The Search for Omm Sety: Reincarnation and Eternal Love

by Jonathan Cott

From ancient Egypt to Twentieth-Century England and back, here is the extraordinary real-life account of one woman's three-thousand-year odyssey of self discovery. In 1907 when Dorothy Louise Eady was three years old, she suffered a near fatal fall in her parents' London flat. It was an accident that would change her life forever. As she grew up, she began spending her days in the Egyptology wing of the British Museum - rooms filled with relics whose strange familiarity and attraction convinced her that Egypt was where she belonged. Dorothy recalled that in an earlier life, as a fourteen year old orphan named Bentreshyt, she had served in the temple at Abydos and fallen tragically in love with Pharaoh Sety the First. When Bentreshyt discovered she was pregnant, rather than reveal her secret, she committed suicide. Although Dorothy knew that she had lived in Egypt previously, no one - not even her family - believed her. With a gallery of rare photographs and line drawings, The Search for Omm Sety includes a beautiful tale written and illustrated by Omm Sety about the Tomb of Ti in Sakkara. In the stunning conclusion, author Jonathan Cott examines the intricate and intriguing mysteries of perception, memory, and reincarnation as they relate to this truly unforgettable woman.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Egypt, History, Egyptology, New Age, Spirituality

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Christy]

fascinating! letting go of what must be real or the truth, a beautiful story of a woman who lived without fear, and without ego. she just didn't care if anyone accepted her reality, she just lived her own truth.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 1987. I am not a believer in reincarnation - but the book The Search for Omm Sety is a fabulous look at someone living within their own paracosm - and how that rich interior life informed, propelled, and fortified their actual lived life. Highly recommend the book.

[Jalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a weird tale and therefore interesting. But what really resonated with me, was her conviction. She became my role model for that reason.

[Richard Seltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in preparation for trip to Egypt.

[Lesley Arrowsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating woman who put the work in to become a true expert on the Egyptian period and temple she was obsessed with.

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable life story of a woman who was so convinced that she was the reincarnated lover of a pharaoh that she built her whole life around it. Terribly romantic with heavy paranormal overtones.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about Omm Sety through a podcast called Dark Histories and I was thrilled to get a second hand copy of this book about her life. You can read so much of her character in the story and the letters and quotes from her. What an awesome person with a fascinating life. I would never have expected to be reading something like this, but it was great!

[Natacha Pavlov · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Omm Sety was a complete page-turner. It’s an unusual account filled with early childhood trauma, revelatory dreams, polytheism, nighttime astral body travels, out-of-body experiences, and magic amidst significant Egyptian archeological discoveries.

As expected from its treatment of the subject of reincarnation, it’s probably best enjoyed if keeping an open mind (for those who may question the whole thing). While I tend to believe her account, it doesn’t mean that I don’t find some aspects downright weird and/or questionable. But regardless of whether what she says is ‘true’ or not (something which could probably never be proven—as technically many things can’t be), her story remains amazing to say the least. Moreover, I’d have to agree with the stated conclusion that perhaps what matters most is that she made great contributions to society and lived her life the way she wanted.

I did wonder if Omm Sety kept in touch with her parents back in England once she moved to Egypt, because that’s not clarified (I just got a sense that her parents pretty much ‘disappear’ from the narrative after Omm Sety went to Egypt). Did they ever visit their daughter out in Egypt? Or were they that uninterested in their daughter’s affinity—and contributions—to her beloved Egyptian home? Adding even a passing reference to that would’ve provided a sense of closure on Omm Sety’s relationship with her parents.
The closing chapter highlights some useful reflections and conversations through some of her contemporaries, as well as references to Carl Jung and Hugh Lynn Cayce (Edgar Cayce's son).

[Leigh Teale · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE SEARCH FOR OMM SETY is a book both biographical and spiritual. It draws upon the diaries, interviews, and works of Dorothy Eady and those that knew her. Dorothy Eady was an Englishwoman who became convinced as a child that she was a reincarnated Egyptian priestess. Eventually she moved to Egypt and pursued a life dedicated to Egyptology and worshiping the old gods. The book explores how many of her claims lined up with discoveries she may not have otherwise known about, but it also is--at its core--a biography of a fiercely determined woman.

