Festivals of Ancient Egypt
The Mysteries of Wesir (Osiris)
The processional Barque of Wesir
Photo courtesy of Kai-Imakhu Neferuhethert from Hethert.orgThe Mysteries of Wesir celebrates the death and "resurrection" of Wesir (Gr. Osiris) in late November, establishing Him in His title as the Foremost of Westerners, Lord of the Blessed Dead. It is also symbolic of the cycle of life in Kemet (ancient Egypt) as represented by the flooding and receding of the Nile which initially brings destruction, but results in fertility and harvest.
According to the ancient records, Wesir was once King over all of Kemet until his brother Set (Gr. Seth) contended with Him for the throne and drowned Him in the Nile. His body was believed to have come to rest on the banks of Abdju (Abydos), which became His holy city and center of worship. The temple at Abdju also contains the famous Hall of Kings upon which the names of all the pharaohs of Kemet are written—with the exception of officially censured pharaohs like Akhenaten and Hatshepsut.
Every year the people of Kemet would gather at Abdju for a "passion play" which enacted the drama of the Mysteries. Actors and actresses included those playing the parts of Wesir's wife Aset (Gr. Isis) who eventually found and restored Him, her sister Nebt-het (Gr. Nepthys), stepson Yinepu (Gr. Anubis) and Djehuty (Gr. Thoth).
The first day of the Mysteries included a mock battle between Wesir and Set, which was carried out in the temple courtyard and into the streets. These fights, although allegorical, could become quite intense and real injuries often occurred.
On Day Two, Aset and her sister Nebt-het wandered the land looking for the body of Wesir. They would eventually find Him on the banks of the Nile, and a beautiful tribute called The Lamenations of Aset was recited over His body. Much mourning and weeping for Wesir continued through Days Three and Four, concluding with the Night Vigil on the evening of Day Four when lights were kept burning and hourly recitations continued throughout the night for Wesir's return.
Eventually Aset was able to bring Wesir back to "life" through Her powerful magic, although this act was not a resurrection per se. Having died, Wesir was not able to return to rule once more in the land of the living, so He was established in the Beautiful West (Kemetic Afterlife) as Lord of the Dead. Aset's son Heru (Gr. Horus), conceived by Aset with Wesir after His magical restoration, went on to overthrow Set and reclaimed the throne of Kemet as His Father's rightful heir.
Day Five marked the victory of Wesir over the forces of darkness. His procession to the West was a three-day celebration of feasting and ceremonies establishing Him in His kingship, and honoring the Akhu, the Blessed Dead.
The Mysteries of Wesir is a good time to honor one's ancestors. If you have an Akhu Shrine, you may leave them special offerings. Or you may visit their gravesites and leave offerings there as well. It is also a special time to put aside past failings and negativity, and to contemplate new beginnings, start new projects and ask for all blessings associated with growth and renewal.
Part of this presentation is based on research by H.H. Hekatawy I (Rev. Tamara L. Siuda) of the House of Netjer.
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