Anubis

Anubis is an ancient Egyptian god who is associated with cemeteries, graves, mummification of the dead.  

First of all, Anubis was revered as the protector of graves and cemeteries.

In Egyptian texts, we can see several epithets are attached to his name, which are clearly indicating this role. One of them is "Hentimentiu" ("the first on the West", "the lord of the inhabitants of the West"). The meaning of this name is explained by the fact that the dead were usually buried on the west bank of the Nile. Other epithets: "Sitting on his mountain" (tepu-ju-ef) - a vigilant guard at the top of the grave; "Lord of the sacred land" (heaven-ta-jesar) - the god of the desert necropolis.

The epithet "The one who is in the place of embalming" reflects the connection of Anubis with the process of mummification.

Anubis was also called the "Guardian of the Scales". According to the story of the Book of the Dead, during the trial of the mighty Osiris, Anubis determines whether a person is worthy to enter the afterlife (the Egyptian underworld, Duat).

Anubis places the heart of the dead one on one side of the sacred scales, and on the other the goddess of truth Maat is placed in the form of an white beautiful feather.

The soul, which turns out to be heavier than a feather, is immediately devoured by the terrible monster Amt (a female hippo, with a crocodile's mane and head and lion's paws).

A soul that weighs less than a feather will ascend to heavenly existence.

Nowadays mages and priests are praying to Anubis for different reasons. Some asks for a quiet and peaceful death, somebody want to connect with their loved dead ones. What will you ask from this beautiful obsidian-eyed and peaceful deity of the dead?

Only you decide, but always remember about being respectful when you're praying to Anubis.