Selket
Serqet (Selket, Selqet, Selquet) In Egyptian mythology, scorpion goddess. Serqet protected the body of the dead. She was often seen on the walls of tombs with winged arms outstretched in a protective gesture. She was believed to have special province over the entrails of the deceased. Serqet was a companion of the goddess isis in her wanderings, and it was said that those who worshipped isis were never stung by a scorpion. Egyptian art portrays Serqet as a woman with a scorpion on her head or as a scorpion with the head of a woman.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright Ā© 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
Selket
Mistress of the Beautiful House
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Serket; Serquet; Serqet
ORIGIN:
Egypt
Selket is Egyptās fierce but benevolent scorpion goddess. The ābeautiful houseā over which she presides is the funeral parlor; the term is an ancient Egyptian euphemism. She is a goddess of life, death, and life after death. Selket travels in Isisā entourage. She is a protective spirit who is among the four primary deities (alongside Neith, Isis, and Nephthys) who guard entombed coffins. Selket is invoked in many spells to protect and to heal poisonous bites. She is the matron of healers who specialize in such cases.
FAVOURED PEOPLE:
Morticians, those involved in any aspect of the funeral trade, Scorpios
MANIFESTATION:
Selket may manifest as a woman, a woman with a scorpionās head, or a woman wearing a scorpion headdress. She may manifest as a scorpion, too, either a normal sized one or one the size of a human that can walk erect. Selket may also manifest in the form of a crocodile, cobra, and lion.
ICONOGRAPHY:
Selket is usually depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a scorpion on her head.
SEE ALSO:
Ishhara; Isis; Neith; Nephthys; Scorpion Guardians
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & GoddessesĀ – Written by :Ā Judika Illes Copyright Ā© 2009 by Judika Illes.