First Annual Haker Feast of Osiris

Our camera caught sage smoke wafting past the enthroned Osiris.

In the Western calendar, fall is a time for many festivals centered on the harvest and honoring the dead: Halloween, Dia de Los Muertos, All Saint's Day, and so on. In the Egyptian calendar, what we consider harvest season is actually a planting season--but the theme of its major observance, the Osiris Mysteries, is still remarkably similar. And so, on November 1, 2008, we got back together with our friends in the Crescent Circle to share some more fellowship and celebrate the Haker Feast of Osiris. This observance was our biggest yet and we had a lot of help taking pictures--thanks again to everyone who participated!

The altar setup right before starting the service, with 'Isis' and 'Nephthys' looking on at picture's edge. Thank you, ladies, for all your help!

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This odd-looking altar peice on the left is an ancient fetish called an Imiut; it harks back to the dawn of Egyptian civilization when a real animal hide was stuffed, wrapped and tied to a pole. Originally an emblem of the jackal-headed Anubis, Imiut emblems became a symbol of Osiris in classical Egyptian art. And on the right, a familiar Halloween icon is incorporated into the altar.

The Haker Feast commemorates the death, burial and resurrection of Osiris, and by extension the souls of the Blessed Dead. Our lovely volunteers Melissa and Areal read the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys, and we performed an Opening of the Mouth on Osiris as part of the Mysteries.

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At left: the Opening of the Mouth. Right: Areal reads the Lamentations of Isis.

The traditional finale of the Osiris Mysteries is the Raising of the Djed Pillar. (For a really good reference on the Djed pillar, check this link.) Since we didn't have a full-sized Djed column--judging from ancient reliefs, the originals were taller than the average adult!--we raised one symbolically, lighting candles on a plate inscribed with the Djed symbol. (Though you can't really see the marker outline in the photo. Again, check the link for a good reference on the shape.)

Each candle is lit with our prayers for the Blessed Dead.

After the service was over, we all headed inside for some more grub and another of Mike's 'educated humor' comedy videos. All in all, the evening was a huge success and everyone had a really good time. Hope to see you again next Halloween weekend!

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