Summarize the plot of the Asarian Resurrection Myth:
In the Asarian resurrection myth, Asar and Aset were righteous rulers of Kemet. They both travelled near and far (i.e. China and India) disseminating the Neterian teachings that were codified and handed down to them by Lord Djhetui. One evening after having too much to drink Asar was seduced by Nebthet, his brother Set’s wife, resulting in the birth of Anpu (intellectual discrimination). Set who was already jealous and envious of Asar became outraged and unforgiving. During one of Asar’s travels Set, which represents the personification of the lower (1-3) energy forces (avarice, hatred, envy, lust, anger etc.) plotted to kill his brother Asar in order to seek revenge and inherit the throne. He had a coffin made for Asar and tricked him into getting in it in order to see if it was a good fit. Set and his assistants closed the coffin locking Asar inside and threw it into the Nile River.
After learning of what had happened to Asar, Aset went in search of him, she was also exiled by Set. Asar’s coffin had become embedded in the earth forming a Djed pillar (symbolizing the higher energies 4-7) and from it grew a pleasant smelling tree that was discovered by the King of Syria who had it uprooted and taken to his palace. Aset’s search led her to the palace where she convinced the king after some time and service to release the Djed pillar to her. With the assistance of Sebek who governs the Nile, which symbolizes the flow of consciousness, she takes the Djed pillar upstream (symbolic of the flow of consciousness upward) to the papyrus swamps where she resurrected Asar through the power of love and wisdom. Through their spiritual union Heru (spirit and matter) was conceived.
After learning of the union, Set captured Asar and cut his body up into pieces and scattered them across the land and sea. Aset, with the assistance of Anpu and Nebthhet searched the world for Asar’s body parts and found all but the phallus (symbolizes serpent power, Asar as Seker)) which had been eaten by a fish.
Aset gave birth to Heru in secret as Set searched after them. Heru eventually challenges his uncle Set for the throne of Kemet after undergoing various training and spiritual lessons with Aset and other Neteru. The battle ensues for quite some time, taking on various symbolic meanings at each turning point. Heru eventually gains the awareness of his true nature through an interaction with Lord Djehuti and develops the inner confidence to assert victory and control over Set through the manifestation of his Divine power and light.
What are the main takeaways from the Asarian Resurrection Myth?
The main takeaway from the Asarian Resurrection myth is that it is a story about the journey of the human soul that comes into time and space to have experiences that will ultimately lead to the remembrance of the Divine Self. The Neteru are cosmic forces and principals. Some Neteru support the plight of the soul as they are the very attributes that makes up the personality. When those aspects of the soul are realized and utilized the initiate can use the associated powers and principals to propel forward on the journey to the realization of the Divinity (Asar) within. Other Neteru support creation itself as they are the very essence of various aspects of creation. Set is a Neter (one that represents an aspect of the personality) that is not to be destroyed but rather controlled by the activation and manifestation of the higher energy centers (sefek ba Ras) and then harnessed for righteousness.
What have you discovered about the role of Aset in the epic teaching of the Asarian Resurrection myth? What do you make of her character and personality? Heru and Set are two ends of the same stick – that stick being the will. Every person has the illusory freedom of deciding to will him/herself towards the Divine (Asar) through a life of righteousness, symbolized by Heru or towards unrighteousness symbolized by Set. When a soul having a human experience reaches a point of exhaustion from trying to find happiness and peace in worldly pursuits, the process of asking deeper questions about life and movement towards a higher purpose unfolds. That unfolding process brings about the activation of the principals of Goddess Aset, thus intuitional wisdom begins to guide the soul. Goddess Aset also represents the mastering of the lower sciences (exoteric) and the desire to know the higher mysteries (esoteric) related to one’s own existence. When the will begins to seek the Divine it will find the tree of knowledge (one of Goddess Aset’s symbols), which provides the wisdom teachings needed for the personality/will to purify and the soul to evolve. As the initiate evolves, devotion (symbolized by Goddess Aset) to the higher-Self leads the initiate to separate from and eventually rule over Set (his/her own lower nature / energy centers). Goddess Aset, like in the myth is devoted to assisting those who are devoted to discovering and manifesting their true nature (Asar) through the extension of her wisdom, divine love and devotion to Asar. She takes on the role of nurturer, protector and teacher of those who are attempting to identify and become one with Heru (will devoted to the soul). Some other attributes of Goddess Aset are forgiveness as she forgave Asar for his shortcomings as a man that resulted in the birth of Anpu. She is also compassionate for the lowly soul as well, in the myth she let Set free at one point due to this compassion. However, she also challenged Set and his ill will towards Asar. Those who consume Goddess Aset will develop the same type of compassion for his/herself and others with equanimity.
