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Mysteries of Egypt

An extract from 'Mysteries of Egypt' The exclusive Living Designs guide to the folklore and legends of Ancient Egypt (c)Living Designs 2001, 2002,2003. 2005,2007,2009,2010 Visit our Egyptian pages for the range of Egyptian items

Ancient Egypt rarely had periods of complete unity. Districts and cities were often autonomous with their own differing beliefs and deities. Many gods and goddesses had a variety of names or the same deity had different powers depending on the location. The family relationships also varied the daughter of a god in one area was his wife in another. There were a massive number of deities (740 were listed in one tomb!) covering all aspects of life and death. As the names were translated from hieroglyphs, the English spelling relates to the sound and can therefore vary - the table shows some of the alternatives. All this makes a study of of the subject quite complex! Most gods and goddesses were associated with nature or animals and reflected their qualities - the powerful sun, nurturing cow, the creative scarab beetle, the lordly falcon, the fierce lion. This guide is just an introduction to the subject and primarily indicates some of powers attributed to people, symbols and deities. KHEPRI (Khephra) Scarab The scarab beetle became the god Khepri (or Kheperi). It lays eggs in dung which it then rolls to form a ball. This was associated to the ball of the sun as it moved across the sky. The Scarab is therefore considered extremely fortunate. for Good Luck Protection Creativity. AKHEKH Gryphon (Griffin) The legendary offspring of a Lion and Eagle. Usually about 7 times the size of a lion, with the lion’s body and head and wings of the eagle. the Gryphon was the creature who pulled the Sun God’s chariot. It also punished avaricious and greedy people. Rewards honest people Justice BAST (Bastet) Cat The Cat goddess. Cats were greatly respected, even above humans! A pet cat was treated very well and much sought after. Bast was depicted as a woman with a cat’s head, when portrayed entirely as a cat she was called Bastet. The cat was regarded as a defender of the lords, from attacks by serpents and other enemies. Prosperity Protection Physical pleasure Women’s happiness RA (Re or Phra) Hawk or Sun Generally regarded as the primary deity, the creator and ruler of all. He is identified with the Sun. The sun was believed to be Ra travelling in a boat across the sky. Status Achievement Prosperity ANUBIS Jackal Usually depicted as a Jackal or with jackal’s head, Anubis is a God who cares for the spirits. Although appearing a little stern, he is a kindly deity who helped and guided those passing to the ‘other world’. Helps spiritual self. Protects against deception HATHOR (Athyr) Cow Daughter of Ra, she is full of good qualities and particularly helps women. She protects women, helps fertility and generates love, joyfulness, pleasure and entertainment. Associated with the celestial cow, the Sycamore tree and sometimes depicted with a musical instrument. Love Happiness Pleasure Family wellbeing Art HORUS Falcon Falcon headed powerful deity of the Sky, with one eye the Sun and the other the Moon. The Falcon was revered in ancient times and the hieroglyph for ‘God’ is a falcon on it’s perch. Son of Osiris and Isis. Honesty Restitution Recovery ISIS Sometimes related to Hathor, Isis has qualities of healing, care, protection and family. Possessed of remarkable powers, she brought her husband Osiris back to life after he was killed by Set. Healing and good health Loyal marriage and partnerships Children SEBEK Crocodile Portrayed as a crocodile or man with crocodile’s head, he was regarded a creative force, the designer of the world. In some areas he was seen as Geb, the Earth God. New beginnings Infants Invention SEKHMET Lion Powerful Goddess of War, Sekhmet is often depicted with a lion’s head and was the defender or Ra against his enemies. Some believe she is Hathor in ‘aggressive mode’! She also helps healing of flesh and bones. Healing Confidence Female strength OSIRIS Husband of Isis, he was divine ruler of Egypt and they created a great and peaceful civilisation with a code of ethics and justice. He was killed by his jealous brother Set. Calm Peace Innovation (esp male) AMUN (Amon, Amen) Took over from Ra as ‘leader of the gods’ in later times (New Dynasty period). Often associated with Ra (Amun-Ra) to blend old and new belief. The famous Karnak temple is dedicated to Amun. All-powerful, he was often depicted on a throne, and sometimes with the head of a cobra, lion etc Status Achievement Prosperity MAAT Ostrich Goddess of Truth, Justice and Law. Usually depicted wearing an ostrich feather. Protects against fraud, theft or other illegal acts BES A small, large eyed god who looked a little ugly, but was really a jovial character - although rather coarse sometimes. He enhanced female beauty, supported marriages, protected children and helped people to sleep well. His face was sometimes engraved on a double bed. Home happiness Music Protect children Insomnia Relationships BENNU Legendary Bird A legendary sun bird similar to a heron which is identified with Ra and the phoenix. It symbolises the rise of humanity and life. Wealth Growth Expansion THOTH Ibis The partner of Maat, he was renowned for wisdom and writing and is often shown with pen and scrolls. Learning Wisdom Mental energy Communication SELKET (Serket) Scorpion Depicted as a beautiful woman with a scorpion. She was a protector of the lords and helper of women. Associated with physical love and with Scorpio. Reduces worries Relaxation Physical Love NEKHEBET Vulture The great vulture-goddess who protected the Pharaoh especially in his infancy. A guardian and carer for babies and all young people. Care of young Support for partner TAUERET Hippo A bountiful goddess of fertility, she was depicted as a chubby hippopotamus, full of goodwill and plenty. Fertility Help and protect children Good health for women PHOENIX A mythical bird which is in the legends of many civilisations. Believed to appear every 500 years - or at the crowning of a new Pharaoh. Renewal New careers or ventures SPHINX The sphinx is common to many civilisations in varying forms. The Egyptian Sphinx is usually depicted with a woman’s (or ram’s or pharaoh’s) head, lion’s body and no wings. It is an immensely wise creature, reputed to hold the knowledge of the whole world, past, present and future although it seldom divulged it’s secrets. Also regarded as a guardian and associated with Ra. The legend of the Sphinx asking riddles then eating those answering relates to the Greek rather than Egyptian sphinx. Solving problems Education Learning Studies NEPHRYS Mother of Anubis, she cared for the ill and the spirits. Recuperation Healthy lungs PTAH One of the early deities, he assisted in creating the world. Often depicted with the Ankh. Good Fortune Stability Continuity SETH (Set) Represented by the storms and barren wastes of the desert, he was seen as bad and the killer of his brother, Osiris. Often associated with a serpent. ANKH The symbol of the life force. Many of the deities are seen carrying an ankh to portray their power and wisdom. Vitality Happiness Joy UDJAT Eye of Horus A renowned talisman for healing, protection and general well being. Often worn as jewellery. Health Protection Well-being NEFERTITI Said to be most beautiful woman who ever lived, she was Pharaoh Akhenaten’s wife and renowned for her loyalty to him.Some believe she was the real power in the land and her name is often displayed in a royal cartouche, usually reserved for a pharaoh. Helps women in business, careers and authority TUTANKHAMUN A young Pharaoh, not really important, but famed because his tomb was discovered untouched. Represents Pharoah’s powers. Control Management Humanity