While the subject matter was very, very interesting, the way it was put together read more like a college research paper that needed more pages. There was an overabundance of random vignettes, entire chapters from the perspective of or even about Omm Sety's friends, and the whole work was saturated with a general feeling of disorganization. There are things that I wish were covered more in depth, while more trivial parts were given greater scope. Over all, it was an interesting and fast read, but I'm glad I borrowed it instead of buying it.

If you're into reincarnation, I definitely recommend you pick up a copy of Tom Shroder's OLD SOULS. If you want a fascinating and well-written Egyptian biography, definitely spend the money on Stacy Schiff's CLEOPATRA: A LIFE.

[Light of Astarte - Bookgram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro: Alla Ricera di Omm Seti

Autore: Jonathan Cott

Avevo sentito parlare tanto di Dorothy Eady, i video di mistero su youtube sono a dozzine sulla sua vicenda, molti trattano la sua storia come una bufala sul web, ma la signora britannica dopo aver conseguito una laurea in Egittologia, collaborò con molti colleghi importanti.

Molte persone la ricordano con affetto, mentre altre come una pazza, esule dalla sua gran parte delle sue coetanee, ma andiamo con ordine: Dorothy cade dalle scale quando aveva tre anni, il medico chiamato dalla madre riesce solo a constatare la morte della bimba, ma il curato dopo che rientra nella stanza di Dorothy, trova la bambina sul bordo del letto intenta a mangiare cioccolato.

Il padre di Dorothy infuriato cacciò il medico: responsabile della diagnosi sbagliata della figlia, facendo disperare i genitori e parenti. 

Ma i giorni seguenti la piccola Dorothy piange e si dimena nascondendosi sotto al tavolo urlando che la casa in cui non si trovasse non fosse la propria e che voleva rivedere i suoi giardini.

I signori Eady non capivano, intanto il tempo passa e Dorothy in presenza delle babysitter combinava sempre qualche guaio, così sua madre decise un giorno di portare sua figlia al British Museum.

Arrivata nell’area dedicata all’Egitto, Dorothy iniziò a dire che quella fosse la sua gente, ma rimase incanta nel vedere una statua: quella del faraone Seti I. La bimba rimase abbracciata per molto tempo alla statua, fino alla chiusura, venendo trascinata dalla madre, mentre si dimenava ed urlava ancor di più.

Dorothy diceva che il suo nome fosse 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉𝒚𝒕 – 𝑨𝒓𝒑𝒂 𝒅𝒊 𝑮𝒊𝒐𝒊𝒂  e fu figlia di un’ortolana, abbandonata dopo la morte della madre dal padre soldato nel tempio di Au Sem ad Abydos; lì incontrò Seti I nei giardini e divennero amanti.

Da quel giorno le frequentazioni al museo si fecero frequenti, fino a quando il direttore la prese sotto la sua ala e le insegnò a leggere i geroglifici.

Passano gli anni e Dorothy riceve varie proposte di matrimonio, passa la Prima Guerra Mondiale e vengono a mancare entrambi i genitori della ragazza, che intanto ha studiato ed è diventata egittologa, niente più ferma Dorothy, così con suo marito, un egiziano incontrato a Londra, si trasferiscono al Cairo.

Ma nonostante tutto Dorothy sa che non è la capitale il suo scopo, ma Abydos.

La studiosa divorzia da suo marito dopo un’offerta di lavoro per lui all’estero, portando con sé il figlio di Dorothy chiamato “Seti” come il faraone che ha amato nella propria vita precedente facendosi soprannominare dagli abitanti della città “Omm Seti” – Madre di Seti.

Passano gli anni e Dorothy lavora al Museo Egizio del Cairo, rinunciando di vivere nella zona elitaria della città, preferendo una piccola casa con al piano di sotto una fattoria.

Ma le notti di Betreshyt si fanno molto particolari, in quanto il faraone Seti le va aa far visita spesso, ma non in sogno, Dorothy ha delle “allucinazioni” o visioni, se è il termine giusto.

Il faraone non andava a far visita Dorothy da quando l’egittologa aveva tredici anni, ma sua maestà l’ha fatto con le sembianze da mummia, spaventandola molto. Ma a dire di Seti, i giudici che governano il luogo in cui si trovava, non permettevano che andasse di nuovo a trovarla, ma passati anni, Seti ci riuscì.

