Anubis is one of the most recognisable deities of the Ancient Egyptian pantheon, revered as the god of mummification, funerary rites, cemeteries, and the protection of the dead. Known to the ancient Egyptians as Inpw or Anpu, Anubis played a vital role in guiding souls through the afterlife and ensuring that the deceased received the proper rituals required for their safe passage into the next world. As a guardian of tombs and protector of sacred burial grounds, he was regarded as a compassionate and vigilant deity who watched over both the dead and those responsible for their care.
Anubis is traditionally depicted as a man with the head of a black jackal or as a full black jackal resting attentively upon a shrine or tomb. The jackal was chosen because these animals were commonly seen roaming the edges of cemeteries in ancient Egypt, making them closely associated with burial grounds and the afterlife. The colour black held deep symbolic meaning within Egyptian culture, representing not only death but also rebirth, regeneration, and the fertile soil left behind by the annual flooding of the Nile. Together, these symbols portray Anubis as a deity who oversees the transition between life and death while safeguarding the promise of renewal.
One of Anubis’ most significant roles was his participation in the Weighing of the Heart, a central event in the Egyptian understanding of the afterlife. According to ancient belief, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order. Anubis carefully supervised this sacred ceremony, ensuring that the scales remained balanced and that each soul received a fair judgement. If the heart proved lighter than or equal to the feather, the individual was permitted to continue into the eternal afterlife. Through this role, Anubis became closely associated with justice, integrity, and the protection of the soul’s journey beyond death.
In many modern spiritual traditions, Anubis continues to be honoured as a guardian, guide, and protector. Practitioners often invoke his presence when seeking spiritual protection, guidance during times of transition, or assistance with ancestor work and respectful communication with spirits. He is also regarded by many as a steadfast companion during periods of personal transformation, helping individuals navigate change with courage, wisdom, and discernment.
Contemporary devotional practices sometimes depict Anubis carrying a vessel of Kyphi, an ancient Egyptian temple incense composed of aromatic resins, herbs, honey, wine, and spices. Kyphi was burned in temples and sacred spaces as an offering to the gods and was valued for its calming fragrance and ceremonial importance. In modern practice, this imagery symbolises purification, sacred communication, and the creation of a protected spiritual environment for meditation, ritual, and remembrance.
A devotional prayer dedicated to Anubis expresses gratitude for his guidance and protection throughout life’s many journeys:
“Thank you, Lord Anubis, for keeping me safe on my journey of life—both spiritual and mundane—as I communicate with those around me.”
Symbolic Correspondences
In contemporary spiritual practice, the following correspondences are commonly associated with Anubis:
- Animal: Dog
- Candle Colour: Black
- Crystal: Black Obsidian
- Flower: Hyacinth
- Incense: Frankincense Incense
Today, Anubis remains one of the most revered figures in Ancient Egyptian mythology and modern Kemetic spirituality. Whether appreciated as a historical deity, a mythological guardian of the dead, or a spiritual guide honoured in contemporary devotional practice, he continues to symbolise protection, justice, transformation, and the safe passage through life’s many transitions. His enduring legacy serves as a reminder that endings are often gateways to new beginnings, and that wisdom, courage, and compassion are invaluable companions on every journey.