Isle of Avalon Foundation

The Isle of Avalon Foundation was founded in 1991 as the University of Avalon, an independent training center, in the legendary community of Glastonbury, in England. The foundation is not tied to any particular magical or Pagan group, but attempts to draw upon the various strains of occultism associated with the community. Most important is the tradition of the Fraternity of the Inner Light founded early in the twentieth century by Dion Fortune (1890-1946). The fraternity, born amid the demise of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, established a guest house near the Tor at Glastonbury that provided a retreat for Fortune, who was often in tension with the male-dominated magical community in London.

The Isle of Avalon Foundation also draws heavily on the tradition that ties the area to the legends of the ancient Isle of Avalon. These legends include references to Joseph of Arimathea, who is believed by many to have brought the Holy Grail, the cup used at the Last Supper by Jesus, to Glastonbury. From this belief, the idea of the search for the Grail has entered popular occult thinking. In addition, during the 1970s, Glastonbury became one of England's most prosperous New Age centers and is believed to be a particular focus of esoteric and magical energies.

Founded as an independent study and spiritual educational facility, the University of Avalon ran into problems with the British government. Since it was not a recognized degree-granting institution, it was forced to change its name. As the Isle of Avalon Foundation, however, it has continued as a New Age and magical teaching center offering a wide variety of courses in the Sacred Arts and Sciences from spiritual healing to numerology and shamanistic magic. It may be contacted at 33 Oldridge Rd., London SW12 8PN.

Sources:

Barrett, David V. Sects, Cults, and Alternative Religions: A World Survey and Source Book. London: Blandford, 1996.