Order of the Shining Helmet of Athena: Olivias Shrine of Ancestors
A Personal Shrine Created by
Olivia Robertson in Her Studio
This shrine was situated in the southeast of Olivia’s studio at Clonegal Castle. It consisted of three parts. Note the drawing of the Goddess Uta-ha to the far right of the mantle. Olivia contacted this Goddess while attending IsisFest at Salt Lake City. This Goddess is featured in the fourth ritual in "Athena: Arcadian Awakening."
Shrine 1. The Shrine of the Triple Goddesses
Upon the mantelpiece is a figurine of the Winged Isis. Just above, on the wall on either side, are Olivia Robertson’s paintings of her visions of the Goddess Dana (left) and the Goddess Tara (right). Olivia’s mother, Nora Parsons, gave her the two small portraits on either side of the main picture above the Winged Isis figure. The carved fireplace is by Laurence and Olivia’s grandfather, Alexander Durdin, L.L.D., a scholar, who built up the Library.
2. The Shrine of Isis of the Stars
(Beneath the mantle of the fireplace.)
Painting titled “Isis” by Judith Page.This painting was commissioned by Caroline Wise as a cover to an edition of “The Call of Isis” by Olivia Robertson; published for Cesara Publications by Neptune Press, London. It is listed as the 2nd revised edition published in December 1993.
3. Shrine of Ancestors
(Above the mantle of the fireplace, top of shrine.)
Earl of Rosse
Portrait of Ancestor of Nora Parsons, Olivia’s Mother,
The 1st Earl of Rosse, head of the family
He introduced Freemasonry to Ireland
Portrait of Robert Manning 1771-1857
Ancestor of Olivia’s Father, Manning Robertson
He published a book addressed as follows: “Dear Friends, You millions of the human race – Let us Love One Another.” He then listed all the genocidal atrocities committed by world religions. As this included Christianity, the Manning Robertson family burnt every copy save one. Olivia found this in a secret drawer as a young woman, and felt overwhelmed at being addressed in this way by her ancestor. As she rightly says, we have all been given this message many times, but somehow, sadly, we’ve never got round to it. She is honoured to finally pass on his heartfelt message: “It’s taken a long, long time,” she says, “but better late than never.” His is the central message of the Fellowship of Isis and of the Goddess.
Barbara St. Leger
From Olivia: "My great, great, great ancestress, Barbara St. Leger (1748-1820) married Alexander Durdin. My paternal grandmother was Helen Durdin. Barbara’s cousin Elizabeth St. Leger of Doneraile Court was famous as the only Freemason who practised the Craft all her life."
Arms of the Barony of Strathloch
Painting of the Arms of the Scottish Barony of Strathloch revived and bestowed through the Irish Heraldic Office on Lawrence Durdin-Robertson. Painted by his daughter, the artist Anna Curry.
Received from Olivia Robertson April 29 and May 6, 2012. All photos by Minette Quick.
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