From about 3100 B.C.E. to 30 B.C.E., Ancient Egypt was a vast, advanced, and developed civilization. As we continue to unearth more and more about these ancient peoples, we are continually amazed at their technologies, religious scriptures, and government practices.
In Ancient Egyptian culture, the lines between the physical and spiritual world were often blurred. Hieroglyphics adorned their temple walls and depicted many other-worldly and fantastical beasts, beings, and deities.
Throughout the centuries, many symbols of the Ancient Egyptians have persisted through our popular culture. As we uncovered their existence, these images were adopted by many metaphysical and religious practitioners as they hold sacred and divine vibrations rooted in age-old rituals. Join us as we uncover the meaning and significance of popular Ancient Egyptian symbols!
The Egyptian Ankh
Perhaps the most famous Egyptian symbol, the “Ankh” – also known as the key of life - represents eternal life. It is the symbol of the rebirth cycle and the fusion of female and male energies. It is also often said to be reflective of the elements responsible for all life on Earth: air, water, and the sun.
The origins of the Ankh are unclear to historians but it is often connoted as the first religious cross symbol. It is depicted in the hands of gods or pharaohs and was frequently embedded on the tombs of royalty.
It is a divine image that is called upon when users wish to connect to the spirit realm. The Ankh serves as a reminder of the gentle dance between life and death, and the eternal nature of our souls.
The Eye of Ra
As a direct link to the Egyptian God Ra, the Eye of Ra is an extension of his powers. Ra was said to be the creator of all life and was largely connected to the sun. The symbol of his eye was said to hold his more feminine and violent capabilities – sometimes attributed as its own goddess bent on protecting Ra’s kingdom.
Invoking or using the Eye of Ra calls forth motherly, protective energies. It is also said that it can increase the user’s fertility and was seen on hieroglyphs related to procreation and birth. The power of this image is not to be understated, however. Its more volatile energy has the potential to burst through and cause havoc on unseasoned or unprepared invokers.
For those wishing to call forward the energy of the Eye of Ra, be sure you firmly understand your intentions. This strong symbol will work to cultivate powerful feminine energy into your life.
The Eye of Horus
Another popular eye symbol of Ancient Egypt is the Eye of Horus. Horus was the falcon-headed god associated with power, war, and healing. By and large, the Eye of Horus was a symbol of spiritual and physical protection adopted by many Ancient Egyptians.
Additionally, the Eye of Horus represented the sustenance to the gods in the temples. It was a prominent piece of Ancient Egyptian religious festivals revolved around self-development and rejuvenation. It was a listed as a part of many healing spells as well, making this a powerful image for protection and restoration.
Invokers of the Eye of Horus can expect a powerful symbol that will work to heal their ailments and protect them from oncoming negativity.
Scarab Beetle
The Scarab – or Kheper – Beetle was an enormously popular symbol in Ancient Egypt. It was often widely worn as an amulet amongst all Egyptian people, royal or otherwise. It was believed that the sun was actually a giant scarab beetle that moved from the eastern horizon to west each day, making this symbol a powerful icon for growth, life, and vitality.
The Scarab Beetle was most commonly associated with “coming into being.” The energy of this image calls forward the dawn of a new day, a new future, and new opportunities. The Scarab Beetle is a potent symbol of divine manifestation and calls upon on the creative powers of the Universe.
If you are looking to manifest new realities into existence, the Scarab Beetle can be a powerful conduit for your goals and wishes to come to fruition.
The Winged Sun
The Winged Sun is a symbol largely attributed to the Egyptian god Horus. Also sometimes referred to as the Winged Disk, the Winged Sun was an image representing royalty, nourishment, life force energy, and protection for the Egyptian peoples.
It is one of the oldest symbols in Ancient Egypt as some archeologists even suspect it may have been around before the civilization’s establishment. It was commonly worn as a protective talisman by both the living and the dead.
The Winged Sun holds ancient power when called upon in a ritual or practice and can shield its invokers from any darkness heading their way.
The Ouroboros
Depicted by a serpent-like creature devouring its own tail in a seemingly never-end cycle, represents the Egyptian concept of “all is one.” It is symbolic of the natural cycles of time and creation, showing how destruction can ultimately lead to life.
The symbol first appeared on the tomb of prominent Pharoah, Tutankhamun but it is also attributed to Cleopatra and widely used in the field of Alchemy, as it was seen as a symbol for eternal life. It has since found its way into many other religious iconographies, such as the Romans and Greeks who were known to use this symbol on their armory and shields.
The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol rooted in the basic understanding of the very fabric of the Universe. When invoked, this image will connect you deeper with the Source of all creation and elevate your vibrations.
Which Ancient Egyptian symbol is right for me?
While we have only covered a meager few of the vast amount of Ancient Egyptian symbols, we can definitely sense their power. Consider which symbols you feel most intuitively attracted to – there may be a reason why you are being pulled towards one over the other. Let your inner voice guide you to through these ancient images so you can awaken to their divine power!
