Eye of Horus: Unlock the Powerful Symbolism

Ancient Egypt is full of wonders that are discovered by prospectors and explorers day after day, and this is what made it one of the most influential ancient cultures, as the Egyptians were known for their sharp minds and deep passion for life, and they were able to preserve their beliefs and concepts to this day, and this is what we know through archaeological sites. 

Eye of Horus Meaning

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power and good health. The eye represents the goddess Wadjet, Edjo, or Utu. It is also known as the “Eye of Ra”.

The name Wadjet Is derived from “wadjet”, which means “green”, and therefore “green”. She was known to the Greeks and Romans as “Auraeus”, from the ancient Egyptian “earet”, meaning “erect”, from the image of a cobra erected for protection. Wadjet was one of the oldest idols. Egyptian and later became associated with other goddesses such as Bast, Sekhmet, Mut, and Hathor. Wedjet was the guardian goddess of Lower Egypt and the main shrine of the Delta was under her protection. Hathor was also depicted with this eye.

Funeral amulets were often made in the shape of the Eye of Horus. The eye of Horus is the “main element” of the seven bracelets made of “gold, porcelain, carnelian and lapis lazuli” that were found on the mummy of Shoshenq II. It was found to be “the protector of the pharaoh in this life and the afterlife” and to ward off evil. The sailors of ancient Egypt and the Near East used to draw The symbol is on the bow of their ships to ensure the safety of their sea voyage.”

Eye of Horus Symbol 

Horus is considered the first god who was worshiped in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians considered him the god of the sky, and they embodied him in the form of a man with the head of a falcon. The Eye of Horus was used in funerals, amulets, and on coffins, because it embodies the god’s vision of mortal life, and an eye that guides the Pharaoh during his journey from life to death. Therefore, the Egyptians believed that the Pharaoh represented the god of heaven, and that the spirit of Horus was transmitted from the Pharaoh after he died to the next Pharaoh.

“The significance extended beyond religious beliefs and into daily life, where it was used as a symbol of health and prosperity and it was thought to protect and guide the deceased on his journey to the afterlife. Today, The Eye of Horus still serves as a protective emblem against wickedness.

Throughout history, the Eye of Horus was also known by other names, such as: Wadjet, The Real Eye of Horus, Udjat eye, and The Eye of Heru”

Eye of Ra Ancient Egyptian symbols

The Eye of Ra (in English: Eye of Ra) is one of the symbols used by the ancient Egyptians to symbolize strength and anger. What is meant by the Eye of Ra is the right eye of Ra, the sun god of the Pharaohs, so it was linked and embodied in the form of the body of a man and the head of a falcon with a sun disk above it, surrounded by a cobra.

The significance of the Eye of Ra inscription in the Pharaonic civilization

It is worth noting that the Eye of Ra represents the female face of the sun god, and was engraved on walls and amulets for protection, considering that it is the destructive and violent force of the sun. The Eye of Ra can be seen in many texts that refer to the Pharaonic civilization, where it was directly linked to the gods.

Ra was appointed religiously in the Pharaonic civilization

The Eye of Ra is considered a religious symbol for the ancient Egyptians. They used it during worship and during the performance of their religious rituals. They considered it the mother of the gods, his sister, his daughter, or his friend, because they linked what the queens of Egypt wore on their heads to what the gods wore in their embodiment of them, and they also held celebrations. With his protection for them, and with the things that the god Ra gives them, as they linked his presence to aspects of life, and the flooding of the Nile River after it dried up, as they considered this the return of the god to Egypt.”

The Eye of Horus is a powerful ancient Egyptian symbol that has captivated the minds of historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers alike. Often confused with the Eye of Ra, these two symbols hold distinct meanings and significance within the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology.

In contrast, the Eye of Horus is a symbol of protection and healing, the Eye of Ra is often associated with the destructive power of the sun and the god’s role as a cosmic enforcer. While the Eye of Ra is a symbol of the sun god Ra, representing his power, authority, and divine right to rule. 

Those two powerful symbols have been found on ancient Egyptian jewelry, coins, and other artifacts, showcasing their continual significance in the cultural and spiritual landscape of the ancient world. Understanding the nuanced differences between the Eye of Horus and the Eye of Ra is important for anyone looking for delve deeper into the opulent tapestry of Egyptian mythology and its permanent effect on human civilization.

Egyptian Mythology 

Egyptian myths are those sacred stories that the ancient Egyptians believed in. The myth is distinguished by its philosophical depth. Mythology at that time, like science now, was taken for granted in its contents. In most cases, the characters in the myth were gods or demigods, but the presence of humans in them was complementary and nothing more. Myth tells sacred stories that justify the phenomena of nature, for example, the origin of the universe, the creation of man, and other topics addressed by philosophy in particular and the humanities in general.

