Welcome 21 new Remetj!

Em hotep!

We've got another 21 Remetj to add to the House of Netjer membership this week. Congratulations and welcome to all of you!

Coty B. of Pennsylvania
Kel C. of New York
Carl C. of Wisconsin
Yosef C. of Louisiana
Iheb (rootnamed Robby F.) of Nevada
Paula G. of Argentina
Federico "Chay" H. of Argentina
Caleb H. of New Hampshire
Anthony I. of New Jersey
Jessica I. of Tennessee
Zurette "Sa-Ankhu" I. of South Africa
Laura K. of Pennsylvania
Mickey K. of Pennsylvania
Amber L. of North Carolina
Paul M. of Maryland
Grace P. of New York
Eldgrim S. of Sweden
Christian T. of the Netherlands
Veronika V. of the Czech Republic
"Fern" W. of Colorado
Thea W. of England

Looking forward to seeing some of you at the PantheaCon interfaith conference next weekend. I'll be giving a lecture about ancient Egyptian prayers along with a booksigning for The Ancient Egyptian Prayerbook on Saturday morning beginning at 9am.

Em hotep!<br /> <br /> We've got another 21 Remetj to add to the House of Netjer membership this week. Congratulations and welcome to all of you!<br /> <br /> Coty B. of Pennsylvania<br /> Kel C. of New York<br /> Carl C. of Wisconsin<br /> Yosef C. of Louisiana<br /> Iheb (rootnamed Robby F.) of Nevada<br /> Paula G. of Argentina<br /> Federico "Chay" H. of Argentina<br /> Caleb H. of New Hampshire<br /> Anthony I. of New Jersey<br /> Jessica I. of Tennessee<br /> Zurette "Sa-Ankhu" I. of South Africa<br /> Laura K. of Pennsylvania<br /> Mickey K. of Pennsylvania<br /> Amber L. of North Carolina<br /> Paul M. of Maryland<br /> Grace P. of New York<br /> Eldgrim S. of Sweden<br /> Christian T. of the Netherlands<br /> Veronika V. of the Czech Republic<br /> "Fern" W. of Colorado<br /> Thea W. of England<br /> <br /> Looking forward to seeing some of you at the <a href="http://www.pantheacon.com">PantheaCon</a> interfaith conference next weekend. I'll be giving a lecture about ancient Egyptian prayers along with a booksigning for <a href="http://www.egyptianprayers.com">The Ancient Egyptian Prayerbook</a> on Saturday morning beginning at 9am.

M'ap rele pou Ayiti (Calling out for Haiti)

I made my first trip to Haiti in July 2001, and I've been back twice since (2002 and 2006). The country and its people have always remained with me, and at least since 2006 I have been part of a family, an adopted child of a Vodou house in Port-au-Prince. While Egypt always has the best part of my heart, Haiti probably has the most earnest part, as it is a place equal in its beauty and its terror: the most bittersweet place I have ever loved.

Yesterday as you all already know a major earthquake hit just outside of the city, on the side where my Haitian family is. I'm using my Facebook fan page to distribute news from the family and the extended family as fast as I can since it's set to also send that information directly from Twitter. For the most part we still can't get through to anyone but we're scared. The lakou (compound) where most of them are living is a block from the palace...that palace that is completely broken now.

I'll update as I get news. Right now - Haitians need help. Keep the phone lines open so families can get out to their families outside of Haiti that they are all right. Don't call Haiti - call me or call someone else who is gathering news like me so we can keep those phones clear. Consider sending money to the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, or Wyclef's YELE HAITI, all of which I know are collecting money already, or other reputable charities that work in Haiti. When our family is accounted for and we know what's going on I'll have more news to pass on that. Pray for everybody and for this beautiful country that's already suffered too much.

Link here to my Twitter page for real-time updates as I get them.

Fanmi mwen: mwen pa bliye ou. Please be safe.

