The Hermetics of the later Greco-Egyptian era employed great
creativity in explaining complex mythological/archetypical concepts. One method
used was the creation of hybrid gods that more closely expressed the ideas they
wished to explore. The most famous being Hermanubis, a combination of Hermes,
in his role as a psychopomp, and Anubis who prepared the dead for their
journey. Of course, it is well known that the Hermetics saw Hermes and Thoth as
analogous (Hermes Trismegistus). Classically, Thoth also had a role as a
psychopomp, recording the weight of a person’s heart when they died, so that
they may be judged by Ma’at and found worthy to enter the afterlife. So I
present Thoth-Anubis, my Halloween costume for this year. I expect this mask
will show up in a future ritual.