Neter: Khepera
Dates: 22 June to 22 July
Appearance: Human form, male with scarab head
Transformation, regeneration and rebirth.
Principle: Metamorphosis
Transformations from mundane to divine Central symbol of salvation
Function: Revolution Complete change
Accomplishments in certain disciplines such as medicine, the-ology, and astronomy; also spells and sorcery fall under the realm of Khepra.
Energies: Metamorphosis
Myth: Khepera is an aspect of the resurrected sun-god at dawn on the eastern horizon and so syn-onymous with rebirth. The god of cyclical renewal and of the daily rising; variable aspects of the sun was depicted in the shape of a scarab beetle. In the course of the sun's journey across the sky he represented morning sunrise, while Ra personified the hours of the day and Atun, the evening.
A manifestation of the creator god taking shape as the rising sun: The dung beetle/scarab was seen forming a ball of dung and rolling it over the sand. According to mythology this beetle lays its eggs in this ball and this life cycle was seen as a microcosm of the daily rebirth of the sun which was rolled across the heavens. Self begotten and self produced; Khepera had the attribute of self generation and self renewal. The scarab symbol of the enduring human soul; and is said to ensure its continuity.
The ball represents the Earth and the scarab the sun. The 30 segments of its six legs are said to represent the 30 days of each month.
He represents the type of matter which contains within itself the germ of life which is about to spring into a new existence; thus he represents the dead body from which the spirit is about to arise - salvation.
The scarab represents one of the most important symbols of dynastic Egypt. Scarabs of vari-ous materials form an important part of Egyptian antiquities. Often they are inscribed on the base or decorated with designs and are simultaneously amulets and seals. Used as funerary talismans equipped with replicas of a falcon's wings; large basalt 'heart scarabs' were placed in the bandages of mummies and were symbolically identified with the heart of the deceased. A winged scarab might also be placed on the breast of the mummy as well as a number placed about the body. These scarabs were often inscribed with chapter 30 of the 'Book of the Dead' with a spell that instructed the heart on how it should behave at the Judgement of the Dead.
"My heart, my mother; my heart, my mother. My heart of my life upon earth. May not rise up against me in judgement in the presence of lord of the Trial. .." EA Wallis Budge.
One of the most popular motives in Egyptian art, the seal type of scarab was the most com-mon and many have been found in a variety of different materials including semi-precious stones in various sizes with inscriptions, magical signs and a wide variety of designs. The in-scriptions vary from mottoes referring to deities or places o friendly wishes or words of good omen. The most valued of these though have been the ones bearing royal names. Often used as a personal seal; when set in a ring as a bezel or hung on a necklace as a pendant its flat side could be inscribed with the name and titles of its owner. Scarabs were/are also used as a protective amulet. Carried by trade throughout the Mediterranean, numerous examples of imitations have been found in the region outside of Egypt and are still a most popular souvenir for visitors.
Personality Traits:
Intuitive
Initiative, Drive, create their own opportunities
Industrious, very active
Well intentioned
Cheerful, optimistic,
Tendency to champion the plight of the unfortunate
(Self effacing) Power to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others
From childhood they make it clear that the have a will of their own
Courageous with competitive spirit
Never boring to be around
They are content to be on their own but are not shy or reclusive
Their need for occasional solitude can some sometimes be misinterpreted and taken the wrong way.
They make encouraging parents always encouraging and supportive.
They have a tendency to 'not know when to quit'
Body parts: Stomach, [functional/metaphysical = Lym-phatic/conversion
Quote:
"He who is coming into being"
"To Become"
"Coming into Being"
'He who rolls'
Other Correspondences
Neter Khepera
Season Harvest / Shomu
Month Pamenoth
Planet Pluto
Element Water
Body part Stomach
Gemstone Amber, pearl, moonstone
Tree Alder
Food Date
Flower Lotus Flower
Colours(s) Amber / maroon
Number(s) 12
Incense/Perfume Myrrh - Saffron
Metal Silver
12 Tribes of Israel Levi
Famous People under this sign
Bill Cosby,
Louis Armstrong,
Princess Diana,
Nelson Mandela (18/07),
Mike Tyson (30/08),
Missey Elliot (01/07)
Western Zodiac Approx. Cancer
Yoruba Deity Olukua
Western Sun-sign Approximately Cancer