Egyptian Funerary Rite

Anubis is an Egyptian deity that was associated with the mummification and protection of the dead for their journey into the afterlife. He was usually portrayed as a half human, half jackal, or often in full jackal form. He was also depicted as pure black, to symbolize rebirth.

Osiris was the Egyptian deity of the afterlife, the dead and the 'underworld.' Through the hope of new life after death Osiris began to be associated with the cycles observed in nature, in particular vegetation and the annual flooding of the Nile, through his links with Orion and Sirius at the start of the new year. He is usually depicted as green in colour, for new life. He wears the 'Atef' crown.

Not much is said in Egyptian mythology about Aken, other than the fact that he was the ferryman of the deceased. He travels via the boat. In this rite, he is called upon in order to ensure the safe passing of the deceased person.

If you can, do this rite outdoors. If not, inside somewhere is fine.

Sit on the ground/floor. Light the candle and the stick of incense that reminds you of your friend. (i.e. if s/he was an outdoorsman, select a woodsy scent like evergreen or sandalwood; if s/he was a homebody, use cinnamon, etc.)

If you have it, place the picture of your deceased friend in front of you. If you do not have this, simply visualize the friend in your mind.

Pour the 1/2 cup of red wine or apple juice into the fireproof bowl, and warm it slightly using the candle flame. As you are doing so, remember all the good times and memories you have had with said friend. Visualize the deceased friend surrounded by a soft, white glow, safely passing into a better place. Call out to your friend, as say you wish him/her well, or whatever you feel appropriate.

Call out the following:

''Aken! Ferryman of the dead, I ask you kindly to ensure my friend, (insert friend's full name here), safely passes into the Otherworld (or whatever you want to call it.) I thank you.''

''Osiris! Deity of the underworld, the dead and the afterlife, I request you nicely to assure that my friend, (name here), resides safely in your realm, and is reborn in a happy form. I thank you.''

''Anubis! Protector and embalmer of the dead, I ask you to please ensure my friend's protection and safety as she progresses. I thank you.''

Now, drink the wine/apple juice, again remembering all the good times you had with that friend and visualize her passing safely, being watched over by the deities mentioned.