Wepwawet
Wepwawet – Opener of the Ways
Wepwawet is a road opener:
• He clears the path to success and good fortune.
• He opens the way to victory in battle (literal and metaphoric).
• He opens the road for souls to travel to the afterlife.
• He opens the way for new souls on their way to the womb.
Wepwawet, a particularly ancient spirit, originally comes from Upper Egypt. He has dominion over birth, death, success, and opportunities. He removes obstacles, but he can close paths, too, so that roads to success, victory, and conception are blocked. If Wepwawet is uncooperative, dead souls roam as aimless ghosts rather than finding the right path. Because of his associations with death and the afterlife, he developed associations with Osiris and is sometimes considered his son, which makes Anubis Wepwawet’s half-brother.
Wepwawet is a desert wolf spirit. Say his name fast and listen to the wolf howl. Call his name—a war cry—when you seek his blessings. He is fearless. Wepwawet leads pharaohs’ armies to war. He opens the way to the Underworld and is envisioned standing at the prow of Ra’s barque when it makes its nocturnal journey through the Underworld provinces. (During the day, Thoth holds this position.) One might think that two canine spirits affiliated with death might growl and bicker, but Anubis and Wepwawet are friends and travelling companions. They may be invoked together and will share altar space.
ORIGIN:
Egypt
MANIFESTATION:
Wepwawet manifests as a wolf, a jackal, or a man with canine head
ICONOGRAPHY:
The traditional Tarot Moon card portrays a dog and a wolf (or a jackal and a wolf) standing on either side of a long, mysterious path and howling at a full moon. This image may be understood as representing Anubis and Wepwawet.
ATTRIBUTE:
Mace and bow
Tree:
Tamarisk
SEE ALSO:
- Anubis
- Osiris
- Thoth
- Egyptian Mythology
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.