Search Results

Cattle cults are thought to begin in Neolithic times and migrate through trade and travel. Evidence of cow or bull cultures date back to c. 7000 BCE, when the formidable Aurochs still populates the southlands. The Aurochs is the ancestor of today's cattle. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Cattle Goddesses & the Cosmic Cow Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books From early creation myths the cow takes on separate meaning as a symbol of abundance and develops her own cult. Cows embody the qualities of fertility, motherhood, harmony, nurturing, generosity and protection. The Cow is a goddess of women. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In ancient Egypt the cow goddess Mehet-Weret, whose name means "great flood" represents the primeval waters existing before creation. At the dawn of time she gives birth to the Sun. Since then, she gives birth to him every day, and raises him into the sky. See also: Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Besides Mehet-Weret, several goddesses, including Hathor, Nut, and Neith are equated with the celestial cow. In early Egyptian myth the sky is often envisioned as a goddess embodied in the form of a cow. The Cosmic Cow celebrates love, joy, music and the heavens. She's a protective deity watching over humankind. Her speckled belly forms the starry sky and Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way is also said to be created by the breast milk of a mother goddess. See also: Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Scribes & Writing - Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Greek myth c. 800 - 600 BCE credits both Rhea and later Hera with its creation. Rhea creates it when breastfeeding baby Zeus as husband Cronus waits to devour him. She spurts milk into the sky distract him as she switches Zeus for a rock. In the second version, Zeus wants Herakles to suckle milk from Hera, which would endow Herakles with divine powers. He tries to trick her while she's sleeping. She wakes up and pushes the unknown infant away, causing her breast milk to spray across the sky. See also: Pagan Solstice Fests: Saturnalia Eschenfrau: Wicked Ash Tree Woman Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Below, the Cosmic Cow is Nut in goddess form. She's supported by Shu the god of air, and ram-headed Heh deities, the gods of infinity. Geb, the earth, her male counterpart, reclines beneath her. Nut and Geb were torn apart in the act of love. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure If Shu lets go of the sky, she'll fall together with Geb, and life as it's known will cease to be. To ensure continued mortal and deific existence, Sky and Earth must be held apart. See also: Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Nature Spirits of German Mythology Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The upraised arms of Shu also represent the ka symbol. Ka is the life essence or creative life force of a person. In ancient Egypt ka refers to the aspect of mortals and gods which causes them to be alive. One of the eight elements of the soul in Egyptian belief, the ka presence differentiates between a living person and one who is dead. A human figure with arms raised is also the hieroglyph for exaltation. Seated with one knee up, it represents Heh gods or eternity. See also: Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Egyptian Blue - First Synthetic Color Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The concept of the primordial cow or cosmic cow forms the core of belief in cattle cults and myths of early creation. In the Proto-Indo-European creation myth, the primordial cow sacrifice is a catalyst for creation. From her body are born all plants and animals. In general the Cow is a cosmic Earth Mother with a giving nature. She produces milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, specialty foods like quark in Germany and of course today's chocolate. Cows can be hitched to wagons and plows, saving work and increasing farm yield. See also: Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Hindu tradition the great goddess is Kamadhenu, mother of all cows. Her body is the home of deities. In Buddhism, the cow is a reborn human. Kindness to cattle brings karmic rewards. In ancient Egypt seven goddesses, represented by seven star cows, create the celestial herd providing nourishment to worshippers of the Divine Cow. In the sky the herd is the star group Pleiades, found in the constellation Taurus. See also: Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The position and movement of the Pleiades are used to mark agriculture events such as the beginning of seasons, or times for plowing, seeding and reaping. In the ancient world, people believe sperm runs through the bones of bull and oxen. Due to this anatomical misunderstanding Kings boast of sacrificing thousands oxen for the fertility of the land. See also: Lucifer, Venus & Anti-Gods of Mythology Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Horns of sacrificial bull and ox made into drinking vessels, and bull rhytons are thought to contain spiritual essence of the animal. While the Bull is an important animal of sacrifice, usually the cow is worth more as a producer. She can also make more bulls. Cattle signify wealth. Throughout the lands cattle raiders ply their trade. Cattle raids become subjects of legend, such at the Celtic Cattle Raid of Cooley. Egyptian Pharaoh Snefru claims to have captured twenty thousand cattle in a raid on Nubia. See also: Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Amethyst - Divine Purple Quartz Gemstone Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Cow Goddess is often associated with music. The sistrum is associated with worship of Hathor. Sound boxes on ritual Mesopotamian balaĝ music lyres are decorated with the ornate head of a bull or cow, sometimes in silver or gold. Both sistra and balaĝ lyre music are specially associated with women and the female voice. Cow votive offerings made of clay or stone, and dairy products such as butter and cheese, are found at worship sites. See also: Alchemy: Science, Philosophy, Magic Apis - Sacred Sacrificial Bull of Egypt Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Back to Top

The Book of the Heavenly Cow is an Egyptian myth about the re-ordering of the universe by Ra (Re), God of the Sun. It takes place when Ra is old and the mortals rebel against his rule. He calls upon the Eye of Ra, in this case his daughter goddess Hathor. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Ra sends the Eye of Ra in her fury to quell the rebellion. Hathor is the divine cow goddess of ancient Egypt. Her nurturing aspects bring abundance, but her wrath can destroy lives and cities. She tramples men and can bring on famine. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The Eye of Ra is the rightful rage of the goddess against elements of chaos, those who don't respect the gods, enemies of Ra and threats to his rulership. Often the persona of the Eye is Sekhmet, Goddess of War and Medicine. See also: Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Scribes & Writing: Ancient Beginnings Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle There are similarities. Ra tricks the bloodthirsty goddess, Hathor or Sekhmet, into drinking beer dyed red when her rage is out of control. Other Eye of Ra goddesses include Wadjet the winged cobra, and Mut the Earth Mother, who can shatter civilizations. The Myth of the Heavenly Cow The story takes place when Sun god Ra is in his dotage. Mankind stirs up rebellion against his rule. Ra seeks advice from the council of gods. He sends Hathor his daughter as the ferocious Eye of Ra to destroy the usurpers. See also: Khella - Ancient Health & Herbology Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Egyptian Blue - First Synthetic Color Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books She goes out in full fury and slays a multitude. When she comes back that evening, Ra feels pity for the mortals and decides to stop killing them. To appease the raging Eye goddess he orders beer to be mixed with red ochre, to resemble blood. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure It's spread through Egypt in the night. Next morning, the bloodthirsty goddess guzzles the drink. She gets drunk, returns to the realm of the gods and leaves the rest of the humans alone. See also: Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Cult of the Bull: Divine Sacrifice Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In another version, the Sun God decides to abscond from the earth and live in the sky. The firmament is created for him as the Heavenly Cow, an aspect of sky goddess Nut. His departure leaves the humans without gods on earth. The Sun God reorders the cosmos into three layers of existence. They are the sky, the earth and the beyond, or realm of death. Ra delegates certain tasks to gods Geb, earth god and brother of Nut; Osiris, god of the dead; and Thoth, god of wisdom, scribes and the moon. See also: Sacrificial Creation Myths: Early People Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Book of the Heavenly Cow is first discovered in one of the four gilded shrines of Tutankhamun. This version isn't complete. Archaeologists discover three more versions of the text in the tombs of Seti I, Ramesses I, and Ramesses II. The story preserved in the tomb of Seti I is probably the most complete. It includes the entire sequence of events, rubrics with ritual instructions and three vignettes. See also: Apis - Sacred Fertility Bull of Egypt Before the Viking Age - Gods of the Sámi Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The origin of the book is obscure but may be related to the dawn myths of the Pyramid Texts (c. 2400 - 2300 BCE). By the New Kingdom (c. 1550 BCE) the concept is used to explain death and suffering in an imperfect creation. The Book of the Heavenly Cow can be seen as a form of theodicy, an attempt to construct and deal with how belief systems work. It explains the existence of deities and evil within society. The Book is also seen as a magical text to ensure the king's ascent to heaven. See also: Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Der Türst: Dread Huntsman & the Wild Hunt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books As the Cow Goddess Hathor is a patron of women, motherhood, beauty, love and abundance. The identity of the ancient Egyptian bovine goddess goes back to the concept of the Cosmic Cow who exists at the time of creation. See also: Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Warrior Queen: Kriemhild of the Burgundians Mulberry Tree (Morus): Uses, Folklore & Myth Back to Top

