Isis

Egyptian mythology
by Micha F. Lindemans

Isis, one of the most popular goddesses in Egypt. Isis belongs to the Ennead of Heliopolis, and according to the Heliopolitan genealogy is a daughter of Seb and Nut, sister and wife of Osiris. Possibly she was originally the personification of the throne (her name is written with the hieroglyph for throne), and as such she was an important source of the pharaoh's power. In the Hellenistic time Isis was the protrectress of sailors.

In the Osiris myths she searched for her husband's body, who was killed by her brother Seth. She retrieved and reassembled the body, and in this connection she took on the role of a goddess of the dead and of the funeral rights.

Isis impregnated herself from the Osiris' body and gave birth to Horus in the swamps of Khemnis in the Nile Delta. Here she raised her son in secret and kept him far away from Seth. Horus later defeated Seth and became the first ruler of a united Egypt. Isis, as mother of Horus, was by extension regarded as the mother and protectress of the pharaoh's. She was worshipped as the divine mother-goddess, faithful consort of Osiris, and dedicated mother of Horus.

Isis was depicted as a woman with the solar disk between the cow horns on her head (an analogy with the goddess Hathor) or crowned with a thrown, but also with the child Horus sitting on her lap. A vulture was sometimes seen incorporated in her crown. Also she was sometimes depicted as a kite above the mummified body of Osiris. Isis' popularity lasted far into the Roman era. She had her own priests and many temples were erected in her honor. On the island of Philae in the Nile delta her largest temple was situated (it was transferred to the island Agilkia in 1975-1980).

The name Isis was understood by Plutarch as meaning 'Knowledge'. The story of Isis and Osiris; how Seth murdered Osiris and how Horus avenged his father.

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Brigid

Suggested Mantra: Wisdom

Goddess of light, inspiration and all skills associated with fire, she is the benefactress of inner healing and vital energy. She is the mother of all things, mistress of all the elements, Queen with divine powers, trilogy goddess of the spoken word, healing and fire.

Suggested Affirmations:

• I radiate love
• I walk in beauty
• I radiate wisdom
• I have found my spark
• I glow with creative energy
• I have all the time I need to do the things I love
• I am fired up and ready to achieve wonderful things

Related gemstones: Carnelian, coral, agate, sodalite, ocean quartz.

The Celtic goddess Brigid is the traditional patroness of healing(represented by twin serpents), poetry (the ancient Celtic traditionof see-poets and bardic lore were the primal retainers of culture and learning), and smithcraft (her sisters carry the alchemical sword and blacksmithing tongs). All of these elements are all practical and inspired wisdom and creativity.

Brigid was worshipped by the pre-Christian Brigantes as the Bringer of Prosperity, but over the centuries made the transition from pagan Mother Goddess to Virgin Mother to Christian Virgin Saint. Her magicpowers and strength over fire were consistent through her morphisms, and she successfully made the transition back to goddess again with most of her traditions intact.

She is the caregiver of the fire she keeps burning in the hearths -"it is she who hangs her cloak upon the rays of the sun and whose dwelling-place radiates light as if on fire".

She is revered with sacred trust for her divine justice in both Ireland and the highlands and islands of Scotland. The worship of Saint Brigid has persisted up until the early 20th century with herIrish followers as faithful to her as to the Virgin Mother Mary.

Her Modern Energy: Compassion, generosity, hospitality, spinning, weaving, smithwork, healing and agriculture ran throughout her various lives and evolution.

Consistent with Celtic lore, Brigid's women are honoured and highly respected. Brigid is not compromised by allegiance to one lover or husband, so is free to utilise her healing powers for the good of all.

Do This: So it is, that if you are feeling you have lost your passion, your fire, and you are wandering without goals and directions, light a candle for Brigid. As you let yourself become mesmerised by the flickering flame, try to internalise Brigid's gentle wisdom to help you escape from the maze you have created for yourself. She will lead you home to the safety of her hearth, and you can rest in safety with the knowledge that you are warm, loved, serene and wise.

Brigid, ever excellent woman, golden sparkling flame, lead me to your
fireside, warm me with your love.

Read more about Brigid athttp://www.celticheritage.co.uk/virtualshrine/brighid.cfm