I made my first trip to Haiti in July 2001, and I've been back twice since (2002 and 2006). The country and its people have always remained with me, and at least since 2006 I have been part of a family, an adopted child of a Vodou house in Port-au-Prince. While Egypt always has the best part of my heart, Haiti probably has the most earnest part, as it is a place equal in its beauty and its terror: the most bittersweet place I have ever loved.<br /> <br /> Yesterday as you all already know a major earthquake hit just outside of the city, on the side where my Haitian family is. I'm using my Facebook fan page to distribute news from the family and the extended family as fast as I can since it's set to also send that information directly from Twitter. For the most part we still can't get through to anyone but we're scared. The lakou (compound) where most of them are living is a block from the palace...that palace that is completely broken now.<br /> <br /> I'll update as I get news. Right now - Haitians need help. Keep the phone lines open so families can get out to their families outside of Haiti that they are all right. Don't call Haiti - call me or call someone else who is gathering news like me so we can keep those phones clear. Consider sending money to the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, or Wyclef's YELE HAITI, all of which I know are collecting money already, or other reputable charities that work in Haiti. When our family is accounted for and we know what's going on I'll have more news to pass on that. Pray for everybody and for this beautiful country that's already suffered too much.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/nisut">Link here to my Twitter page for real-time updates as I get them.</a><br /> <br /> Fanmi mwen: mwen pa bliye ou. Please be safe.

Teh Ceiling Cat's Cow

Note: The following is intentional humor, given that this week's festival is a lighthearted and joyous occasion. While this blog demonstrates that I am perfectly capable of being Very Serious, I think that of late it's being forgotten that I also have a sense of humor, and the following is intended to re-establish that, as well as to answer the challenge of a child of a Cat who dared me to do it...

This is the way my cats tell the myth of this week's festival, the Establishment of the Celestial Cow, to each other....

Cuz teh d00dz r ebil, Ceiling Cat finked 2 leaf Erfs 4 gud.

He wented 2 finds His babeh gurl Nut.

She wuz nah angreh kitteh nomore (She stoppd aftr nomming teh d00dz an drinkin berz) but cow formz. srs.

An Ceiling Cat sed 2 teh kitteh-cow: "Ohai! im on ur bak, lightin ur skiez and stuffs. Nao wut?"

Den w00t! Cow iz skiez!!!1!!

Ceiling Cat sed: "go way from teh d00dz 2 see dem moar good kthx."

An Ceiling Cat's cow goed up highs.

Den She sed: "lookit meh an make meh MANEHS!" (Cos goeding up highs r boring.)

An sweet! Stars!!!1!!! srsly.

Den Ceiling Cat teh Graet sed: "i liek it heer. iz nice." An He namd dat place Sekhet-Hotep cuz it mented "nice heer" in Gyptshun.

But it wuz 2 high ups, an Ceiling Cat's cow startd 2 shaek cuz She wuz frayed ov teh hights, onoes!

Ceiling Cat sed: "plz 2 halp cow not fall down, godz? kthx." Den four godz come an holds her feets.


Read about how cats speak to each other here.

<i>Note: The following is intentional humor, given that this week's festival is a lighthearted and joyous occasion. While this blog demonstrates that I am perfectly capable of being Very Serious, I think that of late it's being forgotten that I also have a sense of humor, and the following is intended to re-establish that, as well as to answer the challenge of a child of a Cat who dared me to do it...</i><br /> <br /> This is the way my cats tell the myth of this week's festival, the Establishment of the Celestial Cow, to each other....<br /> <br /> <i><b>Cuz teh d00dz r ebil, Ceiling Cat finked 2 leaf Erfs 4 gud. <span class="fullpost"><br /> <br /> He wented 2 finds His babeh gurl Nut. <br /> <br /> She wuz nah angreh kitteh nomore (She stoppd aftr nomming teh d00dz an drinkin berz) but cow formz. srs.<br /> <br /> An Ceiling Cat sed 2 teh kitteh-cow: "Ohai! im on ur bak, lightin ur skiez and stuffs. Nao wut?"<br /> <br /> Den w00t! Cow iz skiez!!!1!!<br /> <br /> Ceiling Cat sed: "go way from teh d00dz 2 see dem moar good kthx." <br /> <br /> An Ceiling Cat's cow goed up highs.<br /> <br /> Den She sed: "lookit meh an make meh MANEHS!" (Cos goeding up highs r boring.)<br /> <br /> An sweet! Stars!!!1!!! srsly.<br /> <br /> Den Ceiling Cat teh Graet sed: "i liek it heer. iz nice." An He namd dat place Sekhet-Hotep cuz it mented "nice heer" in Gyptshun.<br /> <br /> But it wuz 2 high ups, an Ceiling Cat's cow startd 2 shaek cuz She wuz frayed ov teh hights, onoes! <br /> <br /> Ceiling Cat sed: "plz 2 halp cow not fall down, godz? kthx." Den four godz come an holds her feets.</b></i></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Read about <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">how cats speak to each other here.</a>

Homeward Bound - The Return of the Eye

Home where my thought's escaping
Home where my music's playing
Home where my love lies waiting
silently for me
- Simon and Garfunkel

The Winter Solstice is upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. As the longest night of the year, the Mother Night, it is dark and cold. This year's celebration graced the grounds of Tawy House with a small bit of falling snow; I can look out my window and watch it slowly, tenaciously, bury the yard and the gardens and the cars in the streets.

