When it comes to magic, Isis played an important role, as she was associated with knots and magical power , serving as a symbol that evolved into the Knot of Isis, Buckle of Isis, or the Blood of Isis. One of the most powerful of symbols that were linked to Isis was called the tiet or tyet. The tiet looked like an ankh only it had arms that curved down and it was meant to symbolize eternal life and resurrection. The tyet was primarily used as a funerary amulet that was constructed of red wood, glass, or stone , often called the Blood of Isis.
There was also the star Spica (sometimes referred to as the Lute Bearer), where the constellation was connected to the modern Virgo and made a guest appearance throughout the year when the harvesting of wheat and grain took place. It was often associated with fertility gods and goddesses. The personification of Sirius is also attached to Isis, where just before the Nile floods, was viewed as the deliverer of fertility.
In ancient Roman times, since the goddesses of Aphrodite and Venus were likened to Isis, the rose also served as a symbol of her worship. Because of this, the public always sought after roses, making this quite the business throughout the Empire.
The connection to magic was rather strong with Isis, who needed to power of magic in order to realize her desire to resurrect Osiris with the intent to have a child with him (Horus). She learned magic and also used trickery to accomplish her goals. She fooled Ra into causing a snake to bite him, where only she possessed the cure. He would have to share with her “secret names,” which carried on into becoming a significant part in the execution of magic rituals.
By the time that late Egyptian history blossomed, Isis evolves into the most essential and powerful of deities that possess magical powers. As one begins to explore the mythology behind Isis, they will find that magic plays a central role. Magic is quite central to her existence throughout history. Since she is deeply rooted in the history of magic, Isis is known as a goddess of magic , beaten only by Thoth, who was always viewed as a leading god in magic. Her main associations were to protection and healing. This trait would also be passed on to her son, Horus.
Over the years, Isis has been referred to by many different names. A study of the Book of the Dead will reveal that she is known as “she who gives birth to heaven and earth,” “she who knows the orphan,” “she who seeks justice for the poor people,” “she who knows the widow spider,” and “she who seeks shelter for the weak people.” Other titles would also be used to describe the goddess. She was seen as “Queen of Heaven, ” Mother of the Gods,” “Lady of Green Crops,” “Star of the Sea,” “Great Lady of Magic,” “Light-Giver of Heaven,” and “The Brilliant One in the Sky. ”