HEBET EN BA:

The Egyptian Mystical Rites

Alexander the Great was 'converted' by it.. and spent the rest of his
short but eventful life trying to fit his Macedonian heritage into
Egypt's magical power. Julius Cesear was won-over not only by
Cleopatra but the Egypt over which she was Queen.. as was Marc
Anthony, after him. Napoleon was mesmerized by it; and ordered
his army to survey and catalog all of the ancient wonders they
found in Egypt's mysterious sands. From Rome to Paris, London
and Washington DC Egyptian obelisks have been raised over the
great cities of the world, in mute testimony to the magical spell of
Egypt.

I was 'spell-bound' by it too, from the time I first saw pictures of the
ancient relics of Egypt in my school-books. I could not explain why, but
something 'different' happened to me when I looked at those pictures..
something that never happened at all when I was not looking upon the
Magic of Egypt. It is an Enigma, like the Sphinx which is it's most
famous symbol. Any who have been touched by it's spell can neither
"explain" it nor solve it's riddle.

But we CAN surrender to it, if we wish. For generations now the

ancient texts have been available to us, to study; Hebet En Ba: the
Book Of Rites. It was left for us, carved and painted upon tomb-walls,
written on papyrus scrolls buried with scribes, viziers and kings. Sure,
you have to be able to 'weed-out' of the scrolls the lengthy Funerary
Prayers (for the great Rites were preserved, intermingled with the
Funeral Rites as well).. but that is not difficult to do. For any who really
want them, the Rites Of Egypt are there for us to find and use.

I discovered Hebet En Ba in my teens.. over thirty years ago, now..

quite 'by accident.' Having saved-up for a copy of "The Egyptian Book
Of The Dead" translated by E. A. Wallis Budge, I discovered the joy of
reciting it's ancient lines aloud to myself. I thought at first I was only
being "picky" and squeamish for never reading-aloud the Funerary
bits; as I thought I was only taking Poetic License when I carefully
pieced-together phrases from one Chapter to combine with phrases
from other Chapters, to produce what I found "more meaningful" than
the arrangements found in the Funerary Texts. But, after a short while I
realized that what I was reciting aloud in the ancient Egyptian
tongue was actually happening to me, afterwards.

I am no 'authority' on what is possible for other people. The Rites I have

used have helped me, and I am eternally grateful to them. They have
also helped many others who "borrowed" or discovered them through
me. Perhaps they will also help you, if you wish. The "scroll" of Rites
which you will reach in a moment or two is yours to grow by. I wish
you joy of it.

Notes On Ceremonial Mysticism

That ancient Egyptian Mysticism relied upon the same "Tetramorphic"
magic circle familiar to all other Mysticisms the world over is beyond
argument. While no actual 'Ritual Instructions' used by the Temple
Authorities have survived the centuries, we certainly do know that the
Egyptians recognized four "deities" or Neteru (the Egyptian word for
"Spiritual Powers" within Nature, commonly translated as 'gods') who
governed the Four Quarters of the globe. These are named Tuameutev,
Amset, Qebsenuv and Hapi.. and are assigned specific directions of the
compass, each. Thus, it can be reasonably implied that these Neteru or
"Natures" were addressed in the same way by Egyptians as they are
(under different names) by European Pagans, Native Americans and
Hebraic Kaballists.

Being practicing Kaballists with more than a little exposure to Native

American traditions as well as European Paganism, we in our Order
simply perform a Circle Rite; standing in the center of any place we
wish to use as our "sanctuary" we hold out our right hand to the EAST
while saying in Egyptian 'homage to thee, Tuameutev' (Anet-hra.k
Tuameutev) then turning SOUTH we name the Power Amset then
turning WEST we name Qebsenuv and turning NORTH we name
Hapi. Turning back to the EAST (where the Sun and therefore Life
'rises' upon the earth) we name lastly one of the three "Cradle Deities"
who caretake the inception of New Life and Beginnings within
Egyptian Mystical tradition. Named Shai, Renenet and Meskhenet,
these three each caretake one specific type of New Beginning.. and
which one you address ought to fit the type of Rite you are performing.

