M. Williams Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hi Pistol
>
> "So, were the stars (ankhs) above or below the
> moon (closer or farther away)? Could the early
> Egyptians perceive the reality we know today? "
>
> The AE knew the sun was farther away than the moon
> because of eclipses. The sun blocking stars during
> the day showed them stars were farther away.

Solar Eclipses caused by the lunar occultation, fair enough and plausible even though seeing one in Egypt requires a lapse of time between occurrences is roughly 360 years.

It's the sun's brightness that obscures stars during the day, hence the heliocentric rising of Sirius. The dark 'side' or phase of the moon does occult stars making it plausibly closer too by observation.

My indirect point was that if the stars are the portals or markers for the entrance to the heavens then it would appear the deceased must have to pass by the orbit region of the moon and sun first before returning back to join Re in his bark.

Also, Im sure Mr. Tedder will set me straight, the chronology of the decease's journey begins in the west at dusk as the sun sets...takes place throughout the night where he praises, assists and offers himself as worthy in reviving Atum within the underworld...and if all goes well joins Atum-Re at sunrise in the east...

Best,

BA.Hokom