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Osiris is an ancient Egyptian god associated with the afterlife, resurrection, and regeneration. He was considered the Universal Lord and a prototype of a Messiah figure. According to Egyptian scriptures, Osiris granted eternal life to his followers, and no other god but Osiris could bestow this gift upon mortals. Osiris's coming was announced by the Three Wise Men, which were the stars Mintaka, Anilam, and Alnitak in the belt of Orion, pointing to Sirius (Sothis) in the east, signifying his birth. Angelic voices hailed the Universal Lord's arrival, coinciding with the rising of the Nile flood. The Osirian tradition extends to Tibet, where the same star marks the annual festival of releasing the waters of springs. The Tibetans named the star Rishi-Agastya, after a holy king from ancient times. Ancient Hebrews called this star Ephraim, or the Star of Jacob. In Syrian, Arabian, and Persian astrology, the star was called Messaeil, which meant Messiah. Osiris symbolized truth, and those who consumed his flesh in the form of communion cakes made from wheat became truth as well, becoming "Light-gods" or "dwellers in the Light-god." It was believed that Egyptians needed the intervention of Osiris to avoid the decay and corruption that followed death. Osiris expressed an archetypal desire for union with the mother, common in many ancient religions.