SHAI: the Power of FORTUNE

If the end-goal of one's Rite happens to be "Good Fortune" in the

material, wealth, health and happiness departments, then the
traditional custodian of that is named Shai. This Neter is considered
the custodian of all material bounty, and is the natural choice in many
life-circumstances.

RENENET: the Power of LUCK

If the situation one's Rite is intended to improve happens to be that

mysterious stuff variously called 'Destiny' and 'Luck' as well as
"Favorable Outcomes" in one's affairs, then the natural choice is
Renenet, the Neter of "happy destiny and good luck."

MESKHENET: the Power of NEW LIFE

We all need a New Life occasionally; whether it is new vitality for our
bodies or a new Life-Direction for our future, or a "rebirth" for our
society or those within it. In all such cases, the natural choice of
'patron' for one's Rite would be the "birth-diety" Meshkenet, who
presided over the birth-bed of the ancient Egyptians. As the patroness
of Midwives, Meskhenet is also invoked by all those who attend the
rebirthing of others.. from healers of the body, mind and spirit to
guides of the Soul or even of the professional career.

Thus, a Ritual Circle might begin and end facing East, invoking "Anet-
hra.k Tuametuev, Amset, Qebsenuv, Hapi, Meskhenet (or Shai or
Renenet;) Ankh.v em T'etta.a!" (live or behave according to my
words.) This might then be followed by any Rite taken directly from
the Hebet En Ba that follows, or composed by you specifically for your
needs.

But, Why In EGYPTIAN?!

I cannot 'prove' that such things make any difference at all.. except by
quoting examples of success and it's absence. According to the
Egyptians themselves, their language was given them directly from the
Spiritual World, by the Neteru or "gods." Certainly ancient Egyptian
has similarities and common roots shared with some other ancient
languages, though Egypt's claim that the very sounds comprising their
language are themselves "Powers" should not be dismissed lightly
(future generations of scientists may yet discover that Sounds are
Powers in their own right.) But perhaps the best argument in favor of
the use of "reconstructed" Egyptian in these Rites is that Egyptian
"divinity" may very well still 'speak' the Egyptian tongue. Silly as
this may sound to you right now, you may change that opinion, should
you happen to meet one of the Neteru as a result of these Rites. Be that
as it may, these are the Egyptian Mystical Rites we have used, and
found to be worthy.

PLEASE NOTE: you would be well-advised to carefully study the

Adendum at the end of the following Scroll, before you improvise
any new Rites of your own.. especially any including the names of
other Egyptian "deities;" for some of those Neteru are simply not
"safe" or wise to invoke.

HEBET EN BA: THE BOOK OF

RITES
Invocation of the Godself
We all "sense" the presence of Amen, the Hidden One living within us..
and all spiritual Paths attempt to connect us consciously with "him" (or
"her" or "it!.") This invocation informs Amen that you "know" of him
and wish to integrate him fully. Used however often one wishes for an
initial period of "Introduction" to the Godself Within, this Invocation
may stimulate Amen's "revelation" of himself to you while also
establishing the "dialogue-circuit" of "logoic speech" in Egyptian
between you and your Indwelling Godself, Amen.

Invocation: Overcoming Karma

Once one has had an introduction to the Godself Within and begun
working on integrating that fully as a lifestyle, the next major step one
usually takes is "cleaning-up one's life." Karma.. or the consequences of
previous unconscious (human) living.. gets removed by EFFORT and
SELF-DISCOVERY. During this Karma-Cleaning phase one discovers The
Tree Of Life where we meet "the Throne" or Pillar Of Heaven.. the
spiritual hierarchy of "the gods." All of this is stimulated by the
following Rite.

