Isis, originally called Aset, meaning Queen of the Throne, was a powerful goddess not only in Ancient Egypt but also in the Greek and Roman worlds. No wonder so many pagans seek to honor her today!
Revered for her connection to magic, motherhood, and fertility, Isis is often depicted with protective wings outstretched, symbolizing her role as a guardian and nurturer. She is frequently mentioned in the Book of the Dead and the Pyramid Texts.
In this article we will learn more about Isis, ways we can Honor her, and how she will help empower your spells.
Who Is Isis?
Isis, one of the most significant deities of ancient Egypt, embodies the qualities of motherhood, magic, and wisdom. She is often depicted adorned with a throne headdress or a radiant solar disk nestled between cow horns (see image below).
Isis's presence was further complemented by symbols such as the ankh, the timeless emblem of life itself. She is also frequently shown with a scepter, signifying her authority.
Correspondences
Symbolic Meaning: Death, Fertility, Healing, Magic, Motherhood, Rebirth, Water, Wisdom
Ruling Planet: Moon, Venus
Ruling Element: Water, Earth
Season: Spring, Fall
Corresponding Star Sign: Pisces
Animals/Mythological Creatures: Cow, Scorpions, Snake (especially cobra), and goose.
Birds: Kites, Sparrowhawk
Plants: Rose, Figs, Grapes, Heather, Lotus, Purple Iris, Tamarisk tree
Crystals& Minerals: Gold, Ivory, Lapis lazuli, Moonstone, Obsidian, Scarabs, and Turquoise
Herbs & Scents: Myhrr, Vervain
Tools: Ankh, Throne, Wings, Knot of Isis (Tyet), Sistrum (a musical instrument)
Color: Green, Silver
Day: Thursday
Tarot: High Priestess
Deities: Osiris, Horus, Nephthys, Set, Thoth, Serket
Isis’s Family
Isis was born to the god Geb, who represents the earth, and the goddess Nut, who symbolizes the sky. However, the sun God Ra was angry when he found out Nut was pregnant.
Ra did not want Isis to be born because he had a premonition that she would become more powerful than him and eventually overthrow him. Fearing the potential loss of his authority, Ra attempted to prevent Isis from being born. He declared that Nut could not give birth on any day of the year.
Thoth played a crucial role in the birth of Isis by using his knowledge and wisdom to assist Isis' mother, Nut. He created 5 extra days in the year that were not part of the normal Egyptian year. These are known as the Epagomenal days, also known as intercalary months, which are five extra days added to the Egyptian calendar in common years and six leap years.
During these five days, Nut gave birth to her four children. Isis, Osiris, Set, and Nephthys. As the firstborn, Osiris became King and is god of law, education, farming, and religion. He in Isis fell in love in utero and married later in life.
Set was quite the opposite and embodies chaos. God of storms he desired the throne and he was quite cunning. He and Osiris had an adversial relationship.
Nephthys married their brother Set who is the goddess of the dead, protection, magic, health, embalming, and beer. She is referred to as Lady of the House.
Jealousy and Rage
Seth, driven by jealousy and desire for power, murders Osiris. He dismembers Osiris's body and scatters the pieces across Egypt. Devastated but determined, Isis embarks on a relentless quest to find and reassemble Osiris's body. With the help of her sister Nephthys, she succeeds and uses her magical abilities to resurrect Osiris long enough to conceive their son, Horus.
I go into this event in detail in my article BOOK OF THE DEAD: SPELLS AND GUIDE FOR ANCIENT EGYPTIAN AFTERLIFE
Horus, often depicted as a falcon-headed god, grows up to avenge his father's death and ultimately defeats Set, restoring order to Egypt.
This mythological cycle highlights themes of life, death, and rebirth, with Isis playing a pivotal role as the devoted wife and nurturing mother. The divine love shared between Isis and Osiris served as a poignant representation of the eternal ebb and flow of life, death, and the everlasting renewal of existence.