Apis is a sacred bull of ancient Egypt. He's raised from a calf, elevated to the status of an oracle, and worshipped as a divine bull at a temple in Memphis, by Giza. He relates to the gods Ptah, patron of Memphis, and Osiris, god of the underworld. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Rise of Pan: Fertility Goat God Péh₂usōn Cattle Goddesses & the Cosmic Cow Cult of the Bull: Divine Sacrifice Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books What happens if a crop fails? A whole civilization dies. If fertile floods don't come, the wheat withers and fruit trees are barren. In ancient times famine, disease and misfortune is due to evil spirits or angry gods. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Despite overall advances in natural medicine and survival science, humans are vulnerable to a frightening number of chaotic or deadly events. Thus it's important to keep the Gods happy. Eventually a complex web of ideology forms around the concept. See also: Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Bull sacrifice is known in Egypt by at least 3500 BCE, particularly to the bovine Goddesses Hathor and Bat, as shown by ceremonial bull burials. The bull is the God or divine aspect of the Pharaoh. Apis, Hapis or Hapi-ankh is the sacred Bull of Memphis, Egypt. He's not intended for sacrifice, but as a living embodiment of divinity. His worship goes back to the early Bronze Age, c. 3300 BCE. His initial role is herald of god Ptah, patron of Memphis. See also: Ptah: God of Creators & Creation Egypt Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Visigoths, King Alaric & the Ruin of Rome Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Cattle of the Memphis region in ancient Egypt have white patterns on mainly black bodies. A belief grows that the Apis calf must have a certain set of markings. He has to have a white triangle on his forehead. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure He also must show a white Egyptian vulture wing outline on its back, a scarab mark under his tongue, a white crescent moon shape on his right flank, and a double number of hairs on his tail. See also: Before the Viking Age - Gods of the Sámi Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The calf is found in the herds and brought to a temple. He receives a harem of cows, and is worshiped as an embodiment of god Ptah. At the temple, Apis is seen as an oracle. His movements are considered prophecies. He's an intermediary between mortals and gods. His breath is thought to cure disease and his presence to bless those around him with strength. A window in the temple lets him be seen by the populace. On certain holidays, he is led through the streets of the city, decorated with jewelry and flowers. See also: Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Caspian Tiger: Bronze Age Wild Predators Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books His cow mother, called the Isis Cow, is believed to conceive him divinely. She's impregnated by a flash of lightning from the heavens or from moonbeams. She also receives special care and treatment, and is mummified upon her death. Apis can communicate with other Gods and relay the information to people. Some believe Apis is an embodiment of Ptah when alive and Osiris when dead. Apis lives until he dies of old age, or 25 years, whichever comes first. 25 years is a long lifetime for a bull. See also: Cinnamon - Spice Trade of Ancients Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Links Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The mummification ritual of the sacred bull is written in the Apis papyrus, a 1st century CE writing. The body of the bull may be fixed in a standing position on a foundation of wooden planks. His eyes are replaced with gems. He might have a solar disc between his horns. The embalming ritual of the Apis lasts 70 days. It includes removing organs and leaving the body in natron for 40 days. Priests performing the ritual have to wear their hair long and not bathe, in contrast to the Egyptian love of cleanliness and shaved heads and bodies. See also: Linen, Hemp & Cotton - Fabrics of Ancient Egypt Ammitt - Eater of the Heavy Heart Anubis: Jackal-Headed God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The priests also wear costumes made especially for the purposes of the ritual. They wail loudly, fast for four days and abstain from milk and meat for the remaining sixty-six days. By the New Kingdom (c. 1550 - 1070 BCE), the remains of the sacred bulls are interred at Saqqara, alongside the graves of kings. Ramesses II begins Apis burials in what now is known as the Serapeum, also at Saqqara. See also: Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Bitumen - Tarry Trade in Perfect Pitch Sailing - Bronze Age Sails & Sailcloth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books An underground complex at Saqqara, it's created specifically for the burial of sacred bulls. The site is used throughout the rest of Ancient Egyptian history into the reign of Cleopatra, before c. 30 CE. A similar style of worship appears at Faiyum, Middle Egypt, in the ancient world. There the people revere a live crocodile representing the god Sobek. When the crocodile dies it's mummified. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Anubis: Jackal-Headed God of Egypt Back to Top

In myth and spirituality the divine cow signifies abundance, prosperity, motherhood, nurturing, generosity and renewal of life. In one myth of ancient Egypt, celestial cow goddess Nut swallows the sun every night and gives birth to him the next morning. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Cult of the Bull - Prehistoric Aurochs Hathor: Cosmic Cow Goddess of Ancient Egypt Book of the Heavenly Cow - Myths of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Cows provide milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and calves. While bulls are common sacrificial animals the cow, with a few exceptions, is more valuable alive. Evidence of butter and cheese offerings are found at some ancient sites. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Ancient World Cow and Cattle Goddesses Selene is the Greek Moon goddess. Daughter of Titans Hyperion and Theia, she's sister of sun god Helios and the dawn goddess Eos. Selene is often described as having horns, like the crescent moon. See also: Fairy Rings, Moon & Nature Magic Sin (Nanna): Moon God of Mesopotamia Ammitt - Eater of the Heavy Heart Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Hera, Greek Queen of the Gods, also appears as a goddess associated with cattle. Her sacred symbols are the cow, peacock, cuckoo and pomegranate. She blesses weddings and protects women in childbirth. Io, a mortal woman, is lusted after by Zeus. He turns her into a heifer to hide her from his wife. Hera sends Argus of 100 eyes to watch her so Zeus can't visit her. Eventually Io is turned back to a woman but plenty happens in between. See also: The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Ninsun (Ninsumun; Sumerian: Nin-sumun(ak) "lady of the wild cows") - Mesopotamian goddess at Uruk and mother of Gilgamesh. She's considered a lamma or protector goddess, and her symbol is the wild cow. