Ghedes, Asar, Richard, Leonard, and Fred: Dignity in Death

By Queen Mother Imakhu


Queen Mother Imakhu's Nubia Goddess Rising podcast episode, "Death, Personal Sacrifice, and Abundance."


"Richard is gone."

A simple, painful text message from my friend, Gypsy Ravish. On September 15, 2012, Gypsy's beloved husband, the highly respected Rev. High Priest Richard Ravish, husband, father, activist, minister, metaphysician, and Mage, had lost his year-long battle with cancer. His name had been on my prayer altar since I'd met him and Gypsy in magical Salem, Massachusetts. I'd had the sheer pleasure of sharing an impromptu fellowship and ritual with this endearing, powerful pair in the popular metaphysical shop, Nu Aeon. Richard was just putting finishing touches on the temple in the hidden, now public back room, now known as the Cosmic Connection. What an honor and blessing it was to share friendly ceremony in sacred space full of hand painted Kemetic astrological imagery. It truly felt like we had connected with the Cosmos. We'd also experienced a soul connection.

Gypsy made sure to memorialize and bury Richard in a way that not only honored his wishes and his life, but also was consistent with who he was and what he stood for. Richard's oak coffin was ordered from Nature's Casket. The unassembled wooden box was put together by loved ones, then painted in sarcophagus fashion by Sharonn Bradbury (outer lid), and Mulysa Mayhem (inner lid). While laying in state, Richard was dressed in his high ceremonial garb. Before interment, Gypsy clothed Richard in white linen. He was buried beneath an oak tree, encircled by singing well wishers who placed flowers on his grave. Rev. Richard Ravish has moved on to his new journey.

The inevitability of death, in all of its forms, is a fact we all must face. In life, there are transitions. Beginnings. Endings. We are prepared for some, blind sided by others. We should, no matter what the situation, try our best embrace death with dignity.

I was moved as I listened to Gypsy tell me the details of Richard's death and funeral. To hear the story was to hear the tale of their love, their beliefs, and their community. You learn a lot about people when death enters their lives. The various cultural practices surrounding death always make for interesting storytelling.

I recently found myself pouring ancestral libation to my beloved Ghedes (including St. Jude), and Asar outside the gate of the renown Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY - the first burial ground in the country to become a tourist attraction. I'd never ventured in, and, on this perfect fall day, finally went inside. From its 1838 inception, families would enjoy carriage rides through Green-Wood, admire the outdoor sculptures, and even bring luncheon baskets and blankets to socialize on the graves of the departed. (Green-Wood inspired the creation of public parks, including Central Park.) Green-Wood is huge. There are actually trolley driven guided tours. It took me four hours to walk from the back entrance gate to the front. Okay. There were five reasons it took me so long. (1) I was surprisingly overwhelmed by the incredibly peaceful feeling that swept over me at the gate. I wanted to take my time to enjoy it. (2) I was shocked to find Green-Wood so beautiful and well manicured. (3) The Kemetic Guardian, Asar, Lord of Death and Resurrection, was speaking to me in a way I'd never known. I was truly having a religious experience. (4) Speaking of Kemetic, I was astounded to see so many ancient tombs with Kemetic themes. One pyramid was pictured as a "must see" at the gate. This, I had to find. (5) I was looking for Leonard Bernstein's and Fred Ebb's graves.

As I'd said, Green-Wood is huge. The friendly guard at the gate gave me a map. Why? Much like Saqqara, and other Kemetic necroples, Green-Wood is its own City of the Dead. Paved roads, lanes, avenues, and paths make finding the deceased an easier task. This Historic Landmark, housing  over 560,000 "permanent residents," also just so happens to be the final resting place of numerous notables. Artist Jean-Michel Basquait (I'll catch him next time - I realized he was there after I left), Susan Smith McKinney Steward (first Black female doctor in NY state - I hadn't known she was there either),  Frank Morgan (Wizard of "Wizard of Oz"), Louis Tiffany, Charles Ebbets, Boss Tweed, Horace Greeley, and many, many more.

Leonard Bernstein played a major role in my passion for music and musical theater. The Young People's Concert, hosted by Bernstein, aired on CBS, and in elementary school, we were shown films of the popular series. Leonard Bernstein made classical music palatable to children by explaining about composers and compositions, and showcasing his conducting of the New York Philharmonic. I started playing flute in 4th Grade in 1969, and regarded Bernstein with rock star status. And, oh, his musicals! West Side Story, Candide, On the Town...

Musical Theater is my background, and professional discipline. My mom was an avid attendee of the Negro Ensemble Company productions. When I finally saw my first musical, "Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope" at age twelve, I knew this would be my life. That same year, I saw the musical film, "Cabaret," and fell in love with the work its composers, musical theater legends John Kander and Fred Ebb. I believe it was the same year that "Liza with a Z" starring Liza Minnelli, musically inked by Kander, was a hit TV special.

I was not leaving Green-Wood without paying my respects to Leonard Bernstein and Fred Ebb.