While the phrase "Mother Night" belongs rightly to European indigenous religions, we can apply it as Kemetic Orthodox even if we are not in the Northern Hemisphere, because the Solstice belongs to a Mother: the great Eye of Ra, mistress of Kemet, the Wandering Goddess Who went southward starting back at that solstice in June.

In Kemetic mythology, the Creator initially had two children, a boy and a girl, Who are referred to as His Eyes. Shu was the first and Tefnut was the second. Whether They are twins or elder brother and younger sister is not always clear, but the story says that at some point, Tefnut took offense at something Her Father said... and left wherever it was that They were all living, wandering off in anger.

Later versions populate the myth with more gods, who are upset at Her leaving as the Wandering Goddess is a solar divinity and Her leaving causes daily sunlight to lessen the further she gets from home. Eventually, either one or two gods are dispatched to find Her and bring Her back.

Shu is the first god usually given the job of finding His sister; once He has done so He gains the title-name "Anhur," or "bringer of the distant one." If a second god enters the story it is Djehuty, ever-present companion and wise helper of the Creator, Who tells the alternately bored and raging goddess fables and jokes until She calms down enough to come home.

There are people who say one of Aesop's fables about a lion and a mouse is originally Kemetic and was part of Djehuty's stories for the Wandering Eye; I can't confirm or deny it but it certainly makes an interesting thing to imagine, with the goddess standing around on the hot rocks of Lower Nubia while Shu and Djehuty try to get and keep Her attention.

Eventually, Shu/Anhur (and Djehuty) are successful. Suddenly She is filled with a desire to go home as quickly as possible. Whether it was the mention of all the great things She was missing, or the people She'd left behind or She'd simply run out of anger and changed Her mind is never detailed. Evidently that's not important to the myth, but the trip homeward is.

The Eye-Sun "breaks free of Her sojourn in Nubia" and starts north again. Various cities and towns are filled with rejoicing and laughter and music and song as She passes, racing northward, to be with Her family again, at the time of the Spring Equinox. Happily the gods welcome the Wanderer with open arms.

Maybe She'll stick around this year...at least until something sets Her off again.

This myth isn't historical truth in terms of the Seen World. It's a story used to explain the flow of seasons: why it gets dark and cold in winter and warm and sunnier in the spring, only to start turning darker again after the summer solstice. It's far more entertaining than "it takes 365.25 days for the earth to complete its solar rotation, during which time the poles are shifted on the axis of..." (Well, if you're an astrophysicist or really like astronomy the latter might be really entertaining too, but many cultures have myths around explaining the turning of the year so we seem to like to use poetic language for such events as a species).

Even if it's not "true" the myth has value, whether or not we live in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in the Southern Hemisphere can both give thanks that the Lady has finally come to Her senses and is going home; and wish Her well on the journey that takes Her away from them for half a year now, knowing She'll be back.

As a story it is entertaining. As myth it is something we can use for a holiday meditation, and beyond. From this myth, we know that time comes and goes but some things can be relied upon, like the changing of the seasons and the "wandering" of the Goddess. We understand that even gods are allowed to have emotions and to express them - and that They can be negotiated with and even change Their minds.

How wonderful is the divinity that can be free to do what She pleases - and then think better of it if it turned out not to be the best thing to do? How can we beat ourselves up about our own mistakes, our own wanderings, when we are given a myth that says that even gods sometimes have to take time out and that time away from the things that make you angry might be healthy? Or that no matter how far away you might wander, it's never too late to go home?

I'll have lots to think about while this snow keeps falling. It'll get even better when I see Her symbol, the sun, shining above it as it finishes rising. Happy Return of the Eye. May She bring all good things to you as She brings renewed light, and love, to the people Who have been waiting for Her to come back home.

