The ancient Egyptians honored their gods through elaborate rituals, festivals, and sacred ceremonies, believing that divine favor could bring prosperity, protection, and renewal. One of the lesser-known but deeply powerful festivals is the Festival of Au Set, celebrated on March 14. This sacred day honors Isis (Au Set) in her role as the Snake Goddess—a divine force who wards off poverty, grants prosperity, and ensures protection against misfortune.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- The origins and mythology of Isis (Au Set)
- Her connection to snakes and divine power
- The significance of the Festival of Au Set
- Ways to honor and work with Isis on this special day
Who is Au Set (Isis)? The Universal Goddess of Magic and Protection
Au Set, more commonly known as Isis, is one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. She embodies motherhood, magic, healing, wisdom, and sovereignty, making her a deeply revered goddess across the ancient world. Her name, meaning “Throne”, signifies her role as the foundation of divine rule—she is the one who ensured the power of kings through her son, Horus.
Mythology and Importance
Isis is best known for her role in the Osirian myth, where she rescues and resurrects her husband, Osiris, after he is murdered by his jealous brother, Set. Through powerful magic, she conceives their son, Horus, who later avenges his father and reclaims the throne. This myth establishes Isis as a goddess of divine magic, resilience, and the protector of the rightful ruler.
Beyond her familial role, Isis is a goddess of the people. Unlike some Egyptian deities who were mainly associated with kingship, she was worshipped by commoners, priests, and rulers alike. Temples dedicated to her were found all over Egypt and even in Rome, Greece, and beyond.
Isis as the Snake Goddess: Guardian Against Poverty
While Isis is most commonly depicted as a maternal goddess with a throne-shaped crown, she also has an important serpentine aspect. Snakes in Egyptian mythology symbolize:
- Wisdom and transformation – Shedding old ways and embracing new beginnings.
- Divine protection – The cobra (uraeus) was a royal emblem of the pharaohs, representing Isis’ safeguarding presence.
- Wealth and abundance – Serpents were believed to guard treasures and sacred spaces.
The Cobra and the Uraeus Connection
The uraeus, a stylized rearing cobra, is a direct symbol of Isis’ protective power. In many ancient depictions, she is associated with the cobra goddess Wadjet, who was a fierce protector of Egypt and its rulers. This connection reinforces Isis’ ability to ward off misfortune and poverty, ensuring her followers receive divine blessings and material security.
The Festival of Au Set on March 14 specifically honors this aspect of Isis—the divine Snake Goddess who shields her devotees from financial and spiritual destitution.
The Festival of Au Set: Celebrating Prosperity and Protection
Origins of the Festival
While many Isis festivals were widely celebrated in ancient Egypt, March 14 was a special day devoted to her aspect as the Snake Goddess of Prosperity. It was believed that during this time, Isis’ energy was at its peak, making it an ideal day to petition her for abundance, protection, and financial well-being.
Ancient Egyptians saw wealth not just as material riches but as a harmonious balance of resources, health, and spiritual fulfillment. This festival was a time to realign one’s life with the flow of prosperity and divine favor.
Ancient Rituals and Traditions
The Festival of Au Set was celebrated through a variety of sacred practices, including:
- Offerings at temples – Devotees would bring milk, honey, bread, and beer to Isis’ temples as an offering for prosperity.
- Serpent amulets – People wore or carried cobra-shaped amulets for protection and financial success.
- Cleansing rituals – Ritual baths and purification ceremonies were performed to remove spiritual blockages.
- Prayers and invocations – Egyptians recited hymns and spells calling upon Isis for abundance and security.
Some followers also observed community feasts, sharing food and blessings to encourage generosity and mutual prosperity.
How to Work with Isis on the Festival of Au Set
For modern practitioners who wish to honor Isis on March 14, there are several meaningful ways to connect with her energy. Whether you follow Kemetic, Pagan, or spiritual traditions, you can incorporate these powerful rituals into your practice.
1. Set Up an Isis Altar
Creating a sacred space for Isis allows you to focus your energy and devotion. Here’s what to include:
- A statue or image of Isis – Preferably one with a cobra or the uraeus.
- Candles – Gold, green, or blue to symbolize wealth, wisdom, and protection.
- Offerings – Milk, honey, dates, and bread (traditional Egyptian sacred foods).
- Crystals – Lapis lazuli (for wisdom), citrine (for abundance), and turquoise (for protection).
- Snake symbols – To honor her as the Serpent Goddess.
2. Invocation and Prayer to Isis
On this day, speak directly to Isis, asking for her guidance, blessings, and prosperity. You can use the following invocation:
“Mighty Isis, Serpent Goddess of wisdom and wealth,
Guardian of the throne and mother of magic,
I call upon you on this sacred day.
Wrap me in your protection, remove poverty from my path,
Fill my home with abundance and my heart with your light.
I honor you now and always. So it is.”
3. Light a Prosperity Candle
- Take a gold or green candle and carve Isis’ name into it.
- Dress it with cinnamon or frankincense oil (both sacred to her).
- Light it while visualizing prosperity flowing into your life.
- Let it burn safely while meditating or journaling.
4. Wear or Carry a Snake Amulet
Since Isis is honored as a Snake Goddess, wearing serpent jewelry or carrying a small cobra charm can align you with her energy. If you don’t have one, simply draw a small serpent symbol on paper and carry it with you.
5. Perform a Wealth Manifestation Ritual
- Take a bowl of water (symbolizing the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt).
- Place coins, seeds, or gemstones in the water.
- Stir the water while chanting Isis’ name and asking for abundance.
- Let it sit overnight, then use the water to bless your home.
6. Donate or Share Abundance
Since this festival also emphasizes protection from poverty, consider:
- Donating money or food to those in need.
- Sharing wealth through gifts or generosity.
- Helping someone in financial hardship.
This aligns with Isis’ teachings of compassion, abundance, and divine justice.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Power of Isis
The Festival of Au Set is a beautiful time to honor Isis as the Snake Goddess of Prosperity and Protection. Whether you seek financial success, spiritual renewal, or divine guidance, working with her on March 14 can bring blessings and transformation.
By setting intentions, performing sacred rituals, and embodying her wisdom, you can align yourself with the energies of abundance and security—not just on this day, but all year long.
May Isis bless your path with prosperity, wisdom, and divine protection!
Would you like a printable ritual guide for this festival? Let me know! 😊
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