Also called Nebet-Het, Nebthet, Lady of the House.
Their story
Nephthys is the sister of Isis and Osiris and the wife of Set. After Osiris was killed, she joined Isis in searching for him and mourning him, and the two goddesses are shown as kites protecting his body. With Isis, Neith and Serqet she guarded the canopic jars of the dead.
Their day
Saturday. In modern practice, Saturday is often chosen for her through Saturn, linked with endings and quiet reflection.
Best times to give to them
- the Khoiak festival
- dusk
- the dark moon
What they like being given
- fresh water
- bread
- incense
- linen or cloth
- beer, or a non-alcoholic ale
How to honour them
- Sit quietly with her when you are grieving.
- Keep a candle for the dead and let her watch over it.
- Offer help to someone who is mourning.
- Keep a clean, calm home as a devotion to her.
How they can help you
- grief
- care for the dying
- protection
- quiet strength
- transitions
Symbols
- the house and basket headdress
- the kite
- outstretched wings
She is often said to be the mother of Anubis, which comes mainly from late sources such as Plutarch.
Festivals
- Khoiak (Mysteries of Osiris) The fourth month of the Egyptian year, with the main rites from about the 12th to the 30th of Khoiak; modern Kemetic dates vary, usually late October to November
More Egyptian goddesses
- Isis Great of Magic, mother of Horus
- Bastet Protector of the home, lady of joy
- Hathor The Golden One, lady of love and music
- Sekhmet The Powerful One, healer and protector
- Maat Truth, balance and right order
- Taweret The Great One, guardian of mothers
- Amunet The hidden goddess of the primordial eight
- Mut The great mother and queen of Thebes