Psychopomps

A psychopomp, from the Greek word Psychopompos, meaning “guide of souls”, is a spiritual entity that is most known for guiding souls to the afterlife. Many cultures across the world have deities and/or creatures that perform this task. These are some of the few beings that can enter the underworld and return safely on their own. Some of the most popular that you might be aware of are Hermes, messenger of the Gods and guider of souls (among other things), Anubis, the God of funerary rights and protector of graves, and Charon, the ferryman that transports souls across the river Styx. However, the Aztecs had Xolotl, The Celts have Ankou, and Haitian Vodou has Papa Ghede, to name a few more. Valkyries from the Norse tradition also fall under this category, as they are tasked with choosing the souls that are to enter Valhalla after dying in battle (though, this is not the only way to get into Valhalla. If you know, you know).
 
Spiritual entities like this are also known for delivering messages between worlds. Archangel Michael is one of these, though you may know him better as a spiritual protector rather than a messenger. Across many cultures there are also animals that are able to cross into the other world, as well as other worlds/planes, to receive or deliver messages. These include (but are not limited to) familiar ones like ravens (not just Odin’s companions Huginn and Muninn), crows, and owls, as well as other, perhaps not as familiar/well known for this like vultures, deer, frogs, bats, and dogs. While they do not guide souls to the afterlife, they are still often considered psychopomps due to their ability to cross between worlds.
 
Animals are not the only corporeal beings that have been known to survive venturing between worlds to guide souls. While we may see earthly spiritual leaders as guides of souls while they are on the earthly plane, shamans are an exception here. They are not just spiritual leaders and healers. In some shamanic practices they not only help guide souls into/towards the afterlife, but also help usher souls into life as they are ready to be reborn.
 
These spiritual beings play in important role in the life death cycle. Regardless of our belief system, we cannot know with any certainty what awaits us after our earthly physical experience has come to an end. I do not believe we are meant to. Death is not a topic most societies talk about freely and openly (though perhaps we should start?). I would hope that the thought of the existence of such powerful spiritual soul guides would be a comforting one. I am curious to know if it comforts you at all…? Have you ever encountered or worked with one of these psychopomps in your spiritual practice, or even your everyday life? Have you ever received a message from a creature or entity that is known to cross worlds like that? I would love to know.
 
Just as a little side note, a fun fact if you will. In psychology a psychopomp is considered the mediator between the conscious (ego) and the unconscious self, or maybe it is one’s Higher Self..? Sounds to me like a whole other topic for discussion. Tea anyone?