“I am Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,
and I have the power to be born a second time; I am the divine hidden
Soul who creates the gods...”[1]
The Sun God RA of Egypt
Ra in the Heavens
Ra was depicted as a falcon-headed man wearing a sun disk on
his head, sometimes with a cobra around it. He was also shown as a scarab
beetle, a ram, or a phoenix. He travelled across the sky in his solar boat,
called the Mandjet or the Mesektet, depending on the time of day.
He had many forms and names throughout his journey, such as Ra-Horakhty
(Ra who is Horus of the Two Horizons), Khepri (the morning sun), Atum
(the evening sun), and Amun-Ra (the supreme god).
Ra on the Earth
Ra was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians as the king and
father of the gods. He was also seen as the father of the pharaohs, who claimed
to be his earthly manifestations. Ra had many temples and cult centers
throughout Egypt, but his main one was at Heliopolis (the city of the sun).
There he was worshipped with other solar deities, such as Atum, Horus,
and Sekhmet. Ra was also revered by other peoples, such as the Nubians,
who built temples for him at Gebel Barkal and Soleb.
Ra in the Netherworld
Ra did not only rule over the day, but also over the night.
Every evening, he descended into the underworld through the horizon, called the
akhet. There he faced many dangers and enemies, especially the serpent
Apophis (or Apep), who tried to swallow him and his boat. Ra had to
fight Apophis every night with the help of his crew and other gods, such as
Set, Thoth, and Isis. If Ra succeeded in defeating Apophis, he would rise again
at dawn and bring light and life to the world.
Ra as Creator
Ra was considered to be the creator of everything that
exists. According to one version of the creation myth, Ra emerged from the
chaotic waters of Nun as a shining benben stone or a lotus
flower. He then created himself by speaking his own name. He then created other
gods by speaking their names or spitting them out of his mouth. He also created
humans from his tears or sweat. He then placed his eye (the sun) in the sky to
illuminate his creation.
Ra as King and Father of the King
The Eye of Ra or wedjat symbol is one of the most ancient and powerful symbols in Egyptian mythology. It represents the sun, protection, royal authority, and healing. The Eye of Ra is often confused with the Eye of Horus, which has a different meaning. In this blog post, we will explore the origin, mythology, and symbolism of the Eye of Ra and how to differentiate it from the Eye of Horus.
The Origin of the Eye of Ra
The Eye of Ra is a concept and symbol that derives from the
mythical conflict between the god Ra and his rival Set. According to one
version of the myth, Set tore out or destroyed one or both of Ra's eyes and the
eye was subsequently healed or returned to Ra with the assistance of another
deity, such as Thoth. Ra then offered his eye to his deceased father Osiris,
and its revitalizing power sustained Osiris in the afterlife. The Eye of Ra was
thus equated with funerary offerings, as well as with all the offerings given
to deities in temple ritual.
The Mythology of the Eye of Ra
The Eye of Ra is not only a symbol, but also a
personification of a goddess. The Eye of Ra is sometimes identified with
various goddesses who act as the agents of Ra's wrath and protection. These
goddesses include Sekhmet, Hathor, Bastet, Wadjet, Nekhbet,
and Mut. In some myths, the Eye of Ra is sent by Ra to punish humanity
for their sins or rebellion against him. The Eye of Ra then takes the form of a
fierce lioness or a cobra and unleashes destruction and chaos on the earth.
However, Ra eventually regrets his decision and recalls his eye by offering it
beer mixed with red dye, which resembles blood. The eye then becomes pacified
and returns to Ra as his daughter.
The Symbolism of the Eye of Ra
The Eye of Ra symbol is a stylized eye with distinctive markings
that resemble those of a falcon. The eye has a sun disk on top, representing
Ra's connection to the sun. The eye also has a cobra wrapped around it,
representing Wadjet, the goddess who has her own connections to the eye
symbol. The Eye of Ra symbol is believed to have protective magical power and
appears frequently in ancient Egyptian art. It was one of the most common
motifs for amulets, remaining in use from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period.
Pairs of Horus eyes were painted on coffins during the First Intermediate
Period and Middle Kingdom. Other contexts where the symbol appeared include on
carved stone stelae and on the bows of boats.
