Set

Shadow

Adversarial Ally/Trickster

Set, represented by an animal of unknown origins, is one of the most ancient of the neteru. He expresses the harsh power of storms and of the desert and personifies chaos and confusion. He is the embodiment of the darker aspects of our natures, which are often

projected onto others. Reviled as the murderer of Osiris, he is most certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Set functions as a scapegoat who carries the sins of the world upon his back and tricks us into meeting our fate in the outer world so that we may evolve forward to higher levels of consciousness. He is in truth both as an adversary and an ally; hence, his more dignified name is the Adversarial Ally. If we refuse to meet and own this part of ourselves in a conscious manner, our actions can turn into the evil we have no wish to embody.

If it’s difficult for you to face your own shadow or the shadow of others and you find yourself drawing this card, you can call on Hathor to help you locat the unconditional love that will enable you to transform your perspective. If you’re willing to face your shadow aspects, you can heal them.

You don’t need to fear Set. He has shown up to reflect your shadow, (or the shadows of those connected with your situation) so that you can embrace it with love and consciousness. As the Trickster, he brings humor and light into the shadow. He can help lighten up a heavy situation and will keep you from taking yourself too seriously. Also, when Set shows up, he may be asking you to withdraw a negative projection that you have directed toward another in your life or to recognize a projection that is being directed toward you. Like the other neteru, Set appears in your life to set you free.