<i>Home where my thought's escaping<br /> Home where my music's playing<br /> Home where my love lies waiting<br /> silently for me</i><br /> - Simon and Garfunkel<br /> <br /> The Winter Solstice is upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. As the longest night of the year, the Mother Night, it is dark and cold. This year's celebration graced the grounds of Tawy House with a small bit of falling snow; I can look out my window and watch it slowly, tenaciously, bury the yard and the gardens and the cars in the streets.<br /> <br /> While the phrase "Mother Night" belongs rightly to European indigenous religions, we can apply it as Kemetic Orthodox even if we are not in the Northern Hemisphere, because the Solstice belongs to a Mother: the great Eye of Ra, mistress of Kemet, the Wandering Goddess Who went southward starting back at that solstice in June. <span class="fullpost"><br /> <br /> In Kemetic mythology, the Creator initially had two children, a boy and a girl, Who are referred to as His Eyes. Shu was the first and Tefnut was the second. Whether They are twins or elder brother and younger sister is not always clear, but the story says that at some point, Tefnut took offense at something Her Father said... and left wherever it was that They were all living, wandering off in anger.<br /> <br /> Later versions populate the myth with more gods, who are upset at Her leaving as the Wandering Goddess is a solar divinity and Her leaving causes daily sunlight to lessen the further she gets from home. Eventually, either one or two gods are dispatched to find Her and bring Her back.<br /> <br /> Shu is the first god usually given the job of finding His sister; once He has done so He gains the title-name "Anhur," or "bringer of the distant one." If a second god enters the story it is Djehuty, ever-present companion and wise helper of the Creator, Who tells the alternately bored and raging goddess fables and jokes until She calms down enough to come home. <br /> <br /> There are people who say one of Aesop's fables about a lion and a mouse is originally Kemetic and was part of Djehuty's stories for the Wandering Eye; I can't confirm or deny it but it certainly makes an interesting thing to imagine, with the goddess standing around on the hot rocks of Lower Nubia while Shu and Djehuty try to get and keep Her attention.<br /> <br /> Eventually, Shu/Anhur (and Djehuty) are successful. Suddenly She is filled with a desire to go home as quickly as possible. Whether it was the mention of all the great things She was missing, or the people She'd left behind or She'd simply run out of anger and changed Her mind is never detailed. Evidently that's not important to the myth, but the trip homeward is.<br /> <br /> The Eye-Sun "breaks free of Her sojourn in Nubia" and starts north again. Various cities and towns are filled with rejoicing and laughter and music and song as She passes, racing northward, to be with Her family again, at the time of the Spring Equinox. Happily the gods welcome the Wanderer with open arms.<br /> <br /> Maybe She'll stick around this year...at least until something sets Her off again.<br /> <br /> This myth isn't historical truth in terms of the Seen World. It's a story used to explain the flow of seasons: why it gets dark and cold in winter and warm and sunnier in the spring, only to start turning darker again after the summer solstice. It's far more entertaining than "it takes 365.25 days for the earth to complete its solar rotation, during which time the poles are shifted on the axis of..." (Well, if you're an astrophysicist or really like astronomy the latter might be really entertaining too, but many cultures have myths around explaining the turning of the year so we seem to like to use poetic language for such events as a species).<br /> <br /> Even if it's not "true" the myth has value, whether or not we live in the Northern Hemisphere. Those in the Southern Hemisphere can both give thanks that the Lady has finally come to Her senses and is going home; and wish Her well on the journey that takes Her away from them for half a year now, knowing She'll be back. <br /> <br /> As a story it is entertaining. As myth it is something we can use for a holiday meditation, and beyond. From this myth, we know that time comes and goes but some things can be relied upon, like the changing of the seasons and the "wandering" of the Goddess. We understand that even gods are allowed to have emotions and to express them - and that They can be negotiated with and even change Their minds. <br /> <br /> How wonderful is the divinity that can be free to do what She pleases - and then think better of it if it turned out not to be the best thing to do? How can we beat ourselves up about our own mistakes, our own wanderings, when we are given a myth that says that even gods sometimes have to take time out and that time away from the things that make you angry might be healthy? Or that no matter how far away you might wander, it's never too late to go home?<br /> <br /> I'll have lots to think about while this snow keeps falling. It'll get even better when I see Her symbol, the sun, shining above it as it finishes rising. Happy Return of the Eye. May She bring all good things to you as She brings renewed light, and love, to the people Who have been waiting for Her to come back home.</span>

Administrivia: The Kemet Today Mailing List

Em hotep!

In case you weren't aware, there is a way to receive the posts that are made on this blog on a mailing list. You can sign up for that mailing list at:
Kemet Today Mailing List. We do not sign anyone up automatically.

If you have an AOL-related email, PLEASE make sure that when you're done reading, or if you aren't interested in reading a post you receive from the Kemet Today list, that you click on the button marked "Delete Mail" and not the "Report Spam" button.

According to our ISP we've been getting a number of spam reports against us that have AOL considering blacklisting kemet.org, which would cause serious issues for not only this mailing list but for all the mails that come from our temple to our various members and friends. We asked what we could do about this problem and received the following:

Hi,

It seems your mailing lists members are clicking on "report spam"
option instead of "delete mail" in their mail boxes which is causing
this issue. You need to inform the members not to mark your mails as
spam ones.

