The Goddess Isis: Ancient Mythology, Symbolism, and Influence
The Goddess Isis, also known as Aset or Eset, is an ancient Egyptian goddess who has been revered for millennia. She is one of the most important and powerful deities in the ancient Egyptian pantheon, renowned for her magic, wisdom, and compassion. Isis is often depicted as a woman with wings or wearing a throne-like hieroglyph on her head.
Mythology
Isis is the daughter of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut and the sister of Osiris, Seth, and Nephthys. She is primarily known for her role as the wife of Osiris, who was also her brother. After Seth murdered and dismembered Osiris, Isis gathered his body parts and used her powerful magic to bring him back to life temporarily, during which time they conceived their son Horus. Following the birth of Horus, Isis raised him in secrecy to protect him from Seth.
The story of Isis, Osiris, and Seth is an essential part of ancient Egyptian mythology, representing the themes of life, death, and resurrection. Isis' role as a mother and protector made her a beloved figure among the ancient Egyptians who sought her guidance and nurturing powers.
Symbolism
Isis is often depicted as a woman wearing a sheath dress and holding an ankh, the Egyptian symbol of life, signifying her role as the giver and protector of life. Isis was also associated with the Nile River, fertility, and agriculture, and her tears were believed to cause the annual flooding of the Nile.
Influence and Worship
The worship of Isis spanned across Egypt and beyond, eventually spreading throughout the Mediterranean world. Her cult became popular in the Greco-Roman period, where she was identified with several Greek and Roman goddesses, such as Demeter, Aphrodite, and Venus.
Isis was worshiped as a universal goddess, embodying the qualities of the great mother, queen, protector, and healer. Her temples were centres of healing, education, and culture. Temples dedicated to Isis were built in many cities, including Alexandria, Rome, and Athens, where her worshippers sought her guidance and help.
Influence in Modern Times
The Goddess Isis continues to be a popular figure in modern spirituality and popular culture. Her image has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. Her symbol of the ankh has become a popular symbol of life and rebirth, and many modern pagan and Wiccan traditions honour her as a deity.
Moreover, Isis has been associated with feminism and women's empowerment due to her portrayal as a powerful and independent goddess. She is often invoked as a symbol of female strength, compassion, and wisdom, representing the divine feminine archetype.
The Goddess Isis is a powerful and enduring figure in ancient mythology and modern spirituality. Her story as the protector and nurturer of her family, her association with the themes of life, death, and resurrection, and her symbolism as the embodiment of the divine feminine continue to inspire people today. Her legacy as a goddess of wisdom, magic, and compassion serves as a reminder of the importance of these qualities in our lives and the world around us.
Honouring Olivia Robertson's Legacy
One of the most influential women of recent times, to promote the worship of the Goddess Isis, was Olivia Robertson. Olivia and I corresponded during the 1990s, during which point, along with the handwritten letters and photos she sent me of herself and others taken at Clonegal Castle, Ireland, she recognised my role with Aurora. I will be forever grateful to Olivia for her support and for all the work she did, as a channel for Isis.
The Fellowship of Isis
The Fellowship of Isis is an international society dedicated to the Goddess Isis, which was co-founded by Olivia Robertson in 1976. Olivia was herself a channel for the Goddess. This spiritual organisation has touched countless lives and has been instrumental in spreading awareness and understanding of the Divine Feminine. When explaining her divine calling Olivia said:
'It was direct spiritual experience... I had a direct spiritual vocation to do this from God - the feminine aspect of God, God who is also feminine - to emphasize this... the Divine Plan appears to be to emphasize the feminine - charity, kindness, care for nature, nurturing, motherhood - all that side.' [Source.]
Olivia Robertson was born in Ireland in 1917. Raised in a family that embraced spiritualism and theosophy, she was exposed to a variety of religious beliefs from an early age. Throughout her life, Robertson was known for her literary talent, penning several novels and mythical retellings that incorporated ancient wisdom and metaphysical truths.
In 1976, Robertson, along with her brother Lawrence Durdin-Robertson and his wife Pamela, co-founded the Fellowship of Isis. The Fellowship of Isis was created as a means to reintroduce the reverence for the Goddess Isis to the modern world. Drawing inspiration from various ancient mythologies and spiritual traditions, the Fellowship emphasises the power and divinity inherent in every individual.
Olivia's work with the Fellowship of Isis was guided by her deep respect for the sacred feminine and her understanding of the innate connection between humankind and the natural world. She viewed the Goddess Isis not merely as a figure from the past, but as a living, universal essence that could be accessed and celebrated in the present day.
The Fellowship of Isis has had a profound impact on countless spiritual seekers, offering a supportive and nurturing environment in which to explore the many facets of the Divine Feminine. Members of the Fellowship come from a wide range of religious backgrounds and spiritual practices, drawn together by a shared devotion to the Goddess Isis and a commitment to living in harmony with the natural world.
Olivia Robertson was a guiding force within the Fellowship, leading rituals, workshops, and retreats that fostered a deep sense of camaraderie and spiritual growth. She travelled extensively throughout Europe, North America, and beyond, sharing her wisdom and offering guidance to others. Her warmth, compassion, and boundless energy inspired countless individuals to embrace the principles of love, compassion, and unity that are at the heart of the Fellowship of Isis.
Throughout her life, Olivia Robertson remained committed to the values and ideals of the Fellowship of Isis, earning her a reputation as a visionary and a role model for spiritual seekers. Although she passed away in 2013, her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Fellowship of Isis.
The Fellowship of Isis continues to thrive, with thousands of members around the world coming together to celebrate the Divine Feminine in all her forms. The organisation remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging its members to embrace their own inner goddess and to live in harmony with the natural world.
The life and work of Olivia Robertson have left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape. Her unwavering devotion to the Goddess Isis and her unwavering commitment to the principles of love, compassion, and unity continue to inspire and uplift those who seek to connect with the Divine Feminine. The Fellowship of Isis, co-founded by Olivia Robertson, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Goddess and the continued relevance of her teachings in the modern world.
To learn more visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fellowship_of_Isis
http://fellowshipofisis.com/
http://www.fellowshipofisis.com/oliviarobertson.html
https://www.fellowshipofisiscentral.com/