Invocation of Soul Memory

We may have a lot more Karma than we realize!.. some of which may
be surviving bits of "past lives." Do you think you may have lived
before as a human being?, or in a non-incarnate Spirit-form before
your human birth(s)? This Rite is designed to "surface" those and put
you in touch with the other self-fragments hidden in your psyche. The
Three Paths spoken of are called by Kaballists "the Hermetic, the
Orphic and the Mystical Paths;" and the Two Pillars mentioned here are
Aima/Anima the Black (feminine) Pillar of Psyche and it's White Twin,
Abba/Animus the masculine side of Self. All of these things this Rite
gives you entry to.. as you explore the Akashic Records of soul memory
within you.
Invocation of Astral Flight
We live (according to the Egyptians) on no less than NINE other
"dimensions;" including many which are so non-physical that we can
only "dream" them.. yet they remain very important parts of our lives.
This Rite can stimulate the awakening of the "dreamer" within the
Astral and Causal Planes or dimensions. Used before sleep at night, it
can trigger vivid dream-life recall and the ability to direct your
dreams consciously.
Rite Of Initiatory Blessing
How to help others realize their potential and begin growing
mystically is a frequently-asked question for those on the Path. This
Rite may be spoken over another person (addressing it to them by
name, upon starting) to remind their soul of who they are and
encourage self-integration. In truth, that is all we can really do for
anyone else! Most of the powers of Spirit are "self-help" only.

Rite Of "Hieros Gamos"

Meaning Sacred Wedding in Greek, the Hieros Gamos is the
unification of the two "sides" of self; the Conscious Lover and it's
Unconscious ("Still-Hearted") Beloved. Performing this Rite may
stimulate the integration of these two sides of Self, and end the
separation between who you are while awake and who you become
when dreaming. It also draws your personal Neter-Archetype (or
God-Aspect) to you, in a truly Sacred Marriage between Creator and
Creation. Once you have clearly glimpsed your Totemic Identity or
Nature, you may want to strengthen your integration of that by
performing the Rite of Totem-Integration listed in the Addendum
toward the end of this page..
Invocation of Divine Identity
We do not have to wait until we "die" to become a "divine" or Spiritual
Being. This Rite actually "completes" the Rite of Amen, listed earlier; it
identified you as (really) Amen; this one identifies Amen as REALLY
you. The difference may not be apparent logically right now, but it may
become clear after this Rite has worked it's way on you..
Invocation of The Divine Beloved
This Rite follows-up on the Hieros Gamos listed earlier.. which unified
you with your inner God-Aspect or Neter-nature. Now, how to love,
permanently within that Divine Marriage: this Rite activates the Moon-
Mirror (called "Shaddai El Chaiim" in Hebraic Kaballah) to bring God
as your "spouse" to you in the Neter-form you were created to share
that "tantric partnership" with, and consummate your union, as a
Lover. When you call down the Moon, be ready for it's power!.. for the
Beloved is very mighty, and will never release you from their embrace!
Rite Of Healing
This Rite may be performed for oneself or others, to help restore the
natural youthful health of the body, mind and soul after injury, illness
or trauma. Because this Rite implies that one is a "guardian of the Self-
Cackling Egg" (or Original Creator,) it will have little effect unless
spoken by one who has integrated the Invocation of Divine Identity
listed above..
ADDENDUM: The Gods Of
Individuality
At the very heart of Egyptian Mysticism is a system of 'thought' and
experience so primitive or primal in nature that it is virtually
forgotten by the so-called 'civilized' peoples of the modern world..
TOTEMISM.

While often derided by 'science' as superstitious nonsense, Totemism

is so universal a part of our species' oldest spiritualities as to deserve a
closer look. After all, why would literally all ancient peoples have
'believed-in' something that is completely without value?!

The Neteru or "gods" of Egypt were (and still are!,) composite

creatures made up of one specific Animal Totem merged with a
human being.. implying not only that our "gods" but we ourselves are
"composite creatures" containing living elements of Nature embedded
within our Psyches or Souls. Modern religions have tried very hard to
deny or negate the value of this primal layer of Animistic or Totemic
Nature-Spirits within us.. though the basic facts of our Natures
("Neteru" in Egyptian) has not changed one bit through all that
religious propaganda. We are and apparently will always remain
LIVING TOTEMS as seemingly 'grotesque' or, (if you share my
appreciation for the beauty they really have) at least as organic as the
"gods" of the civilization of the Nile. It is the Experience of the
thousands of Egyptian Rite Mystics the world over that the Neteru of
Egypt ARE the actual "Archetypes" of which we are spiritually
composed.

