The many faces of Isis, her prayers, and two videos

How the ancient Egyptians saw Isis.

Isis is the Greek version of the name Ast, Aset, Auset, or Iset. I chose to use Iset for my novel.

Isis then, Isis now, Isis forever

Isis was worshipped as the ideal mother (of Horus) and wife (of Osiris) as well as the patroness of nature and magic. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans and the downtrodden, but she also listened to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats and rulers. She is also known as protector of the dead and goddess of children.

The name Isis means "Throne" Her headdress is a throne. As the personification of the throne, she was an important representation of the pharaoh's power. The pharaoh was depicted as her child, who sat on the throne she provided.

Isis was arguably the most popular of the many Egyptian goddesses. From ancient Egypt, her worship spread throughout Greco-Roman world and continues today through various pagan groups and the Fellowship of Isis, which literally thousands of members and a cool castle She is one of the longest continuously worshipped deities in human history, approximately 4500 years if you calculate from the first mention of worship.

 Hymns to Isis in Her Temple at Philae

--translations by Louis Zabkar

 Praise to you, Isis, the Great One, God’s mother, Lady of Heaven,
Mistress and Queen of the gods.
You are the First Royal Spouse of Wennefer/Osiris,
The Bull, The Lion who overthrows all his enemies,
The Lord and ruler of eternity.
Praise to you, Isis, the Great One, God’s mother, Lady of Heaven,
Mistress and Queen of the gods.
You are the First Royal Spouse of Wennefer/Osiris,
One who protects her brother and watches over the weary-of heart.
Praise to you, Isis, the Great One, God’s mother, Lady of Heaven,
Mistress and Queen of the gods.
O Isis, the Great, God’s mother, lady of Philae, God’s Wife,
God’s Adorer and God’s Hand, God’s mother and Great Royal Spouse,
Adornment and Lady of the Ornaments of the Palace.
Lady and desire of the green fields,
Nursling who fills the palace with her beauty,
Fragrance of the palace, mistress of joy,
Who completes her course in the Divine Place.
Rain-cloud that makes green the fields when it descends,
Maiden, sweet of love,
Lady of Upper and Lower Egypt,
Who issues orders among the divine Ennead,
According to whose command one rules. Princess,
great of praise, lady of charm,
Whose face enjoys the trickling of fresh myrrh.

Some video hymns to Isis

Classical, but not authentic.

 

Not classical, but  might be more to your liking :-)