DIALOGUE

Why read a book about a 5000 year old myth (Embodying Osiris)? Having a mythological base, I see today's announcement of the Egypt's presidential election in the context of archetypal gods and divine justice. Mythology informs the news!! Given the choice, Egypt chose the lesser of two evils, on the one, there was Morsi, who won, and Shafiq, a throwback to the Mubarak regime, who lost by a million votes. Anyone familiar with Seth, the god who murdered and dismembered Osiris, will recognize his "resurrection" in either of these two political figures; one is no more extreme than the other. Each vied for the throne after Mubarak was unseated by the people. His illness recalls Osiris' dismemberment and his death a call for renewal. But, with the election of an orthodox Muslim, what really can be expected? Not only is Israel nervous, but women and non-Muslim are also worried that Morsi will bring a return to the Middle Ages. Seth is extreme. He is not interested in compromise. As the Osiris myth foretold, a hero in the image of Horus is needed. Who might rise to the occasion? Without a visionary, a winter of discontent will surely follow the Arab Spring!

Want more? check out my piece, The Arab Winter, on Arab Winter