Seven Scorpions
During the time Isis was raising Horus and also hiding from Set she was guarded by seven scorpions. These scorpions were a gift from Serkek, goddess of venomous creatures and healing venomous stings and bites.
Death
Life, Rebirth and Death are all important themes in Isis’s teachings.
The story of Isis and Osiris and his death give us many clues to how the Egyptians regaurded death. Death was a journey and just as important as life. Isis helps to restore souls so that they may live again.
Isis and her family were mentioned in the funery texts called the Pyramid Texts. Written in 2400–2300 BCE they have been found in tombs of pharaoh. Later in history we have The Book of the Dead which is illustrated and open to anyone who can afford the process.
“Ho, Unis! You have not gone away dead: you have gone away alive.
Sit on Osiris’s chair, with your baton in your arm, and govern the living;
with your water lily scepter in your arm, and govern those
of the inaccessible places.
Your lower arms are of Atum, your upper arms of Atum, your belly of
Atum, your back of Atum, your rear of Atum, your legs of Atum, your
face of Anubis.
Horus’s mounds shall serve you; Seth’s mounds shall serve you.”
Is Isis Calling Me?
Many people feel a deep, unexplainable connection to certain deities, and if you're wondering whether Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess, is calling you, you're not alone.
Isis, known for her attributes of magic, motherhood, and wisdom, has been a source of spiritual inspiration for thousands of years. Here are some signs and ways to discern if Isis is reaching out to you and how you might respond to her call.
Recurring Symbols and Imagery
You may find yourself repeatedly encountering symbols associated with Isis, such as the ankh, the throne, wings, or the knot of Isis (Tyet). These symbols might appear in dreams, meditations, or even in your daily life.
You may feel a closeness to her spirit animals such as the kite or sparrowhawk.
Attraction to Egyptian Culture
A sudden or growing interest in ancient Egyptian history, mythology, and artifacts could be a sign. This fascination might manifest in reading materials, documentaries, or a desire to visit museums with Egyptian exhibits.
Personally I love going to art museums and looking at artifacts from Egypt. Even behind glass and in an artificaial environment they still have powerful energy.
Connection with Nature and Magic
Feeling a strong connection to natural elements, especially water and earth, and an interest in magic and healing practices can indicate Isis's influence. She is known for her magical prowess and her ability to heal and protect.
Dreams and Visions
Isis might appear to you in dreams or meditative visions, often as a regal woman with a throne-shaped headdress or as a nurturing mother figure. These dreams might carry messages or guidance.
Intuition and Inner Knowing
Sometimes, the sense that a deity is calling you is a deep, intuitive knowing. You might feel a strong, inexplicable pull towards her energy and presence, which feels both comforting and compelling.
Worshiping Isis Today
Worshiping Isis in contemporary times can be a deeply personal and spiritual practice, drawing from ancient traditions while incorporating modern elements. Here are some ways to honor and connect with the goddess Isis today:
1. Altar Creation
Set up a dedicated space for Isis with items that symbolize her energy and attributes. This can include statues or images of Isis, ankh symbols, and representations of the throne. Add candles, incense, and flowers to enhance the sacred ambiance.
Include symbols such as statues or images of her, an ankh, and offerings like fresh water, milk, honey, bread, flowers, and incense.
Here is my altar. This was a day I making an offering to Isis as part of a ritual.
2. Study and Learn
Immerse yourself in learning about Isis, her mythology, and her role in ancient Egyptian religion. Books, reputable websites, and scholarly articles can provide a wealth of information. I have put some resources at the end of this article.
3. Rituals and Offerings
Incorporate daily or weekly rituals to honor Isis. Offerings can include fresh water, milk, bread, honey, and fruits. Light candles and burn incense such as frankincense and myrrh, which were traditionally used in ancient Egypt.
