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Eye of Horus Unveiled: Myth, Meaning, and Magic of Wadjet

The Eye of Horus, or Wadjet, is a revered ancient Egyptian symbol representing protection, healing, rebirth, and cosmic harmony. Originating from the myth of Horus and Set, it symbolizes restoration after loss, with each part tied to senses and mathematical values. Used in magic, funerary rites, and temple rituals, it was worn or displayed for spiritual and physical safeguarding. Unlike the wrathful Eye of Ra, the Eye of Horus embodies lunar energy and divine protection, making it a lasting icon of mystical power.

Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal

Summary

  • The Eye of Horus, also known as Wadjet, is a powerful symbol of ancient Egyptian mythology representing protection, healing, rebirth, and cosmic balance.
  • Rooted in the myth of Horus avenging his father Osiris against the god Set, the eye was damaged in battle but was magically restored by either Hathor or Thoth.
  • It later became a revered emblem used by the living and the dead for protection and renewal.
  • Each part of the Eye of Horus had symbolic and mathematical significance, reflecting ancient beliefs about the senses, morality, and order.
  • Beyond mythology, it was central to magical practices, healing rituals, funerary traditions, and even temple ceremonies.
  • Though often confused with the Eye of Ra, which embodies divine wrath and solar energy, the Eye of Horus is more aligned with lunar symbolism, spiritual wholeness, and protection from harm.
  • Worn as amulets, carved in tombs, or painted on ships, the eye remains one of Egypt’s most iconic mystical symbols.

The eye of Horus is one of the most famous symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization. It has been recognized symbol of royal power, protection, good health, rejuvenation, and victory. It is also known as Wadjet, Wedjat, or Udjat, which wasn't meant to be confused with the Eye of Ra, which represented many of the same concepts. The eye of Horus was used by both the living and the dead as a funerary amulet for its protective power, as many ancient Egyptian sailors would paint the symbol on their ships to ensure a safe sea journey.

Learn about the Grand History of the Eye of Horus

History of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal
History of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal

The origin of the eye of Horus can be traced to the predynastic period, where the myth of Set and Osiris came to be. The ancient Egyptians believed that at the time the king of Egypt Osiris was killed by his brother Set the god of chaos, desert, and war using a devilish scum and became the new king of Egypt which new age of darkness spread over the land.

Osiris's wife, Isis, managed to bring her husband to the world of the living once again through magic, which led to her being pregnant with Horus, and then Osiris was killed again, and his body was cut into over 40 pieces by Set. Isis and her sister Nephthys collected the pieces and brought Osiris back to life, but he was suspended between the world of the living and the dead. His skin was green, and his true destiny was becoming the ruler of the underworld, after having his son, Horus, the falcon sky god. Horus was raised by his mother Isis, and was taught to be a warrior so he could avenge his father.

When Horus came of age, he fought his uncle in a series of battles and was able to win, but it cost him his eye. So believed his eye was lost by Set, who ripped it out, tore it into six pieces, and threw it away. Another theory states that it was Horus himself who took his left eye out as a sacrifice to bring back his father from the dead. The left eye of Horus was later restored by his consort Hathor, the goddess of Beauty, joy, health, and love, or by Thoth, the god of Wisdom. The Amulets of the eye were made out of Gold, Lapis Lazuli & carnelian and used for both the dead and the living. 

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Discover the Greatness of the Components of the Eye of Horus

Components of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal
Components of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal

The Eye of Horus is a powerful symbol in ancient Egyptian mythology, representing the ancient Egyptian gods' constant presence and spiritual power. This sacred symbol is made up of six parts, each holding a deep meaning:

  • The Pupil symbolizes protection and healing, often worn to ward off evil and bring blessings.
  • The Eyebrow represents intellect, mental concentration, and the pursuit of knowledge, as well as a doorway to spiritual awareness.
  • The Sclera represents moral clarity and the ability to discern right from wrong, emphasizing the importance of justice.
  • The right eye symbolizes the sun, logic, and masculine energy, while the left eye represents the moon, creativity, and feminine energy. Together, they embody cosmic balance and unity.
  • The Teardrop represents sacrifice and rebirth, tied to Horus’s grief for his father Osiris.
  • The Wedjat Markings extend from the eye, symbolizing the feathers of a falcon and reinforcing the protective powers of the gods.

