The Scarab Beetle God known as Khepri was associated with the Sun God Re and quite important in Ancient Egypt. He was usually portrayed as a scarab beetle which was a symbol of regeneration, transformation and rebirth. Khepri’s name is derived from the ancient Egyptian word “kheper,” which means “to become” and “to transform.”
Khepri was depicted as a divine creator and responsible for the daily rebirth of the sun. He would emerge each morning from the underworld, pushing the sun disk up into the sky. This daily cycle of rebirth and renewal was a powerful symbol of the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth; and because of this, Khepri was closely linked to the afterlife.
In the Book of the Dead, Khepri is mentioned as one of the gods who helps guide the deceased through the underworld. In one passage, the deceased says:
“I am a scarab, the son of the morning sun. I roll up the ball of the sun and give it to Re, the lord of the sky.”
This passage demonstrated that Khepri as the scarab beetle had the power to transform the deceased into a new, reborn being in the afterlife.
In addition to his association with the sun and the afterlife, Khepri was also seen as a symbol of creation and fertility. According to ancient writings, Khepri was sometimes depicted as a ram-headed beetle, reflecting his connection to the god Amun, who was also associated with fertility and creation.
Khepri was an essential aspect of Ancient Egyptian religion, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and guiding the souls of the deceased through the underworld. His aspect as a scarab beetle was a powerful symbol of transformation and regeneration, and his influence can still be seen in the art, architecture, and religion of Ancient Egypt.
It is written that Khepri is, “the god who comes into being, the creator of the gods, the maker of the egg of the sun and moon, the one who makes his own transformations.”
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