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Sosamshin (Korean: 소삼신; lit. Birth Goddess of the Cow) is a Gashin, or household deity, in Korean myth. She is the goddess of the birth of cattle (So), just as Samshin is the goddess of human birth, hence her name Sosamshin. See also: Eileithyia: Birth Goddess of Ancient Greece Khella - Ancient Health & Herbology Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Hesat, ancient Egyptian goddess in form of a cow, provides humanity with milk (beer of Hesat), and in particular to suckles Pharaoh and ancient Egyptian bull gods. The Pyramid Texts depict her as mother of Anubis and the deceased king. Pasiphaë is an ancient Queen of Crete, mother of the fabled Minotaur. She's often called goddess of witchcraft and sorcery. Poseidon makes her fall in love with the Cretan bull when her husband Minos refuses to sacrifice it. She mates with the bull by hiding in a hollow cow. See also: Ancient Greek Cultures: People of Minos Minoan Genius (Genii) Helper Spirits German Folklore - Irrwurz or Mad Root Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Tellus, a Roman goddess of earth, receives sacrifice of a pregnant cow at the Fordicidia, a fertility festival relating to animal husbandry. The ritual is April 15 during Cerialia (April 12 - 19) festival of the grain goddess Cybele. Cybele herself receives a bull sacrifice. Nut, Egyptian primal goddess stretches out her body to form the night sky. Sometimes an aspect of Hathor is associated with the same talent. The spots on her belly are the stars in the cosmos. Eight gods may help support her - they're the infinite Heh Gods of Egypt. See also: Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The center figure beneath the cow is Shu, god of air. Like cow horns his arms imitate the Ka sign. Ka is the life essence of a being. Shu must hold up the divine cow of the sky, or life as it's known will cease to exist. Raised arms also signify joy and exaltation. Nineigara is a Mesopotamian goddess connected with dairy products. She is wife of the cattle god Ningublaga, and like him belongs to the court of the moon god Nanna (Sin). Her name means "Lady of the House of Butter & Cream". See also: Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians House Spirits of Germanic Mythology Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Mut is a Mother Goddess in Egypt. Her name means 'mother'. She can appear as a woman, cobra, cat, lioness, vulture or cow. Her children include Sekhmet, goddess of war and medicine; Hathor, maternal cow goddess of love and joy; Bastet, lion-headed or cat-headed goddess, any of whom can also act as the Eye of Ra; and Ma'at, goddess of justice. See also: Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Lusatians - Nordic Bronze Age Cultures Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Auðumbla is a primal cow in Norse mythology. She suckles the primordial frost jötunn Ymir. Over three days she licks rime from rocks and reveals Búri, grandfather of Odin. She's attested only in the 13th century CE Prose Edda by Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson. Kamadhenu (Sanskrit: कामधेनु, [kaːmɐˈdʱeːnʊ], Kāmadhenu), is a divine bovine-goddess in Hinduism known as mother of all cows. A miraculous cow of plenty, she provides her owner with all the person desires. See also: Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In iconography, she's typically depicted as a white cow with female head and breasts. She has the wings of a bird, and the tail of a peafowl; or she appears as a white cow containing various deities in her body. Mehet-Weret or Mehturt - ancient Egyptian deity in the form of a primordial cow. Her name means "Great Flood". She's associated with the sky and cosmos as well as waters of creation. See also: Neolithic Nubia & Early Egyptians Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Bat, Cow Goddess of Hu, Egypt - she is worshipped together with Hathor and eventually the two become one. Hathor assimilates many of her qualities. The cattle cult of Bat is thought to go back to Paleolithic times. Flidas or Flidais is a female figure in Irish mythology, known by the epithet Foltchaín ("beautiful hair"). She shares this beauty trait with Egyptian Hathor. She is believed to be a goddess of cattle and fertility. See also: Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Divine Light - Sun Goddess of Arinna Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Hathor is one of the most prominent goddesses in the mythology of Egypt. Like Flidas she's known to have lovely lush hair, or sometimes a gleaming lock of hair which represents her animal nature as well as association with youth and beauty. Egyptian men and women shave their heads and bodies since c. 3000 BCE, when copper tools are common. A young person retains a lock of hair known as the lock of youth. When the child becomes an adult the lock is cut and given as an offering to the god Horus. See also: Puduhepa - Queen of the Hittites Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Isis is also a major goddess in ancient Egyptian religion. She assumes features or qualities of Hathor, such as the horned headdress, and a bovine connection as her worship spreads through the Greco-Roman world. Neith is an ancient Egyptian goddess with cosmic epithets such as Cow of Heaven. A sky-goddess akin to Nut, she also represents the 'Great Flood', Mehet-Weret, the cow who gives birth to the sun daily. Neith is protectress of Sun God Ra and the Pharaoh. See also: Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Neith is called the first and the prime creator. She creates the universe and all it contains, and governs how it functions. She is the goddess of the cosmos, fate, wisdom, water, rivers, mothers, childbirth, hunting, weaving, and war. See also: Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Bes: Household Protector God of Egypt Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia Back to Top

Khella plants (Ammi visnaga) are flowering herbs of the carrot family, related to Queen Anne's lace and poison hemlock. Native to parts of Eurasia, khella is introduced elsewhere. From the ancient world to modern science, khella is known for healing medicine properties. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Khella is also called toothpick-plant, toothpickweed or bisnaga. It grows from a taproot, a long vertical primary root. About 80 cm (31 in) tall, the plant is also an ornamental in gardens. Leaves are up to 20 centimeters (7.9 in) long, split into small linear segments. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Khella blooms from June to August and fruits in September. The flower is a compound umbel of white blossoms which can be similar to other Apiaceae species. In autumn the flowers dry up and the ripe fruits can be gathered. See also: Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The fruit is an achane, or dry fruit with walls distinct from the single seed it contains. It's a compressed oval-shape under 3 mm long and indehiscent, meaning it doesn't split open when ripe. Dried ripe fruits and seeds are used medicinally. Crushed or ground fruits make a healing tea especially for urinary problems. Khella and some related plants are sources of khellin, a diuretic extract. See also: Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Herbology & Lore: Stinging Nettle Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Khellin is known for thousands of years in Mediterranean, Middle East and inland Egypt. It's used to treat: kidney stones renal (kidney) colic heart disease bronchial asthma vitiligo psoriasis patchy hair loss See also: Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Roads Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Both khella and its close relative Ammi majus have health benefits associated with khellin. Another beneficial ingredient in these plants is visnaga, also found in khellin-producing seeds. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure In Egypt around 2000 BCE, juice of A. majus or V. daucoides is rubbed on patches of vitiligo. A medical condition causing areas of pigment loss in skin, vitiligo is thought to be caused by changes in the immune system. See also: Eye of Ra Egypt - Wrath of the Woman Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle After the application, vitiligo patients lie in the sun. This ancient treatment has positive effects. Modern experiments with khellin show success in treating vitiligo within a medical setting. Vitiligo is linked to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These include Hashimoto's thyroiditis, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, Addison's disease, pernicious anemia, alopecia areata, systemic lupus erythematosus and celiac disease. See also: Ephedra - Oldest Medical Stimulant Herb Copper - Ruddy Metal of Mystic Magic Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The active ingredient(s) of khella are shown to relax and widen blood vessels and decrease heart contractions. The healing action opens up the lungs, increases high-density lipoprotein ('good' cholesterol); and fights bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The ancient Egyptians take khella to help prevent or treat kidney stones. Although the use of khella and A. majus are not recommended by health pros, it continues in Middle East folk medicine today. See also: Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Herbology & Lore: Caraway Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Adverse reactions include: dizziness reversible cholestatic jaundice (impaired bile flow from the liver) pseudo-allergic reaction elevated levels of liver enzymes (inflammation or damage to liver cells) sensitivity to UV rays Treatment with daily doses of Ammi visnaga extract, taken as a tea or pill, is shown to help inhibit the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are caused by hyperoxaluria, or excess calcium oxalate excretion in the urine. See also: Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Sacrifice of the Male: Temple at Uppsala Scribes & Writing: Ancient Beginnings Khellin by itself doesn't prevent or treat calcium oxalate nucleation. Ammi visnaga produces visnagin, another beneficial component of khellin containing seeds. Extracts or plant parts are used medicinally in Turkey; also in Egypt and other Northern African countries such as Morocco. Like khellin, visnagin can be extracted directly from khella seeds. See also: Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Saffron - Most Precious Ancient Spice Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Khellin has been found effective for renal colic, a condition occurring most often due to schistosomiasis (parasitic) infection; and kidney stone formation. The plant relaxes the ureter and acts as a diuretic. Khellin has been used to relieve heart pain associated with angina pectoris. The side effect is nausea. Khellin is not for everyone. Pregnant women should avoid khellin and similar plants due to possible intrauterine contractions. See also: Neolithic Nubia & Early Egyptians Kotharat - Bronze Age Birth Goddesses Magic of Music & Cats A related herb is bishop's weed (Aegopodium podagraria). Bishop's weed is also known as a medicinal herb to treat gout and arthritis. Leaves and roots are boiled together and applied in external hot wraps. Ingested, leaves have a diuretic effect and act as a mild sedative. See also: Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Pomegranate - Food of the Ancients Back to Top

