Ancient Egyptian Amulets – Ankh, Snake, Horus

The word amulet is not of Egyptian origin, nevertheless all items connected with Ancient Egyptian practice of spirituality now worn by modern people are called amulets. Most likely this word is related to “amorili” a Latin term meaning “to avert, to remove”. Amulets are usually made of metal or gems still the material doesn’t matter while its owner believes the amulet would bring him good luck. Many people make their own amulets; others tend to pick amulets associated with gods and goddesses they feel to be in a particular connection with.

Popular Egyptian Amulets

The most popular Egyptian amulets are Ankh, Snake and the Eye of Horus.

Ankh is the most popular symbol of Ancient Egypt. Ankh is also known as the Key of Life. Most of the Egyptian gods were depicted carrying ankh in various situations. It is believed that amulet of ankh if carried in a pocket or as a pendant, gives life energy to its owner.

The replica of Ancient Egyptian amulet of Ankh. This and many other amulets - available from Tutankhamun's Treasure Store.

Eye of Horus, Wadjet (snake) and Egyptian Scarab amulets are amongst the most popular items in the Tutankhamun's Treasure Store.

Eye of Horus - a nice example of Egyptian amulet

The Eye of Horus or Udjat as it was known in Ancient Egypt is associated with the falcon god Horus. He was the god of sky - the hero, who conquered Seth – the god of chaos. Typically there are two types of Eye of Horus. One is white (white enamel or any kind of other whitish or light coloured material) while the other is dark (black enamel or dark precious stones). The white eye (the left eye of Horus) represents the Sun and the dark eye (the right eye of Horus) represents the Moon – it is also the eye which was blinded during his battle with Seth.

There is nothing bad in wearing the dark eye amulet. Many people (e.g. Wiccans and Neo-Pagans) sometimes prefer the dark eye of Horus as they are worshipping the Moon. Generally it is believed that the Eye of Horus or Udjat amulet brings protection, safety, good health and strength to its owner.

The Snake, known as Wadjet or Serpent is also a very popular amulet of Ancient Egypt. Wadjet was an important goddess to Ancient Egyptians she was the patroness of the Lower Egypt and sometimes accounted to as a goddess of land. Carrying an amulet of snake keeps the body from being bitten by venomous snakes. Snake is also used asa general protection amulet.

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