Significance of Eye of Horus
The Eye of Horus in Egyptian tradition is a multifaceted symbol. It represents protection, health, and strength, often linked to the Sun and Moon. It embodies life-giving and generative power, associated with healing, restoration, and enlightenment. The Eye is invoked in spells for healing and is connected to deities like Ra, Isis, and Osiris. It's also linked to funerary rites, ensuring warmth and sustenance for the deceased and is seen as a source of celestial nourishment for the gods.
Synonyms: Eye of ra
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Classical concept of 'Eye of Horus'
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) The Eye of Horus is a recurring motif, presented to Osiris and Unas, associated with purification, health, strength, and the opening of the mouth.[1] (2) It is a symbolic offering, presented in various forms, representing renewal, protection, and divine power in rituals.[2] (3) It is mentioned in a formula recited during a ceremony, indicating it has been presented and experienced.[3] (4) An object that is presented to Osiris Unas, accompanied by sweet things, in a ritualistic ceremony, suggesting a symbolic offering of great importance.[4] (5) The Eye of Horus is being presented to Osiris Unas, accompanying the offering of Hua grain, suggesting a symbolic offering with a significant meaning in the ritual.[5]
From: The Book of the Dead
(1) Eye of Horus is referenced, as the buttocks of Osiris Ani are the buttocks of the Eye of Horus.[6] (2) This is an element over which a seated deity extends their right hand on the roof of the Hall of Double Right and Truth. It is positioned above a pool.[7] (3) The eye of Horus is a single eye of the god Nebt-er-tcher, the queen of the gods, and bestows millions of years of life.[8] (4) The eye of Horus has consumed the speaker, who dwells in darkness, indicating a transformative experience or purification through the divine.[9] (5) According to the text, this delivers souls, stablishes glories upon the brow of Ra, and shines with splendours on the forehead of Ra.[10]
From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1
(1) The Sun is frequently called “Eye of Horus,” and the Moon is also an “Eye of Horus,” the Sun being the right eye, and the Moon the left.[11] (2) The Eye of Horus has a protective power, known as Urt-hekau, and the attributes of Net and of the other goddesses must be of a kindred nature.[12] (3) The Eye of Horus is invoked by Isis to depart from the god Ra and shine outside his mouth, symbolizing the removal of poison and the restoration of Ra's health.[13] (4) The Eye of Horus' tears are the same as the tears of Ra, and the offspring of Ra, are said to have been produced by the tears of Ra, which are the same as the tears of the Eye of Horus.[14] (5) The Eye of Horus provides celestial food to the gods, supporting their existence on the rays of light from the sun, which lit up heaven, according to beliefs.[15]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) The 'Eye of Horus' is brought to blind Horus lying in darkness, reproduced as a miracle in the healing of the blind man, representing enlightenment and healing.[16] (2) The Eye of Horus is carried by Taht-Aan, testifying that Horus is the true light of the world, as son of Ra the solar god and of the holy spirit in the eschatology.[17] (3) The eye of Horus symbolizes the lunar period, signifying the race that followed the stellar people in the timeline of the mythos.[18] (4) The "eye of Horus" is yet visible in the lanula or crescent-shaped crystal of the monstrance which holds the consecrated bread, suggesting a continuation of Egyptian symbolism in Christian practices.[19]
From: Egyptian Magic
(1) The document describes a prayer invoking the Eye of Horus to cause that which flows forth from it to come to the deceased and to their heart forever.[20] (2) The Eye of Horus is a symbol regarded as the source of all generative power, reproduction, and life, often represented in the hypocephalus to keep warmth in the body of the deceased.[21] (3) The Eye of Horus is represented by the Utchat amulet, symbolizing protection, health, and strength, and is often associated with the Sun.[22]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) The Eye of Horus is associated with Osiris on the water and is described as weeping, also being mentioned as a protective force.[23] (2) The Eye of Horus is invoked by Isis to come forth from Ra and shine, symbolizing the restoration of Ra's power and the banishment of the poison.[24] (3) Isis's spell commanded the Eye of Horus to come out of Ra, illustrating the spell's power to heal and restore.[25]
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) The deceased can become the blazing Eye of Horus through a chapter in the Coffin Texts, representing the transformative power and divine association sought in the afterlife.[26] (2) The offering to the dead was called the 'eye of Horus', which had once transformed Osiris, and the priest offered bread and beer to effect the transformation of the dead man into a soul.[27]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) Every object presented during the Liturgy of Funerary Offerings was called the Eye of Horus, alluding to its life-giving qualities and renewing the king's life.[28]
From: The Book of Am-Tuat
(1) It is an object held by a man and a woman. The man is called ANTH, and the woman ANTET. They are described as bringing this object.[29]
From: The Book of Gates
(1) An entity that stands by watchful gods and is associated with the land of Annu (Heliopolis), where souls are joined to their bodies.[30]
From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell
(1) The Eye of Horus is held by the Ape-god AF-ERMEN-MAAT-F, and eight goddesses stand before him to recite words of power that will cause splendour to issue from the Eye of Horus each day.[31]