Anubis: Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection

Anubis: Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection
Charlie Larson
ISBN 978-1578638413
Weiser Books
$18.95

Anubis: Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection is an illuminating, heartfelt guide that brings the jackal-headed Egyptian god into focus for modern spiritual practice. From its striking cover art to its rich content, the reverence for Anubis is evident and author Charlie Larson delivers on that promise. Larson—a seasoned pagan practitioner—seamlessly blends mythology and history with practical guidance, all delivered in a warm, devotional tone that helps readers connect with Anubis’s energies of protection, guidance and transformation.

The book is organized into two parts. The first section, “Discovering Anubis,” covers Anubis’s identity and lore in depth—his roles as guardian of the dead, guide of souls (psychopomp), protector of tombs and other facets—effectively grounding the reader in the god’s rich mythology. The second section, “Working with Anubis,” provides hands-on practices for building a personal relationship with this deity. Larson offers an array of rituals, guided meditations, prayers, altar setups, offerings and even journal prompts for reflection. Importantly, he encourages adapting these ancient traditions to fit modern life, rather than simply re-enacting the past, so that Anubis’s wisdom remains relevant today.

Larson’s writing throughout Anubis is engaging and passionate, making a potentially intimidating subject feel approachable and sacred. By the end, readers will have not only a wealth of knowledge about Anubis’s history and epithets, but also practical tools and confidence to work with him in their own spiritual journey. Overall, this book is an informative and uplifting resource that faithfully captures the depth and protective presence of this ancient god.