Witness the Amazing Eye of Horus Meaning

Eye of Horus Meaning - Egypt Tours Portal
Eye of Horus Meaning - Egypt Tours Portal

The Eye of Horus, also known as the Wadjet Eye (derived from Wadjet, the goddess who personified protection), is one of the most iconic symbols in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing protection, health, healing, and restoration. The tale of the eye of Horus gained great meaning in the concept of sacrifice and the bond that connects both the father and the son, the wife and the husband, the mother and the son, and the ancient tales of the jealousy between siblings. It was a sacred emblem that represented the regenerative powers of the gods. It reflects a complex interplay of protection, intellect, morality, balance, and spiritual connection in ancient Egyptian culture. 

The Eye of Horus has its origins in the story of the god Horus, who lost his left eye during a battle with his uncle Set, the god of chaos. Set had killed Horus' father, Osiris, and Horus fought to avenge his death for eight years at the place where the Edfu temple is found. After Horus lost his eye, the god Thoth (the deity of wisdom and magic) restored it, and thus the eye became a symbol of healing and wholeness.

Ancient Egyptians called the symbol by many names, including Wadjet, the Real Eye of Horus, Udjat eye, and the Eye of Horus, which are believed to have protective properties and could ward off evil. It was often worn as an amulet by the living and placed in the tombs of the deceased to ensure safe passage into the afterlife. The Eye of Horus also had mathematical significance, as its parts represented fractions used in the Egyptian system of measurement, particularly in the division of food and goods.

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Enjoy the Incredible Significance of the Eye of Horus

Significance of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal
Significance of the Eye of Horus - Egypt Tours Portal

The eye of Horus also holds mathematical knowledge as each piece of the six-part of the eye is given a fraction as a unit of measurement the right side of the eye is 1/2, the pupil is 1/4, the eyebrow is 1/8, the left side of the eye is 1/16, the curved tail is 1/32, and the teardrop is 1/64. All these fractions add up to 63/64, and the missing part is believed to either represent the magical abilities and powers of Thoth or to illustrate the notion that nothing is truly perfect.

Besides the mathematical significance, each part had a connection with a different sense. The right side of the eye is associated with the sense of smell because it is the closest to the nose and resembles the organ. The pupil represents the sense of sight, while the eyebrow represents thought because it can be used to express our thoughts.

The left side of the eye represents the sense of hearing because it points towards the ear, and resembles a musical instrument. The curved tail corresponds to the sense of taste because it resembles a sprout from a planted stalk of wheat or grain.

Discover the Difference Between Eye of Horus Vs Eye of Ra

Eye of Horus vs. Eye of Ra - Egypt Tours Portal
Eye of Horus vs. Eye of Ra - Egypt Tours Portal

The Eye of Horus and the Eye of Ra are two distinct yet related symbols in ancient Egyptian mythology, both representing different aspects of the divine. The Eye of Horus is more focused on healing and protection, while the Eye of Ra is linked to power and wrath, especially in its protective, but sometimes violent, nature.

Eye of Horus (Left Eye) is associated with the moon and the left eye of Horus. It symbolizes protection, healing, and regeneration. The myth of Horus losing his eye and having it restored links the symbol to renewal and recovery. This eye was also connected to the physical health and well-being of the person who wore or invoked it, and was often used in amulets for healing purposes.

Eye of Ra (Right Eye) is connected to the sun and the right eye of Horus, though it belongs to the god Ra. The creation of the eye of Ra comes from the aging Pharaoh of Egypt, who became disrespected by the people. To punish humanity, he sends the "Eye of Ra," an aspect of his daughter, who takes the form of a lion. She slaughters thousands until Ra, seeing the devastation, calls her back.

Ignoring his pleas, she continues her rampage. To stop her, Ra devises a plan, pouring 7,000 jugs of beer mixed with pomegranate juice (to resemble blood) across the fields. The lioness “sekhmet” drinks the mixture, becomes drunk, and sleeps for three days, then wakes up as the Goddess Hathor, saving humanity from further destruction.

It represents power, fury, and the destructive aspects of the sun’s energy. The Eye of Ra was considered a symbol of the god Ra’s control over the universe and his ability to both create and destroy. It was associated with the destructive power Ra used to subdue all enemies of ancient Egypt or maintain cosmic order. The Eye of Ra could be seen as a protective force in the sense that it guarded against chaos and maintained the balance of the universe.

