Category Archives: Art

Ancient Egyptian Afterlife: The Opening of the Mouth Ceremony

Arkane Curiosities

The ancient Egyptians left behind an awe-inspiring legacy of culture, architecture, and beliefs. The ancient Egyptians also held a particularly fascinating and complex view of the afterlife. The concept of a double soul and the opening the mouth ceremony were only the start to a long journey in the ancient Egyptian afterlife.

Ka and Ba: The Dual Essence of the Soul

Central to the Egyptian concept of the afterlife were the ka and ba. These two aspects represented the dual essence of an individual’s soul. The ka was the life force or spiritual double, residing within the physical body during life and continuing to exist after death. It required sustenance in the form of offerings to remain content and connected to the earthly realm.

On the other hand, the ba was the individual’s personality, often depicted as a bird with a human head. After death, the ba would separate from the body to roam freely in the spirit world, visiting loved ones and sacred places. However, it needed to return to the tomb periodically to reunite with the ka and sustain its existence.

Opening the Mouth

The “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony aimed to revitalize the deceased’s senses, allowing the mummy to see, hear, smell, eat, and breathe again in the realm of the dead. Essentially, this would allow the ka, still residing in the body, to accept and enjoy any offerings presented to it. 

Key Elements of the Ceremony

Touching the Mouth: The priest touched the mouth and eyes of the mummy with a special forked tool. This gesture symbolized the restoration of the mummy’s senses, allowing them to speak and see again.

Incantations and Spells: During the ceremony, priests would recite spells and incantations to invoke the help of various gods and deities. These spells were believed to activate the powers of the objects used in the ritual and ensure the successful transition of the deceased into the afterlife.

Offerings: Replicas of milk (activated with the incantations) were presented to the mummy. This represented the baby’s first nourishment. There were also replicas for salt water (used for cleansing) and fresh water. These offerings were meant to sustain the deceased in the afterlife and provide them with the necessities for eternity.

Reborn: The idea that the body was “reborn” into the afterlife was strong. Egyptians used a forked blade (called a pesesh-kef) to touch the mummy’s mouth. This was the same tool used to sever the umbilical cord when this person was born.

The Opening of the Mouth ceremony aimed to reanimate the senses of the deceased and ensure their successful transition into the afterlife. By performing this ceremony, the ancient Egyptians believed that the mummy would be fully prepared to undertake the journey to the realm of the dead, where they could enjoy eternal life in the presence of the gods. 

Tim Kane

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Daikokuten: The Japanese God of Wealth and Theft

Arkane Curiosities

There aren’t many deities out there that actually encourage you to steal from their temples. But Daikokuten does just this. As the Japanese god of wealth, he (or sometimes she) understands that you might have a break a few rules to climb up the ladder of riches.

One of the Seven Lucky Gods

Daikokuten is one of the seven lucky gods who brings abundance and good fortune. Also referred to as Daikoku or Daikokutenno, this god his roots in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Originally a deity of Hindu origin known as Mahakala, he was a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. As Buddhism spread to Japan in the 6th century, Mahakala became entwined with the Shinto god Ōkuninushi.

God of Darkness

Represented as 大黒天 in Kanji, Daikokuten means “God of the Great Darkness.” It might seem strange that a good luck god is associated with the dark, but this has more to do with those sneaking around to seek their fortune. One of his several forms is feminine, known as Daikokunyo (大黒女), meaning “She of the Great Blackness,” or Daikokutennyo (大黒天女), meaning “She of the Great Black Heavens.”

The God of Five Cereals

The term “five cereals” refers to a group of staple grains that form the foundation of traditional Japanese agricultural — rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, and millet. Daikokuten symbolizes the bountiful harvest and abundant yields of these crops. By invoking Daikokuten’s divine presence, farmers express their gratitude for the life-sustaining nourishment that the five cereals bestow upon them.

Magical Mallet

Daikokuten is often depicted carrying a magical mallet known as a “Uchide no kozuchi” (the Mallet of Fortune). He uses this weapon to squash demons who might bring bad luck. According to the myth, when the mallet is swung, it can grant any wish, producing abundant crops and endless riches.

Stealing Your Way to Good Luck

The tradition of fukunusubi (theft of fortune) holds that anyone who can steal the divine figure of Daikokuten would gain good fortune. That is, unless you are caught in the act. Daikokuten bestows luck only to those bold enough to grasp it. Also known as “She of the Great Blackness,” he is also the god of thieves. 

So nab one yourself, but be sure not to get caught. With Daikokuten, you have to steal your good luck. 

Tim Kane

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