Anubis
Anubis is the ancient Egyptian god of mummification, the afterlife, and protector of graves. He is often depicted with the head of a jackal, symbolizing his connection to the dead and his role as a guardian and guide in the underworld.
Originating from ancient Egyptian mythology, Anubis is one of the oldest deities, with his worship dating back to the Old Kingdom. He played a crucial role in funerary rites and was believed to oversee the mummification process and guide souls to the afterlife.
Anubis embodies the properties of protection, guidance, and transformation. As the god of the dead, he is associated with the transition from life to death and the safeguarding of the deceased. Invoking his energy can provide protection, assist in navigating changes, and offer guidance through difficult times.
Herbs and plants associated with Anubis include cypress, myrrh, and juniper. These plants are traditionally used in purification and protection rituals, aligning with Anubis's role in safeguarding the dead and aiding in their journey to the afterlife.
Crystals connected to Anubis include obsidian, black tourmaline, and jet. These stones offer protection, grounding, and the ability to face one's shadow, resonating with Anubis’s dominion over the mysteries of death and the underworld.
Anubis’s elemental correspondence is Earth, reflecting his association with graves, tombs, and the physical remains of the deceased. The Earth element emphasizes stability, grounding, and the natural cycles of life and death.
Anubis is linked to the celestial body Mercury, associated with communication, guidance, and transitions. Mercury’s energy complements Anubis's role in guiding souls and facilitating the journey between worlds, making Wednesdays (Mercury’s day) significant for working with him.
His zodiac association is Scorpio, a sign deeply connected to themes of death, transformation, and the occult. Scorpio’s intense and probing nature aligns with Anubis’s role in overseeing the mysteries of the afterlife and transformation through death.
The times most auspicious for invoking Anubis include Samhain, the dark moon, and funerary rites. These times are linked to death, transformation, and the thinning of the veil between worlds, making them ideal for seeking Anubis’s protection and guidance.
In rituals, tools such as ankh symbols, funerary statues, and black candles are used to invoke Anubis's presence. Offerings of bread, wine, and incense, especially myrrh, are traditional ways to honor him. Rituals often involve setting up an altar with his symbols, using protective herbs and stones, and seeking his guidance through meditation or divination.