cult of isis

[quixote]

I have heard of the cult (or temple) of isis, but so far haven't been able to fond any info on it. has anyone heard anything?
thanks and blessed be
quixote

[Earthcup]

Try searching for info on Isis. It should bring up stuff on the temples. A search on Alexandria and Cleopatra might bring up something useful as well.

[Melysande]

Do a search on Google for "Fellowship of Isis" or "Isian religion". There several current Isian temples in the U.S. and abroad. :) This search will also help you find information on historic cults of Isis.

[widukind]

Only thing I know is that they were big when Paris was founded... the very name itself comes from 'par Isis', 'by Isis'.

[Ganga]

Try also a book called Isis Magic. i can't remember the author now, but it's a fairly recent book, available in most Pagan stores. I took a look at it some time back, and am trying to save a little money to buy it.

[Melysande]

Not sure if this author wrote the book Ganga mentioned, but Normandy Ellis is a Tameran whose works concentrate mostly on Isis magic. You have to be careful with her work, though. I was reading last night a book she wrote. She was describing how Osiris is the corn that is trampled into the ground that rests in shadow and then grows to feed the people.

There was no corn in ancient Egypt.

[Earthcup]

heh, like the ancient Irish potato goddess? ;)

Maybe she was using the English version of the word, simply meaning grain?

[Melysande]

**nods** I think you're right, chica. I was reading up on Osiris today (because I celebrate his birthday today) and the dictionary of Egyptian gods and goddesses I was reading (a very British book) made references to "corn" also. I'll retract my caution about Ms. Ellis's work. :) I'm glad. I like her book. It's the only strictly Tameran book I have. The rest are all Kemetically inclined.

[Mithrea]

Originally posted by widukind
Only thing I know is that they were big when Paris was founded... the very name itself comes from 'par Isis', 'by Isis'.

I did not know that . . .

[burn_my_lovely]

http://www.philae.nu/philae/landing.html

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/philae.htm

http://users.erols.com/bcccsbs/africa/toisis.htm



It's called the Temple of Philae. It was dedicated to Isis.. which people sometimes call: Temple of Isis. Try searching more for Temple of Philae.

[Yvonne Belisle]

Bump I have a friend looking for this info.

[Happydog]

The book "Isis Magic" isn't really about the ancient Isian religion per se, it's more about a particular system of Isian magic. It's also a very ceremonial-magic oriented book, so if you're not into performing very complex rituals that you might have to memorize and/or read aloud a lot of stuff while you're trying to perform the ritual, well...it might not be for you.

DeTraci Regula's "The Mysteries of Isis" is a much, much more accessible book. It has a good bit of the history of the Isian religion in it and many uncomplicated but effective rites and rituals. The book is written in a way that takes you through a day at the Temple of Isis. I would recommend this book highly as an introduction to the worship of the Goddess of Ten Thousand Names.

Whatever you do, don't drive yourself insane with those E. Wallis Budge books you can get for cheap all over the place. The information in those books is a hundred years out of date - literally! The translations are terrible and you won't learn a thing about Isis.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Isis religion, see if you can find a copy of The Golden Ass by Apuleius. Lucius Apuleius was an initiate of the Isis mystery religion, and there is a description of a vision of Isis Herself that is invaluable to every Pagan regardless of belief system. There are also descriptions of an Isis festival and other information that will be helpful. Like I said, though, find a modern translation.

At one time the Isian religion was a serious competitor with Christianity. The last Temple of Isis was closed in the 5th century A.D. However, the religion did not die; statues of Isis and Osiris, which can be found throughout the ancient world and even in Europe, were passed off by priests as statues of Jesus and Mary.

A lot of the titles and honorifics used for Isis were also assimiliated by the Catholics into Marian worship. For example, "Mother of God," "Queen of Heaven," and "Star of the Sea" (or Stella Maris) were all applied to Isis long before they were applied to Mary. (Mary herself is a modified version of Mari, a mother/moon goddess, but that's another story for another time.)

Anyway, good luck in your search for information on Isis. As always I suggest that if you are deeply drawn to Her, approach Her directly and simply. Just sit down, light a candle and pray to Her: "Mother Isis, reveal yourself to me. Thank you."

A lot of times we Pagans go rooting through books for information on gods and goddesses and somehow forget the fact that they are real beings, and can be approached directly. Isis in particular, in my experience, is very approachable, and She will reveal Herself to you if your heart is sincere and open.

[Myst]

Incidentally, in that vein, people who are interested in this thread will want to search for "black madonna" threads here at MW as well.

