The Egyptian ‘Book of The Dead’ is transliterated rw nw prt m hrw, and is translated as “Book of Coming Forth by Day” or “Book of Emerging Forth Into the Light”. The text consists of a number of magic spells intended to assist a person’s journey through the Duat, or underworld after death, or during an intense initiation ceremony created to renew the spirit and create a ‘rebirth’. Before emerging into the light the initiate must pass a grand trial in which their heart is weighed against a feather. Is there sadness, guilt, resentment, things left undone, or unsaid? Is the heart feather light or heavy with burdens of the past? Without a free heart transformation is impossible.
In far ancient times this rite was reserved only for royalty and temple clergy of the highest order. Times have changed. Through the magick of the internet we can learn these ‘secrets’ with just the click of a mouse. Ancient stories reveal themselves to all who seek, and the old ways unwind and are reborn into the vibrant energies of the present. The symbols speak. The Old Gods operate in a place of no-time, and may still open doors if we knock in the right way.
Today there are 2 songs winding through my life regarding this tale of wisdom and transmutation. One is written by me, and one by my good friend (and musical companion of many lifetimes) Joe Pepitone of Kollagemontage. Perhaps they will inspire you to explore Egyptian cosmology and the ‘Book of Dead’ for yourself, or perhaps they will speak to you of your own passages through the pathways of life and spirit. Here are the lyrics to both offered in love and light. They will be released later this year. Stay tuned. . .
Out By Day: by Kai Altair
Oh you don’t wanna go, then you do, then you don’t
but you know you’re only halfway home
and you don’t want to loose your way or be alone
Then go by day, go out by day
My perfect name – is spoken
Ancient echoes – casting shadows
Pierce my heart – with poison arrows
I’m on this path – the way is narrow
I am of the pharaohs – born of the wind
Free without sin – let it begin again
True of voice – will not stray
I’m coming forth by day Stones of time – supreme alignment
Amplifying – broken waves
Half blinded – keen to confinement
Open minded – the way of the sage
Turn the page – carve the glyph
This empty age – void of myth
Light the lamp – open the way
I’m coming forth by day
Thank you for sharing your dreams and life with us, Kai. The first time you played Out By Day on your webcast when it wasn’t yet named or finished I had chills. Now reading the lyrics today while at a completely different point in my life journey (it feels like forever ago) I relate to it in a much more deep & profound way. We must be on the same frequency. <3
Sorry my time commitments made me miss all but the beginning of your last webcast. Hope you do another soon. I'm excited for your new songs and album and I hope to see you again someday very soon. Thank you for the sailor ceremony you gave my father's trinkets I gave you. I hope you got my email reply? Hopefully you can make it out to Michigan to tour someday soon? I know a lovely venue that allows fire and acrobatics. Thanks for the bedtime reading, this was perfect timing. ~Love, light & prayers
Oh! I love that there is a venue waiting for us in Michigan. Do you know of any electronic music/transformational festivals that happen in the area? I am looking bring my music to festivals next year most of all.
I am so glad that ‘Out by Day’ resonates with you. These songs belong to all of us, so it doesn’t surprise me that the frequencies are aligning. It came through for you too. I love that you are growing along with it as it is birthed into the the world. So much more to come. . . XO