We will keep you updated about the email IDs those marked your mails
as spam.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Please, please help us out and remember to click the right button in your mailboxes. Also: we do not and will not ever send emails to anyone without their permission. If you do NOT want to receive mails from Kemet Today or any other mailing list from us and you don't want to go to the subscription/unsubscription page above, drop us a note at webmaster@kemet.org and say so. We'll be happy to remove you from our mailings.

Thanks!

Em hotep!<br /> <br /> In case you weren't aware, there is a way to receive the posts that are made on this blog on a mailing list. You can sign up for that mailing list at:<br /> <a href="http://mail.kemet.org/mailman/listinfo/maat_kemet.org">Kemet Today Mailing List</a>. We do not sign anyone up automatically.<br /> <br /> If you have an AOL-related email, PLEASE make sure that when you're done reading, or if you aren't interested in reading a post you receive from the Kemet Today list, that you click on the button marked "Delete Mail" and not the "Report Spam" button. <br /> <br /> According to our ISP we've been getting a number of spam reports against us that have AOL considering blacklisting kemet.org, which would cause serious issues for not only this mailing list but for all the mails that come from our temple to our various members and friends. We asked what we could do about this problem and received the following:<br /> <br /> <blockquote>Hi,<br /> <br /> It seems your mailing lists members are clicking on "report spam"<br /> option instead of "delete mail" in their mail boxes which is causing<br /> this issue. You need to inform the members not to mark your mails as<br /> spam ones.<br /> <br /> We will keep you updated about the email IDs those marked your mails<br /> as spam.<br /> <br /> Please let us know if you have any questions.<br /> </blockquote><br /> Please, please help us out and remember to click the right button in your mailboxes. Also: we do not and will not ever send emails to anyone without their permission. If you do NOT want to receive mails from Kemet Today or any other mailing list from us and you don't want to go to the subscription/unsubscription page above, drop us a note at webmaster@kemet.org and say so. We'll be happy to remove you from our mailings.<br /> <br /> Thanks!

Dua Wesir! Nekhtet! (Mysteries of Wesir (Osiris), Sixth Hour Vigil)

The incense has been laid upon the fire and offered with the prayers. Natron and water have provided the purification, both the natron and water I poured into ritual bowls and the natural salt and water of the tears we have given to our dead and to Wesir, the Lord of Them All.

Six hours into the ceremonies Wesir is upright again, standing among the icons of the rest of the gods. We are reminded by the visual change that the god Who gave Himself utterly for us was not lost in the giving; rather He came up stronger than before and able to provide even more to us in the giving. Like that other deity to Whom He was often compared by Victorian Egyptologists, He has gone to prepare a place for us, to whence we will go someday after our final judgment to join all of those people who have gone before us. We do not have to make that journey alone. Not only does He wait there, but so do all of those who have already gone - and all of us who will someday join them have shared in that journey once again, for another year, as we keep the annual vigil.

The sun will rise in another hour or so. For now, the sky lightens and the city stirs, and the promise of life is still shrouded in darkness. But we know it is there, and we have Wesir to thank.

The incense has been laid upon the fire and offered with the prayers. Natron and water have provided the purification, both the natron and water I poured into ritual bowls and the natural salt and water of the tears we have given to our dead and to Wesir, the Lord of Them All.<br /> <br /> <span class="fullpost">Six hours into the ceremonies Wesir is upright again, standing among the icons of the rest of the gods. We are reminded by the visual change that the god Who gave Himself utterly for us was not lost in the giving; rather He came up stronger than before and able to provide even more to us in the giving. Like that other deity to Whom He was often compared by Victorian Egyptologists, He has gone to prepare a place for us, to whence we will go someday after our final judgment to join all of those people who have gone before us. We do not have to make that journey alone. Not only does He wait there, but so do all of those who have already gone - and all of us who will someday join them have shared in that journey once again, for another year, as we keep the annual vigil.<br /> <br /> The sun will rise in another hour or so. For now, the sky lightens and the city stirs, and the promise of life is still shrouded in darkness. But we know it is there, and we have Wesir to thank.</span>

Mysteries of Wesir (Osiris), the Fifth Hour Vigil

"Your mouth is the mouth of a milking-calf..."

My students recognize those words as part of the Senut, or our daily ritual of prayers and offerings. They occur at the end of the personal purifications and indicate that what comes after is purely celebratory, purely stepping into the presence of Divinity.

