Isian Tradition
A Living Hermetic Tradition of Magick and Insight
Exploring Our Tradition
What is Isian?
The Isian Tradition is a synchronist magickal system which at its core, is firmly grounded in the Western Ceremonial Tradition. What distinguishes Isian from purely ceremonial systems such as A∴A∴and the Golden Dawm is that Isian incorporates elements of the modern Wiccan tradition into its practice. This incorporation, which includes some working tools and language, primarily manifests itself in the integration of the Egyptian Pantheon as a vehicle for personal and magickal development. It is, however, important to emphasize that this incorporation is neither the veneration of these deities nor a remonstration for their aid. Rather, it uses the energy and concepts these deities embody, to provide a set of signs and symbols the practitioner can utilize to improve themselves and the world around them. Accordingly, Isian has no affiliation with the Fellowship of Isis, Temple of Isis, or other pagan groups for whom the Egyptian pantheon plays a major role in worship and practice.
History and Development
The history of the Isian Tradition, like many magickal systems that developed in the mid-to-late twentieth century, is based on oral tradition. What can be said with confidence is the following:
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In 1974, Robert Sy, and Margo Dana created the first iteration of the Isian Tradition with the founding of the Star of the Golden Cross Coven in Dallas, Texas. Robert Sy founded this coven after he concluded his relationship with another regional magickal order known as The Foundation. We are told that members of this latter group were also members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and it is believed that this association is where the ceremonial aspects of the Isian Tradition first derived. In contrast, Margo Dana came from a familial wiccan tradition and was a local teacher and tarot reader in the Dallas area. It can be assumed that through Margo Dana many of the Pagan elements found their way into the system.
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The Star of the Golden Cross flourished throughout the 1970s and attracted members who would become authors and prominent members of not only the Texas Wiccan community, but also, in the case of one-member, nationally. Principal among these are Pattalee Glass-Koentop, Judy Smith, Julie Klein and Ellen Cannon Reed. Ultimately, Margo Dana’s health necessitated the dissolution of the Coven. The Isian tradition, however, continued – albeit with variation – as former members went on to found groups of their own.
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It is at this point that the current Isian Tradition splits into three principal derivations, each of which emphasized different ritual and spiritual elements. Pattalee Glass-Koentop founded the Coven of the Unicorn which shifted away from the more ceremonial aspects of the tradition to emphasizing more of the Wiccan Aspects. After Julie Klein assumed leadership of the coven, the focus shifted yet again to emphasize divination, herbalism and elements of more indigenous spiritual concepts. In contrast, when Ellen Cannon Reed founded the Coven of Sothistar, she renewed emphasis on the ceremonial magickal aspects of the tradition. Indeed, it is fair to suggest that Ellen Cannon Reed in her “The Witches Qabalah” was among the leading voices who helped normalize the use of the Western Hermetic Tradition in Wiccan Circles nationally.
Who We Are
The Circle of the Unicorn comes from the lineage of Julie Klein, who inherited the coven from Pattalee Glass-Koenetop, who originally named it "Coven" of the Unicorn. As with all Isian branches, the current practices of the coven are not identical to those of its progenitors. Under the guidance of the High Priest of the coven - Chuck Peart - the coven’s focus has returned to its ceremonial roots, enshrining its mastery as a central tenant of the tradition.
Contact Us
Those interested in learning more about the Isian Tradition or inquiring about our coven are invited to complete the form below so we may begin a conversation.
