Egyptian symbols and gods took on mythic proportions thanks to engaging stories passed down through generations.
In this article, we’ll explore the major gods, important ancient symbols, and their meanings.
Let these mysterious symbols transport you to the awe-inspiring world of ancient Egypt.
How Ancient Egypt Shapes Our Modern World
Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest and most influential civilizations that shaped many aspects of our modern world. The ancient Egyptians invented writing, massive architecture, agricultural practices, and even the first calendars.
Egyptian knowledge and innovations formed the foundation for fields like mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and the arts. They pioneered large-scale mining and construction.
Cities, governments, and social hierarchies also have origins in ancient Egypt. Even beauty and cosmetic rituals practiced today like make-up, oils, and jewelry stem from Egypt.
Ancient Egypt also influenced major modern religions through its mythology.
Clearly, our society owes an enormous debt to this groundbreaking civilization.
Ancient Egyptian Mythology
The ancient Egyptians had a rich mythology that influenced their culture and religious beliefs. Many myths featured stories to explain the gods’ actions and natural phenomena.
For example, the sun god Ra’s movements across the sky explained the sun’s daily journey. Myths about gods passing through the underworld shed light on concepts like death and resurrection.
One famous myth portrayed how Osiris was killed by his jealous brother Set but later resurrected by Isis to conceive their son Horus. This story provided an early resurrection archetype.
Other myths describe the adventures of gods like Ra battling the serpent Apep, representing the struggle between light and darkness.
These compelling myths helped influence the values and traditions of ancient Egyptian society while providing entertaining explanations for the mysterious world around them.
Major Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians worshipped at least 1,500 gods and goddesses, each representing a different aspect of Egyptian culture. Here are some of the major deities that became an integral part of mythology and everyday life:
– Ra: The sun god, considered the ruler of all gods. He represented light triumphing over darkness.
– Osiris: The god of agriculture and the underworld. He symbolized death and resurrection. An Osiris tattoo is a popular symbol and holds a lot of meaning.
– Isis: The goddess of magic, motherhood, and devotion. She represented the ideal mother and wife.
– Horus: The god of kingship and the sky. He was depicted as a falcon.
– Anubis: The god of mummification and the afterlife. He had the body of a jackal.
– Bastet: The cat goddess that is a symbol of protection of the family.
– Thoth: The ibis-headed god of writing, magic and wisdom.
– Hathor: The goddess of music, love, and childbirth. She took the form of a cow.
– Set: The god of chaos, deserts, storms, and war. He embodied evil forces.
These Egyptian gods were central to mythology and everyday Egyptian spirituality.
Honoring Legendary Egyptian Queens
Two of the most famous figures from ancient Egypt were the legendary queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra.
Nefertiti was the powerful wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled alongside her husband as an equal. She was worshipped for her renowned beauty but also wielded political power independently.
Cleopatra was the last pharaoh to rule Egypt before it became a province of Rome. She was known for her intelligence, strategic alliances, and bold romantic liaisons used to increase her divine powers.
Getting a Cleopatra tattoo, or a tattoo of Queen Nefertiti can help you embrace sacred feminine energy. Having their images inked on your body allows you to tap into their wisdom, beauty, courage, and strength.
Whether you choose a profile of Nefertiti with her crown or Cleopatra with a cobra, these designs will channel the essence of their tenacious spirits. They serve as symbols of women’s leadership, equality, and self-determination against all odds.
When you need to conjure your own inner queen, remember these trailblazing Egyptian women immortalized in your tattoo.
Meaningful Ancient Egyptian Symbols
Ancient Egypt developed a variety of mystical symbols that took on deep meaning. Here are some of the most significant Egyptian symbols and their meanings:
– Scarab beetle: This represented rebirth and eternal life. The dung beetle rolls balls of dirt across the ground like the sun moving across the sky.
– Ankh: The Egyptian cross representing eternal life, or the key of life. It also symbolizes air and water.
– Eye of Horus: An eye symbol seen as protective royalty magic. It signifies healing, power, and good health. This eye tattoo is one of the most popular Egyptian tattoo designs
– Eye of Ra: Another eye symbolizing the sun god’s strength. It represents royal authority.
– Sphinx: The mythical creature with a lion’s body and human head guards temples. It signifies royalty and wisdom.
– Lotus: This flower symbolizes rebirth because it closes up at night and reemerges in the morning.
– Pyramids: These impressive monuments house the buried Egyptian kings and represent eternal life after death.
Connecting With Ancient Egypt’s Spirit
You can tap into the mystical energy of ancient Egypt today through simple practices:
- Study Egyptian myths and use them as inspiration
- Incorporate scarab beetle and Eye of Horus amulets into your home décor
- Do yoga poses named after Egyptian gods like Sphinx Pose or Anubis Pose
- Create an altar space with meaningful Egyptian artifacts and symbols
- Research Egyptian magick spells and rituals
- Visiting museum exhibitions on Egyptian culture is a great way to admire artifacts up close
- Wear jewelry featuring designs like the ankh or cat goddess Bastet
10 Affirmations to Connect With Egyptian Gods
Here are 10 quotes to inspire you to connect with the energy and wisdom of ancient Egyptian gods:
1. “I am the sun god Ra, the light that defeats darkness.”
2. “I am goddess Isis, the wings of love and sweet songs of devotion.”
3. “I am Osiris, the cycle of death and glorious rebirth.”
4. “I am all-seeing Horus, the light of truth over falsehood.”
5. “I am Thoth, spreader of knowledge and wisdom to all seekers.”
6. “I am mighty Anubis, guide and protector of departed souls.”
7. “I am playful Bastet, defender of hearth and home.”
8. “I am Hathor, sender of joy and motherly love.”
9. “I am the Sphinx, emblem of divine rulership on earth.”
10. “I am the ankh, key and giver of eternal life.”
Reciting these quotes will help you tap into the essence of these ancient Egyptian deities.
Conclusion
Ancient Egypt offers such captivating history, culture, and mysticism. Their gods, magic symbols, impressive monuments, and devotion to eternal life can inspire meaningful symbolism in your life.
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