Il re chiedeva spesso dove fosse l’anima della sua amata Betreshyt, ma i giudici infernali asserivano sempre che la sacerdotessa stesse “dormendo nell’oscurità” e che non fosse nell’aldilà.

L’archeologa descrive con meticolosità nel suo diario gli incontri col faraone. Molte persone su web l’additano come bugiarda o che Dorothy Eady stessa fosse un’invenzione, ma grazie a lei si registrano molte scoperte nel tempio di Abydos da lei tanto contemplato: Dorothy specifica che nonostante abitasse in Egitto da tempo, non poteva raggiungerla per motivi economici, andando lì per la prima volta molto tempo dopo l’ingaggio al Muse del Cairo, ma nonostante tutto, Omm Seti, come le piaceva essere chiamata, riusciva ad indicare il posto esatto dove ci fosse un tempio i giardini reali, dopo dei sopraluoghi, altri suoi colleghi hanno confermato che si trovasse in quell’esatto punto tantissime radici.

Oppure altra cosa insolita era l’abilità che senza chiavi o mappe, Dorothy riusciva sempre ad orientarsi benissimo all’interno del tempio, anche altri archeologi diffidenti della sua storia, la mettevano sempre alla prova, lasciandola in un punto del tempio con camere inesplorate oppure senza luci, ma Dorothy riusciva a trovare l’uscita sempre e senza problemi.

Ma l’egittologa si ostinava ad indicare altre stanze all’interno del tempio di Abydos, che a differenza delle altre non furono mai trovate, mettendo in dubbio la veridicità delle sue esperienze nella sua vita passata, lasciando la propria storia ancora avvolta nel mistero.

𝑫𝒐𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝑬𝒂𝒅𝒚 (16 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒂𝒊𝒐 1904 – 21 𝑨𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒆 1981)

-Astarte

[Anthony Zappia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read of other accounts from people experiencing or discovering past lives vis-a-vis reincarnation, but this account is truly extraordinary. From the age of 3, following a close shave with death, Dorothy Eady could remember an existence that was totally alien to 20th century England. In deed she felt that her parents were not her parents and that her true home was in Abydos, Egypt, some 3000 years ago. Her life journey eventually takes her to Egypt, first in Cairo, then in Abydos where she spent the rest of her life living near the Temple of Seti I. Dorothy eventually took the name of Omm Sety and despite the claims she made, lived a normal life in the village near the Temple as an assistant to local Egyptologists and then a temple guide. Dorothy/Omm Sety was even able to direct Egyptologists to a garden that had existed near the temple 3000 years ago.
By no means did she convince all the locals and Egyptologists of her claims, but she gained enormous respect for her contribution to the work of Egyptology and her generosity of spirit towards local Egyptians.
The book certainly left me with a lot of questions. My only criticism of the book is the last chapter or epilogue where Jonathan Cott brings in psychologists and experts to assess how Omm Sety's claims might be explained. I felt this didn't really add to the story.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention the last couple of times I have been to the Iliad Bookshop in North Hollywood, so last month I picked up the copy they had on their shelf. While I had not heard of Omm Sety before, I was familiar with a number of her colleagues whom I had heard of and in a few instances, had read their writing about their progress/discoveries in archaeology in Egypt. I found Omm Sety's story to be riveting and engaging. I wish that Cott had included more of her voice (her writings) into this book, but it was still enriched by Cott's inclusion of interviews with friends and colleagues of Omm Sety. I felt the book was over long before I wanted it to be. I will now be looking out for more about Omm Sety and her writing.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Omm Sety is very interesting. However, I was skeptical at some parts. Also, it was hard for me to get through the conversations towards the end that are had about the validity of reincarnation and Omm Sety's story. I understand why those conversations take place in light of her story but I wanted more of her story and thoughts and feelings and not necessarily a discussion on reincarnation itself.

[Todd Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Cott does an amazing job here with The Search for Omm Sety. I enjoyed it so much that I finished the entire book in one day. The material was fascinating, the delivery / presentation was excellent. I´ve read other books from this author, and he always delivers. I was familiar with the topic, but the author added new flavors and nuiances that truly made this a worthwhile book!

