ORIGINS OF ISIS
Isis originated as a goddess in ancient Egypt. She was worshipped in the Delta of the Nile as the goddess of agriculture, and increased in influence throughout Egypt as the goddess of Nature. Her sacred animal was the cow, and often she was represented in this form. Later on, cow's horns formed part of her headdress. She was associated by the Greeks with Demeter, goddess of the harvest, and Selene, who was identified with the crescent moon. However, the biggest association was with the Sun god Osiris, her husband-brother, whom she was said to resurrect from the dead. She was thought to be queen of Heaven, and as protectress of the dead. Isis was also known for her care of her son, Horos, and became the ideal mother and wife.
ROMAN WORSHIP
RECAP
Isis was known as the goddess of many different domains. She was the goddess of:
- Nature
- the Dead
- the Seas (she was often depicted with a sail in hand)
- Life and Fertility
- Immortality