It's so interesting to see how folks are buried. A good majority of graves in Green-Wood are centuries old - and of the well to do. A Green-Wood burial was a badge of social status. The sculptures marking the sites were so lovely, intriguing, elaborate, and, in some cases, spooky, that I felt like I was walking through a giant outdoor art exhibition. On a small hill were white marble sarcophogi with tragic sculptures of a mother and her child, both of whom died in the 1800's. The child's statue was of a life sized child's bed with the blanket pulled back and the child missing. Where was the child? A few feet away, sitting with her loving mother on mom's grave. That shook me to the bone. Another grave from the 1800's, also on a hill with steps leading up to it, had a gothic, sculpted bed with the sleeping statue of the deceased atop it. It was guarded by gargoyles, demons, and a throned watcher on pillared bed posts and a platformed, high peaked roof. The energy was intense. I asked the deceased for permission to take a picture. A gentle breeze arose. I took the photo, said, "Thank you," then ran.  

By the way, I have respectfully removed the names of the deceased (except Bernstein, Ebb, and Emile Pfizer) from all of the grave marker pictures.

What was most curious to me was seeing the century-plus old mausoleums with their renditions of Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) themes. In some cases, the deceased had obviously been Masons or Rosicrucians because of certain symbols on the marker. Otherwise, I've learned that Kemetic-styled mausoleums were in vogue due to Napolean's invasion of Egypt, where he'd "found" a few things. From that came the well known housing of ancient Egyptian artifacts by the wealthy - which makes the Kemetic tribute even more ironic, knowing that three of the 42 Principles of Maat are, "I will not rob from the deceased," "I will not desecrate holy places," "I will not desecrate holy traditions." Perhaps there was some level of comfort a few of the long deceased had found in Kemetic beliefs during their lives. Who knows, who can say? I thought of Richard, a Mason and Rosicrucian, who deeply cherished what he knew to be "Ancient Egyptian" beliefs. A statue of Thoth (who we, as Kemites, call Tehuti, the original name) stood in the Cosmic Connection temple. Richard's reverence and knowledge were evident also when he spoke about the tradition, and asked me questions in earnest to learn the difference between "Kemetic" and "Ancient Egyptian" terminology. He was a passionate devotee.

                      Behudet (Winged Solar Disc of Heru) at the top; Ancient Kemetic styled tomb.

                                          This is a family crypt. Note the Behudet on the door.

     Tekhenu (Obelisks). Note the Masonic symbol in above left tekhen. After Hurricane Sandy, some tekhenu were knocked down.

Finding Leonard Bernstein's grave was a shocker. Bernstein was known for being bigger than life in his flamboyance, countering the conventional, and what was believed to be his boisterous ego. I'd expected an elaborate mausoleum. Instead, there was a simple marker and a granite bench.

Huh?

I pulled out the bio handout from Green-Wood. Leonard Bernstein was passionate about social
justice. He even sponsored a fundraising party in his home for the Black Panthers. When Bernstein broke from convention, it was to make folks think a different way, which propels society forward. He was merely an instrument. Leonard Bernstein had been buried in a manner consistent to his life. Beside him was his wife, Felicia Cohn Montealegre Bernstein. He'd left her briefly, but returned to care for her when she was diagnosed with cancer. His beloved sister Shirley is buried at his feet. He was Jewish, so I placed a stone on his marker (a tradition I recently discovered started in Kemet).

My head was swirling with thought. It wasn't exactly an anti-climactic experience because it forced me to think and grow - and I suppose that's what Bernstein had hoped for. Then, to hear that Richard had been buried, per request, in a do-it-yourself oak box... It reminded me of  the great and mighty Dr. Ishakamusa Barashango's funeral. (Listen to my Nubia Goddess Rising podcast above.) I'd never seen or had known anyone to be buried in a simple, bendera draped pine box by choice. A box funeral was generally associated with paupers. Today, for people who are consciously connected, or, "Cosmic-ly Connected," it is an eco-friendly, practical decision. And, most definitely, a statement for the living to ponder over.

I found the advertised pyramid after leaving Bernstein's grave. It just felt... strange.

Then I happened across another. This one is built into a hill, and more "intimate." Less grandiose, but still attention getting.

I thought of the funereal practices in ancient Kemet. The wealthy had grandiose ceremonies, with tombs meant to be a monument to the person's greatness. Their stolen belongings are, for the most part, in museums and collections of the wealthy today. These "artifacts" were imbued with spiritual energies. Certainly, spiritual objects should be put into the hands of those who can benefit from them, like Priesthood. Or passed down for generations. Or, they should be kept in a place of reverence. It is, indeed, important for us to learn from our ancient past. But where is respect for the dead? For modern day Black Kemites, it is both glorious and gut-wrenching to visit our ancestors stolen belongings in museums. Being that up close and personal with our ancient traditions is affirming and soul-stirring. Yet, we detest grave robbing, and disrespect against our traditions. Yes, there was a definite disparity of wealth in Kemet. How many people could have been fed, clothed, sheltered from the worth of these objects? Respected philanthropist and capitalist banker, Charles Schifferdecker, who died in 1915, was entombed in a Kemetic styled crypt in Webb City, MO. Knowing he was dying, gave away all he had, and intentionally died penniless. Yet, at the same time, people have a right to be buried with belongings, if they wish. Take a look at some contemporary versions of being buried with your possessions. People buried in their cars, unusual coffins... One man was buried in a bedroom built into the ground.

