Observations placeholder
Egyptian Book of the Dead - Spell 098
Identifier
007014
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A Dictionary of Symbols – J E Cirlot
In the Egyptian system of hieroglyphs, steps constitute a determinative sign which defines the act of ascending; it forms part of one of the appellations of Osiris, who is invoked as ‘he who stands at the top of the steps’.
Ascending then, can be understood both in a material and in an evolutive and spiritual sense. Usually, the actual number of steps involved … is of symbolic significance.
In Egyptian images, the number tends to be nine; the triple ternary which symbolises the gods of the ennead who, together with Osiris make up the symbolic number ten which stands for the completed cycle or return to unity.
The Book of the Dead says ‘My steps are now in a position so that I may see the gods’
A description of the experience
The Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead – translated by R O Faulkner
Spell 98 – spell for fetching a ferry boat in the sky
O Dew of the Great One, I cross the earth towards the sky, I stand up as Shu, I make the sunshine to flourish on the sides of the ladder which is made to mount up to the unwearying stars, far from decapitation. Bring me those who repel evil when I have passed you by at the polar region of Tepen.
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Bodmer library Geneva |
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The source of the experience
Egyptian Book of the DeadConcepts, symbols and science items
Symbols
AscensionBeheading
Bird
Door
Earth
Eyes
Falcon
Fields and meadows
Goose
Ladder
Lake
Reed
Stairs
Stars