The Twelve Gates: A Spiritual Passage Through the Egyptian Books of the Dead [Paperback]

John Rush (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2007

In The Twelve Gates, clinical anthropologist John Rush embarks on a spellbinding journey through death rituals in various cultures, centering on the ancient Egyptian philosophy of death and resurrection. The first part of the book provides an overview of different rituals, encouraging readers to confront their feelings about death and to reevaluate their lives. The author details his own experiences preparing for death, including a painful tattooing process inspired by the ancient Egyptian Books of the Netherworld. He then guides readers through the Twelve Gates of the Underworld, symbolic ritual stages during which they can figuratively experience death and rebirth. A set of full-color tarot cards, designed by the author, is included as an aid in passing through each of the Gates. These ancient rituals, performed by pharaohs and priests for thousands of years, help ease the way toward a peaceful, conscious death.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John A. Rush, PhD, N.D., is a Professor of Anthropology at Sierra College, Rocklin, California, teaching Physical Anthropology and Magic, Witchcraft and Religion. He is the author of several books on Clinical Anthropology, the application of anthropological concepts to psychotherapeutic and physical healing. He is also a Naturopathic Doctor and Medical Hypnotherapist in private practice.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books; 1 edition (July 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583941754
• ISBN-13: 978-1583941751
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 1.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #281,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Book of the Dead (Egyptian)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Quest, September 22, 2007

By 

Katie (Sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Twelve Gates: A Spiritual Passage Through the Egyptian Books of the Dead (Paperback)

This book is about death and resurrection, both physical and spiritual, and "must" reading for anyone coming to terms with his or her own physical death. It is also compelling reading for those desiring change in life, or death to one's old self and spiritual rebirth. Dr. Rush first takes the reader on a facinating journey through death rituals around the world, then presents an overview of the Egyptian Books of the Netherworld, and details the symbolism he used for his own "death and resurrection" using the painful process of tattooing (see his other work, Spiritual Tattoo). The Twelve Gates comes complete with Gate Cards that allow the reader to accompany Re, the Sun God, through the Twelve Gates of the Underworld to be reborn.I found the dreams Dr. Rush reported at the end of each Gate to be quite facinating. Not only is this a captivating book in terms of content it is one of the most beautiful books I have purchased in some time. The Gate Cards are in color and the numerous plates are in color as well. The last chapter, Becoming Osirian, gives a set of simple directives for living a healthy, helpful, non-hurtful life, cautioning that humanity must come before God, and the road to your own godliness is through self-responsible behavior guided by rational and critical thinking. This is bound to be a classic.