A Mourning Hymn

A Mourning Hymn


Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care.
May these, our beloved and honored dead find rest
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care.
May these our beloved and honored dead find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
May these our beloved and honored dead find healing.

Mighty Weigher of Hearts, keeper of the scale
Judge them compassionately, for we are all imprefect
Wise Lady of Mourning, giver of healing
Comfort them who have passed, comfort us who mourn
Unseen Lord, Host of Many
Welcome them with open arms, we entrust them to your care now
Mysterious Lady, Keeper of Rebirth
Bring life again to those now gone, that the cycle may continue

Rest soft O' Earth on those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may know peace
Warm gently O' Fire those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find comfort
Blow sweetly O' Wind on those we have placed in your care
That we who are left behind may find clarity
Flow calmly O' Water around those we place in your care
That we who are left behind may find healing.


(The center of this prayer is a greco-egyptian blend referencing Anpu, Nebt-het, Hades, and Persephone, it could theoretically be replaced with references to the deities and beliefs of the deceased person/persons as needed. I chose these four not just because of my own beliefs but also because they cover various parts of mourning and the afterlife, judgement of the dead, the process of mourning, letting go of the deceased/consigning them to the care of the beyond, and the hope for rebirth (either physical or in some spiritual realm.) I included the last part, to also acknowledge that  mourning and funerals aren't just about those who have passed but the loved ones they leave behind.)


I was inspired to write this out of the rather strange mood I've been in today, I can't really describe the way I feel in words, it's a quiet and peaceful state but maybe just a little sad. I do hope that the next time I write will be sooner rather than later and not in such a weighty and dark vein.

Blessings,

Satiah