through the Genealogical Offices in Dublin.

You may read more about the symbolism and meanings of the Robertson family coat of arms here:

The Robertson Family Coat of Arms






Photo: Robertson Family coat of Arms from Genealogical Offices in Dublin hanging in Clonegal Castle. Photo © Olivia Robertson. Contents Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

Re: Sources for Heirloom Seeds

Many of us maintain gardens as a way to honor the earth and keep a little bit of it green, helping to strengthen our connection with nature.

Located in the United Kingdom, Heritage Seed Library has a wonderful website with lots of useful information. Their site says "Our Heritage Seed Library (HSL) aims to conserve and make available vegetable varieties that are not widely available." They specialize mainly in European varieties.

Heritage Seed Library

Those in the USA may visit the Seeds of Change website for information on how to obtain heirloom seeds, and to find tips on organic gardening.

For members in the Southern Hemisphere the Digger's Club is a popular supplier of heirloom seeds in Australia, with the largest selection of vegetable, cottage flower and fruit plants in the country.

Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

Olivia Robertson: "Balance of the Grael"

One of the goals of the Noble Order of Tara is to bring balance back to the earth. Olivia has recently shared the following in a letter: "An early vision of the Grael changed my life - this was in 1946! The Loving Wisdom of the Great Mother flows from the Holy Grael. This provides balance to the tyranny and selfishness which fuels the destruction of nature and cruelty to animals. We become Her emissaries on earth by bringing Her Love and Wisdom back into human consciousness."

Painting, left by Olivia Robertson. "Morrígan of River and Grael" painted in 2009.

Olivia created a wonderful series of paintings which you can view here: New Art from Olivia Robertson

It is located in the Historic Archives page in the section titled "Olivia Robertson." Fellowship of Isis Historic Archives


Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website. Photo of Olivia's painting used by permission. Photo by M. Quick. All rights reserved.

New Priory

We are pleased to welcome Jewel-Lotus Priory to the Noble Order of Tara. The Priory was officially founded on July 25, 2010 by Grand Knight Commander Arthur Freeheart in New York state. According to Arthur his new priory will "work with the bodhisattva Tara / Avoloktervara, Idunn, and Pan to conserve, preserve and sustain water throughout the world. Principles of engaged Buddhism and deep ecology are drawn upon to effect practical positive changes in support of the Earth." Arthur's new priory has been listed on the Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website maintained by the Circle of Isis.

List of Noble Order of Tara Priories

Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

The Dream of Gaea

From Olivia Robertson, FOI Co-Founder and Chancellor, Noble Order of Tara:

"When we are inspired by the Deities of the land, that which appears impossible may come to pass. We may yet save rain forests, oceans, the atmosphere, from destruction and- pollution. However, small projects also matter. The efforts of Knights, Dames and Companions of a Chapter to save a pool, a grove of trees, a field, contribute to the whole beautiful dream of Gaea for Her Earth, which will therefore manifest in the future. We shall ourselves be part of that future. To commune with the Earth Goddess is to love one's Mother, and so share in her Divine Creation."


Photo: Yew Walk at Clonegal Castle, courtesy of Olivia Robertson.

Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

An Unscripted Ritual by Olivia Robertson

"Aengus Og, God of Love and Joy with His Birds" center, above.
Shrine of Dana, Temple of Isis, Clonegal Castle, Ireland

A beautiful new unscripted rite written by FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson, has been uploaded to the Fellowship of Isis Central Website, maintained by the Circle of Isis. This new ritual has a commentary written by ArchDruidess Minette Quick, Hon. Secretary of the Circle of Brigid. Performed by a Grand Knight Commander of the Noble Order of Tara, Olivia Robertson, Chancellor of the Order and future Dames of the Order.

You may view it here:

"The Awakening of Aengus"


Photo: Courtesy of Minette Quick.Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

Knighthood

Photo (right): FOI Co-Founder Lawrence Durdin-Robertson, Baron of Strathloch, founder of the Noble Order of Tara, Fellowship of Isis.


From Grand Knight Commander Steve Wilson (on Knighthood): "Two examples of this remain in our Esoteric traditions. Those who follow an Arthurian path will recognise the three grades of Squire, Knight and Lord. A Knight was responsible for choosing and training a Squire, but only the Knight’s Lord could raise the Squire to Knighthood, and only the King could make a Knight into a Lord ... The right of Lords to make Knights still exists, although they are only Knights of that Lord’s court, not Knights of the Realm. The last time I heard of such a right being exercised was when Baron Strathloch, one of the three founders of the Fellowship of Isis, instituted the Noble Order of Tara, in which I am myself a Knight."

Note: Since Lawrence's passing in 1994, his sister, FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson is acting Chancellor of the Noble Order of Tara. She has announced there will be no chancellor after her.

Photo courtesy of FOI Co-Founder Olivia Robertson. Used by permission. Text used by permission of the author, Steve Wilson. Contents © Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.

For Goddess and Nature

The Order came into being through the idea of Douglas Reagan of the U.S.A. who believed that an Order of Chivalry could be founded to inspire men and women to work at saving the environment from pollution. He requested Lawrence Durdin-Robertson to be Chancellor, as, being a Baron, he had the authority through his “Baronial Court” to bestow the accolade. Both Lawrence and Olivia agreed to be Chancellors. The Chivalric titles, as is customary are only used within the Order. Members of Priories perform hard work dealing with environmental problems in their areas. The Tutleary Goddess is Tara of Ireland and Asia, Tara of 108 Names. The Order of Tara, as with F.O.I. in general and the Druid Clan of Dana, is non-political and has no affiliations.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Robertson. Used by permission.

Copyright © The Circle of Isis Advisory Board, Fellowship of Isis Central Global Website.