Singing, clapping, dancing and shouting are forms of musical expression used by most early people. From Neolithic Egypt, whistles are found made of shells. Egyptian music goes on to influence that of the Greek and later cultures. See also: Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Scribes & Writing - Ancient Egypt Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In Neolithic Egypt, people chant and sing for magic and religious rituals. The emphasis is on rhythm. During the predynastic period of Egyptian history, funerary chants play an essential part in religion. They might be accompanied by a flute, pipe or clappers. It's believed inventions such as the end-blown flute appear at this time. By the time of the Old Kingdom in Egypt (c. 2650 BCE), musical instruments include arched harps, flutes and double clarinets. See also: Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Proto Writing: Signs of the Times Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The harp, or benet (Coptic voina) is one of the most popular musical instruments in Egyptian history. Above, a priest musician plays the arched harp for the seated falcon-headed Sun God Ra. A lotus blossom sends sweet scent to the god. Up top, Eye of Ra (right eye, war and vengeance) and Eye of Horus (left eye, representing moon and healing) around a shen ring, symbol of protection. The God seems pleased. This depiction and script are among the many types of work undertaken by scribes. See also: Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books From the Greeks, Egyptian influences come to European music in the medieval period or Middle Ages. Because of the country's millennia of history, Egyptian culture, such as sound and style of music and instruments, has created a significant musicology. The tonal structure of Egyptian music is defined by the maqam, loosely similar to Western forms. Maqamat are based on a musical scale of 7 notes, repeating at the octave. Some maqamat have two or more alternative scales. See also: Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Figs - Food of the Ancient World Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The word maqam in Arabic means place, location or position. The Arabic maqam is a type of melody described as a technique of improvisation defining the pitches, patterns, and development of a piece of music. The maqam is unique to Arabian art music. Rhythm is governed by the iqa'at. Standard rhythmic modes are created with combinations of accented and unaccented beats and rests. The rhythmic cycles or iqa‘at (singular iqa‘) are patterns of beats repeating every measure. See also: Ningizibara: Sumerian Balaĝ Music Goddess Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Song of the Loreley Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A composition can switch back and forth between different iqa‘at. Each iqa‘ is defined using a prototypal measure and the two basic sounds: dum (bassy and sustained) and tak (dry and sharp). The goddess Bat is credited with the invention of music. As Bat and goddess Hathor are both portrayed as cows, the cult of Bat merges with that of Hathor. Osiris uses Hathor's music in an effort to civilize the world. See also: Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Hymn to Nungal - Prison Goddess Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Cat goddess Bastet also has a musical connection. Originally a lioness goddess, she becomes synchronized with Sekhmet, Egyptian goddess of war. As time goes by, Bastet assumes a gentler personality, while Sekhmet rages on as the Eye of Ra. Bastet (Bast) sculptures, figurines and cat-head busts are often made of alabaster. Bastet is associated with the ceremonial sistrum, a type of musical rattle for ritual use. She's also goddess of protection against contagious diseases and evil spirits. See also: Linen, Hemp & Cotton - Fabrics of Ancient Egypt Sacred Scarab: Lucky Bug of Ancient Egypt Byblos Vibrant Port City: the Egyptians Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle By the Egyptian Middle Kingdom (c. 2040 BCE), orchestras develop as percussion instruments and lutes are added to musical ensembles. Cymbals are to accompany ancient music and dance. In medieval times or the Middle Ages (c. 475 - 1400 CE) early Middle Eastern music is influenced by Byzantine and Roman styles. These are influenced by earlier Greek, Semitic, and Ancient Egyptian music. See also: Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Lapis Lazuli: Vibrant Blue Gem of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In medieval Cairo many Egyptians adhere to a belief music has "too powerful an effect upon the passions, leading men into gaiety, dissipation and vice." Overall however, early Egyptians enjoy music. According to 19th century historian Edward William Lane, no "man of sense" would ever become a musician. Still, music is a key part of society then as now. Tradespeople of every occupation play music during work. Schools teach the Quran (c. 610 CE) with chanting. See also: Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Road Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The music of medieval Egypt is derived from ancient Egyptian and Byzantine traditions. Lane writes "the most remarkable peculiarity of the Arabic system of music is the division of tones into thirds." Western musicologists prefer to interpret Arabic music tones as divided into quarters. The songs of this period are similar and simple, within a limited range of tones. See also: Wine God Liber: Liberty & Liberal Libation Atum of Egypt - First Primordial God Epic of Erra - Plague God of Babylon Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Egyptian song, though simple in form, is embellished by the singer. Distinct enunciation and a quavering voice are also characteristics of Egyptian singing. Male professional musicians during this period were called Alateeyeh (plural), or Alatee (singular), which means "a player upon an instrument". This name applies to both vocalists as well as instrumentalists. Voice is also an instrument. See also: Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Bronze Age Trade of Mesopotamia Egyptian Blue Faience - Ceramic Glass Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The position of musician is considered disreputable and lowly. Nonetheless, musicians find plenty of work singing or playing at parties and other venues of to entertainment. They make a low wage, under the equivalent of a half dollar per night, and depend on "givings" or tips. Women are popular as singers and musicians for specific purposes. Female professional musicians are Awalim (pl) or Al’meh, meaning a learned female. Awalim are often hired for a celebration in the harem of a wealthy person. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The singers do not interact with the harem. They occupy an upper level room hidden by a screen. They can also be lament singers, as above. The Awalim are much better paid than Alateeyeh, male performers, and given more esteem as well. Historian Lane tells of a female performer who so enchants her audience, she earns up to fifty guineas for one night's performance from the guests and host. The guinea is a coin minted in Great Britain from 1663 -1814, containing c. 1/4 troy ounce of gold. See also: Arsenic: Murderous Metal & Miracle Cure Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Rosemary: Immortal Essence & Balm of Kings Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Religious music is part of traditional Sufi Muslim and Coptic Christian mulid celebrations. Mulids venerate a particular saint or exalted Muslim figure, and are related to the Sufi zikr ritual performed by Muslim mystics. The Egyptian flute or ney is commonly played at mulids. See also: Bitumen - Tarry Trade in Perfect Pitch Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Back to Top

