Temple of Isis Michigan and Treasures of Isis Jewelry Designs

The Temple of Isis Michigan,is a temple devoted to the enrichment of the lives of those who follow the Egyptian/Kemetic Earth religion. There is no other group like this the in Western Michigan area.  We have been in existence for almost four years, but slow to start, in part due to the economy. However, there has been a sudden upsurge in interest in TOIM. It seems in our area, there have only internet groups devoted to this faith and I wish to change that by creating a close by real time organization where individuals can meet up, talk, discuss the God/desses- or Netjeru (pronounced "Neetch-er-oo)

of Egypt and celebrate rituals and holy days. All are welcome, as long as you are respectful of our beliefs and the people who have come to join us.

MeritAset Una Nefer

Egyptian Dreams!

There is a day when your life has reached the ultimate mundane. You lie down to rest and suddenly you find yourself, unbeknownst you how, but you are moving through a crowd of people along the Nile River. You are chanting, dancing and singing with the revelry that is spinning around you. You find yourself in the center of a major festival of ancient Egypt. The Heb Sed? Or an Osirian Mystery Play? The Festival of Drunkenness for Mut? Or the Festival of Bast at Bubastis? But its in The ancient Land of Kemet. The holiest of lands. The cradle of spirituality. You dance, stamp your feet in the sand, sing, and chant along. You ring your sistrum and chime your bells. You drum and sway your hips and dring beer and cheer with the crowd. then, out come the priests, the Heb-Netjer. The High Priest, carrying the Bark of the God/dess. the ppl crowd around, praying and reaching out to touch the Holy Golden Barque of the God/dess. It could be Aset, Asar, Amun, Mut, Khonsu, Ptah, Ra, Sekhmet, Het Heret, Heru...any of the God/desses of ancient Kemet. The crowd cheers and raises their hands in praise. The Henu. And the Heka. The drumming, strings and flutes become louder and the crowd whirls and sways with the beat of a thousand drums. Sweat pours from your body, you feel your linen clothing sticking to the sweat of your body and yet you still dance, whirl and sway to the never ending celebratory beat. You are now one with the Netjeru of ancient Kemet. You are a holy one, celebrating and worshipping so that in time you will reach the Amentet, the afterworld. The Field of Reeds. That Place of Eternity to be embraced by Hathor, Goddess of the West and taken into the arms of Nut, the Blessed Sky Goddess to rise into heaven. The wonderous place where you want for nothing and see your loved ones again. But now, you give your prayers to the God/dess upon the Holy Barque. As you dance into ecstasy, and you find your communion, you feel closer and closer to each and every aspect of Egypt. The Nile, the Lotus (Sheshen), Papyrus, and all the bounties this land has to offer its beloved people. Dance! Dance! and keep dancing! This is your land, it is our land. It is the God/dess's land. The land of plenty and the place of holiness. Anuk Kheperi-i-ba Netjeru. Anuk MeritAset Una Nefer. Anuk meset kmt. Anuk Dua pa'a Neb Asar! Anuk dua pa'a Nebet Aset! For this moment, you are Egypt! Egypt is in my soul, my heart and my spirit. I am truly a Child of Egypt and a Daughter and Priestess of Isis.

This image came to me in deep meditation one night after a long and difficult day. I was honored to have been given such a wonderful gift of vision on this night. (MeritASet)

INVOCATION TO THE MOTHER GODDESS

Nehes, nehes, nehes,

Nehes em hotep

Nehes em Neferu

Nebet Hotepet

Weben em hotep

Weben em Neferu

Nutjert en Ankh

Nefer em pet

Pet em hotep

Ta em hotep

Sat Nut, Sat Geb, Merit Asar.

Nutjert Asha renu

Anek harak, Anek Harak

Tua Atu! Tua Atu!

Nebet Aset!

Anuk Dua Pa'a Nebet Aset!

Above, the image of the life-giving Het-Heret (Hathor).  The milk that is spilling over from Her breasts, constantly  nurturing Egypt and the world and all those who acknowledge Her as Goddess of Love, beauty, life, dance and Goddess of the West.  She is  the Goddess who carries forth the newly dead and welcomes them into the underworld.  They are comforted by Her presence in which they are given the Ankh of Life by Hathor.  This picture, to me, represents all that is about Hathor. Loving, strong, nurturing, faithful, dynamic, beautiful and yet, She can very muc have a dark side to her.  She IS the Eye of Ra afterall.  Dances are in Her name, and She is my inspiration to bellydance. When I go forth to dance, I invoke Her silently, or outloud to bring about my own personal devotion and strength dedicated to Het Heret while I dance. My dancing is my devotional offering to Her.

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"RAISE YOURSELF, O KING! YOU HAVE YOUR WATER, YOU HAVE YOUR INUNDATION, YOU HAVE YOUR MILK WHICH IS FROM THE BREASTS OF MOTHER ISIS!"

Pyramid Text, Utterance 413.

The herald of the inundation of the Nile River, upon the rise of the Sothis star, the star of Mother Isis

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Below: My sacred altar space devoted to Isis and the Egyptian Netjeru.

