The Brilliant Festival of Lights
“Just as light can literally dispel darkness, it is frequently a symbol of dispelling spiritual darkness. The Light of Isis illuminates the dark corners of our souls and shines light on our paths as we seek to understand the Divine Mystery. With our ancient sisters and brothers—initiates of the Mysteries of Isis—we can understand that the Light of Isis can help us grow in the brilliant Light of Her love, wisdom, and protection. We invite you to come on a journey with us into a joyous New Year with this celebration of Light!
As the Sun follows the Winter Solstice, beginning its new day into the West, a procession of priests and priestesses emerge from the Temple of Isis, the Great One. They make their way to the colonnade of the Grand Temple. A statue of the Goddess Isis is carried to the Grand Temple as night falls. Softly rattling sistra play and jubilant devotees express their emotions of joy – some laugh, some weep, some shout in sheer reverence for the Holy Mother.
The Celebration :
We begin the ritual with purifications of the clergy and devotees at our House of Life, and make offerings with prayer to the Divine Mother. Our High Priestess then lights the candles carried by us, each with a unique blessing. As this is accomplished, we then make our way from the House of Life to our Grand Temple, carrying the Light of Life into Her House!
Into Her House we all journey, symbolizing the the cycle of life for She is Mother of Life. Once in the Grand Temple, we place all the Candles on the altar of Light. Our High Priestess will open the rite with a blessing and a benediction, then we will invite our priestesses to offer a blessing and benediction at their home temples. We will end the ritual with a reading from the book ‘Awaking Osiris’ by Normandi Ellis, herself!
During this ritual we invite you to light a candle and envision this New Year filled with Light! As all arrive at the Grand Temple and set objects on the altar of Light as the Night begins. These objects are little prayers manifested with light. These little lights of the bright candles are symbolized by the Niles waves. The fire dances upon the Temple wall’s as if taunting spirits of the night. The candles are aflame and the fire is extinguished not in the darkness. This is a festival held at night, carrying the light of the Lady of Life into the world!”