Shen rings appear in ancient Egyptian art and spiritual symbolism. The shen ring or shenu is a circle with a rod on one side. The rod may be tied to the ring with stylized cord. The shen ring is especially associated with certain bird deities and royal rulers. See also: Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The falcon above represents the Sun God Ra. Two shen rings enclose spheres of carnelian, a gemstone associated with Isis, the Sun and eternal life. Carnelian is often found in Egyptian tombs due to its solar colors and inner light. Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 Around the carnelian spheres, the rings are turquoise, also a stone of protection and immortality. Gold represents the Sun, King and Divinity. The two ankhs above the rings signify life everlasting. Other stones used are garnet and lapis lazuli. See also: Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Sacred Scarab: Lucky Bug of Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle A stylized gold shen ring is pictured below, with circle, rod, symbolic rope or cord connecting the two. In spirituality the circle relates to feminine energy, the straight line to male. As in the Falcon of Tut above, the shen ring can be composed of or surrounded by gemstones and gold to heighten its intrinsic powers. Especially relevant to the protective powers of Sun God Ra and Nekhbet the Vulture Goddess, the shen ring or shenu is a sign of vision, achievement and reaching new heights. In art a papyrus stalk or symbolic was scepter may stand on a shen ring. See also: Tin Trade Routes - Ancient Networks Reiker For Hire, Victorian Era & Nixies Apep - Primal Chaos God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Shen means encircle. The shen ring symbol depicts or invokes divine protection. In myth and art, shen rings are often carried or presented in pairs. This might be for spiritual or symmetrical value. Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 A diety holds one ring in each hand or claw, as demonstrated by vulture goddess Nekhbet below. She can also carry one larger ring in both feet, or a shen ring may be shown as a separate symbol. Shen rings are still used as protective amulets today. See also: Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Links The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Vulture Goddess is associated with Upper Egypt and Egyptian Queens. The Queen is known as the King's Royal Wife or, should he have more than one, King's Primary Royal Wife. The Hawk or Falcon is a symbol of kings. Nekhbet wears the Atef crown of Osiris, a white crown with an ostrich feather on either side, signifying her connection to the Afterlife. The white crown also represents Upper Egypt, of which Nekhbet is patron Goddess. See also: Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Asherah: Goddess of Childbirth & Fertility Butzemann, Witches & Nyx - Scare 'em Good Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The shen ring symbol can be stretched or reshaped to contain objects, which are then under the eternal protection of the ring. An elongated form of the shen ring is the cartouche. An oblong with symbols, a carouches encloses and protects a royal name. Read: Cult of the Fire God - New 2024 The cartouche is especially popular in the Third Dynasy of Egypt c. 2686 - 2613 BCE in art and ornamentation. The shen ring might also be attached to a staff, a symbol of absolute or divine authority. The frog goddess Heqet (Heshu) is often pictured on a shen ring. See also: Animal Spirits - Frog, Cat, Bull Jade - Jadeite, Nephrite & Jade Roads Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In tombs of Egyptian kings and queens the shen ring can also represent the deified deceased. Similar rod-and-ring symbols come from Babylon. See also: Steppe Trade Routes: Before the Silk Road Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Bes: Household Protector God of Egypt Back to Top

Tales of gold and mystic perfumes, exotic animals and gems the color of blood come from lands south of ancient Egypt. Trade between Egypt and Nubia, today's Sudan/Egypt, begins in the Neolithic era c. 6000 BCE. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Ebony - Precious Wood of Ancients Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Gold is one of Nubia's early exports and Egypt falls in love. Originally, gold is used for jewelry, figurines and idols for worship. That changes when Nubia comes under Egyptian rule (c. 1550 - 1027 BCE). READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Around 1520 BCE, with continual influx of Nubian gold, the Pharaoh Amenhotep I makes gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade. Egypt is described by one Canaanite king as having more gold than sand. See also: Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Pomegranate - Food of the Ancients Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle In Neolithic times, Egypt is inhabited by predynastic cultures. Upper and Lower Egypt develop independently. The Badari culture and the successor Naqada groups are considered precursors to dynastic Egypt. Nubia is part of the mythic Land of Punt, first called Pwenet or Pwene by early Egyptians. The Land of Punt as it was known includes today's Somalia, Djibouti, northeast Ethiopia, Eritrea, and north-east Sudan. It may extend to some coastal Arabian lands such as Oman. See also: Bronze Age Trade of Mesopotamia Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Ancient Nubia is divided into three territories on the Nile River - upper, middle and lower. The Nile river originates as two sources, the White Nile and Blue Nile in highland regions to the south. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The White Nile begins at Lake Victoria in Tanzania and flows north to converge with the Blue Nile at Khartoum, Sudan. The Nile continues its journey into Egypt, to form the rich alluvial delta at the Mediterranean Sea. See also: Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Writing develops in Egypt c. 3100 BCE, and Egyptians begin to describe the environment, interactions with other people, trade, medicine and geography. In texts, Egyptians call Nubia Ta-Seti or "Land of the Bow." In the ancient world Nubians are known as expert archers. Hunters using bows and arrows appear in Neolithic Nubian rock art. Hunting is an essential for food and trade of wild animal skins, ivory, teeth and bones. Other trade items include ebony, precious stones and resins. Myrrh trees in Egypt today come from Nubian ancestors. See also: Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Evidence of early people shows a long period of fishing, hunter-gathering, followed by herding lifestyles, throughout the Nile Valley. The Affad archaeological site in northern Sudan contains well-preserved remains including skull and bone fragments of aurochs. They reveal significant signs of prehistoric temporary settlements and hunter-gatherer societies c. 50,000 years old. Near modern Khartoum, from c. 9000 - 6000 BCE, Mesolithic fisher-hunter-gatherers are known to create sophisticated pottery. See also: Scribes & Writing - Ancient Egypt Cylinder Seals of the Ancient World Nixies - Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Pottery is among the items of early trade. By c. 5000 BCE the people of Nubia are part of the First Agricultural or Neolithic revolution. The Sahara becomes more arid. Domestication of sheep, goats and cattle gains popularity. Signs of a cattle cult or Cult of the Bull appear in Saharan rock reliefs. Bull and cattle cults are widespread throughout Eastern Africa, the Nile Valley and other regions. The rock carvings also depict Neolithic archery and archers. See also: Proto Writing: Signs of the Times Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Egyptian Blue - First Synthetic Color Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Egyptian texts as early as 2400 BCE describe Nubians in Egyptian armies. Depictions of Nubian warriors appear in Egyptian tomb artwork throughout ancient Egyptian history. Nubian archers also make up part of the Persian imperial army of first millennium BCE. Throughout the history of Egypt and ancient Nubia, there are times of peace and times of war. An Egyptian text of 2720 BCE records the pharaoh Snefru bringing back more than 20,000 cattle from a raid into Nubia. See also: Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Bronze Age Europe - The Amber Roads Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books During the time of Hatshepsut (c. 1470 BCE), the female Pharaoh who dares wear the false beard, peace and prosperous trade reign between the two powers. She builds more trade ships. Despite an unusual relief in her tomb showing one of her generals smiting Nubians, her relations with the people are pacific. Her lack of warlike behavior and status as female Pharaoh causes some strife at home. After her death many of her statues are vandalized. See also: Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The world's first astronomical device may be the megaliths at Nabta Playa in the Middle Nile region west of the river. Predating Stonehenge by almost 2,000 years, the calendar stones are placed in a circle, accompanied by nearby megaliths. Early use of the area indicates a regional ceremonial center c. 6100 - 5600 BCE with people coming from distant locations to gather on the dunes surrounding the playa (desert basin). See also: Neolithic Europe - Danube Valley Culture Before the Vikings - Early Northern Cultures Butter - Food of Peasants & Barbarians Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Historical gatherings leave large amounts of cattle bones. Cattle are sacrificially killed only on important occasions. By 5500 BC a more organized group arises at the site. The people bury cattle in clay-lined chambers, and construct tumuli, or mound burials. The cattle cult apparent in Nabta Playa is considered an influence to the early evolution of the cult of cow goddess Hathor in Ancient Egypt. Among her other talents, Hathor is a nighttime protector in desert regions. See also: Figs - Food of the Ancient World Nixies - Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Ammitt - Devourer of the Dead Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The Nabta Playa basin is about 100 km (62 mi) from Abu Simbel in the Nubian desert. The region is arid today. In 5th millennium BCE, this area is lush due to regular rainfall and higher humidity. Here a neolithic stone circle stood, a cosmic calendar with narrow rock slabs approximately aligned with summer solstice. The solstice marks the coming of the rainy season. More complex structures follow during a megalith period c. 4500 - 3600 BCE. See also: Thapsos - Trade Center & Necropolis Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Sulfur - Treasure of the Underworld Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The skill of Nubian archers makes them valued members in military forces. Archers also form the core of Nubian armies competing with Egypt for control over parts of the Nile valley. After conquering Egypt c. 750 BCE they establish the 25th Dynasty, a line of Nubian kings. See also: Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Stone Age Botai - First Horse People Ancient Deities: Proto Indo European Gods Back to Top