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Eye of Horus in Ancient Egyptian Religion

Eye of Horus in Ancient Egyptian Religion  -Egypt Tours Portal
Eye of Horus in Ancient Egyptian Religion -Egypt Tours Portal

The Eye of Horus held profound importance in ancient Egyptian religion and spiritual meaning as it symbolized the struggle between order and chaos and the triumph of good over evil, as demonstrated by Horus' battle against Set across the walls of Edfu Temple. After the restoration of Horus' eye, it became a symbol of renewal and wholeness. Its religious significance is shown very clearly in every aspect, as shown in the Amulets of the Eye of Horus, which was a common protective amulet worn by the living and the dead. It was believed to guard against evil spirits, diseases, and other harmful forces.

In the Burial Practices used in tombs and on the sarcophagi of the deceased, particularly in the form of amulets or carvings. The ancient Egyptians believed that the Eye of Horus would protect the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. Temples and Rituals held the Eye of Horus frequently, as depicted in decorations, as seen in the temples of Upper Egypt. During religious rituals, offerings were made to the gods in the form of eyes, as they symbolized the completeness and prosperity that came from divine protection.

Cast Your Eyes on the Magic of the Eye of Horus

Eye of Horus Magic - Egypt Tours Portal
Eye of Horus Magic - Egypt Tours Portal

The Eye of Horus was deeply integrated into ancient Egyptian magic, across all practices and beliefs. As a symbol associated with health and protection, it was invoked in various forms of magical spells and rituals designed to safeguard the wearer or provide healing. Some of the magical associations include:

Healing Power, as the myth of the restoration of Horus' eye by Thoth made the Eye of Horus a powerful symbol of rejuvenation and healing. Ancient Egyptian medicine is known to have had healers who would use images or amulets of the Eye of Horus in their rituals to invoke these restorative powers for patients suffering from illness or injury. 

Protection from Evil was the main goal of the eye, which was believed to have the ability to ward off the evil eye and harmful spirits. It was commonly worn as a talisman or painted on ships, buildings, and objects to offer protection from curses and malevolent forces.

Magical Fractions of the parts of the Eye of Horus were associated with a system used in Egyptian mathematics for dividing food, land, and offerings. The parts of the eye represented fractions that added up to 63/64, symbolizing imperfection (as a fraction of the whole), but also the ability to heal and become whole again.

The Eye of Horus played a crucial role in funerary magic, with spells and symbols meant to protect the soul and body in the afterlife. The "Eye" could help the dead see in the afterlife, guiding them through dangerous obstacles as they made their journey through the underworld.

The annual Opet Festival in Thebes, which celebrated the renewal of the gods’ powers, invoked the Eye of Horus as a symbol of restoration and the cyclical nature of life. The festival emphasized the unity of the gods and the kingship, as Horus’ power was transferred to the pharaoh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Color is the Eye of Horus?

The Eye of Horus mostly comes in green and blue, which depends on the context and the artistic representation. As the color green was associated with health, regeneration, and life, while blue represented the sky, water, and protection. Both colors symbolize the protective and healing powers of the Eye of Horus. While black can symbolize rebirth and transformation.

Which Eye of Horus is Left or Right?

The Eye of Horus is normally the left eye which represent the moon and the goddess Wadjet while the right eye is associated with the sun and is often referred to as the Eye of Ra. the god Horus lost his left eye in a battle with his uncle, Set, who had killed Horus's father, Osiris. The eye was later restored by the god Thoth, symbolizing healing, protection, and regeneration. The left Eye of Horus became a symbol of protection and renewal, while the right eye, or Eye of Ra, was linked to power and the sun's destructive and creative energy.

What Does the Eye of Horus Protect?

The Eye of Horus is a symbol of protection, health, and restoration. Ancient Egyptians believed that wearing or using the symbol would protect them from any kind of evil, ensure safety, and bring good fortune. It was commonly used as a protective amulet for both the living and the dead, ensuring safe passage to the afterlife. It was also placed in tombs to protect the deceased and their possessions. Additionally, the Eye of Horus was believed to have healing properties and was invoked for recovery from illness or injury.

What Does the Eye of Horus Have to Do With Satan?

There is no connection between the Eye of Horus and Satan. The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol with positive connotations, while Satan is a figure from Abrahamic religions with negative connotations. Some conspiracy theories and fringe interpretations in modern times link the Eye of Horus with Satanism or occult practices.

This association is largely due to the symbol’s occasional use in occult symbolism or modern esoteric traditions, often conflated with other "eye" symbols, such as the Eye of Providence (the all-seeing eye found in Freemasonry and depicted on the U.S. dollar bill). Any association between the two is likely a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of the symbol's meaning.

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

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