Dates:  21 January to 19 February

 

Appearance:  Shu takes on human male form wearing a plume on his head and holds a sceptre in his hand.  More often he is portrayed with upraised arms separating the earth god (Geb) from the sky goddess (Nut).  

Symbols: Feather,

Principle: Inhalation:
To breathe in - to take in the universal life force
The endless reservoir of possibilities

Function: Breath

Energies        
To rejuvenate the spirit and restore the body: To take in or expel air from the lungs as a regular physiological process/ admit or emit air or moistures.  Breathe new life into something/ reinvigorate. The source of peace and recuperation.  

Myth: 

Shu is one of the first two deities created by Atum (the sun-god of Heliopolis.
He is first born of Ra and twin brother of Tefnut. In one of the Ancient Kemetic myths; the creator sun god is said to have sneezed out Shu, The name Shu has a similar sound to the verb "to sneeze" in ancient Egyptian (roughly pronounced "ashesheh").

This 'air-god separates earth and sky by holding the body of the sky ntr Nut above that of her husband/consort/brother; the earth ntr Geb or (Seb).  

She brings healing dreams and insights.
So this first born of Ra, represents air, space or ether on which all life depends.  Ra com-manded that he separate Nut and Geb who were said to be in a 'sexual embrace.' Since then he has kept the two separate so that the sun can continue its cycle and creation can continue to exist.  Human interactions would be impossible without space and air.  Shu is also referred to as king of the gods and goddesses as he is able to lead aspirants to the divine (he links the two).

Father of Nut and Geb
The god of sunlight and air, he is usually shown with his arms raised supporting the sky-goddess Nut whom he holds apart from her consort the earth - god Geb,  Shu is said to have originated from the mucus which Atum sneezed from his nostrils.

In the creation myth of the god of air, Shu was born with his sister Tefnut from the mouth of the primeval god Atum, and then divided the sky from the earth.  Human beings, like gods, need air, and temple-lofts open to the air were often described as "windows of Shu."

 "My mouth is opening now"
Shu opened the mouth of the gods and goddesses with the iron harpoon of heaven

Personality Traits:
Being the sign of air; Shus can fit into any situation and have tremendous creative po-tential.  Many are theatrical and are able to effortlessly captivate an audience.  They are able to argue their case or that of less unfortunate with eloquence.  Between Nut and Geb (sky and earth) they share a close affinity to nature as well as a highly devel-oped spirituality.  
Intuitive / Instinctive

Body parts:    
Ankles [functional/metaphysical = Neurological/elevation]

A highly active immune system means that Shus may often suffer from problems like hay fever, asthma or skin rashes.

Having opened the mouth of the gods with an iron harpoon - Shu is capable of elo-quent speech and enabling other with such.
    




Other Correspond ences
Neter                      Shu
Season                   Emergence / Proyet
Month                     February
Planet                     Uranus
Element                  Air
Body part                Ankles
Gemstone               Moonstone, Amethyst
Tree                        Silver Birch
Food                       Lychee
Flower                     Iris. orchid
Colour(s)                  Purple
Number(s)                9
Incense/Perfume      White Sandalwood
Metal                       Radium/Uranium

12 Tribes of Israel     Naptali

Suitable Occupations     Psychology, social work, teaching, conservation and animal welfare
       

Famous People under this sign     

Nelson Mandela,

Angela Davis,

Jackie Robinson,

Michael Jordon,

Langston Hughes,

Rosa Parks

 

 Western Sun-sign      Approx.  Aquarius

Yoruba Deity      Oya