Meskhenet: Egyptian Goddess Of Household And Childbirth Who Governed Over Fate And Destiny

A. Sutherland - AncientPages. com - In ancient Egyptian beliefs, Meskhenet (Meskhent) was a goddess associated with childbirth, motherhood, and destiny.

The goddess was responsible for creating the Ka and, therefore, was associated with fate, as at the time of a child’s birth, she determined the child's destiny. Ka represented a part of the child's soul.

Representation for Meskhenet. Image credit: Rowanwindwhistler - CC BY-SA 3.0

From the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC) onwards, this particular role of Meskhenet was taken over by the male god Shai (Shay), who symbolized fate in Egyptian mythology. Sometimes, Shai was believed to be a woman; at other times, he was Meskenet’s husband. Both are mentioned in the Book of the Dead.

Meskhenet's name can be interpreted as "happening" or "coincidence", as the coincidence of the omens usually accompanies birth and determines destiny. Still, she was also known as Meskhenet ('The Place of Alighting'). She was a highly respected household deity, mentioned in numerous prayers and hymns, and venerated by ancient Egyptians from the earliest times.

There was no cult site devoted to her.

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See also:

Wadjet – Egyptian Goddess Protected Pharaohs And Was Depicted As A Cobra-Uraeus

Sokar – Patron Deity Of Ancient Necropolis Of Memphis In Lower Egypt

Why Were Ba And Ka Powerful Elements Of Soul In Ancient Egyptian Beliefs?

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