I am Nature, the Mother of All
Mistress of the Elements,
Sovereign of the Spirit
Queen of the Dead,
Queen of the Immortals,
The single embodiment of all goddesses and gods.
My will governs the movements of the stars,
The winds of the seas
And the dread silence of the underworld.
I am worshipped under many aspects,
Known by countless names.
I am Isis.
Isis' Qualities and Attributes

Isis has been worshipped longer than any other known Goddess, from the origin of written history to the 5th century A.D. Her worship began in ancient Egypt and later spread to Asia Minor, Great Britain and Europe. Her religion was a mystery cult in which she was revered as Queen of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld.

Although little is known of this religion, initiates reported powerful mystical experiences and were ensured of everlasting life by devotion to Isis. Isis assumed the characteristics of many lesser-known Goddesses, thus becoming worshipped as the universal Goddess who was all-encompassing in her feminine attributes and power: divinity itself. Isis’ power is symbolized by the throne, the seat of all authority, wisdom and truth on earth and in heaven.
Isis as Healer and Giver of All Life.

Isis, the “Lady of Life,” is often depicted holding the Ankh, the symbol of eternal life. She is celebrated as a powerful and magical healer, being gifted with the ability to cure mind, body and spirit. Another of her titles is Divine Physician.

Central to Isis as queen of healing and magic is her mythic search for her beloved brother and husband Osiris, God of the Nile, who was brutally killed and hidden by his brother Set. Upon arriving in Phoenicia, Isis found Orisis’ body in the palace, contained in a fragrant tamarisk tree. She carried her beloved back to Egypt for a proper burial. Enraged, Set, the God of Destruction, dismembered the body of Osiris and scattered the pieces.

Although grieving, Isis began her search anew with strength and determination. This time she was looking not for a single corpse, but had to locate the many pieces of Osiris. She found the legs, arms, head and trunk, but when she could not find his penis she substituted a piece of formed gold. Isis then performed the first rite of embalming and bestowed eternal life upon Osiris, whereupon Osiris rose from the dead and with Isis magically conceived Horus, the Sun God.

Regarded as the Universal Mother, Isis is often portrayed suckling her son Horus, both as an infant and as a child. This act may be interpreted as a reminder of the connection between all life and power and its original source.

Isis as Patron of Women

Isis was a particular protector and patron of women. In this aspect we also see similarities between Isis and the Greek Goddesses Hera and Artemis, covered later in this book. Isis guided women in childbirth and comforted women bereaved by the death of loved ones. Her qualities of compassion, tenderness, love and devotion have endeared her to women throughout the ages. Isis’ attributes are echoed in all the Great Mother Goddesses throughout history, including the Chinese Kwan Yin, the Christian Mary and the Greek Demeter.
Isis as Sustainer of Civilization and Culture.

Isis was credited with teaching the secrets of agriculture, law, weaving and the medicinal arts. As Divine Physician, Isis taught her priestesses techniques of healing, including the preparation of medicines for contraception, fertility and relief from pain.