The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, rejuvenation, healing, and well-being. It's also known as Wadjet and has spiritual properties that protect the wearer from the Evil Eye. The symbol was used on amulets to keep harmful spirits and bad energy away from the living and dead. This spiritual symbol brings good luck by attracting positive energy. It removes toxicity from the body and cleanses it from within. The Eye of Horus is associated with divine healing.
What Is the Eye of Horus?
The Eye of Horus was found almost everywhere in ancient Egypt. From amulets to hieroglyphs, jewelry, and artwork, this symbol is an integral part of Egyptian mythology. Some say that the Eye of Horus and the Eye of Providence are related. Both ancient symbols provide protection, though they work in different ways.
The Legend Behind the Symbolism
The story of the Eye of Horus comes from the battle between god Horus and Seth (Set), his uncle. Osiris and Isis are Horus’s parents. Osiris’ brother is Seth. When Seth betrayed Osiris and killed him, Horus vowed revenge.
The two gods fought severe battles where Horus removed Seth’s testicles, and Seth smashed Horus’ eyes into six pieces. Finally, Horus won the battle, and god Thoth restored his eye. In some legends, it was goddess Hator who restored his eye.
There’s another legend where Horus removes his eye to bring back his dead father, Osiris. His eye is restored afterward. The Eye of Horus is called Wadjat or Udjat as it symbolizes restoration of health and becoming whole again.
Is the Eye of Horus Lucky?
Yes, the Horus Eye is considered lucky as it protects negative energy and bad vibes from people and surroundings. It also has healing powers, making you feel better when you’re low.
What Does the Eye of Horus Symbolize?
Ancient Egyptians believed that the eyes were powerful. People with ill intentions can cast evil spells with a glance referred to as the Evil Eye. Good eyes like the Eye of Horus and the Eye of Ra countered this.
The Eye of Horus had seven symbols in the hieroglyphics. It was used on funeral rites to ensure the dead had a safe journey to the underworld.
The Eye and the Human Brain
The six eye parts correspond with different parts of the human brain. This isn’t surprising, as ancient Egyptians were known for their medical knowledge. The left side of the eye is related to hearing. The right side is with smell, the eyebrow with wisdom, the center of the eye with vision, the curved tail with taste, and the teardrop with touch.
The symbol is also associated with the pineal gland close to the brain’s center. The gland is at the same level as the eyes and is sometimes known as the third eye.
It is related to mathematics, where each part corresponds to a fractional value.
- ½ is the outer triangle of the eye
- ¼ is the pupil
- 1/8 is the eyebrow
- 1/16 is the inner triangle
- 1/32 is the curved tail
- 1/64 is the teardrop.
Which Is Better: The Eye of Ra or The Eye of Horus?
The Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus were considered the all-seeing eye and are equally powerful. Though both terms are sometimes confused, they are different and have specific purposes.
The Eye of Ra is associated with raw power that removes aggression, violence, and destruction. It removes strong hostile forces that stem from anger, hatred, and the like. It also symbolizes birth and fertility. Egyptian God Ra is the deity of the Sun, who ruled the sky, earth, and the underworld.
In some legends, the Eye of Ra represents violence. It denotes the destructive and forceful power of the sun god. It is used as an authority symbol that protects the wearer from pharaohs and ordinary humans. The right eye is the Eye of Ra.
The Eye of Horus has healing energy. It uses divine energy to provide good health, growth, and positive vibes. It’s known for its peaceful presence and defensive mechanism. Horus is the god of the sky and kingship, and the Eye of Horus indicates being under the god’s care.
Though both eyes used to be associated with Horus, the left eye represents the Eye of Horus.
Is the Eye of Horus the Left or Right Eye?
The Eye of Horus is the left and represents the moon. It is also called the pupil of Ra, as the right eye denotes the sun. Together, the eyes create a balance and make a body whole.
Is the Eye of Horus the Same as the Ankh?
No, these two symbols are different. The Ankh is seen in the hands of another Egyptian god Anubis. He is the deity of the dead and the funerary process.
Anubis takes care of embalming the dead and creates their mummies. The symbolic meaning of the Ankh relates to the concept of immortality.
It symbolizes eternal life and the nurturing (life-giving) power of the Sun. The Eye of Ra denotes the destructive power of the Sun. The Eye of Horus, on the other hand, has the healing power of the moon.
What Happens When You Wear the Eye of Horus?
The Eye of Horus remains a popular symbol even centuries after the end of Egyptian civilization. The sailors and fishermen from the Mediterranean region paint the symbol on their boats and vessels for protection in the sea.
Occultists use the symbol to draw power and magic from the spiritual realm. It’s a symbol of knowledge and wisdom for them. Many people wear jewelry with the Eye of Horus to protect from the evil eye and to attract positive energy. Some use it as a fashion statement and don’t believe in its magical abilities.
Nothing happens when you wear it or get a tattoo. Some believe that the power of ancient symbols has to be invoked through belief and rituals. However, there is no harm in wearing the Eye of Horus.
Keep learning more about symbols with this great article on wisdom symbols!