Among the most famous Pharaonic myths are: the Myth of Isis, the Myth of Osiris, the Myth of Set, and the Myth of Horus.

 Eye of Horus Decoration

“The Eye of Horus is a great mention of the constant power of the gods to ancient Egyptians who used this special symbol as it has spiritual meaning in this sacred land. The symbol of Horus depends on six parts that represent a specific concept for each part such as:

1- The Pupil: The Pupil of the Eye of Horus “Udjat” or “Wedjat”  eye, is a powerful symbol in ancient Egyptian mythology that portrays the eye of the falcon-headed god Horus and it is linked  with protection and healing. This eye is represented as a stylized human eye with types like a teardrop or a lotus petal. The symbol was thought to protect against evil and spread blessings to Egyptians who showed or wore it in their houses.

2- The Eyebrow: The Eyebrow of Horus had major importance in ancient Egyptian culture, as this element symbolizes the domain of mind and mental condensation, and it also symbolizes the strength of fastened thinking and intellect skill. The eyebrow is a visual reminder of the relationship between the Eye and the seeking  for knowledge and as a symbol of protection as well as a doorway to higher consciousness of the gods of Egypt. The Eyebrow also adds to the Eye of symbolism of the Eye of Horus as it appear the interwoven parts of physical and intellectual growth in Egyptian theology.”

3- The Sclera: The Sclera of the wonderful eye of Horus represents the ability to differentiate between good and incorrect which is symbolized in the white component of the eye. This sacred image offers the importance of moral visibility in ancient Egyptian beliefs, and it was shown as a corset around the eye and a protector against harmful powers and bad influences. This fantastic symbolism has a deeper cultural meaning as it centers on the great importance of maintaining equity. The Sclera became a strong symbol as it represented not just physical sight but a spiritual understanding required to make the right decisions.

4- The Right and Left Eye: The power of the sun is symbolized by the Right Eye of Horus which represents reason and male vitality, and it stands as a symbol of order, and the Left Eye is linked with the moon and it represents feminine energy and creativity. The Right and Left Eyes of Horus represent the equation of conflicting energies and the peaceful union of duplicity. This ancient iconography had a deep understanding of universal balance and oneness.

5_ Teardrop: The Teardrop of Horus has fantastic meaning in ancient Egyptian mythology as its characteristic teardrop shape is drowned below the eye, and it carries the meaning of sacrifice and revival. This amazing symbol is a heartbreaking image of the sadness of God “Horus” for his father God “Osiris” in ancient Egyptian mythology. The Teardrop of Horus exemplifies the continuing religious practices of ancient Egyptian civilization and its premeditation  into the secrets of existence.

6- The Wedjat Markings: The Wedjat Markings on the Eye of Horus are symbols that have passionate meaning, as these lines outspread from the outer eye corners describe the feathers of a falcon, and express the notion of protection. You will be surprised once you look at the Wedjat Markings as they are reminded of the outstanding spiritual connection between the symbology and the protecting powers in ancient Egyptian beliefs.

These six parts of the Eye of Horus are also attached to the six senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing,  touch, and mind.

Eye of Horus Vs Eye of Ra

Horus was an Egyptian god who was linked with the sky, justice, royalty, and protection. The Eye of Horus is exemplified as a scared eye with patterns that symbolize a falcon’s feathered plumage. The Symbol is also connected to monarchy,  healing, and protection, and it was thought to have magical and protective power. Ancient Egyptian mythology depicts Horus losing his left eye in a fight with his uncle “Seth”, and the God “Thoth” then restored the eye. This fight symbolized recuperation and rebirth, and the lost repaired eye became a strong protective symbol and was used later as a talisman.

“Ra” was an important idol in ancient Egyptian religion, and he was connected with the sun, creation,  rebirth, and life, and it was symbolized by the Eye of Ra which is a fierce and combustion eye. The Eye of Ra also portraits the sun’s wakefulness as well as its potential to kill enemies  and bring evildoers to equity. The Eye of Ra is also linked with light and godly wisdom.

There are several  ancient mythologies about the Eye of Horus is said to be a portrayal of the Eye of Ra, as it represents a unified idea of divine vision and protection. This ancient symbol has importance in Egyptian mythology where it is linked with great deities like Horus and Ra. The eye is a mark of good health, royal authority, and protection from bad powers, and its usage in mythology offers the interdependence of many sections of the divine in ancient Egyptian belief systems.”

How to Harness the Protective and Restorative Powers of the Eye of Horus 

Eye of Horus amulet “The Eye of Horus is thought to have the strong power to ward off evil and protect people from harm, and to transcend beyond physical apology to spiritual and physical health. Ancient Egyptians could use the Eye of Horus to incoming a divine defense that protected them from negativity and kept their inner light to choose between right and wrong, good and bad. The Eye of Horus serves also as a strong reminder of the Constant vigilance of the god and a sense of protection to ancient Egyptian people who used this unique sign.

