The Twelve Gates: A Spiritual Passage Through the Egyptian Books of the Dead

(Paperback)

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As a continuation of his series of studies in Clinical Anthropology, Professor Rush takes the reader on a journey through death rituals in various cultures, centring on the ancient Egyptian philosophy of death and resurrection. By traversing the Twelve Gates of the Underworld, the reader can participate in an ancient rite of physical and psychological death and resurrection that was performed by pharaohs and priests for thousands of years. Through a comparative study of the Egyptian Books of the Netherworld, the reader comes to see the vital significance of living a good life and preparing for a peaceful, conscious death. The author also recounts his experiences preparing for his own death, involving a painful tattooing ritual inspired by ancient Egyptian spirituality. The author is currently in the process of having his body tattooed from his neck down to his ankles with the "Egyptian Book of the Dead", so that upon death his body will become an offering to the gods. This work is of interest to students of ancient Egyptian religion and the philosophy of death and resurrection, as well as those interested in personal growth, mental health and new myths to enrich their understanding of life and death.

Author Bio

John A. Rush, PhD, N.D., is a Professor of Anthropology at Sierra College, Rocklin, California, teaching Physical Anthropology and Magic, Witchcraft and Religion. He is the author of several books on Clinical Anthropology, the application of anthropological concepts to psychotherapeutic and physical healing. He is also a Naturopathic Doctor and Medical Hypnotherapist in private practice.