Osiris
Osiris is a central figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, known as the god of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility. Often depicted as a green-skinned man with a pharaoh's beard, wearing the Atef crown and holding a crook and flail, he embodies the qualities of regeneration, life after death, and the cycles of nature.
Originating from Egyptian mythology, Osiris is the son of the sky goddess Nut and the earth god Geb, and the brother and husband of Isis. He is a key figure in the Egyptian pantheon, ruling over the afterlife and being associated with the cycles of death and rebirth. According to myth, Osiris was killed by his brother Set but was resurrected by Isis, which made him a powerful symbol of eternal life and resurrection.
Osiris embodies properties of resurrection, fertility, kingship, and the afterlife. He represents the promise of rebirth after death, the fertility of the land, and the just rule of a king. Invoking his energy can bring about transformation, renewal, protection in the afterlife, and support in leadership roles.
Herbs and plants associated with Osiris include wheat, barley, acacia, and ivy. These plants symbolize fertility, resurrection, and the cycles of nature. They are often used in rituals to invoke his blessings for growth, renewal, and protection.
Crystals connected to Osiris include malachite, emerald, and peridot. These stones resonate with his energies of regeneration, fertility, and protection, promoting healing, renewal, and connection to the cycles of nature. They are used in rituals to enhance personal transformation, support fertility, and connect with his protective presence in the afterlife.
Osiris’s elemental correspondences are Earth and Water, reflecting his connection to the fertile land of Egypt and the transformative power of the Nile River. The Earth element emphasizes stability, growth, and the cycles of life and death, while the Water element symbolizes purification, renewal, and the flow of life.
Osiris is linked to the celestial body the Moon, symbolizing his connection to the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The Moon’s phases reflect the ongoing process of transformation and renewal that Osiris represents.
His zodiac associations include Taurus and Scorpio. Taurus represents qualities of fertility, stability, and connection to the earth, while Scorpio embodies transformation, mystery, and the exploration of hidden depths. Working with his energy during these astrological seasons can enhance personal transformation, fertility, and a deeper understanding of life’s cycles.
The times most auspicious for invoking Osiris include the full moon, the annual flooding of the Nile (which symbolizes his resurrection), and during rituals of renewal and transformation. These periods align with his domain over resurrection and fertility, making them ideal for connecting with his energy.
In rituals, tools such as an ankh (symbol of life), crook and flail (symbols of kingship), and representations of the Djed pillar (symbolizing stability) are used to invoke Osiris’s presence. Offerings of bread, beer, grains, and green vegetables are traditional ways to honor him. Rituals often involve lighting green or black candles, using herbs and crystals associated with renewal and protection, and reciting prayers or invocations to seek his blessings for transformation, fertility, and protection in the afterlife. Meditating on themes of resurrection, the cycles of nature, and personal growth, or engaging in activities that promote renewal and stability, can also deepen the connection to his powerful and transformative energies.