The Return of Sirius: Astronomy, Ancient Egypt and the Star of Isis

The Dog Star, Sirius, a star of Canis Major, obscured by the trajectory of the sun through the long hot days of summer, is about to reappear in the morning skies of the the northern hemisphere.   Beneath the ambient light of a modern sky, jaded by the glare of artificial light, we can all too easily overlook the annual return of this, our brightest star.

In ancient Egypt however things were very different.  The return of Sirius there, and then, occurred at the time of the summer solstice.  This was the time when the star broke free of the glare of sun (as it is just about to do here in North America)  to once again become visible or return to the skies of ancient Egypt. 

Also called The Nile Star or Star of Isis, Sirius was considered to be so astronomically significant to the  ancient Egyptian's that the mighty sphinx itself was oriented to face the point at which Sirius rose from the horizon for its dramatic return at the dawn of the summer solstice.   In those days, the return  of this brilliant star marked not only the solstice, but the start of the ancient Egyptian New Year playing a pivotal role in Egypt agriculture by warning those living along the Nile of impending flood.

At the temple of Isis-Hathor at Denderah a jewel was placed at the forehead of the statue of Isis.  When the light from the returning Star of the Nile fell upon the gem for the first time each year, the priests would announce the start of the New Year.   On the walls of the Denderah temple an inscription reads: "Her majesty Isis shines into the temple on New Year’s Day, and she mingles her light with that of her father Ra on the horizon."

Sirius is a bright white star with a hint of blue.  When the air is unsteady, or when the star itself is low to the horizon as it is now, it appears to radiate an entire spectrum of color.  In mid-northern latitudes Sirius may be seen tomorrow morning, August 13th,  just before sunrise in the southeasterly sky.  And I will be there to greet it. 

Reminder:  Tomorrow night is the full moon.  Coupled with the date (the 13th) and the return of Sirius this is wonderful time to set out crystals or other items in need of clearing.  Do consider spending some time outside this weekend to take advantage of this very special energy!