Cult of Isis

(For the neopagan vampire movement, see Cult of Isis)

The Cult of Isis is a mystical tradition founded in Ancient Egypt, allegedly by the goddess Isis herself. They are custodians of the Spell of Life and helpers of the Shemsu-Heru.

Overview

The Cult of Isis is ostensibly an offshoot of the Cult of Thoth, founded when Isis turned away from the search for Ascension to help her brother-husband Osiris and son Horus in their struggle against Set. The members of the Cult pledge their loyalty to Ma'at, the principle of virtue and order, and in return learn the secret of Ra-Hekau or true magic.

The cult's fortunes have risen and fallen numerous times during its long history. Horus installed the cult in the priesthood of nearly every temple in Egypt, but by the eve of the Roman occupation they had degenerated into listless hedonists and even permitted a version of the Spell of Life to fall into the Setites' hands. Under the Romans, the cult underwent a revival, but also fragmented into numerous autonomous mystery cults. The Cult joined with the worship of other goddesses, and Isis’ name was spoken alongside those of Juno, Ceres, and Vesta. Fertility cults spread across the region in her name, and more mystery cults diluted the Cult into a myriad of sects and branches, some with radically different beliefs and purposes. Factions of the cult are now found among several Traditions, including House Shaea of the Order of Hermes, the Celestial Chorus, Verbena, and the Cult of Ecstasy. Some continue to look to Horus for guidance, but others chafe under his rule. Most continue the struggle against the Followers of Set.

In modern times, there is a new Cult of Isis that has blossomed in the wake of the Arab Spring of 2010. Led by a magician who calls herself Semet, this branch of the Cult is dedicated to a new era of healing and peace. This started as a small sect’s attempt to care for the relics and hidden wonders of the past, amid unrest and heartache. The priestess Semet organized the Cult as street medics, nurses, caregivers, and mediators. The Cult takes no points of leadership and no stance in politics, merely caring for the wounded or those caught in the middle, while hoping to keep any conflict from escalating beyond repair. The symbols of Isis’ horned-moon-disc or her widespread wings are placed as guideposts for refuge and safety. This sect of the Cult has not forgone the mystic teachings of Isis. Amidst a social media organization of amateur medics, the Cult works their magic, tending to the worst wounds that they promise “are not as bad as they appear.” Behind closed doors, the modern priesthood of Isis performs rituals to bless the hands of the workers, and sacred amulets are enchanted for protection of their members.

While Semet’s branch of the Cult grows and spreads across the region, other Cults have continued in more traditional fashions. Cults of fertility that are tied to sensuality and sex draw on natural drives of humanity — ecstatic experiences that bring one closer to the goddess and power their magic. Egyptian hieroglyphics, Demotic chanting, and precise geomantic architecture empower rituals that have been passed down for more than seven millennia. These Cults have grown and travelled far, first from Egypt to Rome, then across the Roman Empire, and now to every corner of the globe with dozens of faces for the goddess. Secretive sects that work social manipulation and control, caring sororities that revere all sacred goddesses, or some of the few who still support Horus, Isis’ immortal son, in his quest for vengeance, all revere the goddess’ name and count themselves as a Cult of Isis.

References

• First Edition
  • VTM/WOD: Mummy, p. 63-64
• Revised Edition
  • MTAs: Sorcerer Revised Edition, p. 35-36
• 20th Anniversary Edition
  • MTAs: M20 Sorcerer, p. 83