Mythology of Isis/Aset
Isis is a goddess that is represented in more than one pantheon but originated in Egyptian mythology. Isis rules over women and children (especially protecting them), healing the sick, fertility, and magic. She was originally known as Aset and was shifted to Isis when her worship expanded to the Greco-Roman world. In order to stay historically accurate, she will be referred to as Aset going forward. Aset emits a loving and nurturing energy but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pack a punch. Think about the term “mama bear.” For the most part, a mother bear wants to leave others alone, but if someone threatens her family, she will rip them apart.
She is a child of Geb and Nut, the earth god and sky goddess and the sibling of Seth, Nephthys and Osiris. Aset is the wife of Osiris, who is the king of Egypt, while Nephthys is the spouse of Seth (we do not take this familial relationship as literally as we would in the present day). Aset taught the people of Egypt how to bake, weave, and brew beer. The couple was beloved by the Egyptians, which incurred immense jealousy from their brother, Seth. Seth trapped Osiris in a wooden box coated in lead and threw him in the Nile. As a result, Seth stole the throne and became the king of Egypt.
Aset, in her desperation and grief, scoured the land in search of her husband. Finally, with great effort, she found the box. Her victory was short lived when Seth discovered the box and ripped Osiris’s body into pieces and scattered his remains with hopes that this would thwart any further attempts to revive him. But Aset would not be bested so easily. In the true nature of the Divine Feminine, she soldiered on and continued her efforts.
Aset transformed into a bird with vibrant blue wings and with the combined effort of her and her sister Nephythys, found the piece of his remains and made him whole. He was bandaged and pieced together but not restored completely. Instead he was a mummy, between the realms of the living and the dead. Using her immense magical powers, Aset was able to conceive a child, and nine months later gave birth to Horus. Following the birth, Osiris was forced to descend to the underworld where he became the king of the dead. Aset hid Horus in the marshes of the Nile until he was old enough to avenge his father’s murder and take on Seth and battle for the throne that was rightfully his.
While Aset is often associated with maternal instincts and childbirth, her most notable attribute is her magical skills, which outweigh those of any other deity, even Osiris and Ra. Aset sets the example that you do not need to be conspicuous when it comes to your raw power, but instead know that it is resting just below the surface, waiting to be called on and used in times of duress.
Correspondences for Isis/Aset
*These are items you would use to honor Aset or put on an altar dedicated to her*
All of these items can be found sold at Goddess Elite
Scarab beetle symbolism
Candle
Incense(Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Musk)
Precious Resins
Statues of Aset
