Lady of the Temple – Nephthys (with Tarot Spread)

Many years ago, before I knew anything about Egyptian mythology or the Egyptian pantheon, I received a visit from Nephthys (Egyptian: Nebt-Het). She came to me when I was feeling very low. I was a single mother at the time and had a lot of unresolved trauma ahead of me to yet work through. Of course, I didn’t understand that at the time but she obviously did. A relationship had failed recently as the result of a miscarriage and I was starting to realise that my ex had only with me for practical reasons.

Jump to the Goddess Nephthys Tarot Spread for Overcoming Grief

On top of the sadness of losing a child, I had to come to terms with the fact that someone I thought loved me had only used me. Knowing what I know now about the Mother of God (one of Nephthys’ countless epithets – Check out this book to learn them all), it should have come as now surprise that it was in this sorry state she chose to show up. She and her beloved sister, Isis (Egyptian: Aset) both comfort mourners.

I was quietly meditating on my bed when she entered the room. Her presence was palpable, light and uplifting and although I could not see her, I heard a ringing laughter, like the peel of silver bells. I asked who she was. She replied with a name I had never heard. To my Swedish ears, it sounded like ‘Neftis’ so this is what I Googled.

My Google search led me to other versions of her name and some of her epithets, all of which confirmed what she had told me. It literally all check out! She told me that she was a midwife of sorts, among other things.

When the Student Is Ready…

I tried to maintain my connection with Nephthys for a while. It’s not every day you receive a visit from a Goddess, after all. (It was a first for me.) However, religious programming (RTS) and my unreadiness to face my shadows at the time kept me from progressing down the path that she was taking me.

I had even started a Facebook page in her honour but had to ask someone else to take over the page. It wasn’t until I was able to do the work and step firmly onto the middle path that I’m now on that we reconnected. There is so much that I’m able to see about her and our connection that I was totally blind to all those years ago.

Nepthys

The Divine Family of Nephthys

Nephthys, the underworld and sky goddess of the Egyptian pantheon, is often overlooked when compared to her more famous sister Isis (Egyptian: Aset). She is the daughter of the sky goddess Nut and the earth god Geb. This divine lineage made her a key figure among the gods. Nephthys, alongside her sister Isis, and their brothers Osiris and Set, formed the essential quadripartite of Egyptian mythology, playing crucial roles in various mythological narratives.

Sisterly Bonds with Isis

Nephthys is intrinsically linked to her sister Isis, not only through their familial ties but also through their shared responsibilities. Both goddesses are known for their nurturing and caring qualities. While Isis is often celebrated as the mother goddess and a symbol of fertility and magic, Nephthys’ role is somewhat complementary. She is frequently associated with death and mourning but also with protection and healing. Their combined efforts in the resurrection of Osiris highlight their deep bond and mutual support.

Prominent Epithets

Throughout ancient Egypt, Nephthys was revered under various names that spoke to her multifaceted nature. Ten of her notable epithets include:

1. Lady of the House
2. Mistress of the Gods
3. Goddess of Mourning
4. Lady of Life
5. The Friend
6. Mistress of the West
7. Nurse of Horus
8. Goddess of Magic
9. Lady of the Mansion
10. Protector of the Dead

Each epithet emphasises a different aspect of her divinity, showcasing her importance in multiple realms of life and afterlife.

Goddess of Mourning and Protection

Nephthys was particularly venerated as a protector of the dead. She offers solace to the deceased, guiding them through the afterlife. Additionally, she was known as a nurse and protector of the god Horus, Isis’ son. Nephthys’ protective qualities extends to both the living and the dead, making her an essential deity in religious rites and practices. Her role as a healer and a mourner depicts her as a compassionate and nurturing goddess.

Overshadowed by Isis

While Nephthys was once a popular and significant goddess in ancient Egypt, over time, her prominence was overshadowed by her sister Isis. The cult of Isis grew profoundly influential, spreading beyond Egypt and into other cultures. Nephthys, with her more nuanced and less tangible domains, faded into relative obscurity in the broader narrative of Egyptian mythology. Despite this, she remains a critical figure in understanding the complexity and depth of Egyptian religious beliefs. And, as per my relatively recent encounter, she never did go away.