Anger of the Eye of Ra blazes across storming skies and battlefields. She burns the crops of evil men and punishes those who seed disorder and show no respect to the gods. Acting in vengeance and fury, she is mighty in her rage. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Blood Sacrifice, Twin Brothers & Creation Ammitt - Eater of the Heavy Heart Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Eye of Ra is most commonly associated with Egyptian war and medicine goddess Sekhmet. She's a lion goddess, with her symbol the lioness. In her warrior aspect she's bloodthirsty, voracious and merciless. However, her consort is creator god Ptah. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Epitomizing the power of the warrior Goddess, the furious Eye of Ra (Re) might be the winged cobra goddess Wadjet; ancient bovine goddess Hathor; Cat Goddess Bastet in Lioness aspect; Raet-Tawy, female solar deity; or Mut, the ageless Earth Mother Goddess. Wadjet - Winged Snake Goddess of Egypt Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Ptah: God of Creators & Creation Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle In her benevolent aspect the Eye of Ra acts as mother, sibling, consort or daughter of the Sun God Ra. She is his partner in the creative cycle, as Ra renews himself every dawn. For this reason she's seen as mother goddess figures like Mut and Hathor, or a female sun deity. Displeasing the gods in ancient Egypt comes with dire consequences, from a boil on the nose to rampant destruction and death. The Eye of Ra is typically vengeful, while Ra himself is seen as a nurturing deity. She's an element of absolute chaos needed to create order. See also: Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Apep - Primal Chaos God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The violent Eye defends Ra against threats to his rule, and elements of chaos human or not. Ra himself daily defeats Chaos serpent Apep. The vengeful Eye may be represented by a lioness or the uraeus, a cobra symbol of divine protection and royal authority. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The explosive fury and rampage of the Eye goddess, and the efforts of the gods to appease her, are recurring themes in ancient Egyptian mythology. Depending on the goddess the Eye can assume different characteristics. See also: Erinyes - Vengeful Women of Ancient Greece Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Wadjet the Snake has a venomous bite; Hathor tramples men underfoot and causes famine; Mut shakes and cracks the earth; Raet-Tawy burns the land; Bastet the Lioness tears people apart and feasts on their flesh. In one popular tale, War Goddess Sekhmet is so ferocious Ra regrets sending her to slay some evil persons. He must stop her from killing all humankind in her bloodthirsty rage. See also: Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Aruru - Violent Vegetation Goddess Brunhilde: Tragic Germanic Warrior Queen Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books He tricks her into drinking a lake of beer dyed red with pomegranate juice to resemble blood. She gets drunk, forgets the mortals and wanders back to the realm of the Gods. The Eye of Ra is represented by the solar disc or the wedjat symbol, a stylized right eye associated with the sun. The Eye of Horus is the left eye, associated with the moon. Thus, the two deities behold all the events of the human world. See also: Chaoskampf: Order & Chaos Battle Out Mythology: Gods of Mycenean Greece Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The Eye of Ra appears in various aspects of ancient Egyptian mythology. She's prominent in the cults of the goddesses equating with the Eye. The goddess Wadjet can act as the Eye in either her lioness or cobra form. Ritual worship celebrates the benevolent nurturing power of the Eye of Ra. The violent Eye is invoked to protect the Pharaoh, sacred places, ordinary people and households. See also: Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt German Myth - Harvest Spirits Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Blessings of the benevolent eye include good health of family and livestock, prosperity, abundance, fertility of land and animals. Ra is a patron of kings and like the crocodile god Sobek gives monarchs the divine right to rule. See also: Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Back to Top

The first female Pharoah, Sobekneferu (Neferusobek) reigns in the mid-18th century BCE. Her name means 'beauty of Sobek', a reference to the Crocodile God of the Nile. She's the last ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty in Egypt. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Crocodilopolis - Sobek Crocodile God Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sobek is a god of kingship, military power and fertility. He's shown either as a crocodile or male figure with crocodile head. He protects the Nile and its travelers. He can also guard against enemies and the evil eye. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Sobekneferu (Neferusobek) identifies with the crocodile, a symbol of Pharaohs and warriors. Taking Sobek as her patron is a bold move. She's assertive, usurping traditional roles of men and woman. Usually, women are not placed on king lists. See also: Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle She's an exception, though not all kings are willing to include her. Mentioned on the Karnak list of early Egyptian kings, the Saqqara Tablet and Turin King List, she's excluded from the Abydos list in the tomb of Seti I and snubbed by Rameses II. After the death of her father, the brother of Sobekneferu takes leadership. When he also goes to sacred Aaru, the afterlife. Sobekneferu legitimizes her ascendence to the throne through the royal line of her father. See also: Neolithic Nubia & Egypt Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Hesperus (Vesper) the Evening Star Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A powerful ruler, the Pharoah sets the standard for his strong-minded daughter. Among other massive projects he builds a temple to Sobek the crocodile god in ancient Faiyum, central Egypt, to boost the town's image. Faiyum later becomes known as Crocodilopolis. In c. 1750 BCE Sobekneferu is the first woman to become a Pharaoh herself. She's also the first woman to associate her name with that of Crocodile God Sobek. Her tutelary deities are Sobek, Ra (Re) the Sun God and Horus the falcon-headed god. See also: Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Egyptian Blue - First Synthetic Color Sacred Scarab: Lucky Bug of Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Through Ra, Sobekneferu is also connected to the Eye of Ra, the War Goddess Sekhmet. In Egyptian history women come to the throne as wives, mothers and regents. Sobekneferu has strong options about this and they are not always well received. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Other famed women rising to reign in Egypt include the later Hatshepsut (r.1479-1458 BCE), who wears the false beard in statuary akin to male rulers. Merneith, Nefertiti, Tawosret, and Cleopatra are also women who rule Egypt in their own right. See also: Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sobekneferu has a powerful warrior spirit. She's vocal about women's rights. She describes how women are elevated to the throne during crises to guide civilization and keep social order. This power, she says, is illusory. She points to the role of women as temporary replacements for a male leader. Their reigns are regularly targeted for erasure by their successors. Overall, she asserts, Egyptian society is oppressive to women. See also: Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Puduhepa - Queen of the Hittites Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Although information about her reign is incomplete, Sobekneferu appears on several king lists, attesting to her status as Pharaoh. Sobekneferu rules for almost four years. Her tomb has yet to been found. Evidence points to the Northern Mazghuna pyramid of Dahshur in north Egypt. The pyramid is unfinished and it's not known for whom it was built. The architectural style is similar to that of the tomb of her father, so it might have been meant for Sobekneferu. See also: Sun Goddesses of World Mythology Music of Ancient & Medieval Egypt Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty If so, it's missing a body. No burial has ever taken place there. Another site called Sekhem Sobekneferu (Scepter of Sobekneferu) is mentioned on a papyrus found in Faiyum, which may be the name of her pyramid. Sobekneferu is the last ruler of the 12th Dynasty in Egypt. Her reign is less than four years. She influences later royal women, and is one of the most significant figures of the ancient world. Pagan Solstice Fests: Mithras & the Sun Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun What is a Ziggurat? Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books For more thrills about ancient Egypt, Bronze Age Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Europe, roles of women, mythology, medicine, life and death in the ancient world and other historical fun please bookmark blog. Thank you. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Cinnamon - Spice Trade of Ancients Rhinestones: Treasures of the Rhine Ancient Mesopotamian Cities - Uruk Back to Top

