The Goddess Isis Flashcards
(6 cards)
Who was the Goddess Isis?
Isis was the Goddess of life, healing and magic. she held the power to give life, she was thought to be responsible for the yearly flooding of the Nile which watered the soil, she offered protection to shipping, she offered a hope of life after death to her followers
The Myth of Isis and Osiris?
Isis loved her brother but was overcome with grief when he was murdered, his body parts scattered all over the world. a miracle took place when Isis collected all the body parts and her brother Osiris was given a new life. Thus she became the Goddess of life.
The festival?
The festival takes place at the beginning of Spring which is the beginning of the sailing season. everyone gets a day off for the holiday.
A large statue of Isis is carried down to the harbor by her priests, dancers and musicians lead the procession. women scatter roses in front of the procession. A new ship dedicated to her is loaded with flowers and spices, it’s stern shaped like a goose’s neck and plated with gold. prayers are said and the ship is sent out to sea.
the brotherhood of Isis?
the worship of Isis was taken very seriously. Many of Isis’ followers joined a group called the Brotherhood of Isis. members had to go through a long preparation and initiation period in order to join.
preparation and initiation period?
preparation starts with repentance for your sins followed by being washed by priests as a form of baptism. you are then taught the secret mysteries of the goddess and told never to reveal them. next, ten days of fasting before the official initiation ceremony. the initiation ceremony remains a secret.
Worship of Isis?
The worship of Isis spread from Alexandria all the way to London and the Black Sea. The priests of Isis were in Pompeii were found buried in Ash holding sacred items after Mount Vesuvius erupted.