Freshwater
Honey
Bread
Wine
Flowers
Incense
Kyphi is a compound incense that was developed in Ancient Egypt around 300 BCE. It was used for healing and religious purposes and had up to sixteen ingredients.
Check out my YouTube Channel
4. Prayers and Chants
Recite prayers and chants dedicated to Isis, invoking her presence and seeking her guidance. Ancient hymns and modern invocations can be used to create a connection with the goddess.
“I am Isis, the goddess, the owner of magic,
who performs magic with powerful speech and with chosen words.”
From I am Isis (1)
5. Meditation and Visualization
Engage in meditation to attune yourself to Isis’s energy. Visualize her comforting presence and imagine receiving her wisdom and protection. Meditation can help deepen your spiritual connection and enhance your intuition.
6. Celebration of Festivals
Participate in or create your own celebrations for festivals associated with Isis. The "Isia" festival, for example, commemorates the mourning, search, and resurrection of Osiris and can be observed through reenactments, storytelling, and communal feasting.
March 5 (Feast Day) The ancient Roman festival Navigium Isidis (the vessel of Isis) is held to honor the goddess. This is the start of the Maritime season.
Isia (commemorating the death and resurrection of Osiris). Initially recorded in 354 BCE in Rome as happening October 28-November 1
7. Magic and Healing
Embrace Isis’s role as a goddess of magic and healing by learning about and practicing ancient Egyptian magical and healing techniques. Use herbs, crystals, and sacred symbols in your practices to invoke her healing powers.
8. Divination
In tarot cards, Isis is represented by the High Priestess who represents wisdom, intuition, resilience, and transformation. She can guide people toward self-discovery and understanding, and inspire personal growth and the ability to overcome challenges.
I like the Egyptian Tarot Deck by Lo Scarabeo but it is not a beginner friendly deck. Also I enjoy the multiple languages it uses but some readers may find that distracting.
A beautiful Oracle Deck is the Isis Oracle. I don’t have this one so I can’t give you personal feedback however, it was created by Alana Fairchild who has a solid reputation for creating fabulous tarot and oracle decks.
My Personal FAV! Look at the beautiful interpretation of Isis. African Goddess Rising Oracle (on Amazon)
“Come to me Isis, Queen of Thrones, Lady of Heaven and Earth, Lady of the Tomb. I welcome your presence. ”
Family Ties
Isis has very close familial ties with Osiris and Horus. If you work with one of them consistently you will likely feel energy from another family member.
Thats fabulous! Embrace the entire family or whichever members reveal themselves to you.
Planetary Associations
If you love astronomy Isis is the Goddess for you! The Egyptian goddess Isis is associated with the planet Venus, as well as the moon, sun, and stars. These celestial associations underscore Isis's powerful influence over natural cycles and her role as a cosmic mother and protector.
Planets
Venus: Isis is often linked with Venus due to her associations with love, beauty, and fertility. Venus's qualities of harmony and attraction resonate with the attributes of Isis.
Moon: As a goddess of magic and motherhood, Isis is also connected to the Moon. The lunar cycles represent the rhythms of life, death, and rebirth, which are central to her mythology.
Stars
Sirius (the Dog Star): The most significant stellar association for Isis is Sirius , called Sepdet in Ancient Egypt, also known as the Dog Star. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the heliacal rising of Sirius marked the beginning of the Nile's annual flood, which was a time of renewal and fertility. This event was closely linked to Isis and Osiris, symbolizing rebirth and abundance.
Orion: Isis is sometimes associated with the constellation Orion, which is linked to Osiris. Together, they represent the divine balance and harmony in the cosmos.
We have a fabulous article on Moon goddesses! 15 GODDESSES OF THE MOON: OUR FAVORITE LUNAR DEITIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Astrology
In Roman/Western Isis is associated with the zodiac sign Pisces.
In Egyptian astrology, Isis is the sixth sign of the zodiac, associated with Venus and do well in fields like art, entertainment, or marketing. They work well on a team but often seek leadership positions.