This is my new shrine which is composed of many new items, including my Egyptian sand from the Giza Plateau that was given to me from a friend I also have a malachite heart Scarab that represents my heart for the afterlife.  I keep it close to my heart even when away.

This shrine is my link to the spiritual world. The link to the Egyptian Netjeru. Daily I read from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, or rightfully known, as The Book of Coming out By Day.  And I am sure to include my Heavenly Father, Osiris in my prayers daily, as well as Atum-Ra, Hathor, Nebet Het, Sekhmet and Bast, as well as a host of other Netjeru.

MeritAset Una Nefer

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RECOMMENDED READING MATERIAL TO GET YOU STARTED: Magazine M

MAGAZINE: (QUARTERLY): 

KMT; A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt:  Subscription information at.  www.kmtjournal.com  (a great magazine that gives updates on current archaeological digs, museums and events and information on little known ancient Egyptian sites. This is a fun and informative magazine with articles and information by such Egyptology luminaries as Dr. Zawi Hawas, Kent Weeks, Salima Ikram Otto Schreider and so on.  I have been subscribing to KMT for about three and a half years now and I love every issue.

BOOKS:

OOKS:

Egyptian Paganism for Beginners: by Jocelyn Almond & Keith Seddon

The Daughters of Isis: By Joyce Tyldesley

Trancendent Love: The Passion of Isis and Osiris: by Normandi Ellis

Awakening Osiris: The Egyptian Book of the Dead. By Normandi Ellis (This is a very well informed rewritten book based on the spells and sayings of the original Book of the Dead, But with a modern and contemporary relevance to today's society.  It is a much more easily read book than the transliterations of over 100 years ago. 

The Great Goddesses of Egypt: By Barbara S. Lesko

Isis Magic: By M. Isadora Forrest

The Mysteries of Isis: Her Worship and Magic: By DeTraci Regula

Circle of Isis: Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches: by Ellen Cannon Reed

OLDER HISTORICAL READING MATERIAL:

The Pyramid Texts, The Coffin Texts and The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead: Transliteration by E.A. Wallis Budge or by R.O. Faulkner.  Of the two, my preference would be Faulkner. Budge's material is at least a hundred years old and has outdated information in it, but there is some relevant information in some of his works. Both offer transliterations of the various hieroglyphic works.

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MY FELINE FRIENDS:

So far, I have these adorable pictures of Mika, but lost my pictures of Nicholas in the change over to the new computer. But I will soon get new pictures of him on this website.

Mika was found on US 131 in West MI, heartlessly abandoned with her whole family, and she was the sole survivor of them all.  She was found by a former family friend who brought her to me. I instantly fell in love.  Mika was about 2-3 weeks old when I got her and she never grew beyond the size of a five month old kitten.  She is almost five years old and still looks, acts and sounds like a baby kitten! With the biggest golden eyes you could ever see! 

Nicholas was brought to my work place when I worked in Atlanta as a veterinary technician in an emergency clinic, which was my carreer before the disability. He had been horribly mistreated and left for dead on a busy Atlanta road.  No one wanted to deal with him because of his aggressive nature. But I fell in love with him because he NEEDED someone to love him.  He is now nine years old and still my dearest boy.  He is about 20 lbs and very lovable to me, but shy of strangers.

My cats are my best friends, thus they hold a very special place in my heart, and on this website.  They are as much a part of me as my spiritual life. 

The cruelty of humanity when it comes to animals never ceases to amaze me, but that is why I donate my time with various humane societies to nurture orphan kittens, where I feel the most love.

MeritAset Una Nefer

Cat Momma, cat lover and animal rights advocate!

 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: (please also read the announcement on the events page.)

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On December 5, 2009, in Wayland, MI the Wayland Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the annual Holiday Art Hop.  I will be vending my jewelry at this event. It is in the Wayland Carpet building on Superior St.  The event runs from 5pm-9pm.

You need to take US 131 to exit 64 and go east. Go to the second traffic light and turn right.  Go about 1/4 mile and you will see Wayland Carpet on the right side of the road.

If you have questions, contact the Wayland Chamber of Commerce at Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce
117 South Main ~ Suite #6
Wayland, MI  49348
p 269.792.9246

f  269.509.4512 (please note new fax)

Visit our website  www.waylandchamber.org

I look forward to seeing you there!

MERITASET UNA NEFER. 

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December meeting for the Temple of Isis Michigan:  December 12, 2009-Saturday in Hastings, MI.  Please contact me by email to get directions.(belovedofisis2@yahoo.com)  And please bring a vegetarian dish to pass and any altar items you wish to use in our celebration. Because it is so close to Yule, we will also be celebrating Yule.  I hope you can make it and we can finally have a wonderful get together for the Temple of Isis. Thanks and Isis love and light. MeritAset 

 MIKA

Temple of Isis Michigan:

