Mut
Mut
Lady of Heaven; Queen of Deities; Mother of the Mothers
ORIGIN:
Egypt
Her name means “Mom.” Mut, the vulture goddess, is the spirit of maternity. So potently fertile that she conceived and gave birth to herself, Mut, an extremely beloved goddess, was venerated throughout Egypt. She bestows personal fertility and protection.
Although originally a local goddess, she became a national goddess during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550–1070 BCE). During this era, the brides of Pharaohs, queens of Egypt, served as Mut’s chief priestesses. Originally venerated as an independent goddess, as Mut became increasingly popular, she absorbed characteristics of other goddesses. Eventually a marriage was arranged between Mut and the state deity Ammon and Mut assumed the role of the less popular Amonet. Mut is sometimes identified as the Eye of Ra.
MANIFESTATION:
Mut appears as a crowned vulture, a white vulture, or a woman who may have wings and/or wear a vulture headdress.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Later depictions of Mut portray her as a lioness, a cow, or a cobra-headed goddess, but this may derive from identification with other goddesses, especially Sekhmet.
ATTRIBUTE:
Ankh, the symbol of life
Spirit allies:
Mut and Ammon are the parents of Khonsu. The three spirits are venerated together as the Theban triad.
Bird:
Vulture, especially griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Flower: Blue water lily (Nymphaea caerulea)
SACRED SITES:
Temples were dedicated to her throughout Egypt and Nubia; her popularity cannot be overemphasized. Her primary shrine was at Karnak, where Mut had a sacred lake in the shape of the crescent moon.
OFFERINGS:
Incense. If you wish to give a traditional, lavish offering, give two hand mirrors: one silver, one gold. You are symbolically giving her the moon and sun.
SEE ALSO:
Ammon; Amonet; Khonsu; Nekhebet; Sekhmet
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.