Crocodilopolis is the cult site of an ancient Egyptian city centered upon the worship of Sobek, the Crocodile God. Sobek is the name for both God and crocodile. In Crocodilopolis, otherwise known as Faiyum, Egypt, supplicants revere a sacred live crocodile. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Neolithic Nubia & Egypt Ammitt - Eater of the Heavy Heart Sphinx - Mythical Monster of Ancients Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The crocodile lives in a temple pond, cared for and fed by priests with food donated by worshipers. He's called Petsuchos, "Son of Soukhos", and adorned with gold and gems. Sobek wields great power in Egyptian myth and daily life. Sobek has a long-lasting cult of worship. In writing he's first mentioned in the Pyramid Texts of the Old Kingdom c. 2686 - 2181 BCE. Represented either by a Nile or West African crocodile, he can also be a human with a crocodile head. See also: The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Cyclades Islands: Paradise of Ancients Asteria - Starry Gems of Myth & Magic Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle From the Pyramid Texts comes a spell praising the Pharaoh of the incarnation of the Crocodile God. The spell reads: Unis is Sobek, green of plumage, with alert face and raised fore, the splashing one who came from the thigh and tail of the great goddess in the sunlight ... Unis has appeared as Sobek, Neith's son. Unis will eat with his mouth, Unis will urinate and Unis will copulate with his penis. Unis is lord of semen, who takes women from their husbands to the place Unis likes according to his heart's fancy. The Pharaoh Unis (c. 2465 - 2325 BCE) is best known as the originator of the Pyramid Texts. He's the first to decorate his tomb at Ṣaqqārah with the writings. See also: Ancient Wild Predators - Eurasian Lion Silver - Queen of Precious Metals Goddess Nisaba - First Lady of Writing Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sobek is also the connection for Pharaonic or Kingly power. He gives kings the divine right to rule. He's associated with fertility and military might. Like many dangerous predators, Sobek is spiritually embraced as a protective deity with apotropaic qualities. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure His powers can ward off curses and deflect the evil eye. Sobek is both a war and medicine figure. Crocodile teeth are made into ornaments, jewelry and charms for luck and protection. See also: Ancient Egypt Remedies: Ebers Papyrus Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books He's invoked especially for protection against dangers of the Nile. In ancient Egypt the Nile is inhabited by such dangers as aggressive hippopotamus, lurking crocodiles, treacherous rapids, venomous snakes, mosquitoes and infectious parasites of many kinds. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure One ancient legal text explains one way to determine guilt or innocence in a conflict is by making the accused jump into the river. If the person survives with no ill effects, that individual is innocent and can bring the same punishment upon the accuser. See also: Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Erinyes - Vengeful Women of Ancient Greece Wiedergänger - the Undead Walk Again Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books In c.1750 BCE the female ruler Sobekneferu rises to the throne, claiming kingship through her father. Her name means "Beauty of Sobek". There is no doubt Sobekneferu has the warrior spirit. She's also a staunch feminist. She points out how women are elevated to the throne during crises to guide the civilization and maintain social order. Though, she also notes, this elevation to power is illusory. See also: Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg Sobekneferu - Queen of the Pharaohs Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle Women acquire the throne as temporary replacements for a male leader; their reigns are regularly targeted for erasure by their successors. Overall, she asserts, Egyptian society is oppressive to women. Her reign lasts just over three years, but her influence is legend. Like the snake, the crocodile is a primal dragon. Sobek's domain is the water. Floating at the placid surface the great reptile springs to lethal attack. He twists and turns and thrashes his prey to death, or holds it under water to drown. See also: Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Ancient Greek Cultures: People of Minos Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books His armored skin and love of the Sun relate to kings and the passion of warriors. His ferocity may be like one in a fighting rage, as the goddess Sekhmet when she destroys armies and cities as the vengeful Eye of Ra. In one myth Sekhmet is so bloodthirsty she keeps killing until Ra tricks her into drinking a lake of beer, dyed red like blood with pomegranate juice. Sekhmet gets drunk and forgets her killing spree. Celebration of this event includes drinking beer dyed red with pomegranate. See also: Wolpertinger - German Myths & Folklore Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Castle Frankenstein - Legend & Lore Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Sobek can leap out of the water almost his full length to snatch prey from an overhanging tree limb. He uses his powerful tail for propulsion. Female crocodiles are protective of their young ones and fiercely defend the eggs and hatched babies. A Nile crocodile lives up to 60 years. In ancient Crocodilopolis, when the physical aspect of the Crocodile God passes from the mortal realm, his body is treated with reverence. He's mummified and interred with full honors. See also: Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Agrippina & Son: Poisonous Plots of Rome Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A young Petsuchos is then brought to the sacred temple pool, to be hand-reared and well fed. Festivities mark these occasions. Most people will never witness these significant events again. In animal spirituality the crocodile corresponds to cycles of life/death/rebirth, patience, fertility and motherhood. The male crocodile god rules aggressive action, kingship and the Sun. Crocodile is a symbol of longevity. See also: Tumuli (Tumulus): Bronze Age Burial Mounds Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle These elements come together in harmony. The crocodile is a keeper of ancient wisdom. The realm of water relates to dreams, that which lurks beneath the surface of the human mind, or bestows special talents and skills. The yin or lunar association of the crocodile relates to intuition, hidden secrets, magic, night and fertility. Most crocodiles are nocturnal hunters. After gathering energy from sunshine the crocodile uses poor night vision of other animals to ambush prey. See also: Medicine in Ancient Egypt: Ebers Papyrus Music of Ancient & Medieval Egypt Scribes & Writing: Ancient Beginnings Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books A crocodile can live for up to a year without food if it has to. Being cold-blooded Sobek isn't dependent on food for energy. The sun warms his armored body. Basking takes up much of his time, thus his association with status; only the elite can lie around doing nothing all day. See also: Lora Ley Adventures - Feast of Fools Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Elixir of Life: Alchemy & the Emperor Back to Top