The Difference Between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus
The main difference between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of
Horus is that they belong to different gods: Ra and Horus. Ra is the creator
god and king of all gods, while Horus is his grandson and heir. The Eye of Ra
represents the sun, while the Eye of Horus represents the moon. The Eye of Ra
is more aggressive and destructive than the Eye of Horus, which is more
benevolent and restorative. The Eye of Ra is usually depicted with a red iris,
while the Eye of Horus has a blue or green iris. The Eye of Ra is often
represented by another symbol entirely: a cobra wrapped around a sun disk,
while the Eye of Horus has no such alternative representation.
The Eye of Ra in Divine Healing
One of the most important roles of the Eye of Ra is as a
healer. The eye is associated with several goddesses who have healing
abilities, such as Hathor, Sekhmet, Bastet, and Wadjet. These goddesses are
sometimes called the "daughters of Ra" and they act as his agents in
restoring order and harmony to the world. The eye is also linked to the concept
of maat, the cosmic balance that sustains life and justice.
The Eye of Ra can heal both physical and spiritual ailments.
In some myths, the eye is sent by Ra to find and retrieve his lost children,
who represent the primordial elements of creation. The eye brings them back to
Ra and restores his vitality and authority. In other myths, the eye is wounded
or lost by Ra or Horus, and it is healed or recovered by another god or
goddess, such as Thoth or Isis. The healing of the eye symbolizes the
restoration of the sun's power and the renewal of life.
The Eye of Ra can also heal humans who are afflicted by
disease or evil forces. The eye is often invoked in magical spells and rituals
to ward off illness, injury, or misfortune. The eye can also be worn as an
amulet or painted on objects to provide protection and healing. The eye can
also be offered to the gods as a gift or a sacrifice to appease their wrath or
to gain their favor.
The Eye of Ra is a complex and multifaceted symbol that
reflects the diverse aspects of the sun god and his feminine counterpart. The
eye can be both benevolent and malevolent, creative and destructive, healing
and harmful. The eye can be seen as a source of life and light, but also as a
force of chaos and violence. The eye can be a mother, a sister, a wife, or a
daughter to Ra, but also an independent goddess with her own will and
personality. The eye can be a friend or a foe to humans, depending on their
actions and intentions. The eye can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how
it is used and understood.
The Existence of RA
The first evidence for the existence of the Sun God RA came
from a gravestone or funerary stela of a dead king named Neb-ra, which
means “Lord of the Sun.”[2]
Neb-Ra and Ra-Neb are two different ways of writing the name
of the second king of the 2nd Dynasty (2850-2700 BC) of ancient Egypt. His name
means "Ra is my lord" and he was the first pharaoh to include the
name of the sun god Ra in his royal titulary. He ruled for about 10 to 14
years, according to modern scholars, although the ancient historian Manetho
claimed he reigned for 39 years and introduced the worship of several animal
gods.
Neb-Ra and Ra-Neb are both attested in various sources, such
as stone vessels, clay seal impressions, granite stelae and inscriptions in the
Sinai peninsula. However, his name never appears alone, but always with that of
his predecessor Hotepsekhemwy or his successor Nynetjer. This may
indicate some kind of political or religious connection between these kings.
Neb-Ra and Ra-Neb are also known by their throne name Kakau, which
appears in later king lists.
Neb-Ra and Ra-Neb's burial place is uncertain, but some
scholars suggest he was buried in a gallery tomb at Saqqara, near the pyramid
of Unas. This tomb also contained seal impressions of Hotepsekhemwy,
which may imply a family relationship between them. Alternatively, he may have
been buried at Abydos, where a granite stela with his name was found.
The Modern Revival of Sun God Ra
Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, was once the supreme deity
of the land. He was believed to create and sustain all life, and to rule over
the sky, the earth, and the underworld. He was also associated with kingship,
justice, and wisdom.
However, with the rise of Christianity and Islam in Egypt,
Ra's worship declined and eventually faded away. His temples were destroyed or
converted, his statues were smashed or buried, and his name was forgotten by
most people.
But in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest
in Ra and other ancient Egyptian gods. Some people have adopted Ra as their
personal patron or spiritual guide, while others have formed groups or
communities that celebrate Ra's festivals and rituals. Some even claim to have
direct contact with Ra through dreams, visions, or channeling.
What are the reasons behind this modern revival of Ra? How
do people practice Ra's worship today? And what are the challenges and benefits
of following Ra in a predominantly monotheistic world?
