The Order of Isis

The Order of Isis also known as The Cult of Isis was a pagan and Gnostic Order that originated in ancient Egypt and later spread to the Roman Empire. Isis Barbelo was the worshiped deity in the order and held significant influence and significance in both Egyptian and Roman societies.

In ancient Egypt, Isis was a goddess associated with fertility, motherhood, and magic. Wife of Osiris, the god of the afterlife and resurrection, and the mother of Horus, the god of the sky. The myth of Isis and Osiris became one of the central narratives in Egyptian religion.

The worship of Isis in Egypt was not confined to a specific temple but was practiced throughout the country, both by common people and the ruling elite. Temples dedicated to Isis were scattered across Egypt, the most famous is the temple at Philae. She was often venerated as a protective goddess, and her cult provided solace and hope for a better afterlife. The cult of Isis also played a role in the annual flooding of the Nile River, which was crucial for agriculture in Egypt.

The Order of Isis was imported into Rome during the early centuries of the Roman Republic. It gained popularity and flourished during the Imperial period, spreading to various parts of the Roman Empire. The Roman adaptation of Isis came to encompass a broader range of attributes, combining the original Egyptian aspects with influences from other Mediterranean mystery religions.

In Rome, the order of Isis attracted a diverse group of followers, including Roman citizens, slaves, and even members of the imperial family. The appeal of the cult lay in its promise of personal salvation, a fulfilling afterlife, and a sense of community. The worship of Isis and her mystery rites often involved initiation rituals and secret ceremonies that provided a sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment to its adherents.

The cult of Isis in Rome faced some opposition and scrutiny from traditional Roman religious authorities, who were wary of foreign religious practices that did not align with the Roman state religion. Despite this, the worship of Isis and other foreign deities continued to thrive in the Roman Empire.

The Rise of Gnosticism in Alexandria with its emphasis on knowledge and the pursuit of understanding the mysteries of the cosmos and divinity, had an impact for a short period of time on paganism and traditions. Including the order of Isis.

Followers of Isis viewed Pistis Sophia Barbelo as a bridge between the spiritual world and Isis. This perspective added a deeper mystical dimension to the worship of Isis. The Order of Isis adopted certain aspects of Gnostic initiation practices to reinforce the sense of belonging and spiritual growth within their community.

Gnostic followers of Isis reimagined her myth as an allegory for the soul's journey towards enlightenment, with Isis representing the Divine Feminine and the seeker's quest for hidden spiritual truths.

The Order of Isis faced the wrath of christianity along with the rest of traditional polytheistic religions as Christianity gained prominence in the Roman Empire. By the 4th century CE, with the establishment of Christianity as the state religion under Emperor Theodosius I, pagan cults, including that of Isis, were suppressed, and many was executed and temples were destroyed.

Nonetheless, the legacy of the cult of Isis persisted. Elements of Isis worship and iconography were incorporated into early Christian art and symbolism, and some of the rituals and beliefs associated with the order influenced traditions and art.

The image of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, which is commonly seen in Christian art, comes from the image of Isis with baby Horus in ancient Egyptian art.

Holy Mary with Baby Jesus , created by Artflow.aiIsis with Baby Horus , created by Artflow.aiIn both depictions, we see a mother holding her child. Isis, in ancient Egyptian art, is often depicted as a loving and protective mother cradling her son Horus, who was considered a symbol of kingship and protection. Similarly, the image of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus portrays a tender and maternal figure holding the infant Jesus, who is believed to be the Son of God.

Another common element is the depiction of the mother and child seated on a throne. In Egyptian art, Isis and Horus were often shown seated on a throne, symbolizing their divine status. In Christian art, the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus are also depicted on a throne or in a regal setting, emphasizing their significance in Christian theology.

In both Egyptian and Christian art, divine figures are often depicted with a halo or a sun disc behind their heads, representing their divine radiance and holiness. This artistic convention was likely adopted from Egyptian depictions of Isis and other gods and later applied to Christian depictions of holy figures like Mary and Jesus.

Both in ancient Egyptian and Christian beliefs, the mother and child motif carried connotations of protection and divine care. Isis was considered a protective goddess, especially in her role as the mother of Horus. Similarly, the Virgin Mary was revered as a compassionate and nurturing figure who intercedes on behalf of believers.

In ancient Egyptian religion, the birth of Horus represented the renewal of kingship and the cyclical nature of life. In Christianity, the birth of Jesus is seen as the incarnation of God on Earth, signifying a new beginning for humanity. This connection between birth, renewal, and divinity is shared by both traditions.

Both religions featured images of a divine figure (Mithras in Mithraism and Jesus in Christianity) surrounded by twelve disciples or followers.

The concept of the Tree of Life, which appears in various mythologies and religions, is a symbol of interconnectedness and spiritual growth. It can be found in ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, and Jewish art and later appeared in Christian art as a representation of Christ's redemptive sacrifice.

Early Christian catacombs contain frescoes depicting biblical scenes and stories, which were influenced by the order of isis.

Even with the followers of the order executed and its temples destroyed, the order of isis survived through art, inside christianity itself drawing inspiration from diverse cultural and religious sources. but also in various Gnostic cults in Roman Empire.