162: Channeling the Egyptian Underworld with Anubis

This week I am sharing a private channeling session from last year with the underworld God of ancient Egypt, Anubis. Anubis was a jackal-headed god in ancient Egyptian religion, associated with the afterlife, death, and the protection of the dead. Here's a breakdown of his role and how he was worshipped:

Role and Responsibilities:

• Guardian of the Dead: Anubis was primarily seen as the protector of the deceased. He watched over them as they journeyed to the afterlife.
• Embalming and Mummification: In some myths, Anubis was credited with inventing the mummification process, a crucial step in preserving bodies for the afterlife.
• Weighing of the Heart: A central belief in Egyptian mythology involved the weighing of the heart against the feather of Ma'at (truth) in the Hall of Two Truths. Anubis was often depicted overseeing this ceremony, ensuring fairness.
• Guide and Conductor: Anubis was sometimes seen as a guide, leading the deceased through the underworld and towards Osiris, the god of the underworld.

Worship and Depictions:

• Appearance: Anubis was most commonly depicted as a black jackal or a man with the head of a black jackal. Black was associated with rebirth and the fertile Nile River.
• Offerings: Egyptians made offerings to Anubis, often in the form of food, drink, or prayers, to ensure the safe passage of their loved ones into the afterlife.
• Cult Centers: While Anubis was worshipped throughout Egypt, his cult center was particularly prominent in the city of Cynopolis (modern-day El-Bahnasa).
• Hymns and Prayers: Prayers and hymns were dedicated to Anubis, seeking his protection and guidance for the deceased.

Shifting Importance:

• Early Dynasties: In the Early Dynastic Period and Old Kingdom (c. 3100-2100 BCE), Anubis held a prominent position as the primary god of the dead.
• Later Developments: With the rise of Osiris as the central god of the underworld, Anubis' role shifted to that of an assistant and facilitator in the afterlife journey.

Anubis' legacy endures as a symbol of death, transformation, and the hope for a peaceful afterlife.