Before leaving Green-Wood, I was invited to return for the next major event: The opening of mausoleums from centuries ago to see what was inside. This was to be a guided tour.

WHAT? Oh, HECK no! I wanted no part of disrespecting these graves. Hasn't the world done enough of that to cultures around the globe?

But what if they find gold? Okay. Who gets it? From what I understood, all relatives of the selected mausoleums are dead too. It all really smacked of distaste to me.

Oh, yes - I did find Fred Ebb's grave. It WAS closer to what I'd expected.

It sits peacefully across Sylvan Lake. A classy mausoleum. But Fred Ebb's joint paled in comparison to others I saw posited around the lake. Evidently, that's The Spot in today's world  to indicate how affluent and well respected you were in life. My mouth fell open.

               (Actually, I first assumed that the above was Fred Ebb's mausoleum. Nope. Next door.)

                                                     The sarcophagus of Emile Pfizer of Pfizer Inc.

Being buried on the land across Sylvan Lake reminded me of the Kemetic tradition of burial in the Land of the West across the Hapi (Nile River). A grand procession of funeral barges took place for notables and regents. Upon reaching the opposite shore, the procession would continue on foot to the final burial location. It is amazing how many Kemetic traditions still influence modern society.

There were other striking mausoleums I found on as I walked to exit Green-Wood. Roman, Greco, Byzantine...

                         (Note how the winged cherub topping the crypt resembles Behudet.)

Who will open THOSE graves a century from now? How many will end up in museums? Then there's the other consideration: Will we eventually run out of room to bury folks? Perhaps an eco-friendly burial is more practical.

Asar (Ausar, Wasir, Wsr, User) is the Lord of Vegetation. The land was his thing. Even though his was considered to be the first mummified corpse, which reflected deep respect for the death process, he also taught balance and harmony through respect for the land, life and the living. Asar's shared knowledge of agriculture brought abundance to common population throughout the world. Land sustains us. Our Maat Principles tell us to revere the earth. Additionally, I teach my students that everything eventually returns. The form may change, but the energy doesn't die - it is recycled. In death, interment into the earth represents the life cycle. We enter through the portal of the Mother, we return through the portal of Mother Earth.  Choosing to allow your body to become one with the sustainable earth, whether through burial or cremation ("Earth to earth, ashes to ashes") , is very much a reflection of your state of mind. Truth is, often times, funerals are more for the living than for the deceased. Think of the funereal choices family members make for their loved ones. Memorials can reflect how family and friends wished the person was in life. A fantasy. A lie. What about the atrocities of mass graves? Auschwitz... The Slave Memorial in NYC... Again, reflecting the mindset of those responsible for burial.

Ast (Aset, Auset, Isis), Asar's wife, taught how significant it is to bury your loved ones with dignity. Her vital wisdom of energy enabled her to resurrect her beloved Asar, feed his soul after transition, and help him to become the king he was destined to be. She brought a new generation with their son, Hru, raising him to be a warrior and king. (Learn more about their story in my ebooks). It seems only natural that a woman, who brings forth life, understands the deeper mysteries of life and death.
Ast, who sees and understands the big picture, reminds us that life must go forward. That's what planetary evolution brings us to new levels of consideration of past, present, and future.

The role of death, and how each culture addresses it, is necessary, telling, and, hone that brings peaceful resolution. Perhaps as we continue to evolve as a global society, we'll awaken to earth consciousness, extending to burial practices too. We are all citizens of the world. Hopefully, within each culture, we can agree to respect one another with mindfulness to take care of this planet, and each other. On terms of records and research for the future, may we, as our Kemetic sages suggested, leave behind records for future generations. We have so many methods for preserving present history through books, photos, videos, voice recordings, and art. With proper care, our stories can be told without the need to plunder places of rest.

One last note: If you have beliefs that conflict with your loved ones who would be responsible for your interment, speak now, or forever hold your peace! Leave a legally documented written or video will with your instructions, including to whom you bequeath your belongings. I've heard more than a few stories of folk who were buried with their dreadlocks shaved off, wigs slapped on heads, in suits instead of African garb, countering their spiritual beliefs and true lifestyle. Make out your will. It may seem morbid, but it's a part of life. Let your life be celebrated in the way that brings truthful closure to this incarnation. Above all, remember the message of the Ghedes - Life should be a ball, y'all! Don't fear death, but live each day with fullness like it's your last.

Queen Mother Imakhu of AKERU Temple of the True Living Waters is an ordained minister who performs funerals, weddings, and birth/naming dedications and baptisms. 
Contact her at 646-228-1185.

Learn more about Kemetic classes, ordinations at www.akeruministries.com .