[Lisa Grunwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, and it has never left me. It’s rare to find an extraordinary story story that isn’t told breathlessly. Jonathan Cott relates what is unbelievable in a completely believable manner. Whether you believe what Dorothy Eady believes or not, Jonathan Cott lets you know her in a way that makes her story utterly compelling.

[Irene Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thật hiếm hoi khi nghe được một câu chuyện thật về luân hồi.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, both the woman & the book!.

[Tina Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lady of the past in the present. She lived her life the way she wanted to

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the weirdest stories of the twentieth century you will ever read. Involves reincarnation, devotion, and clairvoyance. Be prepared to have your mind expanded.

[BG · Rating 1 out of 5]

Give me a break. From all the accounts we know about people in ancient Egypt we're supposed to believe that she was blond and blue eyed? That's literally page one. DNF

[ashes ➷]

what an absolutely WILD person??

[Kay Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a while ago and found it a great read. I choose to believe that Dorothy had a life changing experience and was sad that she didn't get to be buried in her tomb.

[Angesik - blankets.and.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molto interessante.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story, Om Seti never gave up on her convictions of who she had been previously.

[Melissa K. Wallace]

Interesting but not worth reading again.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fascinating, but I feel like i could've read a long article on her and that would've been sufficient.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Search for Omm Sety” is a biography of Dorothy Louise Eady, a woman born out of time with the unique ability to recall past lives, specifically her life as a priestess in ancient Egypt under the reign of Seti I.

While many like to ridicule the concepts of past lives, reincarnation, polytheism, prophetic visions, and the like, this book is honestly a biography of a strong-willed and intelligent woman who wasn’t afraid to be who she knew she was supposed to be. Even during the predetermined, sexist age of the 1920s/1930s. Omm Sety became an integral partner in the preservation and understanding of ancient Egypt. She was held in high respect by Egyptologists, archeologists, and noted scientists all over the world. Carl Sagan's opinion on Omm Sety is quoted as, "a lively, intelligent, dedicated woman who made real contributions to Egyptology."

Whether you believe in reincarnation, polytheism, and dreamscapes (all as Omm Sety very much did) or not, it is clear that Omm Sety was a respected woman who, once she moved to Egypt, was never ostracized, hated, or humiliated for her beliefs. She achieved what most of us never can; finding a place to belong.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this (for the second time) which I read n 1990. I barely remembered it but very engrossing. Dorothy Eady is born in 1904 in England to middle class parents. At the age of three, after a fall, she began asking to be taken "home". She herself did not know what she was asking for. but as she grew, she became obsessed with ancient Egypt, spending much time at the British museum. At the age of 14 Dorothy has a spectral visitor from Sety I, and over the years, she realizes that she and Sety were lovers. A fascinating story about the timeless love of souls who search for each other over millenia. Dorothy marries and Egyptian and bears a son, who she names Sety. She is now known as Omm Sety - mother of Sety. If you think reincarnation exists (and an enormous number of believers of every faith) this book is terrific.

[Marie-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of the life of Dorothy Eady, an egyptologist, artist and writer. She claimed to be a reincarnation of an Egyptian temple girl, called Omm Sety, in the temple of Pharaoh Seti I in Abydos, Egypt. Against the wishes of her family, she pursued her life-long desire to return to the location. She succeeded in moving to Egypt, and worked at the Cairo museum until she had the opportunity to move back to Abydos, and lived out most of her long life in a simple native mudbrick dwelling, close to the temple of Seti I. The book contains many quotes by well known egyptologists and others that comment on her dedication and strong-willed personality. She lived as she believed.

[flannery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book and tremendously endearing. Gets into serious mystic shit without ever losing its sense of humor, a weird hybrid of philosophy and airport lobby lit. The cumulative effect is one of wonder and awe, sympathy and wanderlust. This would have gotten five stars but for the author's very passive role; the best parts here are interviews with friends, colleagues, and psychologists, all of whom, by virtue of education or first hand experience, offer more insight than Jonathan Cott attempts. It would be nice to see some things mentioned in the epilogue about memory & the subconscious elucidated further but whatever.