Five hours into the vigil, we purify Wesir as He prepares to emerge with Ra.

I washed the statue, after I'd washed my hands a second time. They weren't dirty, but I'd gotten a bit of smudge on them from one of the altar candles and I didn't want to wipe soot on a clean icon. Even rituals with much preparation end up having little things go wrong, little mid-practice corrections. We're human. We make mistakes, and we fix them. Ritual purity is like this. It's not the end of the world or a moral dilemma if there's a little spot on your ka. Clean it up and get on with what you were doing. Vexing yourself about every little mistake, whether in ritual or in life, is a little like rubbing the stains in so they'll be harder to clean -- or worse yet, so they won't ever go away.

In another hour we will have completed the cycle, and then we rest, until it's time to rise and prepare the next portion of the day. We will visit with those who can't be with us, and then return for the traditional feast before we part ways until our next holiday brings us together. I'll check in again.

"Your mouth is the mouth of a milking-calf..."<br /> <br /> My students recognize those words as part of the <i>Senut,</i> or our daily ritual of prayers and offerings. They occur at the end of the personal purifications and indicate that what comes after is purely celebratory, purely stepping into the presence of Divinity.<br /> <br /> Five hours into the vigil, we purify Wesir as He prepares to emerge with Ra.<br /> <br /> <span class="fullpost">I washed the statue, after I'd washed my hands a second time. They weren't dirty, but I'd gotten a bit of smudge on them from one of the altar candles and I didn't want to wipe soot on a clean icon. Even rituals with much preparation end up having little things go wrong, little mid-practice corrections. We're human. We make mistakes, and we fix them. Ritual purity is like this. It's not the end of the world or a moral dilemma if there's a little spot on your ka. Clean it up and get on with what you were doing. Vexing yourself about every little mistake, whether in ritual or in life, is a little like rubbing the stains in so they'll be harder to clean -- or worse yet, so they won't ever go away.<br /> <br /> In another hour we will have completed the cycle, and then we rest, until it's time to rise and prepare the next portion of the day. We will visit with those who can't be with us, and then return for the traditional feast before we part ways until our next holiday brings us together. I'll check in again.</span>

Water for the Dead (Mysteries of Wesir (Osiris), Fourth Hour)

We offered water to Him, among other things, in the fourth hour vigil prayers. As I stand before the shrine then back away to take my seat among the other participants I notice as if for the first time just how bright His icon's eyes are, watching me from a deep green face. It is the first time I've noticed all night that His eyes are open, even though they always have been. Earlier, in the ritual, I could not see His face.

At the head of the funeral bier stands Nebt-het (Nephthys), Her icon's arms extended in both protection and mourning, and next to Her, Her son Yinepu (Anubis). To Their right, and toward Wesir's feet, Djehuty (Thoth) and Aset (Isis) stand together, planning, waiting, speaking the words of transformation that will make Wesir change from Dead King into King of the Dead. Nebt-het and Yinepu wait silently for what has happened; Djehuty and Aset create what will be. This is how it always was, always has been and always will be. The past becomes present; the dead are restored to life. The cycle in all of its intricacies plays out there in the form of five gilded statues on a flat surface, standing at the joining point of two walls literally covered with golden stars listing the names of the blessed dead, our ancestors. We can read the names in the half-light, and add Them to the magic of becoming.

Sunrise is closer. The fourth hour of the night passes, and we pass with it. We taste the taste of the water of life and we emerge as Shemsu, His followers, refreshed with it.

We offered water to Him, among other things, in the fourth hour vigil prayers. As I stand before the shrine then back away to take my seat among the other participants I notice as if for the first time just how bright His icon's eyes are, watching me from a deep green face. It is the first time I've noticed all night that His eyes are open, even though they always have been. Earlier, in the ritual, I could not see His face.<br /> <br /> <span class="fullpost">At the head of the funeral bier stands Nebt-het (Nephthys), Her icon's arms extended in both protection and mourning, and next to Her, Her son Yinepu (Anubis). To Their right, and toward Wesir's feet, Djehuty (Thoth) and Aset (Isis) stand together, planning, waiting, speaking the words of transformation that will make Wesir change from Dead King into King of the Dead. Nebt-het and Yinepu wait silently for what has happened; Djehuty and Aset create what will be. This is how it always was, always has been and always will be. The past becomes present; the dead are restored to life. The cycle in all of its intricacies plays out there in the form of five gilded statues on a flat surface, standing at the joining point of two walls literally covered with golden stars listing the names of the blessed dead, our ancestors. We can read the names in the half-light, and add Them to the magic of becoming.<br /> <br /> Sunrise is closer. The fourth hour of the night passes, and we pass with it. We taste the taste of the water of life and we emerge as Shemsu, His followers, refreshed with it.</span>

Stirring in the Third Hour (Mysteries of Wesir)

"This is the Eye of Heru. Take it, that You might be refreshed with it."