Ra's Appeal in the Modern World
One of the main reasons why people are drawn to Ra is his
connection to the sun, which is a universal symbol of life, energy, and power.
The sun is also a source of inspiration, creativity, and joy for many people,
especially in times of darkness or difficulty.
"Ra helps me to appreciate the beauty and wonder of
nature, and to see the divine spark in everything," says Sarah, a
32-year-old graphic designer who has been following Ra for five years. "He
also gives me strength and courage to face my challenges and pursue my
dreams."
Another reason why people are attracted to Ra is his role as
a creator and sustainer of life. Ra is believed to have emerged from the
primordial waters of Nun as a self-created being, and to have given birth to
other gods and goddesses through his thoughts or words. He is also said to
travel across the sky every day in his solar boat, bringing light and warmth to
the world, and to descend into the underworld every night, where he battles the
forces of chaos and evil.
"Ra teaches me that life is a precious gift that should
be cherished and protected," says Ahmed, a 28-year-old engineer who has
been following Ra for three years. "He also teaches me that life is a
cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and that I should not fear change or
loss."
A third reason why people are interested in Ra is his
association with kingship, justice, and wisdom. Ra was regarded as the king of
the gods and the father of pharaohs, who were considered his earthly
representatives. He was also revered as a judge who weighed the hearts of the
dead against a feather of truth (Maat), and as a source of knowledge who
possessed the secret name of creation.
"Ra inspires me to be a leader in my community and a
positive influence on others," says Noura, a 35-year-old teacher who has
been following Ra for four years. "He also inspires me to seek truth and
justice in everything I do, and to learn from my experiences and
mistakes."
How People Worship Ra Today
One of the ways that people worship Ra today is through
neo-paganism. Neo-paganism is a term that encompasses various contemporary
religious movements that draw inspiration from ancient pagan traditions, such
as Wicca, Druidry, Kemeticism, and Hellenism. Some neo-pagans choose to worship
Ra as part of their pantheon, or as their patron deity. They may perform
rituals, prayers, offerings, or meditations to honor him and seek his guidance.
They may also celebrate festivals related to him, such as the summer solstice
or the heliacal rising of Sirius.
Another way that people worship Ra today is through art and
culture. Ra has inspired many artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers
throughout history, and continues to do so today. His image and symbolism can
be found in paintings, sculptures, literature, poetry, music, movies, comics,
games, and more. Some examples of Ra's influence in art and culture are:
- The Eye of Ra: a powerful symbol of protection and healing
that represents Ra's daughter Hathor or his consort Sekhmet. It is often
depicted as a stylized eye with a cobra or a sun disk on top.
- The Solar Barque: a boat that carries Ra across the sky
during the day and through the underworld at night. It is often depicted as a
golden or wooden vessel with a scarab beetle or a falcon on its prow.
- The Book of the Dead: an ancient Egyptian funerary text
that contains spells and instructions for the afterlife. It often mentions Ra
and his role in the creation and judgment of souls.
- The Mummy: a popular movie franchise that features Ra as
one of the main antagonists. He is portrayed as an evil alien who enslaved
ancient Egyptians and tried to destroy the world with his army of mummies.
- Stargate: a science fiction TV series that features Ra as
one of the main villains. He is portrayed as an alien parasite who possessed an
ancient Egyptian pharaoh and ruled over many planets with his advanced
technology.
A third way that people worship Ra today is through personal
spirituality. Some people may not belong to any organized religion or movement,
but still feel a connection to Ra on a personal level. They may see him as a
source of light, life, wisdom, or power. They may also see him as a
representation of their own inner potential or divine spark. They may worship
him by expressing gratitude, admiration, or devotion to him in their own ways.
They may also seek to emulate his qualities or follow his teachings in their
daily lives.
These are just some of the ways that people worship Ra
today. There are many more possibilities and variations depending on individual
preferences and beliefs. The important thing is that people find meaning and
fulfillment in their worship of Ra, and respect other people's choices and
paths. Ra is a god who transcends time and space, and who welcomes all who seek
him with an open heart.
[1] Joseph Campbell, The Masks of God:
Creative Mythology, (New York: Penguin Group,1976), 631.
[2] Jochem
Kahl, "Ra is My Lord": Searching for the Rise of the Sun God at
the Dawn of Egyptian History, p. 7
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