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"Symbols are oracular forms–mysterious patterns creating vortices in the substances of the invisible world. They are centers of a mighty force, figures pregnant with an awful power, which, when properly fashioned, loose fiery whirlwinds upon the earth. —Manly P. Hall, Lectures on Ancient Philosophy, p.356. (A Freemason and influential occultist, Manly P. Hall was a leading figure in the quest for mystical knowledge.)
Throughout
history, Isis and various forms of goddess worship has played a
significant role in our world’s religious and cultural makeup. Today,
goddess veneration is still very much alive and well, and images of the
goddess–in various forms–can be identified in every state and province.
Inscribed in the temple of Isis; "I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; No mortal man hath ever me unveiled. The fruit which I have brought forth is the ‘SUN’."
Isis is the "divine mother" of ancient Egypt. She was known as the
great goddess of magic and "universal nature," and used her powers to
raise her dead (and dismembered) husband Osiris back to life (Osiris was
represented as the Sun, he also ruled the underworld). As "Virgin of the
World," Isis birthed Horus, the Egyptian
god of the sun and moon, day and night. Metaphorically speaking, Isis is
the celestial mother of the Sun (son) of god. It was her son, Horus, who
eventually killed Typhon, the Egyptian devil. And, according to legend,
Isis–mother of all–remains eternally virgin. She is often portrayed "as
the virgin with child," and is regularly depicted as one crowned with a
lunar orb and the horns of a bull.
Goddess veneration of the "virgin with child" has been a central belief for various societies throughout history, including some aspects of Christianity. Indeed, many leading occultists see striking parallels between the Roman Catholic "Virgin Mary"–the "Queen of Heaven"–and the goddess Isis. And the comparison is startling. Presently, Roman Catholicism holds Mary to be eternally virgin, just as Isis was. Catholicism also contends that Mary was without sin, making her into a type of "god." In fact, there are some who claim that Mary is the "fourth person" within the Trinity. This belief is linked to Catholicism’s claim that Mary now has a direct say in mankind’s salvation through her (Catholic) role of co-redemption and mediation. Hence, the elevated Mary becomes a "goddess" in the Catholic faith, just as Isis was a goddess in the pantheon of Egyptian deities. And just as Isis was (and still is) called "Mother of the World" and "Queen of Heaven," so too Mary is now exalted with these same titles.
While
the Roman Catholic/Isis comparison shows a tangible link between
Catholicism and the mystery religions, Mary as Biblically understood shows
little connection. Yes, Mary was the virgin mother of Jesus, Son of God,
but she didn't remain a virgin. Mark 6:3 actually lists four of Jesus’
brothers and mentions sisters as well. Nor was the Biblical Mary sinless.
Romans 3:23 makes it clear that "all have sinned"–which would include
Mary. The only exception to this rule is found in Jesus Christ (Hebrews
4:15 is one example among many that attests to Jesus’ sinless character).
The Bible makes it clear that Christ’s death and resurrection was a completed act. The Biblical Mary plays no direct role in His work of salvation. As Jesus Himself said, "It is finished." He didn’t say, "It’s finished, subject to the continuing work of Mother Mary."
So
how is Isis as a symbol used today? While finding an actual statue of Isis
may not be as easy as finding the "all seeing eye," goddess symbols are
prevalent throughout America. The great seal of Virginia features the
Roman goddess Virtus. The Statue of Liberty is a goddess representation,
with her sun-ray spikes an allusion to the headgear of the Colossus of
Rhodes, a monument to the Sun-God Helios (interestingly, Auguste Bertholdi,
the creator of the Statue of Liberty, was seeking a commission to
construct a giant Isis statue holding a torch overlooking the Suez Canal).
From the goddess atop the downtown Indianapolis circle monument to the
embossed goddess figures upon state and provincial legislative buildings,
goddess symbols are well rooted within modern America. And now a group of
New Agers has started the "Goddess 2000 Project," which seeks to have a
goddess statue or other depiction "on every block."
Internationally,
the Fellowship of Isis–an organization "dedicated to honoring the religion
of the Goddess in Her many forms"–has chapters across Germany, the United
Kingdom, and the US. It’s global headquarters is located in Clonegal
Castle, Ireland. Presently, the Fellowship of Isis offers an entire
program of correspondence studies, rites, rituals, prayers and degrees to
those wishing to advance within the goddess mystery religions.
The secret doctrine of Isis, her mysteries and powers are, according to Manly P. Hall, purposely hid from the average person. According to occult sages, properly understanding the spiritual depths of Isis requires initiation, study, and commitment. Hall explains in The Secret Teachings of All Ages, "…the great spiritual truths hidden from the world by the ignorance of the world, and the keys of the secret doctrines of the ancient philosophers, are all symbolized by the Virgin Isis. Veiled from head to foot, she reveals her wisdom only to the tried and initiated few who have earned the right to enter her sacred presence…"
The figure of Isis can also be used to manipulate the black arts. Hall states, "The figure of Isis is sometimes used to represent the occult and magical arts, such as necromancy, invocation, sorcery…" Hall continues by linking Isis and the order of Freemasonry, "In one of the myths concerning her, Isis is said to have conjured the invincible God of Eternities, Ra, to tell her his secret and sacred name, which he did. This name is equivalent to the Lost Word of Masonry. By means of this Word, a magician can demand obedience from the invisible and superior deities."
Obviously, the importance of Isis and the accompanying symbolism of goddess adoration is vital to understanding our society’s obsession with goddess worship and the occult in general. In our attempt as Christians to comprehend the roots of the New Age movement, we must be aware that Satan has tirelessly thrust the deities of ancient Egypt upon mankind for thousands of years. Ultimately though, it doesn’t really matter if "she" is called Isis, Diana, Virtus, Cybele, Rhea, or Mother Mary, the concept is always the same–the lifting up of a pagan goddess as a replacement for the true God.
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:2-3
Carl Teichrib is a Canadian based researcher and writer on globalization and the occult. He can be reached by emailing: cteichrib@email.com.
Please visit his website at www.forcingchange.org
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Symbols and their meaning