Egyptian Rite Mysticism is the process of discovering one's own

personal Totems and invoking their assistance as well as the
assistance of any of the other Neteru whose good services you might
need at any given moment. In the listing that follows, look for yourself,
symbolized as well as the many good friends you may wish to call
upon from time to time.

The Totemic "Natures" Of Human

Life
"Heru:" the Falcon of Spiritual Victory
Recognized by theologians as the "prototype" or original upon which all
later "Saviors" have been fashioned, Heru (or "Horus" as the Greeks
pronounced his name) was the Neteru who finally vanquished Set after
that enemy slew Heru's father Ausar.. after which Heru/Horus became
the "god" of the Sunlit world of the LIVING while his father Osirus
became the Lord of the Afterlife. Those of Horus' totem are thus
successful activists, driven by an inner sense of DUTY to correct
the social abuses left over from past ages. The Coptic (Egyptian)
Christians applied the name "Heru" to the Christ-consciousness.. and
that may very well be it's best description. Actual MEMBERSHIP in this
Totemic Lineage is PROVEN only by dreams and other Mystical Visions,
showing oneself to actually BE a Falcon.

"Het-Heru:" The Cow Goddess Of Spiritual

Blessing
Meaning "the House of The Lord," Het-Heru (or "Hathor" as the Greeks
pronounced it) is the symbol of MOTHER NATURE as the "house" in
which we live.. in other words, the World around us. She was invoked
for every form of blessings that Mother Nature can give; Life, Health,
Strength, Fertility, Wealth and the Joy of Life. Adored at many Temples
in Egypt including Medenet-Habu in the Sinai (where Moses and the
Israelites stopped on their journey briefly) Hathor survives in Hebrew
tradition as "the golden calf" of Exodus. Those born of her Totemic
Lineage are deeply devotion-oriented and prone to lives of BLESSING
OTHERS rather than self-service. From Education of the young to
Healing the body, mind and soul, Het-Heru can be found wherever JOY
is being celebrated as a Blessing.

"Anpu:" the Jackel of Soul-Guidance

Called Anubis by the Greeks, Anpu is the black dog-like creature who
tags-along beside the Soul on it's endless journey through life; and
naturally symbolizes everything we today associate with the dog as
"Man's Best Friend." Anpu/Anubis is the Totem of the "guru" or Soul-
Guide.. who helps the Soul "sniff-out" the safe Path to travel upon.
Those born of this wise, loving and deeply loyal Totem are life's
natural-born counselors, therapists and Spiritual Examples.. who
embody the principle of FRIENDSHIP and a spirit of helpfulness for
all those they meet.

"Apis:" the Bull of Fertility

"Apis" or "Serapis" as he was also called, was the Totem of
FATHERHOOD. Bulls have been revered as symbolic of the power to
sire children throughout history, as well as being the symbol of
security, wealth and temporal power ("as strong as a Bull" remains a
part of our language even today.) Because of these facts, Apis/Serapis
held a special place in Egyptian culture, as one of the official Totems
of the Pharaohs; for Apis symbolized all of the power, wealth, security
and ability to Father successors that a Pharaoh was expected to "live up
to." Those born of this Totem-Lineage have a deep affinity for the Bull
and all things "Taurean" and are often connected with either food-
service, farming, engineering or building trades. In all cases, the
Bull features prominently in their dreams and soul-visionary
experiences.

"Tehuti:" the Ibis-headed Record-Keeper

Called Thoth (pronounced exactly like the English word "thought"
which it in fact means) by the Greeks and associated by them with
their own diety Hermes (the Latin Mercury,) this Neter was in fact
named "Tehuti" in Egyptian. Just as we in more recent times have
called writing "chicken-tracks" (especially if written by a beginner,) the
ancient Egyptians associated reading and writing with the tracks left
on the beach sands by the Ibis.. a large and graceful bird similar to a
stork or crane. That Tehuti should become known as the patron-Totem
of Scribes, Teachers, Scientists and Messengers should be no
surprise, therefore.. though some moderns have mistakenly associated
him also with an "intellectualism" which he did not have anciently.
Rather, Tehuti was simply the Totem of WRITING THINGS DOWN
and then READING THEM ACCURATELY, AFTER. Those born of this
Totem-lineage are thus note-takers, scribblers, archivists, librarians
and "by-the-book" copyists. Those who dream Thoth-dreams are
nonetheless blessed with KNOWLEDGE to caretake.. once they learn to
simply WRITE IT ALL DOWN!

