I’ve always been fascinated with Egyptian history and mythology. It was during my studies of Egyptian mythology that I first became acquainted with the Ankh symbol. Therefore, when I see this symbol I have positive associations with it because of its links with this religious tradition. For me, this has always been a positive symbol of life.
The Ankh is a symbol which looks like a cross with a loop at the top. It was called the crux ansata, which in Latin means “cross with a handle.” (1) The origin of the symbol is not completely clear; however, we do know that the Ankh is “the oldest metaphysical symbol known to humanity.” (2) The Ankh first appeared in Egyptians hieroglyphs. Some scholars say that ancient Egyptians used it as a representation …show more content…
It is equated with the Nile River, which was the key to Egyptian life and commerce. As the union of masculine and feminine energy, it is thought to symbolize new life, conception. Because it represents the melding of opposites, it is seen as similar to the yin and yang symbol. The symbol was also associated with rebirth. Ankhs were placed around the necks of the deceased before they were buried, and have been found on mummies. Often Ankh symbols were shown being held to people’s noses, to signify giving them the breath of life. Ankhs were also associated with the water of the Nile, which was the main life-giving force in Egyptian culture. Because of this association with the water element, Ankhs were linked to purification rituals. Also, because the annual flooding of the Nile ensured food for Egyptian culture, the Ankh was associated with life-giving grain.
For Pagans, the Ankh is still regarded as a symbol of life, and it is often thought of as connected to immortality. It is also seen as connected to the planet, Venus, because the symbol for Venus is similar to the Ankh symbol. Many Pagans see the Ankh as a representation of the Goddess. However, it is also seen as similar to the World Tree. So, it is a symbol of life, but also of eternity and
The Ankh is a symbol which looks like a cross with a loop at the top. It was called the crux ansata, which in Latin means “cross with a handle.” (1) The origin of the symbol is not completely clear; however, we do know that the Ankh is “the oldest metaphysical symbol known to humanity.” (2) The Ankh first appeared in Egyptians hieroglyphs. Some scholars say that ancient Egyptians used it as a representation …show more content…
It is equated with the Nile River, which was the key to Egyptian life and commerce. As the union of masculine and feminine energy, it is thought to symbolize new life, conception. Because it represents the melding of opposites, it is seen as similar to the yin and yang symbol. The symbol was also associated with rebirth. Ankhs were placed around the necks of the deceased before they were buried, and have been found on mummies. Often Ankh symbols were shown being held to people’s noses, to signify giving them the breath of life. Ankhs were also associated with the water of the Nile, which was the main life-giving force in Egyptian culture. Because of this association with the water element, Ankhs were linked to purification rituals. Also, because the annual flooding of the Nile ensured food for Egyptian culture, the Ankh was associated with life-giving grain.
For Pagans, the Ankh is still regarded as a symbol of life, and it is often thought of as connected to immortality. It is also seen as connected to the planet, Venus, because the symbol for Venus is similar to the Ankh symbol. Many Pagans see the Ankh as a representation of the Goddess. However, it is also seen as similar to the World Tree. So, it is a symbol of life, but also of eternity and