Discover with us the Egyptian Symbology. An iconography of deep power that still remains among us, know its mysteries and meaning.
Egyptian Symbology and its Origin
Symbols in Egyptian mythology had a deep and varied importance. These symbols were not only decorative elements or artistic representations, but had symbolic and spiritual meanings that permeated all aspects of Egyptian life and religion.
Connection with the divine
The Egyptians believed that symbols were a means of connection to the divine, representing concepts, deities or cosmic forces that influenced their lives.
Protection and power
Many symbols had the function of protecting the living and the dead. It was believed that wearing amulets with specific symbols offered protection against evil and gave power to the wearer.
Identification of deities
Symbols were used to represent the Egyptian deities. Each god or goddess had their own distinctive symbol that identified and characterized them, which facilitated their recognition in art, writing and rituals.
Reflection of the Egyptian worldview
The symbols reflected the Egyptian worldview, including concepts such as duality, the cycle of life and death, the cosmic order and the connection between the earthly and divine worlds.
Transmission of knowledge
Symbols were used to transmit sacred knowledge and spiritual teachings from generation to generation. Many of these symbols were interpreted in sacred texts and religious rituals.
Most famous Egyptian Symbology
These are just a few examples of the numerous symbols that were an integral part of Egyptian mythology and its rich religious cosmology… Gods and goddesses represented in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms: Each deity had its own set of associated symbols, either in the form of animals, plants, objects or anthropomorphic features that identified and characterized them.
Eye of Horus or Udjat ()
This symbol, also called “Udjat”, represents the divine eye of Horus, the god of heaven and protection. It is believed to offer protection, power and good health to those who wear it. It is often used in amulets and as a symbol of protection in funeral rituals.
Ankh or Ansata Cross (☥)
Known as the “key of life,” this symbol represents eternal life, regeneration and the connection between the earthly and divine worlds. Also known as “the cross of life or cross of Anubis”, it is a symbol related to Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead and funeral rituals. It represents protection in the journey after death and guidance to the afterlife.
Scarab or Jepri ()
This symbol, known as “Jepri”, represents resurrection, rebirth and the eternal cycle of life. It is believed that the sacred beetle, or “dung beetle”, emerged from the earth every morning, symbolizing the rebirth of the sun and the beginning of a new day.
Spiral in Egyptian Symbology ()
The spiral was a symbol associated with the concept of eternity and the continuous cycle of life, death and rebirth. It was often used in funerary contexts and symbolized the continuity of the soul after death.
Uraeus Serpent ()
This symbol represents royalty and divine protection. It is a serpent with its head erect, often associated with the goddess Wadjet. They were placed on the crown of the pharaohs as a symbol of their authority and connection with the gods.
Solar boat and Egyptian Symbology ()
It represented the daily journey of the sun across the sky and its return to the underworld during the night. It was associated with the god Ra and symbolized the daily rebirth of the sun and the renewal of life.
Ra in Egyptian Symbology (solar disk)
The solar disk of Ra was depicted in art, architecture, inscriptions and amulets throughout ancient Egypt, and was an object of worship and reverence by the Egyptians. His image usually in red is frequently found on temples, tombs and religious objects, demonstrating his central importance in Egyptian religion and cosmology.
Horus and the falcon
Horus, the god of the sky and royalty, is often depicted as a falcon or with a falcon’s head. This image symbolizes power, protection and connection to the sky and the sun.
Jackal’s Head in Egyptian Symbology
Related to the god Anubis, the jackal head symbolizes protection in the afterlife and spiritual guidance in the process of death and rebirth.
Djed Pillar
This symbol represents stability, strength and durability. It is associated with the god Osiris and is believed to represent his backbone or regenerated body. It was a common symbol in resurrection and rebirth rituals in ancient Egypt.
Hieroglyphic writing
Although not a symbol per se, hieroglyphic writing was a highly symbolic form of visual communication in Egyptian culture. Each hieroglyph represented a specific idea, object or sound, and often had deeper symbolic meanings related to mythology and religion.
The Nile in Egyptian Symbology
The Nile River was fundamental to life in ancient Egypt, so it was considered a symbol of fertility, prosperity and renewal. It was often depicted as a stream of water with plants and animals, symbolizing the abundance it provided to the land.
