The Egyptian Ankh (As A Symbol)
“Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit
of science becomes convinced that a spirit is
manifest in the laws of the universe, one that
is vastly superior to that of man.”
– Albert Einstein
The deeper we look into Nature, the more we come to the
realization that there is an invisible life force which permeates
all realms of creation. This mysterious life force, or Key of Life,
was acknowledged, honored and respected by the Ancient
Egyptians and was depicted in their artwork and hieroglyphs
by way of the Symbol of the Ankh.
The Ankh, which represents the eternal process of creating,
consists of a T-Shaped Cross surmounted by a Loop.
The T-Shaped Cross Symbolizes the masculine active Seed.
The Loop Symbolizes the feminine receptive Womb.
These two principles, when united, bring forth creation, birth
and Events throughout all of the seen and unseen realms of
the universe.
The “T”, as the the masculine aspect of creation, is similar
to the Symbolism of the Tau cross, the double-headed Axe
and the hammer of Thor. All of these Symbols contain Three
extremities. Three is the first masculine number. Three also
represents the Trinity of Creation.
The Loop, as the feminine aspect of creation, is Symbolic of the
birth passageway from which all created, or manifested, life
emerges.
When the Tau Cross and the Loop are combined they form the
image of a key; a key which the Egyptian Neters, the Divine
Principles of Nature, hold in their hands.
The Ankh, or Key of Life, therefore Symbolizes the eternal process
of continual creation and perpetual manifestation by way of the
union of masculine and feminine aspects of Divinity.
In this respect the Ankh is the Breath of Life, the Hermetic Logos
and the Aether of the Alchemists which instills life (the soul), into
all living matter. Therefore it also represents the Spiritual DNA
which stands forever ready to manifest life throughout all of the
visible and invisible realms of the cosmos.
This ever-present and ever-active life force, Symbolized by the
Ankh, is eternally and perpetually alive and available throughout
all realms of the cosmos. It is a Power which exists whether or not
mental or physical “life” is currently being manifested at any specific
point in the universe.
In Egyptian artwork we often see one of the Neters holding the
Ankh to the nostrils of a person. This gesture, on behalf of a
specific Neter, is the bestowing of the “breath of life” to that
particular person. This is Symbolic of the “breath of life”, or soul,
which enters into our body at birth and which will eventually leave
our body when our Current Incarnation comes to its end.
We also see artwork of Neters gazing into Mirrors which are
in the shape of the Ankh through which they can view the
reflections, results and Consequences of the persons, places,
things and Events into which they have temporarily instilled
the “breath of life”.
Egyptian men and women wore amulets in the shape of the
Ankh in honor of this Divine Creative Process and also to serve
as a reminder to be cautious of the Consequences which can
result from Thoughts, deeds, Words and Actions which they
are responsible for “giving life to”.
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Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.
© copyright Joseph Panek 2012