The Ebers Papyrus is one of the most informative manuscripts about medicine in ancient Egypt, health, disease, remedies, surgery, recipes and magic spells. It includes a list of treatments based on herbs and other natural ingredients of Egyptian medicine. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure See also: Herbs & Natural Remedies - Ancient Egypt Music of Ancient & Medieval Egypt The Way to Aaru - Egyptian Paradise Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Ebers Papyrus is named for Egyptologist Georg Ebers, who acquires it in 1872. The papyrus is the largest medical text so far discovered, including ~700 magic formulas and folk remedies. Content is from c.1630 -1350 BCE, based on earlier findings to c. 3400 BCE. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure The papyrus details incantations to repulse disease-causing demons, also with value on empirical observation and practical experience. It lists 328 botanical ingredients for 876 prescriptions. The scroll is 68 ft (21 m) long and 12 in (30 cm) wide, making 110 pages. See also: Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Scribes & Writing - Ancient Egypt Garnets - Gemstones of Blood and Life Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The first doctor in Egypt is thought to be Imhotep (2667 - 2648 BCE). He lives and works during the time of the 3rd Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, at the time of pharaoh Djoser. A scholar, scribe, architect and polymath, Imhotep functions as the grand vizier of Djoser. He's also high priest, chief builder and carpenter. His interests turn to medicine and he creates a practice to diagnose and treat diseases. See also: Cress, Watercress: Natural Health of Ancients Steatite (Soapstone) - Ancient World Sistrum (Sistra) Music: Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Imhotep helps patients cope with afflictions such as arthritis, gout and tuberculosis. An early form of surgery practiced by the Egyptians is thought to originate from Imhotep. Early doctors and pharmacists are temple priests, most of whom also have scribal skills. READ: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Quest Adventure Doctors are often priests of Sekhmet, Egyptian goddess of war, curses and medicine. The Ebers Papyrus page below details treatment for asthma, having the patient inhale the evaporating essence from a mix of herbs heated on a brick. See also: Carnelian - Gems of the Ancient World Sekhmet - War Goddess of Ancient Egypt Arabian Leopard: Bronze Age Predators Treatments also include topical ointments and wrappings, oral medication, mouth rinses and aromatherapy. Mental health afflictions are known, with recognition of conditions like depression and anxiety. Ancient medics believe the channels of the human body are blocked by evil spirits or angry gods. They seek ways to unblock these channels, recording results of the treatments. Remedies include pills, poultices, plasters, teas, ointments, suppositories and broths. See also: Ullikummi - Rock Monster of Legend Seshat - Scribe Goddess Ancient Egypt Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Doctors use a combination of natural (herbs, minerals such as salts, massage) and spiritual techniques such as chanting and spells to help cure disease. Doctor tools include scalpel, forceps, scissors, pincers, spoons, saws, incense containers, hooks and knives. Medical training in ancient Egypt is rigorous and thorough. A would-be doctor or physician studies writings and drawings about medicine at a popular institution called a House of Life (Per Ankh). Study encompasses medical works already known and written. See also: Curse of the Evil Eye & Apotropaic Magic Shen Rings Egypt - Divine Protection Victorian Health: Sea Water Hydrotherapy Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The doctor must treat the patient according to the laws of previous medical writers. If the patient fails to recover within four days, the doctor(s) may change the treatment. According to the Hermetic Book of Thoth, if a patient dies due to deviation from the treatment, it's a crime akin to murder. A papyrus of fifteen columns, the Book of Thoth is written in Demotic script (after c. 500 BCE) by scribes from the House of Life. See also: Thoth - Ibis Scribe Moon God of Egypt Heqet, Frog Goddess of Egypt Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books The Ebers Papyrus includes informational texts such as the "treatise on the heart". The treatise asserts the heart is the center of blood supply. Spiritually, in ancient Egypt the heart contains the soul, and is the one organ not removed when embalming a corpse. According to the writings, function of organs such as the kidneys and brains are not well understood. The heart is the conjunction of various vessels, which carry the fluids of the body, including blood, tears, urine and semen. See also: Nekhbet - Vulture Goddess of Egypt Land of Punt: Pre-Bronze Age Kingdom of Riches Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Ancient Egypt Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle A chapter of the papyrus, named the Book of Hearts, describes mental disorders, discussing ailments such as depression and dementia. Egyptians are thought to treat mental and physical diseases in similar fashion. The papyrus includes sections about contraception, pregnancy and gynecology; intestinal disease, parasites, eye afflictions, skin problems and dentistry. It covers surgical treatment of boils and tumors, setting broken bones and treating burns. See also: Sprites: Ethereal Creatures of Faerie Alchemist Dippel: the Frankenstein Files Ambrosia: Divine Nectar & Immortal Gods Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Pharmacists also receive education at the House of Life. Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications. In ancient Egypt the practice of pharmacy involves gathering and preparation of herbs and other components. Head pharmacists are known as Chiefs of Fabrication. Clinical and personal hygiene are also important to the medicine of ancient Egypt. See also: Nature Spirits of German Mythology Herbology & Lore: Poison Hemlock Anubis: Jackal-Headed God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Specialists known in ancient Egyptian medicine include are ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon), gastroenterologist, proctologist, "doctor who supervises butchers" and an undefined "inspector of liquids". The ancient Egyptian term for proctologist, neru phuyt, literally translates as "shepherd of the anus". The latter title is in use by c. 2200 BCE. See also: Ammitt - Devourer of the Dead Khet, the Body: Death Rites of Ancient Egypt Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Evidence of oral surgery appears by c. 2900 BCE. The dentist is considered a specialized doctor. Dental treatments include: cumin, incense, and onion to treat swollen gums opium to treat pain drilling holes into the jaw to drain an abscess Tooth extractions are rare. Ancient Egyptian dental treatment involves drilling out cavities. Evidence shows early dentists pack teeth with various mixtures. One composite includes barley, an antiseptic herb and honey. See also: Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Nefertari Queen of Peace Ancient Egypt Bes: Household Protector God of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Apart from medical teachings the House of Life is a compendium of scribal writings. The title 'foremost of the House of Life' appears on inscriptions for the goddess Seshat (meaning writing or scribe) Two stelae of the late Middle Kingdom (1850 -1700 BCE) document a man named Keku with the title 'scribe of the House of Life'. He's placed beside an associate who has the title 'chief physician'. See also: Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Sacred Scarab: Lucky Bug of Ancient Egypt Scribes & Writing: Ancient Beginnings Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Although medicine is strictly by the book, in this fertile environment doctors and other practitioners develop new methods and ideas. The House of Life also relates to kingship as well as creation and preservation of knowledge in written and pictorial form. Egyptians also experiment with prosthetics. Below is a wooden toe sewn to the foot of a noblewoman's mummy, Cairo c. 950 BCE. The toe has a leather attachment. It's possible the toe is placed after the woman's demise to give the body (Khet) wholeness in death. See also: Turquoise: Precious Stone of Ancients Flooding of the Nile - Nature & Myth Baltic Amber - Gold of the North Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Medical professions are hierarchical. They include the common practitioner 'swnw' at the lower rung. The supervisor of doctors 'imyr swnw'; chief doctor 'wr swnw' is higher up. Over these are the 'smsw swnw' or elder physicians; and the inspector of doctors 'shd swnw'. According to Willerton & Teaff, 1996a, the doctoral professions are practiced by both men and women. See also: Seduction of Hedammu, Father of Snakes Nefertum: He Who is Beautiful Gods of Egypt Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Sylvia Rose Books on Smashwords Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries Sylvia Rose Art on Zazzle The lady Peseshet (c. 2400 BCE) is the first known female doctor in Egypt. A practitioner in royal circles, she may be mother of Akhethotep, a powerful courtier. A stela dedicated to her in his tomb names her imy-r swnwt, or "Lady Overseer of the Lady Physicians" . Medical studies are various, including treatment of parasitic worms; diseases of the eyes; dermatology, gynecology, obstetrics, surgery and dentistry. Depression is described as 'despondency', a state similar to that of today's affliction. See also: Kohl: Eye Beauty Magic of Ancients Egyptian Blue Lotus: Visionary Beauty Taweret - Hippopotamus Goddess of Egypt Today's Zazzle Specials Smashwords Books Medical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians is admired by later cultures such as the Greeks, who also have a driving curiosity about healing. In the 4th - 3rd century BCE, Hippocrates, Herophilos and Erasistratus study at the temple of Amenhotep in Luxor, Egypt. See also: Apep - Primal Chaos God of Egypt Lavender (Lavandula) Magic of Nature Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Back to Top