The Eye of Horus

An ancient Egyptian symbol representing the eye of the falcon god Horus, also known as the wedjat or udjat eye. It depicts a stylised human eye with the markings of a falcon: the characteristic 'teardrop' below the eye and the spiral above.

The Eye of Horus originates in ancient Egyptian religion and mythology, where it was one of the most pervasive and powerful protective symbols. It appears in tombs, temples, amulets, and funerary texts throughout ancient Egyptian history.

In Egyptian mythology, the Eye of Horus was associated with the story of Horus and Seth. According to the myth, Seth tore out Horus's eye in their conflict, and the god Thoth (or in some versions, Hathor) healed and restored it. The restored eye — the wedjat — became a symbol of healing, restoration, and wholeness.

Protection. Healing. Restoration. Wholeness. Rebirth. The Eye of Horus was used as a protective amulet in life and in death, placed on the body to ensure safety and well-being.

In ancient Egyptian religion, the Eye of Horus was connected to concepts of divine protection, kingship, and the restoration of order (maat). It was also associated with offerings and sacrifices, and was sometimes linked to the sun and moon.

Worn as amulets, painted on coffins, incorporated into funerary masks, and used in temple decoration. It was one of the most common amulets in ancient Egypt.

Today the Eye of Horus is widely used in jewellery, tattoos, and spiritual art, often as a general symbol of protection. Its original religious context is sometimes lost in modern usage.

The Eye of Horus is often confused with the evil eye or the nazar. They are not the same symbol. The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian religious symbol with its own distinct history and mythology, while the evil eye and nazar are folk traditions from a different cultural context. They share a protective association but their origins and meanings are different.

The Eye of Horus is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian civilisation. It belongs to a rich religious tradition that spanned thousands of years. Understanding it requires understanding its mythological context, not just its visual appearance.

The Eye of Horus is an ancient symbol from a religion that is no longer practiced in its original form. It can be appreciated as a cultural and artistic symbol, but it should not be stripped of its Egyptian context or presented as a generic 'mystical' eye.