A Magical Encounter with Goddess Hathor

Djehuti-emhab, an official of Pharaoh Ramses, had a detailed description of his personal encounter with the Goddess Hathor inscribed on the walls of his tomb in Thebes. These inscriptions are quite unique when compared to other Theban tombs. Tomb of Djehuti-emhab, ca. 1279–1213 B.C. New Kingdom Here is Djehuti-emhab's hymn and encounter with the Goddess: … Continue reading A Magical Encounter with Goddess Hathor

The Praise of Hathor, Lady of Amentet (Dweller in the Great Land)

Reflecting on our Shrine to the Lady Hathor, we come across her in the Papyrus of Ani (also known as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Translated by E.A. Wallis Budge) Hathor, Lady of Amentet, the Dweller in the Great Land, the Lady of Ta-Tchesert, the Eye of Ra, the Dweller in his breast, the … Continue reading The Praise of Hathor, Lady of Amentet (Dweller in the Great Land)

The Inundation – the New Year

At the heart of the Egyptian calendar year was the rising waters of the Nile as part of the annually-occurring inundation. Egyptians noted that the Sirius star (Sothis) would rise roughly at same time every year, which for between 3,000-2,500 BC was in late June. With the inundation usually happening shortly thereafter, the Egyptians celebrated … Continue reading The Inundation – the New Year

The Hare Goddess Wenet

When we think of Easter, the "Easter Bunny" is a main topic for festivity and play. In ancient Egypt, the rabbit, or hare, was the Goddess Wenet. The Egyptians venerated the hare because of its swiftness and keen senses. The hare’s form was also taken by other deities who had associations with the Otherworld. In … Continue reading The Hare Goddess Wenet

Hymn to Sekhmet-Bastet Goddess of Protection

The Goddess Sekhmet-Bastet is recognized in many ways; Sekhmet is known predominately around creating and putting out Fires, while Bastet is the Goddess of Protection. Sekhmet-Bastet is "the One Who loves Ma'at" and "She Who detests unrighteousness." HYMN TO THE GODDESS SEKHMET-BASTET from the Temple of the Hathor at Dendera.(cfr. Dendera III 184-185) Sekhmet-Bastet, She … Continue reading Hymn to Sekhmet-Bastet Goddess of Protection

Wepwawet, the Opener of Ways

Listening to the coyotes communicating in howls and yips just yards away from our Sanctuary, brings to mind one of the most ancient Egyptian gods, Wepwawet (also known as Ap-aut and Sed) a wolf-like god whose worship originated in Upper Egypt. His name means "Opener of the Ways" and this has been interpreted as opening … Continue reading Wepwawet, the Opener of Ways

Blessings of Healing and Protecting Animals

These Wildlife Blessings are inspired by the Fellowship of Isis' “Autumn: Litany of the Earth.” It spreads blessings to all animals through eight deities that relate directly to living animals and their dwelling places. In these blessings, we focus on the deities of animals relating to Ancient Egypt. Blessings of Healing, Strengthening and Protecting Animals: … Continue reading Blessings of Healing and Protecting Animals

The Feather of Ma’at and Shu

The land of Ancient Egypt was home to an abundance of animals and especially birds. The Ancient Egyptians believed that this world was a reflection of the divine realm and birds provided an important source of symbolism. Not only could they represent a specific deity - Ra and Horus as falcons, Thoth as the Ibis … Continue reading The Feather of Ma’at and Shu

Amun-Ra and the Nubian Dynasty

The New Kingdom/Egyptian Empire, occurred between the 16th century BCE and the 11th century BCE, and covered the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties of Egypt. This was the period of time in which Seti I and Ramesses II, and their descendants, ruled and expanded Egypt. It is often considered Egypt's most prosperous time and the … Continue reading Amun-Ra and the Nubian Dynasty

The Frog Goddess Heqet

To the Ancient Egyptians, frogs symbolized life and fertility, the proof of this was the annual inundation of the Nile which brought forth fertility to the barren lands as well as the emergence of millions of frogs. In very ancient Egyptian legends, frogs were the most primeval gods; the gods, Heh, Kek, Nau and Amen … Continue reading The Frog Goddess Heqet