Anat-Bethel

ORIGIN:

Jewish

Anat was venerated side-by-side with YHWH. In this path she is known as Anat-Bethel. It is unclear whether the epithet Bethel specifically relates to that ancient holy city whose name literally means “House of El” or “House of the Lord.” Anat and YHWH were venerated together in Bethel but also shared temples in Egypt (Hermopolis, Memphis) and so were not tied exclusively to one location. It is possible that Anat is the House of El in the same manner that Hathor is the House of Horus (a metaphor meaning “Womb of Horus”). This may indicate that the female deity’s womb is reserved for the seed of the male deity or that she is his mother, depending on interpretation. The term Bethel was used by Phoenicians in North Africa to refer to megalithic sites, including those incorporating burial mounds.

SEE ALSO:

Anat; Anat-Yaho; Astarte; Hathor; Horus; Tanit

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.