At this time of year, the season of Akhet in Ancient Egypt, the Nile overflowed with life-giving waters, and the people gathered for one of the most joyful festivals: the Festival of the Beautiful Reunion. At the heart of this celebration was Hathor, Goddess of love, music, fertility, and joy. Each year, her statue was … Continue reading Festival of the Beautiful Reunion: Hathor and Horus
Tag: ancient egypt
Walking with Osiris: The Feast of Resurrection
In Ancient Egypt, people gathered every year in Abydos for the Feast of Wasir—the Feast of Osiris. It was not just a festival, not just a ritual—it was a journey. For five days, they walked beside their God through mourning, death, and darkness, until at last they celebrated his resurrection and triumph. Even though thousands … Continue reading Walking with Osiris: The Feast of Resurrection
The Sacred Rhythm of the Nile – The New Year
At the heart of the Ancient Egyptian year was something truly profound—the rising of the Nile. More than just a river swelling with water, the annual inundation was seen as a divine act of renewal, a reminder that the universe still held its balance. For the people of the Nile Valley, this moment wasn’t just … Continue reading The Sacred Rhythm of the Nile – The New Year
The Hare Goddess Wenet
When we think of Easter, the "Easter Bunny" is a main topic for festivity and play. In ancient Egypt, the rabbit, or hare, was the Goddess Wenet. The Egyptians venerated the hare because of its swiftness and keen senses. The hare’s form was also taken by other deities who had associations with the Otherworld. In … Continue reading The Hare Goddess Wenet
A Magical Encounter with Goddess Hathor
Djehuti-emhab, an official of Pharaoh Ramses, had a detailed description of his personal encounter with the Goddess Hathor inscribed on the walls of his tomb in Thebes. These inscriptions are quite unique when compared to other Theban tombs. Tomb of Djehuti-emhab, ca. 1279–1213 B.C. New Kingdom Here is Djehuti-emhab's hymn and encounter with the Goddess: … Continue reading A Magical Encounter with Goddess Hathor
The Praise of Hathor, Lady of Amentet (Dweller in the Great Land)
Reflecting on our Shrine to the Lady Hathor, we come across her in the Papyrus of Ani (also known as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Translated by E.A. Wallis Budge) Hathor, Lady of Amentet, the Dweller in the Great Land, the Lady of Ta-Tchesert, the Eye of Ra, the Dweller in his breast, the … Continue reading The Praise of Hathor, Lady of Amentet (Dweller in the Great Land)
The Inundation – the New Year
At the heart of the Egyptian calendar year was the rising waters of the Nile as part of the annually-occurring inundation. Egyptians noted that the Sirius star (Sothis) would rise roughly at same time every year, which for between 3,000-2,500 BC was in late June. With the inundation usually happening shortly thereafter, the Egyptians celebrated … Continue reading The Inundation – the New Year
Hymn to Sekhmet-Bastet Goddess of Protection
The Goddess Sekhmet-Bastet is recognized in many ways; Sekhmet is known predominately around creating and putting out Fires, while Bastet is the Goddess of Protection. Sekhmet-Bastet is "the One Who loves Ma'at" and "She Who detests unrighteousness." HYMN TO THE GODDESS SEKHMET-BASTET from the Temple of the Hathor at Dendera.(cfr. Dendera III 184-185) Sekhmet-Bastet, She … Continue reading Hymn to Sekhmet-Bastet Goddess of Protection
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
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
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