In the tapestry of ancient Egypt, the Eye of Horus threads the narrative of power, resilience, and cosmic balance. As the sun and moon gaze down, it becomes a testament to the enduring spirit, for even in the battle of gods, the restoration of vision symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
What is the eye of Horus?
It is an ancient Egyptian symbol for the protection and good health of the king and is also known as the “eye of Ra.”
Discover the mystique of the Eye of Horus.
Who is Horus God?
Horus, a key figure in ancient Egyptian mythology, represented concepts like the sky, kingship, and protection. Born to Osiris and Isis, he sought justice in a mythic battle against Set after his father’s murder. This tale influenced the belief that pharaohs were Horus’s living embodiments, underscoring their rule’s divine nature.
Horus God
The eye of Horus, according to the myth of Isis and Osiris.
It was said that the eyes of Horus are the sun and the moon, and since that time, he has become associated with the power of the sun “Ra Hur akhty,” while the god “Tohot” was associated with the moon. The legend describes the battle that took place between Horus and his uncle, where Horus’s left eye was gouged out, but the god Tohot restored the eye to Horus.
The mythic realms with the Eye of Horus
How was the eye of Horus used?
They were often used in funerary amulets in the form of the eye of Horus, such as the bracelets of King “Shashank II” made of gold, porcelain, and carnelian to protect the king after his death.
Egyptian and Near Eastern sailors also painted the Horus eye on the prow of their ships to ensure the safety of their sea voyages.
The historical use of the Eye of Horus
Eye of Horus was appointed as a hieroglyphic symbol.
The symbol of the eye in hieroglyphs represents the word “ir.t” (action, or the person doing it), and if the symbol of the eye comes in a text related to the myth of Isis and Osiris, it means (protection or anger).
Decoding the hieroglyphic language of Eye of Horus
The arithmetic value in the Horus Eye
The ancient Egyptians not only knew numbers but also knew arithmetic fractions and used the eye of Horus to write arithmetic fractions as follows:
Half of the right eye = 1/2
Pupil = 1/4
Eyebrow = 1/8
Left half of the eye =1/16
Eyelash = 1/32
Eye tears = 1/64
By adding the above, we will not obtain the number ‘1.’ The ancient Egyptians explained this deficit as the share belonging to the god Thoth, who taught them the art of calculation.
The arithmetic secrets of the Eye of Horus
Duality of Divine Eyes: Eye of Ra vs. Eye of Horus
In the vast realm of ancient Egyptian symbolism, two eyes — the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus — stand out with distinct significance.
Eye of God Ra:
Symbolizing the potent force of the sun, the Eye of Ra is associated with divine power, solar energy, and vigilant oversight of creation. Often linked to goddesses Sekhmet and Hathor, it embodies the dual nature of creation and destruction, reflecting the sun’s fierce and occasionally destructive aspects.
Eye of Horus:
Also known as the Wedjat or Eye of Providence, the Eye of Horus signifies protection, healing, and royal authority. Legend tells of its restoration by Thoth after Horus lost it in battle, turning it into a potent talisman against evil forces. Deeply connected to cosmic balance, it symbolizes the cyclical nature of life.
Harmony in Duality:
While the Eye of Ra exudes the raw power of the sun, associated with fire and destruction, the Eye of Horus embodies a more balanced, protective force, emphasizing rejuvenation and healing. These dual aspects showcase the intricacies of Egyptian cosmology, where opposing forces coexist in a delicate dance of creation and preservation.
In art and hieroglyphs, these eyes are, at times, interchangeable, representing the fluid roles of the gods they embody. Whether in the sky or on amulets, the Eyes of Ra and Horus contribute to the profound mystique of ancient Egyptian symbolism, transcending time to captivate the imagination.
