We have several requests to make Nile water at our next Gathering of the Priestesses & Priests of Isis. And so we shall. Here is the ritual of Making Nile Water, adapted from Isis Magic so that it is suitable for our group working.

About the Rite: The Nile River was, and is, the very lifeblood of Egypt. Throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, the waters of the Nile were famous for their sweetness and purity. To the sacred waters were attributed powers of fertility, abundance, and renewal. Naturally then, Nile water was the preferred holy water for use in Isiac ceremonies. Through consecration, any water may become sacred “Nile” water and provide us access to the powerful symbol of true Holy Water.

This rite is a Neo-Egyptian rite. It employs the magical techniques of corresponding symbols (Isis is lotus petals; Osiris is cinnamon; the priest/ess “flows” through the temple as the Nile flows through Egypt) and magical Voice, proclaiming a thing so, makes it so (provided this is done with belief).

Temple Arrangement: Altar in the east as usual; other supplies placed upon altar.

Ritual Tools: Water obtained from the river or other freshwater source nearest to you, boiled (if no natural fresh water is available, use distilled water or tap water); lotus petals—from a lotus flower or from a flower from the lotus family such as the lily, in a container; cinnamon sticks, broken, in a container; medium-to-large container for consecrated Nile water; strainer to remove petals and sticks from water.

Consecration of the Waters

All enter the temple and form a circle. Water Priest/ess moves to altar, takes up the empty water container (“krater” from now on), and elevates it.

Water Priest/ess: At the birth of Isis, the heavens rained. Therefore in the name of the One Who Came Forth in the Watery Places, we now call the waters. (To group) Repeat after me the calling of the Waters.

Water Priest/ess: We call the Waters, the purifying waters…

All: We call the Waters, the purifying waters…

Water Priest/ess: We call the Waters, the nourishing waters…

All: We call the Waters, the nourishing waters…

Water Priest/ess: We call the Waters, the starry waters…

All: We call the Waters, the starry waters…

Water Priest/ess: We call the Waters, the waters of truth…

All: We call the Waters, the waters of truth…

Water Priest/ess: We call the waters, the Blood of Isis!

All: We call the waters, the Blood of Isis!

Water Priest/ess returns krater to altar and pours river water into it.

Water Priest/ess: (Speaking as s/he pours water) And the waters answered unto the Goddess and came forth. (Adding petals) For Isis, I add the petals of the living lotus (or rose). (Adding cinnamon) For Osiris, I add the spice of the midnight sun.

(Proclaiming to all of Nature) Hear my voice. I speak the truth. By the Magic of Isis, I know that these are truly the Waters of the Nile. (Chanting into the water and repeating) By the Magic of Isis, it is so.

All: (Chanting) By the Magic of Isis, it is so.

One by one, all present rise and go to the altar, place petals and spices in the water and repeat the above. All join in the chant as each person adds to the water.

Each person: (Adding petals and spice) Hear my voice. I speak the truth. By the Magic of Isis, I know that these are truly the Waters of the Nile. (Chanting into the water and repeating) By the Magic of Isis, it is so.

When all have added their magic to the water, Water Priest/ess returns to altar and takes up the krater. Beginning in the south, s/he circumambulates the temple one time. Upon return to the south, Water Priest/ess elevates the krater.

Water Priest/ess: The Nile flows from south to north. So flow these waters.

Water Priest/ess walks from south to north across the center of the temple.

Water Priest/ess: (Upon reaching north) The life-giving waters of the Holy Nile now flow within this temple.

Water Priest/ess returns the krater to the altar. The Nile water is strained and bottled for future use. All bow to the sacred image of the Goddess.

Water Priest/ess: We thank You, Isis and Osiris, for Your blessings upon these Holy Waters.