"Amun:" the Goat Of Everlasting Creativity

No Neter or "god" of the Egyptians has left so indelible a stamp upon
the world as this First Father of the Gods. Variously also spelled
Ammon, Amon and Amen which means "THE ONE HIDDEN
WITHIN," Amen's spell is so mighty that over twenty centuries after
his last Sanctuary was abandoned to the desert sands, every Judeo-
Christian prayer that is uttered still whispers his name in closing!
Originally a great, horned (and horny!,) black MALE GOAT,
Amen/Amun is the Totemic symbol of THE POWERS OF MAGIC OR
MIRACULOUS SOLUTIONS THAT LIFE NEEDS at any given moment.
It is a well-known fact that Amun created the universe through
masturbation.. he HAD TO really, for he existed before any "mate"
existed for him to mate with. Amen masturbated and drank his own
seed from one hand.. and spat-forth the Stars (the goddess "Nut" listed
below,) and then (taking the shape of the god "Nu,") he mated with her
to beget all the Neteru in the Egyptian Pantheon or "Great Company of
the Gods." Those born of the Totem of the Goat are thus profoundly
connected to sexuality in all it's forms, and creating ORDER out of
Chaos, by begetting "solutions" out of "thin air." All those who share
his Lineage also share in his power to materialize whatever is needed
in order to make Life HAPPEN. They are all living Magi, with the
power and the wisdom to Create BY (sexual) MAGIC.

"Nut:" the Sky-Goddess

There are only a few Neteru whose Totemic symbol is not a bird or
animal, and Nut is one of them. As the personification of THE SKY her
symbols are the Stars at night and the "Blue River Of Heaven" by day
(for the Egyptians as well as early Semites called the sky "the stream
above the firmament of Heaven.") Being the first-created "god" or
Lifeform, Nut is the original Soul-Mate of the Creator, and as Great
Mother she embodies everything we revere about Motherhood itself;
she represents loyalty, fidelity to those she loves, and the good
cultural example which a mother sets for her house.

"Geb:" the Earth-God

The goose was long-ago selected by Egyptians as the symbol of the
good husband because the goose is a monogamous bird which breeds
for life (a 'widowed goose' who has lost it's spouse may live the rest of
it's long life alone, out of loyalty to their Beloved.) The Neter of the
good husband, consort and loyal father is thus Geb, the Goose-
Totem. Look for Geb wherever lifelong loyalty to the family is being
celebrated; somewhere nearby you will find the Goose! Geb is also
depicted as a soil-colored man lying wrapt around the earth, with his
erect penis aimed upward to the Sky where Nut his Beloved wife bends
down to unite with him. Geb (often also spelled Seb or Qeb) is invoked
for sexual compatibility as well as fertility.

"Ptah:" the Great Designer

Another of the "gods" of Egypt more associated with symbols other
than an animal is Ptah who represents God as "the Great Designer
and Builder of the Universe." Ptah's major symbols are the Masonic
Square and Compass, encircled by a knotted length of rope. Rope
was a familiar symbol in Egypt, representing the ability to move large
or heavy objects through the labor of many men (much as the
Pyramids convey to our minds today;) and all those born of Ptah's
Totem are organizers of men, envisioners of great designs and the
building of durable monuments of industry and value. Ptah is the
patron of modern Freemasonry.

"Bastet:" the Maternal Instincts of the Cat

"Bastet" or Bast as she is sometimes called is the Totem of the Cat and
represents all of the playful, purring, devoted CARE AND NURTURE
which the female housecat lavishes upon her young. We all at times
want "fussed-over" and comforted by some strong, serene and
completely competent Care-giver.. and it is precisely at such moments
that we meet the Totem of the Cat. Bastet is the patroness of
childhood, child-rearing, education and "baby-setting services"
such as nursing. As well-known anciently as it is today is the Cat's
constant mental "prowling" for something fun to do; and Bastet's
Totem Members are likewise always out looking for someone's tail to
pull, a ball to chase or some other Game to play with other young-
spirited "cats" and "kittens."

