Apis was
originally the life-force, or 'ka' of the Egyptian god Ptah, who was believed
to be reincarnated on earth in the form of a red bull. This bull was identified
by particular markings and the coloration of its hide. When identified,
the Apis bull was treated to a luxurious lifestyle, which included a room
in the temple and a harem of cows.
Later,
the bull was considered an incarnation of Osiris, who had eclipsed Ptah
as chief of the gods. In accordance with the legend of Osiris, who was
murdered by his brother Seth, the Apis Bull would be sacrificed. The flesh
would be ritually consumed, and the body carefully mummified and interred
with great ceremony, befitting the body of a God.
Apis and Osiris
were later merged as a syncretic hellenistic deity called Serapis. The cult
of Serapis died off in the fourth century, after attacks by Christian mobs.
Apis
Bull
Pronunciation: Ah-piss • (noun)
Related
Resources:
Kemet
The beliefs and practices of Kemet, a modern revival of ancient Egyptian
religious practices.
Neopaganism
There are many flavors of Neopagan faiths, from faithful reconstructions
of ancient religions, to witchcraft traditions and Goddess worship.
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