The Eye of Horus is a strong symbol of health, and growth that transcends religious contexts. This wonderful symbol is still important to many people around the world for its defense and also in many cultures.”

Eye of Horus Tattoo 

“Tattoos, or what are called Pharaonic tattoos, are the latest things that prove that the world is in a state of love and fascination with the Pharaonic civilization, as they draw tattoos inspired by the Pharaonic civilization, and these tattoos have become a common tradition in the West, especially for celebrities and stars.

The Pharaohs are considered the first to invent tattoos thousands of years ago, as they used them for cosmetic purposes and were pricked with needles in the form of a huge necklace. The priests of temples also used them. There are also those who used them with the aim of warding off magic, envy and evil spirits, as Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II, did when she tattooed the Eye of Horus. .

Among the most famous forms of Pharaonic tattoos and tattoos followed by celebrities are hieroglyphics, the faces of Queen Nefertiti, Queen Isis, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, and drawings of birds and ancient gods.

Eye of Horus Artifacts 

“1- The Papyrus of Ani: The Papyrus of Ani is an ancient Egyptian funeral text from the 19th dynasty that includes beautiful rituals, spells, and pictures designed to help descend to the afterlife and it offers the Eye of Horus.

2- The Coffin of Tutankhamun: The mask of the Egyptian Pharaoh “Tutankhamun” shows the Eye of Horus on the brow of the ancient coffin for defense and divine power.

3- The Temple of Horus at Edfu: The Temple of Edfu is one of the most amazing temples in Egypt and was dedicated to the god Horus. The amazing walls of Edfu temple and pillars have reliefs and inscriptions and also they have some of which describe the Eye of Horus as a protective symbol.

4- The Rosetta stone: The top part of the stone has a carved relief of the Eye of Horus and it symbolizes the power of the pharaohs.

5- The Narmer Palette: This unique palette has many symbols containing the Eye of Horus which is shown on the top of the palette.

6- The Palette of King Amenemhat III: The palette has many symbols containing the Eye of Horus which is shown on the left side of the palette.

7- The Book of the Dead: This magical Book of the dead includes many portraits containing one that shows the Eye of Horus .

Incorporating the Eye of Horus into Your Daily Life for Transportation 

“There are modern artists like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol who have used the Eye of Horus in their popular works. Dali used the Eye of Horus in his popular artwork “The Persistence of Memory” which depicts the melting clocks while Picasso shows the shelling of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in his painting “Guernica” and Warhol also applied the Eye of Horus in his silkscreen prints which had pictures of celebrities.

The Eye of Horus has also been applied in fashion as it has been on garments and other things as Alexander McQueen applied the Eye of Horus in his Spring/Summer 2000 combination. There are also fantastic celebrities like Rihanna and Katy Perry who have worn the Eye of Horus. The great Eye of Horus has appeared in many kinds of media including films and television shows like “The Mummy” and “Stargate SG-1” and it could be seen in games like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Call of Duty-Black Ops II”. The Eye of Horus was exited in ancient Egyptian mythology and religious beliefs as the symbol has been tested by new interpretations that have been discovered over time, likes:

• Symbol of Protection: There are many people who from all over the world use jewelry decided with the Eye of Horus as a protective symbol against evil energies and to supply  them with spiritual protection as it is thought to have tremendous protecting abilities. The presence of the pretty Eye of Horus on jewelry is seen as a nice way to carry a special symbol of strength. The Eye of Horus continues to be used in many countries as a spiritual significance by those who value its symbolic importance.”

“Spiritual Practices

The Eye of Horus is a powerful symbol that is linked with the knowledge of ancient Egyptian gods. The historical importance of the Eye could be found in ancient Egyptian mythology where it announced the protecting eye of the falcon-headed god Horus. Today, there are many people who use this symbol in meditation to strengthen their spiritual correlation and get deep insights.

• Art and Design

The Eye of Horus is a prevalent theme in many various types of art and design that appear in clothes, accessories, jewelry, and home décor. This amazing ancient Egyptian symbols not only has a visual aspect but also has a deep symbolic and cultural importance, and its use by various nations demonstrates its fame and attractiveness across a vast range of artistic expressions.

• Egyptian Tourism

The Eye of Horus can be seen at tourist attractions like temples, and museums. There are visitors from all over the world who meet this beautiful symbol in many forms containing wall carvings, and souvenirs. The pervasiveness of the Eye of Horus participates to the ancient Egyptian cultural experience repine by travelers.

• New Age Practices

The Eye of Horus is a symbol linked with divination, magic, protection, and psychic skills, and it is used in many terms and expressions to signify spiritual insight and protection. This ancient symbol has fantastic metaphysical significance as its connect with the idol Horus lends to the true meaning of mythology.

Frequently Asked Questions