There has been a lot of talk, and writing, lately about ways to support our communities and find strength. I may sound like a broken record, but the longer the tower times progress, the more I am called back to the messages Loki has given us. Part of his message is that we need to find our joy.
When asked to find your joy, you may have certain things that come to mind. Certain people, certain gods. When talking about finding joy, my mind usually returns to a certain deity who is known to be a protector but also known for making people laugh. His name is Bes, and he is an Ancient Egyptian deity who I have always loved. And you can find my essay on Bes in this book.
Who is Bes?
Bes’ origins are lost in history, but in one form or another, he was worshipped by the Ancient Egyptians since Old Kingdom times (2686 –2181 BCE). Bes is the Ancient Egyptian demon-queller, protector of the home, women, children and childbirth.
The god whom we now know as Bes may have begun as a variety of other protector deities who were all eventually assimilated into the dwarf-lion Bes. Other dwarf deities with very similar natures to that of Bes include Aha, who was the earliest incarnation of the dwarf god, and the god Hayet. Appearing in the Middle Kingdom (2055 BC – 1650 BCE), Aha was a war-like god who was depicted face-on with legs bent, wearing a lion mask and tail, and holding snakes. Hayet was an exorcist who warded off demonic spirits, especially through dance. He was characterized by having a beard, a crown with five tall feathers, a lion tail and a belt. Other deities, called Tetetenu, Kherau, Amam, Mefdjet and Menew were also associated with, and could be merged with, the dwarf god Bes. Most of these names are related to violence, such as strife, fighting, lamenting, et cetera.
Bes’ Role in Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egyptians believed that life and the world was filled with dangers and demons. Demons could take various guises in Ancient Egypt; therefore one had to be sure to live purely and truthfully, and to also be aware of their environments. The idea that gods such as Bes were there to protect people from not only supernatural dangers, but also mundane dangers such as snakes and crocodiles, must have brought great comfort to the people of Ancient Egypt.
Bes has a Unique Appearance
Bes is portrayed as a dwarf god with leonine features. He has short legs, an enlarged head with a beard and a protruding tongue. Bes is often shown with a lion’s mane, lion’s tail or wearing the skin of a lion. Sometimes Bes is shown with a large belly and breasts, perhaps to indicate his protection over pregnant women. In his hands he carries the tools of his trade.
Images of Bes show him carrying rattles and other musical instruments that he would use to scare away demons intent upon causing harm. Some images show Bes carrying an infant, knives or other weapons, or the hieroglyph “sa” which means protection. The “sa” symbol was carried by both Bes and his wife Taweret – the hippopotamus goddess of childbirth and protection, and was used as an amulet by the Ancient Egyptians.
Bes is one of only two Ancient Egyptian deities portrayed fully facing the observer. Most Egyptian deities are portrayed in profile. The other deity shown face forward is Hathor. Hathor and Bes share connections through their protection, love of music and dance, and the fact that both deities are thought to have originated outside of the land of Egypt.
Bes as a Protector Deity
In his role as protector of women, children and childbirth, Bes’ image was carved or painted on furniture and walls in nurseries or birthing houses. In fact, Bes is one of the few gods that artifacts show was popular with the common people of Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians also saw Bes as one who not only protected but entertained children. When a child smiled for no reason, it was thought that Bes was pulling faces at the child to make them laugh. He is thought to entertain through dancing and singing, and so he was also thought to be a god of happiness and joviality. Bes uses dancing and singing to both entertain children and scare away demons and danger.
It was during the Greek Period (332 – 30 BCE) that the worship of Bes became widespread. The numbers of amulets and charms, as well as reliefs at the temples show how popular the ‘Great Dwarf’ god became. There were even oracles of Bes, to whom the people would ask questions of, written on papyrus.
Bes had no temples and no priesthood other than his oracle, although he was a major deity at Khemenu during the Middle Kingdom (2055 BC – 1650 BCE). Later in Egyptian history, statues and depictions of Bes were found in most homes throughout the land of Egypt. Although not originally one of the more famous of the gods, Bes came to be loved by the people of Egypt. It was the dwarf god-demon Bes that they came to call on for protection in their daily lives.
Bes in Modern Times
Modern Pagans who wish to connect with Bes may consider inviting him into their homes and asking him to help protect it. Singing, dancing, and making merry are also ways to connect with Bes and honor him. Handmade crafts made in his image or honor are also well received by the jovial yet fierce god.
Bes was a god of the common people and most of his relics and altars would have been made of mud and other material that did not survive. Very little of the Ancient Egyptian common people’s spiritual practices have survived, most of what we know of Ancient Egypt comes from the ruling class and the things they built in stone. Because Bes was not a god honored often by the royals, much of his lore and worship has been lost.
When I first encountered Bes during mediation, I feel that he was equally surprised to see me as I was him. I believe that when someone connects with an obscure deity, there is a chance they will be met with surprise as I was. But a person might also be met with gratitude. Some Pagans, and some non-Pagans to be sure, believe that our ancestors and perhaps even our gods will live on as long as they are remembered and worshiped. Our deities need our offerings, energy and prayers to continue to exist and do the work that they are doing. So when a relatively unknown god such as Bes finds himself face to face with an unexpected worshipper, there may be gratitude for helping keep their name alive. And there is powerful magick in having a god like that on your side.
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