People born under the sign of Isis are said to be honest, straightforward, sociable, romantic, and have a good sense of humor. They are also nurturing and make great mentors.
The dates for the sign of Isis are March 11–31, October 18–29, and December 19–31.
Isis and Nature
Isis is very popular with Green Witches and pagans who connect with the elements and animals. Isis's relationship with nature and animals reflects her role as a nurturer and protector, embodying the harmonious bond between humans and the natural world.
Legend states that Isis’s tears of grief fell into the river when Set killed Osiris causing the first flooding. Although the god Hapi is in charge of the Nile river.
The ancient Egyptians acknowledged the importance of living in balance with nature and respecting the animals that share our world.
Today, Isis's legacy continues to inspire those who seek to connect with nature and understand the deeper bonds we share with the environment. Her story encourages us to protect and nurture the natural world, recognizing the divine presence in all living things.
The Kite
One of the most iconic representations of Isis is her association with the kite, a type of bird of prey. The kite, with its keen eyesight and graceful flight, symbolizes her watchful and protective nature.
Isis is often shown with outstretched wings, resembling the kite, emphasizing her role as a guardian. She is connected to the sky and the heavens, indicating her ability to traverse between the earthly and divine realms.
Since the Old Kingdom, the kite has been associated with funeral customs. In the Pyramid Texts two kites are identified as Isis and Nephthys.
The Scorpion
Another fascinating aspect of Isis's relationship with nature is her connection to the scorpion. In ancient Egypt, the scorpion was both feared and revered. There was a real problem of people especially children stepping near them and being stung. The venom causes irritation and can be lethal depending on the species.
The story of Isis and the Seven Scorpions is a tale of her using these creatures to safeguard her son, Horus, from harm. Through her magical incantations, she controlled the scorpions, demonstrating her dominion over even the most dangerous elements of nature.
The Cow
Isis's association with the cow further cements her image as a nurturing mother. The cow, a symbol of fertility and motherhood, was sacred to Isis. She was often depicted with cow horns or wearing a headdress with a solar disk between them, a representation she shared with Hathor, another goddess of motherhood and fertility.
The cow symbolizes nourishment and the sustenance of life, aligning with Isis's role as the mother of Horus and the protector of all living things.
Isis In Greece and Roman Civilizations
Greeks ruled Egypt during the Hellenistic Period for around 300 years. Roughly 323–30 BCE. The Greeks loved Isis and felt she established marriage. Seen as a protector she became the goddess who watched over ships at sea.
Isis spread from Greece throughout the Mediterranean region and into the Roman Empire. There she also had a cult following where her followers performed mysterious initiation rites.
Isis may have influenced the veneration of the Virgin Mary during the early days of Christianity.
Law of Attraction and Isis
The Law of Attraction, which centers on the idea that like attracts like and that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person's life, can be deeply intertwined with the worship and reverence of the goddess Isis.
Her story encourages individuals to remain steadfast and hopeful, even in the face of adversity, and to use their inner power and magical practices to manifest desired outcomes.
By invoking Isis in your rituals and meditations, you can enhance your ability to focus your intentions, harnessing her ancient wisdom and protective energy to attract positivity and transformation into their lives.
Read our article THE LAW OF ATTRACTION: HOW CAN IT HELP YOUR PRACTICE
References:
1. Martin, Bommas (2022) “I Am Isis”: The Role of Speech in the Cult of Isis. Getty Education
2. Bob Briar & Hoyt Hobbs. (2013) Ancient Egypt: Everyday Life In The Land Of The Nile. Sterling Publishing.
3. Kellie Warren. Book of the Dead: A Guidebook to the Afterlife. American Research Center in Egypt. https://www.arce.org/resource/book-dead-guidebook-afterlife
Author, Ame is a lifelong pagan and a science teacher. She is an environmental educator who is currently writing a series on spirit animals. Ame also does our social media pages. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.
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