I have had some problems knowing what to chose as my first subject for this blog. Obviously the subject should be about Isis, named as I was first introduced to her in the language of Greece, but as Aset as she was originally known within Ancient Egypt. The question is what should I first say about Isis. For most persons who have some sort of relationship with Isis whether through introduction to her as one of the numerous Kemetic goddesses, or through the more esoteric mode of New Age, magic centered spirituality movements Isis is viewed though the lens of a Pagan polytheistic identity, and thus she is more often seen as one goddess among many, to which one goes perhaps for healing of spirit or body.

Or perhaps one connects to her as a symbol or archetype of the soul or as a personification of esoteric knowledge, a spiritual guide, or as a giver of energies for one’s own magical work. Within these types of contexts one generally assumes that she functions in some types of work and not in others. She is one of a democracy of gods and goddesses, a part of a smorgasbord of deities one can chose to meet one’s spiritual needs. Or from the top down each deity of a broad national or international pantheon chooses for what ever reason which potential devotee to which he or she wishes to relate..

I have never thought of Isis is this manner. Basically from the time in which I converted to Isis as a follower I have been an Isis henotheist, whose worship and service is generally to Isis alone. I do accept the fact that other gods, goddesses, and spirits exist and that some worship may be due them by others and perhaps by myself. However Isis is the supreme Goddess and Creator to whom my overall loyalties lie.

I believe that Isis has many names, aspects, and persona, each of which represents Isis’ presence and work within the world. And as Apuleius and others have said she is all goddesses and each goddess is an aspect of her being. Thus while I worship her in her Name of Isis to honor the fullness of her being, I also often do worship and honor her through her other goddess names.

Thus Isis is Ma’at the spirit of truth, righteous action, and justice in all its forms. To the degree that I try to live by ma’at in my daily life I try to recall the name of Maat, of Aset Maat. Though out much of my life have had a strong interest in Athena the Greek goddess of war, defense, civilization, and of power, both mental and physical. While sometimes I see Athena as a separate individual goddess not necessarily thinking of Isis, more often than not I see her as Aset Atanna who give one the power one needs, for example, to exercise. During my dailly walks and bicycle rides I will normally recite the name of Athena or Atanna as I call on her to give me the strength and power I need continue on my way. Given my age and my tendencies toward physical laziness I need all the help that I can get. And besides this is a way of worship.

I see Isis in many other ways. She is the feeling of spring on a flowering, spring day, she is the night sky, she is Anahita the goddess of rivers and waters, she is the beauty which exists within all that exists. She has thousand of beautiful names.

Thus I see Isis as the One God, as Thea who creates out of her self the many gods, goddesses, peoples. beings, all. She is the One and the Many.