Isis
Isis is the Greek name of the Egyptian goddess also known as Usat, Ese, and Esi. Isis was the patron goddess of magic, marriage, fertility, childbearing, and healing. She was seen as a motherly goddess, and was one of the most popular deity’s in the Egyptian pantheon. Her popularity spread throughout all cults of Egypt, and even to Greek, and Roman culture. There have even been many parallels connecting her to the Virgin Mary. In modern times her worship has spread to many neo – pagan groups. On the Kabbahalistc Tree of Life she can be placed in Binah signify the motherly womb. However in Golden Dawn circles she is placed in Chesad and is the god-form of the Praemonstrator officer. She was known as the “Queen of the Throne”, “She who Seeks Justice”, “She who Knows the Orphan”, and “She who Gives Birth to Heaven, and Earth.”
The popularity of the goddess can probably be attributed to her powerful personality emanating from her enjoyable tales in whom she always plays an important role, and as a reflection if the attributes that ancient Egyptian culture considered important in their lives (of course this is just speculation on my part). She is connected to her brother, and husband Osiris, and is related to Nephthys, and Seth. She was the mother of Horus, and once queen of Egypt. One can argue that the goddess represented aspects that both ancient Egyptian men, and women found as admirable. Isis was seen as the ideal wife – loyal, loving, and compassionate. She is seen as a strong, and clever woman, and as quoted in C. Scott Littleton’s anthology on myths – “wiser than a million gods.”
In all instances these titles fit her well. Let’s examine some of the stories that surround her.
Isis, and Ra
One of the things that Isis is known for is discovering Ra’s secret name. Isis had observed Ra’s movements as he left his palace, and the walks he took daily along the same path. One night as Ra lay asleep he began to drool, forming a small puddle on the ground. Isis collecting the saliva – used her magick to form a serpent that she laid along Ra’s path. The next day as he set out he was bitten by the serpent, and fell powerless, and in pain. A company of gods gathered around yet no one could figure out how to cure him.
Finally Isis appeared, and offered to relieve, and cure Ra of his pain in exchange for his secret name. Ra refused yet the poison continued to spread faster, and faster burning him fiercely. He cried out in agony, and Isis once again asked for his name. He refused until finally he consented. Ra would give Isis his secret name under the condition that she share it with no one else but her son. Isis agreed, and finally healed him. The importance of this legend helps us to understand the popularity of Isis, and the position that the ancients held her in.
She was able to trick, and make the king of the gods weak, and only with her help could he be saved. The sun was of great importance to the Egyptians. Many of the gods wore the sundisk on their heads similar to the way Christian saints wore halos. Yet the fact that Isis was able to overcome one of Egypt’s most important symbols is fascinating. One could compare this story to an earlier Sumerian legend concerning Enki, and his grand daughter Inanna (more on that in the future). A version of this Isis legend can be found here: http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/ebod/ebod07.htmIsis Mother of Horus, and Wife of Osiris.
Isis, and Osiris
During Osiri’s reign on Earth he was not the only one who helped to civilize mankind. Isis had introduced the concept of marriage, helped with teaching the arts of agriculture, and ruled while her husband was away to civilize the world. This would not last long however for Seth’s betrayal would not only cost her the kingdom but also resulted in the death of her husband.
Using her magick however she revived him, and after being impregnated she would give birth to Horus, raising him in Khemmis along with the help of the cow goddess Hathor. Her son would eventually go on to battle Seth while Isis tried her best to help him throughout most of the battles – even throwing a spear at Seth, and striking him.
Through her clever, and cunning personality she was able to trick Seth into admitting that he had taken the throne unfairly. After Seth, and Horus had battle for many years the gods held a council where Isis was forbidden to attend. Before the gods she disguised herself as an old woman with the suppose intention of asking Seth or help.
Before the council she related a story about how her son had been robbed of his cattle by his uncle who claimed that it belonged to him, and not to his father. Seth at once said that this could not be since the estates of the father belonged to the son. The old woman began to laugh, and beforer the entire congirgation transformed back into her original appearnce. Seth had been tricked, and the ods finally agreed to give the throne back to Horus.
The worship of Isis is one of the earliest examples of the belief in a holy trinity; Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Their popularity has spread beyond academic circle, and religious circles reflecting moving themes, and in the case of Isis the figure of a strong woman, and the inpspiration of Queens, and the holy femininity.
L.V.X
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