[fulcanelli]

Here's a few Llewellyn Isis books. I think these guys own a corner of the moon or something (try searching for 'moon magic' and you'll see what I mean)...

*"Isis Magic"
by M. Isidora Forrest
Paperback: 600 pages Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.; ISBN: 1567182860; (March 1, 2001) . List Price (U.S.) $29.95.



*"The Mysteries of Isis: Her Worship and Magick" (Llewellyn's World Religion & Magic Series)
by Detraci Regula
Paperback: 320 pages, Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; ISBN: 1567185606; (January 1999). List Price (U.S.) $19.95.

AN OUT OF PRINT TITLE...

*"The Secret Teachings of the Temple of Isis: A Self-Preparation for the New Age" (Llewellyn's High Magick Series)
by Ishbel
Paperback: 322 pages, Publisher: Llewellyn Publications; ASIN: 0875423191; 1st Ed. edition (October 1989).

A NEW ONE, AND IT'S NOT EVEN BY LLEWELLYN!!!

*"Circle of Isis: Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches"
by Ellen Cannon Reed, Eileen Cannon Reed
Paperback: 319 pages, Publisher: New Page Books; ISBN: 1564145689; (June 14, 2002). List Price (U.S.) $14.99.

Book Description
The author shows how she, her coven, and her friends, have come to know the deities of ancient Egypt, and how these Gods and Goddesses have enriched their lives. Included are meditations and techniques to help the readers bring those deities into their own lives.
Also included are songs for the deities, rituals, information on hieroglyphs, two new forms of divination, names, incenses, oils, information and recipes for an ancient Egyptian feast, sources for statuary and other items, and even the best sites to visit on the World Wide Web. Instructions on the creation of a wand, nemyss, kilt, and sistrum are included.

This book does not pretend to recreate the religion of Ancient Egypt, but rather to bring knowledge and worship of its deities into modern Pagan practice. Readers will have the tools to continue learning and developing their own methods of honoring the Gods and Goddesses of Tamera, the Beloved Land of the ancient Egyptians.
-------------------------------------
***"The Veil of Isis, Or Mysteries of the Druids" by W. Winwood Reade. Paperback, Publisher: Newcastle Publishing Co; ISBN: 087877176X; (December 1992). List Price (U.S.) $9.95.

Book Description
The Veil of Isis, Or, Mysteries of The Druids is a fascinating and absorbing book that offers fresh and stimulating insights. W. Winwood Reade's impressive work is a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Celtic history; a readable, balanced and valuable history and a landmark in the neglected terrain of the ancient Druids.
This splendid study masterfully reconstructs the great history, myths and theology of the ancient Druids and illuminates the early religions that spawned them. The book begins with the ancient tales of Osiris and Isis, and what follows is pure enchantment as you enter the long-suppressed mysteries of the Druids.

Through careful and thorough exploration of the rich remnants and writings of Britain's ancient people, Reade provides a startling account of these political and religious rites forever surrounded by aura and fantasy. Translating mythic and mystical experience into elegant, poetic language, Reade reconstructs the development and eventual decline of this secret society.

[Lucius]

I know a lot about it...if you have any questions, or just wanna talk....get back to me. I chose the name "Lucius" specifically for the reason that he was a devotee of Isis. I also have books on Isis, much info, copy of "The Golden Asse" and I am a member of the Fellowship of Isis.

[TYRRHENUS]

Only thing I know is that they were big when Paris was founded... the very name itself comes from 'par Isis', 'by Isis'.
Many thanks to Lucius for reviving this thread.
Doesn't the name Paris come from a Greek hero of the same name? The guy who killed Achilles?

[Lucius]

Many thanks to Lucius for reviving this thread.
Doesn't the name Paris come from a Greek hero of the same name? The guy who killed Achilles?

I think you are right...it seems I've heard something like that before. hehehe...and, you are welcome for me reviving this thread...*hugs*

[argento_occhi]

i'd recommend 'the mysteries of isis' by detraci regula. i've borrowed it several times from the library. Very good. Nice and simle. I know a coiple of others have recommended it too, but i thought i'd add my support to a very useful book.
bright blessings
argento_occhi

[Ben Gruagach]

There is a good scholarly book about Isis worship that is out. It's called "Isis in the Ancient World" and was written by R. E. Witt.

There are some good black-and-white photos of Isis statues and things like that too. Lots of discussion of archeaological finds from across Europe (including the UK) that prove Isis was worshipped quite widely.