I read the words, as I always do, from a hand copy made in 2003, the first year I started celebrating the Mysteries with anyone in a formal temple setting and not in private homes. About a month before we'd purchased the temple building here in Joliet, and we'd barely finished unpacking everything let alone set up the temple for use, but here we were sitting around the Holy Family Shrine saying the words that have been said for thousands of years on this most quiet night, laying the great god to rest and enabling Him to enter the world of the dead.

It's not easy to read the words in the dark, lit only by a few candles and a single string of clear lights that Nehwen and Padjai brought one year to make the shrine more festive. But they always ring out, raw in the silence, and the icons watch as the prayers are said and the incense goes up and the water and natron sprinkling goes down. By the third hour I am expected to recite on my feet and not on my knees, but it feels strange, as if my legs don't want to leave the floor. It feels odd to rise up, yet appropriate, in this third of the six hours of the night, the hour when everything changes.

The danger of death has been passed. Life shines before us, renewal and daylight. The skies outside are not yet showing dawn, but we know it is coming, from the stirrings of the neighborhood and the occasional calls of birds. Daybreak is coming. A new day will be upon us soon. And in another hour, we will pray some more.

"This is the Eye of Heru. Take it, that You might be refreshed with it."<br /> <br /> I read the words, as I always do, from a hand copy made in 2003, the first year I started celebrating the Mysteries with anyone in a formal temple setting and not in private homes. About a month before we'd purchased the temple building here in Joliet, and we'd barely finished unpacking everything let alone set up the temple for use, but here we were sitting around the Holy Family Shrine saying the words that have been said for thousands of years on this most quiet night, laying the great god to rest and enabling Him to enter the world of the dead.<br /> <br /> <span class="fullpost">It's not easy to read the words in the dark, lit only by a few candles and a single string of clear lights that Nehwen and Padjai brought one year to make the shrine more festive. But they always ring out, raw in the silence, and the icons watch as the prayers are said and the incense goes up and the water and natron sprinkling goes down. By the third hour I am expected to recite on my feet and not on my knees, but it feels strange, as if my legs don't want to leave the floor. It feels odd to rise up, yet appropriate, in this third of the six hours of the night, the hour when everything changes.<br /> <br /> The danger of death has been passed. Life shines before us, renewal and daylight. The skies outside are not yet showing dawn, but we know it is coming, from the stirrings of the neighborhood and the occasional calls of birds. Daybreak is coming. A new day will be upon us soon. And in another hour, we will pray some more.</span>

Advancing with Your Ka: the Mystery Vigil, Second Hour

When people left the temple after the first hour's prayers it was slowly, quietly. The building was so silent I could hear the water in the heating pipes moving around and little else. Even as the participants returned to their rooms or went downstairs to find a glass of water and sit at the dining room table to wait for the next hour, it was quite a few minutes before anyone spoke. Wesir's Mysteries have that effect upon you. Nothing seems quite so important to say in the face of His holy power, after spending your time in the temple gazing upon His icon which for this event does not stand proudly as it usually does, but lies fallen upon its side within a wooden box, surrounded by the icons of each of His mourning family members.

Eventually, as the second hour nears, sounds and life return. The second hour's prayers, which we have already said, encourage Wesir to go forth into His new life with the ancestors. "Advance with Your Ka," the prayers say. Put your hands and feet out there, one after another. Move. Live again. Do not remain inert, in the place which is neither death nor life. Go forth by day and Become.

Once the third hour of the vigil has come, more will move, imperceptibly, within the shrine. The spoken words and prayers will gain length and cadence as Wesir moves through the Duat and heads for that place where He will unite with Ra and bring the sunrise, and life, to us once again. For now, though, we begin with baby steps.

