© JAL

Here is a sketch of Horus and Set battling, Set having the upper hand, done. I guess I didn't want to show the later bloodshed and shredded bits. But Horus sure looks worried. Set's not worried, he's confident. He would be.

John Anthony West in Serpent in the Sky quotes H. Frankfort:
"The embodiment of the two Gods (Seth and Horus) is another instance of the pecular dualism that expresses totality as an equilibrium of opposites."

That equilibrium doesn't come easy, however. However the dynamic tension that exists even at balance is necessary. West himself declares "A masterpiece of art, indeed creation of any sort, can take place only in the face of commensurate opposition. To the sculptor, the block of wood is his opposition in a very real sense - as every sculptor knows."(pg 36) Oh, yes, every poet and artist will tell you, the blank page is a b*tch at times.

Sometimes, we just have to sweat it out, despite our self-doubts.

A most interesting observation:
That in me which is like Horus worries alot, panics alot, "Ooh, I offended people, ooh, they won't like me. I don't think I can do this, etc.. etc." That in me which is like Set declares, "I'm gonna do my own thing and they can go scratch themselves. If I can't do this, well so what!"

Sometimes 'Horus' needs a good BAP!!

And yet he fulfills a necessary role. I found an interesting statement in Don Webb's 'Seven Faces of Darkness':

"The relationship of Set with Horus represents the struggle between individuality and cooperation. Yet from time to time that struggle comes into a place of unity which is essentially a protective and regenerative function." (pg. 33)

When the opposing forces are in balance, as symbols of Kingship, Horus and Set become part of the attributes of the King. Set is the inward dwelling strength or power of the King, and Horus is the externally aiming vision or sight of the King. Only if things are out of balance does perspective get lost and power become "corrupted to its own ends" or at the other end, confidence and strength are lost in a wave of timidly secumbing to our fears. The Prince of Darkness and the Prince of Light can be understood to have a duality of tension but balance in the reconciliation, as "Horus purifies and Set strengthens, and Set purifies and Horus strengthens". Perspective and precaution needs to blend with power and preserverance.

The 'Prince of Peace' and the 'Prince of Power' can be enthroned equally. But too often, all honor is given to Horus and Set is not acknowledged for his role, and deprived of his throne.