Feather of Truth – Ma’at’s Justice Symbol in Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt had an integrated and strict life system, especially concerning morals. They canonized justice and truth. They used the Feather of Truth as a symbol of truth and justice, represented by the ostrich feather. It was a sacred symbol between many other symbols in ancient Egypt. It was a symbol for the goddess Ma’at. It represented the divine truth that included cosmic order and justice. The goddess Ma’at decided the fate of the souls after death.

 

In other myths, they believed that Ma’at was the Feather of Truth. Pharaohs were depicted with the emblems of Maat to emphasize their role to uphold the truth, justice and righteousness. Maat also was famous for being a goddess of balance, order, and morality. Maat also represented the guiding disciplines that everyone must have and follow throughout their lives.

 

In paintings, Maat was depicted as a woman who was sitting or standing with an ostrich feather on her hand or in other paintings, she was depicted with wings or wearing an ostrich feather in her hair. In ancient Egyptian courts, the sacred ostrich feather was associated with the goddess Maat. The chief priest, who was in charge of the court, was wering the feather of Maat during the trial and at the end of the case; the priest was giving the feather to the person who won the case.

 

 

In the land of the dead, the feather of truth was always used. It determined if the soul of the deceased deserved and was worthy of the afterlife or not. They believed, on behalf of God Anubis, that the feather didn’t weigh as a normal feather but it weighed exactly as the human soul weighed.

If the soul of the deceased weighed more than it did, the deceased became unworthy for the afterlife, and the Devourer, Amit, ate the unworthy soul but if the soul weighed less than it did, the deceased became worthy for the afterlife. The feather could burn you if lie while having the feather. Mortals weren’t allowed to possess the feather.

The Seven Principles of Ma’at

The ‘Seven Principles of Ma’at’ are promoted by several modern-day pagan organizations as guidelines for living moral lives. These seven adaptable concepts are not found in documents from ancient Egypt. Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Propriety, and Reciprocity are the seven guiding principles.

 

The Opposite of Ma’at: Isfet

Based on a dualism affecting religion, society, and politics, the ancient Egyptian phrase Isfet or Asfet (meaning “injustice”, “chaos”, or “violence”; as a verb, “to do evil”) was used in Egyptian mythology and philosophy. Maat was order; Isfet was the opposite.

Ma’at’s Feather of Truth in Ancient Egyptian Belief

The belief held by the ancient Egyptians was that the universe was ordered and that Ma’at was responsible for maintaining equilibrium. As a result, the ancient Egyptians were able to form strong moral and just principles. The Feather of Truth, representing Ma’at, played a crucial role in realizing the Afterlife, and determining the fate of souls.

 

Maat’s 42 Laws

The 42 Laws of Maat, which were the spiritual guidelines that all Egyptians tried to live by, were also called the negative confessions or professions of innocence. These admissions addressed a wide range of moral behavior, from the most basic human relations to the deepest obligations to the gods and the environment. The laws established a benchmark for moral and ethical behavior, with the Feather of Truth symbolizing the ultimate measure of these principles.

 

1. I haven’t done anything wrong.
2. I haven’t used violence in robberies
3. I’ve never committed theft.
4. I have not killed humans or animals.
5. I haven’t taken any food.
6. I have not deceived with gifts.
7. I haven’t taken anything from God or Goddess.
8. I have not lied.
9. I haven’t taken any food with me.
10. I have not swore.
11. I’m still open to hearing the truth.
12. I haven’t cheated on my partner.
13. None of the people I’ve caused cry.
14. I have never been sad for no reason.
15. No one has been abused by me.
16. I’m not dishonest.
17. I haven’t taken land from anyone.
18. I haven’t listened in on conversations.
19. I haven’t accused anyone unfairly.
20. I have never been irrationally furious.
21. I have never wooed a woman.
22. I’ve kept myself clean.
23. Nobody has been scared by me.
24. I have not broken any laws.
25. I haven’t only been furious.
26. I haven’t slandered God or Goddess.
27. I have not acted violently.
28. I haven’t interfered with the tranquility.
29. I haven’t made rash or careless decisions.
30. I have not gone beyond what is reasonable to worry about.
31. I didn’t overstate anything when I spoke.
32. I haven’t done anything bad.
33. I haven’t used any nasty words, ideas, or actions.
34. The water is not contaminated by me.
35. I haven’t said anything haughty or conceited.
36. I haven’t cursed anyone in my words, deeds, or thoughts.
37. I don’t think of myself as special.
38. I haven’t taken anything that isn’t rightfully mine.
39. I haven’t disrespected or pilfered from the dead.
40. I’ve never stolen food from a young person.
41. I haven’t behaved impudently.
42. I have not ruined anything that God or Goddess owns.