Goddess Nephthys Tarot Spread: Overcoming Grief

Drawing upon the nurturing and protective qualities of Goddess Nephthys, this tarot spread can help you navigate through grief and find the strength to move forward. Each card in this spread represents a step in the healing process.

Card Positions and Meanings

1. The Source of Grief
   • This card identifies the root cause of your grief. Understanding the source is essential for beginning the healing process.
2. Emotional Expression
   • This card reveals how you can best express and work through your emotions. It’s about finding healthy ways to release your pain.
3. Support System
   • This card represents the people or resources that can provide you with support during this time. Nephthys, being a protector, often works through others to offer comfort.
4. Healing Actions
   • This card suggests actions you can take to heal and nurture yourself. It focuses on practical steps to aid in your recovery.
5. Message from Nephthys
   • This card offers a direct message from Nephthys, providing divine insight and guidance specific to your situation.
6. Moving Forward
   • This card points to the way forward, helping you to focus on the future while honoring the past.

How to Use the Spread

1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a calm and quiet space where you can focus without interruptions.
2. Set Your Intention: Before shuffling the cards, set the intention to seek guidance from Goddess Nephthys. Light a candle and offer up a prayer if you feel inclined to do so.
3. Shuffle and Lay Out the Cards: Shuffle the tarot deck and lay out the cards in the pattern shown above.
4. Reflect on Each Card: Take your time to reflect on each card’s meaning and how it relates to your situation. Journal your thoughts if it helps.
5. Meditate on the Message: After reviewing all the cards, spend a few moments meditating on Nephthys’ message and how you can integrate her guidance into your life.

Goddess Nephthys Sample Reading about Overcoming Grief

1. The Source of Grief – King of Wands

The King of Wands represents a person or situation embodying leadership, authority, and charisma. In the context of grief, this card suggests that the root cause of your sorrow may be connected to someone who portrayed these qualities or a situation where these characteristics were pivotal. It could signify the loss of a mentor, a strong and influential figure in your life, or feelings of failure in achieving your own leadership goals.

2. Emotional Expression – 5 of Pentacles

The 5 of Pentacles is a card of hardship, isolation, and financial or emotional loss. This card indicates that you might be experiencing your grief through feelings of abandonment or a sense of lacking support. It highlights the importance of acknowledging these feelings and finding ways to express them, whether through talking to a close friend or counselor, journaling, or participating in a support group.

3. Support System – Page of Wands

The Page of Wands symbolises new beginnings, creativity, and enthusiasm. As your support system, this card suggests that there are individuals around you who can offer fresh perspectives and energetic support. These might be younger people or those with a youthful spirit who encourage you to look forward with hope and curiosity. They can provide motivation and inspiration during this challenging time.

4. Healing Actions – Queen of Swords

The Queen of Swords represents clarity, honesty, and intellectual strength. For healing actions, this card advises you to embrace clear, rational thinking and to communicate your needs and boundaries assertively. It’s a call to cut through confusion and emotional fog, making space for truth and self-awareness. Practical steps might include seeking clarity in your thoughts and feelings, perhaps through structured activities like writing, planning, or straightforward conversations.

5. Message from Nephthys – 8 of Swords

The 8 of Swords often depicts self-imposed limitations and a feeling of being trapped. Nephthys’ message here is to become aware of how your own thoughts and beliefs may be restricting your progress. She encourages you to look beyond these mental blocks and see the situation more clearly. Liberation from these constraints is possible when you decide to change your perspective and seek help to break free from the binds of fear and doubt.

6. Moving Forward – Strength

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Strength embodies inner resilience, courage, and calm mastery over adversity. As the card pointing the way forward, it reassures you that you possess the inner strength required to overcome your grief. This card is a reminder that true strength comes from a balance of patience, delicacy, and determination. Moving ahead, focus on nurturing your emotional resilience and maintaining faith in your capacity to heal and grow stronger from this experience.

Check out the world’s largest FREE Tarot Spreads collection with 400+ FREE Tarot Spreads for personal & spiritual development!