 
 We are about a three and a half year old facility in creation that is devoted to the reverence of the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses (Netjeru).  It is also a teaching organization for those who wish to learn the ways of ancient Egyptian faith, in the 21st century.
 I would like to welcome you to join this new group I have founded for those of us who reside in the state of Michigan and the Great Lakes area. (but not restricted to such persons). It is intended to provide yet another forum for those who practice or are deeply interested in the Great Egyptian Mysteries. Our intention is to not compete with established Egyptian spirituality organizations.
Rather it is to provide a forum for those who may not otherwise have an outlet for their beliefs based on geographical location or other reasons. One does not have to follow specifically the Egyptian/Kemetic path to join, however, respect and value for our belief system is required.  Wiccans and all other Earth spirituality members are absolutely and most certainly welcome. Our group will begin with monthly or every other month group meetings, teaching seminars, rituals, discussions on various God/desses and fellowship and fun gatherings with interested parties at locations, likely in Grand Rapids, Michigan or the surrounding area.  This information will be sorted in the future as our organization grows. We are also an educational organization thus, doing research about what we discuss is important. As we grow, in size and membership, My goal is to have and hold Kemetic/Isian rituals and celebrations devoted to the ancient God/dess of Egypt. This is an educational and spiritual organization, not a cult. One does not have to change one's belief system or completely alter your life to be  a part of TOIM.  There are no dues or membership fees. No forms to sign. This is a group meant purely for enlightenment, connection with the Divine Mother Isis and to the land, culture and Netjeru of ancient Egypt.

I welcome all to join and indulge in the opportunity for self expression and to share your wisdom to those who may be new to the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt. The exchange of information is the best way to learn and that is what TOIM is here for.

May the Blessings of Isis enfold you for eternity.

MeritAset Una Nefer, Priestess of Isis, Priestess, Temple Of Isis Michigan.

ANUK DUA PA'A NEB ASAR!"

"I PRAISE THE GREAT LORD OSIRIS!"

"Come in peace...so says Osiris.  You shall see me in my great Atef Crowns which Ra gave to me and which Atum and the Enneads made firm for me, being pleased about it.  You shall see Me...with My uraei on my brow and My Atef Crowns on My head, My staff in My grasp and My knife in My grip, My image of Truth on MY shoulder and crookedness under My feet.  I confirm powers, I promote positions, I obstruct foes who shall come opposing Me, because I have appeared as Ruler of the Sky and King of the Earth, and my foes fall through fear when they see Me.  I am exalted in My great Atef Crowns which are in Ninsu, and I indeed am your Father, O  My offspring upon Earth.

------from Coffin Texts, spell 313, translation by R.O. Faulkner

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Osiris is my holy and heavenly Father.  When I need guidance, countinence and strength, Osiris is my Djed. He is the strength of my spine, and of my soul. As the Husband of Aset (Isis) Their energies are entwined always and when one comes through, the other naturally does too. So when praying to either, I feel the energy of both the Neter as  They are forever bonded in eternity. 

This Picture to me, tells the tale of the love between Isis and Osiris. It is a very erotic and yet, loving image of how they felt about each other.  I dont know who painted this image, but I thank whoever did, as it expresses in deep beauty, love and eroticism the love between two souls meant for one another.

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IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR, SWEET ISABELLA

IN MEMORY OF ISABELLA: 5/98-2/20/2009 

I wish to share on this page a memorial to my beloved kitty Isabella who passed away on february 20, 2009.

Isabella was a very special cat to me. She was once a barn cat and I arrived to a farm for a Pagan event with two other woman. As we walked three abreast, this little brown kitten ran out in front of me and rolled over on her back, as if she was saying "you! I pick you!"  So I picked her up, and the house owner said, rather crudely, "Uh uh, that thing goes OUTSIDE!"  Nevertheless I was disgusted and asked if she showed up again, could I have her.  She said yes.  But I thought I would not see the little six month old kitten again.

But when we left, she was waiting for me at the back steps!! She knew she was coming home with me. I really had no choice in the matter. ;-) We spent nearly 11 years together, and she saw me through some very rough times in my life. Bad and abusive relationships,  cruel partners, cruel people during bad fundraiser incidents and so many  other life altering ordeals. And she never had a sick day in her life except minor things cats get. And she stuck by my side through it all. Never ever denying me the right to cry in her wonderful brown fur.

And she saw me through my wonderful cross over into Egyptian spirituality. She has always been a healthy cat. Until March of 2008. She developed a chronic cough. My veterinarian said it could be a number of things and we medicated her accordingly. It stopped for awhile. But after while, it got worse and worse, and over the year I saw her health decline more and more.  I was a former veterinary technician and I had a bad feeling. Six days after moving into my new apartment, Isabella fell so ill that she could not  function anymore.  She told me with her lovely jade green eyes, "Momma, its time to let me go." 

 My mother and youngest brother attended the euthanasia with me, and Isabella purred to the very end. The last thing we saw were each others' eyes. I saw her soul leave her precious body and come through me.  I miss that little brown cat so much that at times still I am inconsolable. 

I will never ever forget the loving eyes and sweet chirps of this beautiful Child of Bast.  Momma Bast has Isabella safely with Her now and I know she comes to me at night. I will always love and adore you, my little brown cat with big emerald eyes! Blessed Be my little Isabella. My little gentle, Southern Belle from Atlanta.  

Love, your Momma, MeritAset Una Nefer