"Ksheper:" the Scarab-Beetle of Immortality

Perhaps the most familiar Neter to many modern westerners is
"Scarabaeus" the Dung Beetle. Sometimes also spelled "Xeper," this
Neter depicts God rolling the world around the heavens, while
hatching-out his young in it's soil.. the literal fact of how the Scarabaeus
Beetle reproduces itself. As a Totem, Ksheper denotes creativity and
the caretaking of one's creations from beginning to end. Those born
of the Scarab Totem are inventors, engineers, architects, builders,
creative writers and all others who "carry the ball" for society's
PROGRESS. Look for this Lineage wherever eternity is being served;
for this Totem builds with eternity in mind (ancient Egyptians strewed
the path of funeral processions with images of the Scarab, to make
eternal the Path of the departed soul.)
"Nephthys:" the Altar Of Mercy
That "holy Spirit" or "holy ghost" familiar to modern Christians as the
symbol of Providence, Miraculous Help and Divine Intercession in
our behalf was also known to ancient Egypt, where it was called
"Nephthys" the House Of Prayers-Answered. Nephthys was
symbolized not by an animal but a picture of a Temple shaped like an
altar-stone with a door leading into it; thus she represents "the Spirit
dwelling within the Altar".. or the holy spirit who answers prayers
and provides for our needs. Those born of this deeply humble, devoted
and sincere Totem-Lineage are the Temple servants, monks, nuns
and ministers of mercy who caretake our species' spiritual needs.
Whether found in a Temple hearing confessions and blessing the ill, or
in the kitchen cooking dinner for their children, those of Nephthys'
"kind" can be known by the aura of mercy which they exude like
incense into the air. Nephthys is the personification of feminine
compassion, as her brother Ra is of male victory.. and all those who
serve her Altar of Mercy (in any culture or period of history) wear her
"dress:" the Robe of Sacred Service to inform the world that here is
Her Mercy Enshrouded.

"Hu" and "Saa" and the Ship of the Soul

While little understood even by such Egyptologists as Budge, there are
two Neteru whose lineages are necessary for us all to keep in mind. Hu
is the Steersman or Pilot of the Ship of Ra (listed below;) and his
brother Saa is his Navigator who plots the course for the Ship of the
Soul. Those born of these Totemic Lineages may recognize themselves
mostly from their innate tendency to "pilot" or "navigate"
themselves and others through life's "rough waters." The natural-
born Strategists and "Movers And Shakers" of society, these Lineages
are called-upon by any who need help knowing where they are going
and actually getting there.

"Ra:" the Eagle Of The Sun

Lastly we will list that most ever-present Neter so important to
Egyptians that virtually all their "good gods" were considered a "form"
of him: RA, the Sun God. Also sometimes spelled "Re" but always
depicted as either the disk of the Sun or an Eagle-winged or Hawk-
headed great Bird of Heaven, Ra originally simply denoted
masculinity itself; the Power of a Man over the world he must govern.
Like the Eagle to all other cultures that know of it, Ra is the
embodiment of the victory of Light over all Shadows, and perhaps
the best title by which to describe him is simply LORD OF LIGHT. Look
for this Lineage in the military, police, fire brigades, government offices
and all other places where men overcome danger through courage.

And there are MANY, MANY more!..

For a full description of all the other Neteru of Egyptian Mysticism, see
the excellent two-volume set of books The Gods Of The Egyptians, by
E. A. Wallis Budge. Any Egyptian Rite aspirant should own a complete
set of them, plus a copy of Budge's other masterpiece, The Egyptian
Book Of The Dead.

Rite Of Totem-Integration
Once you have actually located your personal Totemic Nature from
the list above (or other researches into the "gods" of Egypt,) you may
wish to actually become that "full-time" rather than experiencing it
only during short moments such as during dreams and meditations.
That Totem-Integration can be stimulated by the Rite which follows,
which is addressed to the goddess "Nut" and her Four-Horned "spouse"
the Bull Of Eternity (symbolic of the Four "Worlds" in which we dwell.)
Please note that this Rite requires you to insert your own personal
name at birth, in several places, plus the name of the Neter or
Archetypal Totem which you have found yourself to be.. for example,
"Heru" or "Het-Heru" or "Anpu."

