karlmarx

I also think it's a flaky argument as there just isn't enough evidence. However, it's interesting enough a theory to warrant some attention. The fact that the OP mentioned a scorpion stinging Horus also adds SOME weight to the astrological origins of the myth: if Horus is to represent the sun, then "Horus" crosses Scorpio in November prior to "dying" in December. IF Christianity took its inspiration from Egyptian religion, then there MAY be a connection between the sun cycle and the passion of the Christ. This may not have been a conscious connection: the early Christians may have been oblivious to all of this.

Before anyone jumps on this as being astro-theological nonsense, I'll just say that I don't think there is sufficient evidence for this - I just think it's interesting speculation. I do think that both mythology and astrology were of tremendous importance to the ancients, and that it makes sense to think that they would have attempted to link the two.

Need to tread carefully here in order to avoid speculating too far.

Jeffrey Gibson

Did the Egyptians recognize the constellation now known as Scorpio? Did they see a scorpion there?

Jeffrey

karlmarx

Of course, the history of Egypt is a very long one, and I should be a little more precise. The Dendera Zodiac (a bas-relief from approx 1st cent BCE) comes from a chapel dedicated to Osiris, and contains a depiction of scorpio, and the rest of the familiar Babylonian zodiac.

This, of course, is from the Ptolomaic period. Go further back, and you might find a different zodiac. I don't know when the Babylonian zodiac became known in Egypt - and unfortunately, google is less than helpful when searching for "egyptian astrology". I suppose it may have been known around 300BCE, which is the date of the Horus myth being discussed.

Sitamun

I too am having trouble with finding anything useful about the Egyptian constellation chart. I know in my many varied reading on Egypt to have come across some, however I have no idea what these books were called. When I was younger I devoured every book I could find on the Egyptians (I still do to some extent). I will keep looking however.

I did find this: The figure of an Ape is under the Scorpion
from this site
http://members.optusnet.com.au/gtosiris/page11-20.html

It's about the Denderah Zodiac. I also have no personal knowledge of how trustworthy the site is.

karlmarx

For what it's worth, wikipedia says:

Now Nechepso is from the 26th Saite Dynasty, which is when the Assyrians established a client state in Egypt. I suppose it makes sense that the Assyrians would have brought the Babylonian zodiac to Egypt, but that's all speculation from my part.

andrewcriddle

Done

Andrew Criddle

NZSkep

Wait, I thought the Emperor killed Horus on his battle barge during the siege of the Imperial Palace on Terra in the 31st Millenium?

Deadbolt

Same name, different guy, on that note, You have just reminded me of the three heresy books that are coming out...but are not yet on the market...GAAAAH~!

andrewcriddle

I have received this reply with permission to post it but without the senders name.

Roger Pearse

Thank you -- very useful.