Osiris name is later Latin variation of the name found
with Egyptian initials WSJR, which corresponds to Usir, Aser, Wesir, Ausar,
Asari; His name means “Almighty, Powerful”.
Who was Osiris?
Egyptian god of dead, Underworld, afterlife and
rebirth. He was one of the most famous, depicted in all tombs and powerful gods
in Egypt .
Other titles given to him are: King of Living, Lord of Silence, Lord of Love, He
who is always Youthful; Lord of eternity, Lord of Abydos”.
Appearance?
He was shown always with green skin (symbol of rebirth
and regeneration), dressed in white clothing in style referring to
mummification (as his legs are wrapped). His hands are crossed in front of the
chest, holding in one flail and in another crook (symbol of power and summoning
the souls). He has conical head dress consisting of two large ostrich feathers
(called Atef crown). He has human appearance, his beard (osird), refers to the
power of the pharaoh – its false plaited divine beard).
Family?
Osiris mother and father were Nut and Geb (goddess
of earth and god of sky). He had two sisters – Isis and Nephtis (later they are
also his spouses) and one brother, the evil Seth. His children are: Horus (from
Isis ), and Anubis
(from Nephtis).
Mythological stories?
As a first born child Osiris inherited the Throne
of Egypt and married Isis .
His brother Seth married Nephtis. One day Nephtis having magical power,
transformed herself into Isis .
Confusing her with his wife, Osiris was seduced by Nephtis; later she became
pregnant and gave birth to ANUBIS.
The stories tell, that all the time there was a
revenge of his brother Seth, following Osiris. He wanted to kill him and to
take over the throne.
Seth make a trap for Osiris, closing him in a
coffin, as part of a game, then killed him and cut his body in many pieces.
Then threw the coffin in the Nile .
Later Isis and Nephtis found the coffin with the pieces of the Osiris, and with
help of Anubis gathered all body in one again (referring to first
mummification).
This was the beginning of Osiris ruling as a god
of Dead and underworld. Actually he was resurrected and lived again, but as a
god of underworld and dead.
One of important functions of Osiris is as judge
of the dead souls. He was called “Lord of Maat” (of divine law).
He was imprisoned by Seth inside a tree, which
became later the Tree of life (and also the Djed pillar).
The pharaoh was believed to become incarnated in
Osiris” after his death.
Osiris is important god we meet everywhere in
ancient Egypt ,
as he symbolizes new beginnings, rules above life, dead, judgment and
resurrection of souls.
Facts ~ Ancient Egyptians believed that after he
dies, person meets gods Osiris with Thoth, Maat, Annubis, Ammut, Henefer, who
perform the ritual of “Weighing the heart”. The person heart is put in one
scale and feather of Maat in another. If the heart is lighter than the feather,
the person lived a good and truthful life, and he will spend all the time in
the kingdom
of Osiris .
** pharaohs of Egypt
took the symbols flail and Sheppard staff from Osiris, that’s why they carry
them in afterlife.
Celebrations: The great Mystery festival, played 5
days in the spring in honor of Osiris, including plays, story telling, games
and religious rituals. Osiris was called “The one who continues to be Perfect”.
His temple is in Abydos .
Esoteric signs of Osiris:
crystal: green agate
color: silver gray
number: 2
scent: myrrh
animal: scarab
flower: violet
tree: cedar
herb: basil
food: pomegranate
Mantra: Oh Osiris, save me from the evil, prepare me for eternal Life, you, who are Perfect, everlasting, all seeing, all knowing, ruling over life and death!
relief of Osiris
Osiris in a wall painting in tomb -King Tut