Once actually affecting you, this Rite should help your Totemic Spirit
Nature to emerge quite fully into your daily life as well as your dreams
and other inner states...
THE "GODS" OF DESTRUCTION

Not all of the Neteru participate in healthy human society, however..

for some of them are "gods of destruction" that participate only in the
psychology of criminal and 'twisted' minds. Unless you KNOW FOR A
FACT that you are part of their "lineage" and need to "fix yourself," you
are well-advised to NEVER INVOKE "SET" (Sutek) OR ANY OF THE
OTHER NETERU OF DESTRUCTION! Why? Simply because, like any of
the other Neteru they WILL come, when called.
THE "GODS" OF DEATH AND THE AFTER-LIFE

Many who first discover the spirit of Egypt are led (by the sheer
frequency with which they are mentioned) to include the famous
"Osirians" in their Rites. Experience teaches that this is a capital
mistake! The Neteru named Ausar but more commonly
conventionalized as "Osirus" is the "god" of the Afterlife and none of
the living have any reason to invoke him. The Osirian Rites ("Hebet
Em Ka") which comprise so much of The Egyptian Book Of The Dead
are the FUNERARY RITES of Egypt, and are rightly to be used only by
Undertakers and those presiding over funerals. Any invoking of
Ausar/Osirus eventually leads to an "ending" and a journey away
from Life into the Afterlife. The few on earth whose right livelihood
is that of Funeral Director and Minister of the Last Rites may safely use
the Osirian Rites of Passage.. but even for them it is fraught with
dangers.

Isis or as it was originally pronounced in Egyptian, Auset, was the wife

of Ausar/Osirus.. and it was she who actually prepared the body of
Osirus for it's journey to the Afterlife. Consequently.. even though she
was viewed by Egyptians as the Neteru of magical powers, those were
the powers of the AFTERLIFE only. Isis is rightly to be viewed as the
original "type" of Mut the Vulture Goddess, depicting the Great Mother
as custodian of the Funerary Temple. Any invoking of Isis or Mut
involves one with funerals and the survival of the Soul after death.

The "gods" and "godesses" of spiritual "punishment" and

"purification" are likewise very dangerous to invoke, and should not
be called upon for the same reasons given for Isis, Osirus and Set (the
"Osirians.") These "hell-custodians" include Sebak and dozens of lesser
"demons" whose job it is to literally frighten the Hell out of the newly-
deceased. The Crocodile-goddess and all the other "hell-fire totems" are
important teachings for us all to learn from.. but what we should learn
is to AVOID THEM ALL, AT ALL COSTS!

The "Paths Of the Dead"

Likewise to be avoided by most of the Living are those "Nether

Regions" of Limbo, Purgatory and worse yet, placed by the Egyptian
Cosmology in a dark region known as Tuat or "the Other Side." While
all spirits living or dead can climb "the Ladder Of Heaven" to reach
Seket-Hetep which moderns call "the Heavenly Abode," only the newly
deceased Souls must pass through or preferably, BY!, the Tuat or Land
Of Shadows. While certain specialized humans (for instance, Shamans,
Spiritualists and other "seance-workers" as well as those Ministers who
seek to help the "Houseless Souls" wandering the Nether Regions) may
wish to journey there at times, most people will wish to give a wide
berth to all those places that lies in-between this Sunlit World and that
Blessed Abode Seket-Hetep and the (Elysian) Fields Of Peace (Seket-
Aaru) which surround it and which are those same "Happy Hunting
Grounds" beloved by all other tribal peoples of the world.

With those few but significant exceptions, cautions and words of

advice just given, the spiritual realms found within the great
Egyptian Mystical Tradition are as safe, easy to traverse and as
FRIENDLY AND FAMILIAR to you as your own Inner Worlds.. which
they in fact ARE. We salute you and commend you to your Path and
it's Journey!

KHIRON, the Kuei-Shen Hsien

Ashby, Massachusetts USA 1999

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