Remembrance, Souls & Cats

For many of us, as the days grow colder and darker it is a time of reflection, remembrance and also respect for those who are on the other side of the veil. We celebrate this time with contemplative walks and decorating our sanctuaries with candlelight, the scents of lavender and rosemary, and fires in the … Continue reading Remembrance, Souls & Cats

Springtime at the Northern California Sanctuary

As the weather grows a little warmer and there is more light during the day, the population of birds swell and their sounds echo throughout our Northern California Sanctuary. With the coming of Spring there is a proliferation of bird species of all types, ranging from blue jays to robins, hawks to owls, ducks to … Continue reading Springtime at the Northern California Sanctuary

Homage to Ra from the Book of the Dead of Nekht

Today, is the 30th day of the month of Rekh Neds (season of Peret) which is a month dedicated to Amun-Ra. According to the Cairo Calendar, there is a "day of feast in Busiris. The name of the doorways [of the horizon] come into existence. House of Ra, House of Asar, House of Heru. To … Continue reading Homage to Ra from the Book of the Dead of Nekht

Wepwawet, the Opener of Ways

Listening to the coyotes communicating in howls and yips just yards away from our Sanctuary, brings to mind one of the most ancient Egyptian gods, Wepwawet (also known as Ap-aut and Sed) a wolf-like god whose worship originated in Upper Egypt. His name means "Opener of the Ways" and this has been interpreted as opening … Continue reading Wepwawet, the Opener of Ways

Heku and Healing

Egyptian medicine was the result of experimentation, observation,  and physical remedies which were supplemented by magical ones: Magic is effective together with medicine. Medicine is effective together with magic.From the Ebers Papyrus Incantations, prayers to the gods, and above all to Sekhmet, the goddess of healing, were often accompanied by herbal and other medicines to … Continue reading Heku and Healing

Blessings of Healing and Protecting Animals

These Wildlife Blessings are inspired by the Fellowship of Isis' “Autumn: Litany of the Earth.” It spreads blessings to all animals through eight deities that relate directly to living animals and their dwelling places. In these blessings, we focus on the deities of animals relating to Ancient Egypt. Blessings of Healing, Strengthening and Protecting Animals: … Continue reading Blessings of Healing and Protecting Animals

Hymn to the Goddess Meretseger, the Peak of the West

The Ancient Egyptians worshiped Meretseger, the Theban Cobra-Goddess in charge with guarding and protecting the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Meretseger's name means "She Who Loves Silence" in reference to the silence of the desert cemetery area she watched over or, according to another interpretation, she was "Beloved of Him Who … Continue reading Hymn to the Goddess Meretseger, the Peak of the West

Ancient Egyptian Divination – Invoking the Gods and Goddesses

The Ancient Egyptians practiced divination for two main purposes: to inquire about the present and obtain useful information to make changes to a situation; or to beg for assistance from a god to make desired changes to current circumstances. It was the magician who attempted to compel the God(s) to do his or her will. … Continue reading Ancient Egyptian Divination – Invoking the Gods and Goddesses

The Peaceful Awakenings of Khnum

Khnum, the ram-headed god, was one of the earliest and longest worshiped gods of Ancient Egypt. He was the Ram God of the Nile, God of Silt, God of Fertility and the potter god of creation. He was a god of the sun, predating Ra, and became the protector of Ra as they traveled through … Continue reading The Peaceful Awakenings of Khnum

The Feather of Ma’at and Shu

The land of Ancient Egypt was home to an abundance of animals and especially birds. The Ancient Egyptians believed that this world was a reflection of the divine realm and birds provided an important source of symbolism. Not only could they represent a specific deity - Ra and Horus as falcons, Thoth as the Ibis … Continue reading The Feather of Ma’at and Shu