The occult community has a recurring debate surrounding old magic and its effectiveness compared to modern magic. While I generally believe old magic is more effective, I don’t believe it is effective just because it is old. I think it is more effective due to a better understanding of the technologies of magic.
Part of proving to myself that I really understand the principles behind the magic of antiquity (especially the Greek Magical Papyri/PGM), involves creating entirely new spells using ancient tech. I consider the new spells to be successful if they are intended to get a result, and then clearly achieve that result with the same level of effectiveness I have come to expect from the PGM.
One type of spell found in the Greek Magical Papyri and in other magic of antiquity, is the narrative charm, also known as a historiola. Christopher Faraone describes their nature as short mythological stories that provide a paradigm for desired magical action.
With the knowledge that Isis was a very popular goddess to call upon for healing in Late Antiquity, I researched texts and inscriptions that praised her skill as a healer and detailed the reassembly of Osiris. Using the same language found in these sources, I crafted a new spell that calls on Isis for general healing, but especially for injuries, pain, and degenerative issues.
This spell can be recited or used as a written charm. It does not require an existing relationship with Isis. Repeat as often as needed. Isis does not require an offering, but would appreciate one, even a glass of water or stick of incense. It is her power that heals via this spell.
“…in which short mythological stories provide a paradigm for a desired magical action”
Christopher Faraone
Inspired by the Great Hymn to Osiris, as found on the Stela of Amenmose; the Pylon doorways at Denderah, and Coffin Texts 74 and 106.
Spell to Isis for Healing
by Alison Chicosky of Practical Occult
Isis served as protector of her brother,
she who drove off the enemies
and put an end to the deeds of the Disturber
by the magical prowess of her mouth.
She is the one excellent of tongue
whose speech cannot fail,
effective of command,
Life is in Her hand, health is in Her fist.
She said to Nephthys, this is our brother.
Come, that we may raise his head.
Come, that we may reassemble his bones.
Come, that we may rearrange his members.
His bones were brought to him,
his limbs were reassembled for him,
what was taken from him is brought to him,
what was taken from him is reassembled for him,
so that his body may have sustenance and stability.
And as she Healed that,
May I heal this.
Art and hieratic translation by B. Niall Bjorn N
Sources
Faraone, Christopher A. “Hermes but no Marrow: Another look at a Puzzling magical Spell.” Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik (1988): 279-286.
Great Hymn to Osiris, as found on the Stela of Amenmose (Louvre C 286):
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/User:Vorziblix/Great_Hymn_to_Osiris
Pylon doorways at Denderah:
https://isiopolis.com/2025/02/23/hymns-to-isis-of-10000-names-from-denderah/
Coffin Text spell 74 and 106:
https://archive.org/stream/TheAncientEgyptianCoffin1/The%20ancient%20Egyptian%20coffin1_djvu.txt
Author: Alison Chicosky
Alison Chicosky is a scholar and practitioner of a variety of forms of thaumaturgy with a focus on results-based magic. While especially interested in both Solomonic magic and the Graeco-Egyptian magic of the Greek Magical Papyri, she is also well versed in soul-flight and psychic magic of various kinds. The founder and force behind Practical Occult (www.practicaloccult.com), she strives to provide pentacles and other enchanted items drawn from a broad background of rigorously studied ancient arts, leveraging the systems of the past for practical modern use.