When people left the temple after the first hour's prayers it was slowly, quietly. The building was so silent I could hear the water in the heating pipes moving around and little else. Even as the participants returned to their rooms or went downstairs to find a glass of water and sit at the dining room table to wait for the next hour, it was quite a few minutes before anyone spoke. Wesir's Mysteries have that effect upon you. Nothing seems quite so important to say in the face of His holy power, after spending your time in the temple gazing upon His icon which for this event does not stand proudly as it usually does, but lies fallen upon its side within a wooden box, surrounded by the icons of each of His mourning family members.<br /> <br /> <span class="fullpost">Eventually, as the second hour nears, sounds and life return. The second hour's prayers, which we have already said, encourage Wesir to go forth into His new life with the ancestors. "Advance with Your Ka," the prayers say. Put your hands and feet out there, one after another. Move. Live again. Do not remain inert, in the place which is neither death nor life. Go forth by day and Become.<br /> <br /> Once the third hour of the vigil has come, more will move, imperceptibly, within the shrine. The spoken words and prayers will gain length and cadence as Wesir moves through the Duat and heads for that place where He will unite with Ra and bring the sunrise, and life, to us once again. For now, though, we begin with baby steps.</span>

God is Dead: Thoughts about the Mysteries of Wesir (Osiris)

In a few minutes, I will be entering the temple to begin the lamentations of the great god Wesir, known to the classical world and beyond as Osiris. Once again the cycle of the year turns and we honor the most quiet, most somber, most moving of holidays. Once again, God is dead.

Not dying; not about to be resurrected. Wesir is a dead god, a god that goes to the otherworld/afterlife/netherworld/whatever you want to call the place where dead people are and doesn't come back. Ever. He is as gone from us as gone can be. His voice is no longer heard among the other gods as They gather; His face no longer lit with the rosy glow of life itself. Unlike Jesus Who is returned to his place after a time of testing...Wesir will not come back to us shining in bright white robes as an angel rolls back the stone. He will not come back to us at all; only through the memory of His life, and His sacrifice, will we continue to understand Him and know Him and love Him. This god loved people so very much that He was willing to forsake His immortality to make sure they had a god wherever it is that they go when they die, and a brother Who loved Him enough to help Him achieve death. It is this selfless, permanent act that is remembered overnight in the Vigil we now face and face again one night every year.

The scope of our loss as human beings, and our gain, cannot be measured. Wesir's life and death are intertwined in such a way that He cannot truly be separated from either. What He offers us is renewal, continuance, life in the form of going on. He shows us that there is no such thing as an ending, only a change of position. He assures us that we will not go to that place alone, nor will we be forgotten or neglected once we get there. Every dead person is a Wesir, a dying and yet living one, Who is part of the eternity of life's endless cycle, reborn at dawn in the sun and in spring as the life-giving ground, emerging from the life-giving waters of Aset's tears. Where He goes, so shall we one day, and then we will understand the Mystery in full.

I will pray for all of our ancestors tonight, and all of the living: the continuous circle of beings that inhabit our planet and whom we can call family. May we all be together in the darkness, praying for them and Him as They pass.

In a few minutes, I will be entering the temple to begin the lamentations of the great god Wesir, known to the classical world and beyond as Osiris. Once again the cycle of the year turns and we honor the most quiet, most somber, most moving of holidays. Once again, God is dead. <span class="fullpost"><br /> <br /> Not dying; not about to be resurrected. Wesir is a dead god, a god that goes to the otherworld/afterlife/netherworld/whatever you want to call the place where dead people are and doesn't come back. Ever. He is as gone from us as gone can be. His voice is no longer heard among the other gods as They gather; His face no longer lit with the rosy glow of life itself. Unlike Jesus Who is returned to his place after a time of testing...Wesir will not come back to us shining in bright white robes as an angel rolls back the stone. He will not come back to us at all; only through the memory of His life, and His sacrifice, will we continue to understand Him and know Him and love Him. This god loved people so very much that He was willing to forsake His immortality to make sure they had a god wherever it is that they go when they die, and a brother Who loved Him enough to help Him achieve death. It is this selfless, permanent act that is remembered overnight in the Vigil we now face and face again one night every year.<br /> <br /> The scope of our loss as human beings, and our gain, cannot be measured. Wesir's life and death are intertwined in such a way that He cannot truly be separated from either. What He offers us is renewal, continuance, life in the form of going on. He shows us that there is no such thing as an ending, only a change of position. He assures us that we will not go to that place alone, nor will we be forgotten or neglected once we get there. Every dead person is a Wesir, a dying and yet living one, Who is part of the eternity of life's endless cycle, reborn at dawn in the sun and in spring as the life-giving ground, emerging from the life-giving waters of Aset's tears. Where He goes, so shall we one day, and then we will understand the Mystery in full.<br /> <br /> I will pray for all of our ancestors tonight, and all of the living: the continuous circle of beings that inhabit our planet and whom we can call family. May we all be together in the darkness, praying for them and Him as They pass.</span>