[Convallaria]

Only thing I know is that they were big when Paris was founded... the very name itself comes from 'par Isis', 'by Isis'.
This site: http://www.robertbauval.com/articles/isisofparis.html explains much of the influence Isis had on Paris.

[TYRRHENUS]

Oops, I was wrong.
The word Paris derives from a mainland Celtic tribe called the "Parisii" who settled in the area circa 250 BCE.
The first mentioning of the name Paris as a city appeared in 207 CE in a text entitled "CIVITAS PARISIORVM." Which I'm guessing from the name would be a population/census ledger.

But getting back to the initial query, there was a temple dedicated to Isis somewhere in Rome. Maybe that helps.

[Lucius]

But, you were right...Isis had a lot of influence on Paris. Go to the site referenced before by another user. Also, there was a temple dedicated to Isis and it is now a Catholic place, but the use the same altar that was originally in the Temple Of Isis there. I'm pretty sure it is in the Notre Dame Cathedral. And, we all know that "Notre Dame" means "Our Lady". ;) :floating:

[Lucius]

*meow* :strike:

[Lucius]

felt like doing this: *bump*

[Nantonos]

Oops, I was wrong.
The word Paris derives from a mainland Celtic tribe called the "Parisii" who settled in the area circa 250 BCE.

Correct, although the settlement date is new to me - source please?


The first mentioning of the name Paris as a city appeared in 207 CE in a text entitled "CIVITAS PARISIORVM." Which I'm guessing from the name would be a population/census ledger.

Why would you guess that? Its clear - the Civitas (capital) of the Parisii. Lots of other towns had similar names (likely, a formalisation of what they were called all along once they started to drop the official, political names like 'Cesarodunum' and 'Augustodunum' dating from the Augustan reforms.


But getting back to the initial query, there was a temple dedicated to Isis somewhere in Rome. Maybe that helps.

Temples to Isis (or Isis and Serapis) were plentiful.

A useful introduction to Isis in the Roman Empire (originally from 1971 but republished recently) is

Witt, R.E. (1997) Isis in the Ancient World, John Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-8018-5642-6

[Nantonos]

Not sure if this author wrote the book Ganga mentioned, but Normandy Ellis is a Tameran whose works concentrate mostly on Isis magic. You have to be careful with her work, though. I was reading last night a book she wrote. She was describing how Osiris is the corn that is trampled into the ground that rests in shadow and then grows to feed the people.

There was no corn in ancient Egypt.

There was, although of course the corn was wheat, not maize. Different cultures use the word 'corn' to refer to different staple crops.

In fact, Egypt was where the corn dole came from (the free corn given out to the poor of Rome). Egypt was the breadbasket of the Roman Empire.

[Nantonos]

Only thing I know is that they were big when Paris was founded... the very name itself comes from 'par Isis', 'by Isis'.

This is incorrect. Its anachronistic. You can't take a modern language (French) and then derive from it the name of a city founded long before there was a France, or a French language.

When the city that is now Paris was founded, it was called Lutetia.

[guhlitz]

You can't be see serious!
Laughing internally.........

Ok, start with Blavatsky.

[Nantonos]

You can't be see serious!
Laughing internally.........

Ok, start with Blavatsky.

Wondering what you are talking about. What have the fevered imaginings of Mme. Blavatsky got to do with this?

[BrightStar]

There was, although of course the corn was wheat, not maize. Different cultures use the word 'corn' to refer to different staple crops.

In fact, Egypt was where the corn dole came from (the free corn given out to the poor of Rome). Egypt was the breadbasket of the Roman Empire.

Thank you!!!
People are always using the word 'corn' to disprove certain writings.It's hard to convince them that the word corn was used for many different grains,usually wheat.
Lots of wheat in ancient Egypt.
What we in the USA call corn,is maize.
Peace and Love
BrightStar

[Nantonos]

Thank you!!!
People are always using the word 'corn' to disprove certain writings.It's hard to convince them that the word corn was used for many different grains,usually wheat.
Lots of wheat in ancient Egypt.
What we in the USA call corn,is maize.

Yup (which in Britain is called sweetcorn, to distinguish it from corn, which is wheat, except when its barley).

On the other hand, if you see references to the ancient Irish potato goddess or to traditional pumpkin lantens, be on your guard. (Halloween lanterns in Scotland and Ireland were and are made of turnips; the potato and the pumpkin are recent introductions).

And Socrates was poisoned with hemlock the umbeliferous plant, not hemlock the american evergreen tree. But I digress.