Khonsu is the ancient Egyptian god of the moon, fertility, healing, love, exorcism, and regeneration.
Overview[]
Associated with the moon's movement and the passage of time, he embodies the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. He is typically depicted wearing a headband adorned with a lunar disk.
His sacred symbols include the lunar disk, scepter, ankh, falcons, and baboons. The name "Khonsu" means "traveler"—reflecting both the moon's nightly journey across the sky and his role as protector of nighttime travelers.
History[]
Origins[]
Khonsu was said to be the son of Amun and of Mut, air goddess of the Ogdoad pantheon. He was the brother of Montu, and possibly Bes and Ptah, and was brother or half-brother to Bast and Sekhmet. He is one of the oldest gods in the Egyptian pantheon though in comparison to his siblings he was one of the younger ones.
Along with Thoth he marked the passage of time. Khonsu was instrumental in the creation of new life in all living creatures. At Thebes he formed part of a family triad (the "Theban Triad") with Mut as his mother and Amun his father.
Early Years[]
In Ancient Egypt, Khonsu posed as a human pharaoh at the Egyptian city of Thebes, the seat of worship of Amun- Ra. At the same time, Osiris posed as a mortal ruler in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis. During that period, Khonsu dictated his will on Earth to the legendary Egyptian intellectual Imhotep. At the time, Khonsu was among the gods that drove out Mammon after he presented the concept of alchemy to one of the mortal subjects.
Khonsu's name reflects the fact that the Moon (referred to as Iah in Egyptian) travels across the night sky, for it means "traveller", and also had the titles "Embracer", "Pathfinder", and "Defender", as he was thought to watch over those who travel at night. As the god of light in the night, Khonsu was invoked to protect against wild animals, and aid with healing. It was said that when Khonsu caused the crescent moon to shine, women conceived, cattle became fertile, and all nostrils and every throat was filled with fresh air.
20th Century[]
In 1942, during World War II, Khonsu helped some of the members of the British Paranormal Society who were aiding a group of British soldiers, as stumbled on to his tomb. He appeared in the sky during a battle in the light of a full moon, where Trevor Bruttenholm catches a glimpse of Khonsu's face in the sky and gets the feeling to warn the other not to advance. The landmines in the area then suddenly detonated, apparently due to the unstable terrain over the tomb, allowing them to win the battle.
Links[]
- Khonsu - Wikipedia
- Khonsu - Mythology Wiki