Osiris

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