Collectors of Egyptian jewelry should consider a Sekhmet pendant. Ancient Egyptians revered the goddess Sekhment for her association with the sun and feminine wisdom. Even today Sekhmet lore fascinates people of all walks of life. Fans of Egyptian mythology and metaphysical jewelry alike will enjoy wearing the symbolic Sekhmet pendant. Many different interpretations of the Egyptian leonine goddess are available in pendants and necklaces suitable for men or women.
The Goddess Sekhmet Lore and Mythology
According to Egyptian mythology, the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet is a powerful figure with a dual nature. She is associated with both the destructive forces of the sun as the vengeful Eye of Ra and the Mistress of Dread. She is also known for healing powers as the loving Hathor. She is depicted with both animal and human characteristics. She has the head of a lioness and wears an elaborate headdress with a sun disk or solar orb and a uraeus serpent.
Sekhmet was the wife of the creative god, Ptah and the mother of the healing god, Nefertem. She shares a connection with cat goddess, Bast, but they are not considered members the same family. Sekhmet was revered as goddess of Upper Egypt, while Lower Egypt was Bast's domain.
Legends of Sekhmet and Hathor
Ancient Egyptian believed that the god, Ra, created Sekhmet, to seek vengeance on the people of the Upper Egypt. Legends say that she ruthlessly struck down men and women alike with her arrows of fire and breath as hot as the sun. When Ra had enough of his retribution on those who wronged him, he tricked Sekhmet into ending her reign of terror. Sekhmet's vengeful side was powerful so Ra had to subdue her while at the same time honoring her obedience to him. He commanded the priests and royal court of the Temple of the Sun to make beer mixed with red ochre. The people were then ordered to spread the mixture like pools of blood all over the land.
When Sekhmet went on the hunt again, she discovered the pools of beer and ochre and drank, mistaking it for the blood of her prey. The mystical beer and ochre mixture made her drunk and powerless. In her helpless state, Ra prayed over her and awoke a peaceful nature in her. It is said that day that Hathor, the goddess of love, music and beauty, was born.
After Sekhmet acquired Hathor as her dual nature, she became associated with healing, feminine wisdom and medicinal arts. This healing side of her nature made the birth of the healing god, Nefertem, possible.
Contradictions in Lore
There is some debate over the connection between Hathor and Sekhmet. Some experts claim that the two deities are separate. Yet significant ancient legends connect them as the dual nature of one entity. Hathor is depicted as both a cow deity and as a woman with a headdress of cow horns and a solar orb.
Symbolism
Many people choose to wear Sekhmet jewelry because of the powerful symbolism. Sekhmet represents the following:
- Feminine power of the Sun
- Destruction and revenge
- Death
- Healing
- Medicine
- Feminine wisdom
- Rebirth
- Female and male balance of power
Types of Sekhmet Pendants
Sekhmet pendants come in a number of different styles that range from simple to ornate. Sekhmet pendant materials include yellow gold, sterling silver, pewter, wood or resin. Necklace designs with a pendant and beads are also available. Common Sekhmet pendant designs include:
- Lioness face in all metal
- Lioness face in metal with gemstone eyes
- Lioness head with solar orb or sun
- Lioness with full Egyptian headdress
- Lioness figure in Egyptian headdress with both solar orb and serpent symbol
- Roaring lioness profile
Egyptian Pendants
Sekhmet jewelry ranges in prices to fit most budgets. If you are interested in Egyptian lore, these pendants will inspire you to read more about the tales of Sekhmet and Hathor. Or perhaps you seek a metaphysical symbol of Sekhmet for spiritual reasons. Even if you simply like the lion symbol, you can find a Sekhmet pendant that fits your style and your checkbook.
