The Eye of Ra

Origins and Mythological Significance

Ra, revered as the god of the sun, creation, and kingship, was believed to journey across the sky daily, bringing light and life to the world. And not just the seen world, but also the unseen worlds and realms. Portrayed as a falcon-man with a sun-disc around his head, one of his duties was to carry the Sun across the sky on his solar barque to brighten the day for all beings. So every morning was ra's birthday, an event that revitalizes him and the order of the cosmos. Ra emerges from the body of a goddess (often Nut) who represents the sky.

The Eye of Ra, often depicted as a stylized eye, is a portrait of the sun-disk in an eye-shape, and isn't really Ra, but rather the feminine counterpart to Ra. 

This goddess, however, is also known with the theonym (meaning a divine name) Wedjat, and she is the Mother, the Nurturer and the Destoyer. 

She is Ra's partner in the creative cycle of Life and Death, in which Ra begets the renewed form of himself that is born at dawn. Since depictions of the rising sun often shows Ra as a child within the solar disc, it is suggested by some egyptologists, that the sun disc represent the womb from which Ra is born, or possible the placenta that is born with him.

Every morning The Eye of Ra transforms into a goddess, serving as both the mother who gives birth to Ra and his sibling, born alongside him much like a placenta.

At sunset, Ra is described as entering the body of the sky goddess, symbolically impregnating her and preparing for his rebirth at dawn. As a result, the Eye of Ra functions as both the womb and the mother of Ra in his child form, while also being the partner of Ra in his adult form. Similarly, the adult Ra is considered the father of the Eye, which is reborn with the sunrise

Yes, we are going Alabama-lore here. let's keep it in the family, right...? 

Besides indulging in a messed-up family tree, the Eye of Ra is also the violent defender against the agents of disorder that threaten Ra's rule. The adversaries are the forces of chaos that threaten maat, the cosmic order Ra establishes. These enemies include both humans who disrupt harmony and cosmic entities like Apep, the embodiment of chaos. 

In various myths, the Eye of Ra is sent forth by Ra to execute his will, whether as a force of destruction to punish the wicked or as a guardian to ward off chaos. In this role, the Eye is associated with several fierce goddesses, including Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of war, and Hathor, who represents love and joy but can also transform into Sekhmet when enraged. This dangerous aspect of the eye goddess is often represented by a lioness or by the uraeus (the cobra-thing on the headdresses) and is a symbol of protection and royal authority.

The duality of the Eye—nurturing and destructive—reflects the intricate balance of creation and destruction inherent in the natural order.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Eye of Ra is often confused with the Eye of Horus, another prominent Egyptian symbol. While both share similarities in design and significance, their meanings diverge. The Eye of Ra is more closely associated with the sun and Ra's fiery energy, symbolizing authority, power, and protection, as well the destructiveness and danger the sun can pose on all living beings. 

In contrast, the Eye of Horus, linked to the god Horus, represents healing, restoration, and the lunar cycle.

The Eye of Ra were an important part of the Egyptian conception of female divinity in general, and it was invoked in many areas of Egyptian religion. The Eye of Ra highlights the importance of feminine power. It is both a nurturer and a warrior, showing that strength and compassion are interconnected forces in maintaining balance.

Beyond mythology, the Eye of Ra was used as a protective emblem. Ancient Egyptians wore it as an amulet to shield against malevolent forces, emphasizing its role as a guardian against chaos and evil. Its depiction in art and architecture, from temple carvings to funerary texts, underscores its role as a cosmic sentinel. 

The Eye of Ra in Modern Culture

Today, the Eye of Ra continues to fascinate and inspire people worldwide. Its striking design (the graphic designer and PR-boss at the time,  they really knew how to make a strong logo), and potent symbolism have found their way into contemporary art, fashion, and even pop culture. From jewelry and tattoos to its appearance in movies and literature, the Eye of Ra remains a powerful emblem of mystery and ancient wisdom.

The enduring appeal of the Eye of Ra lies in its rich layers of meaning. It represents not only the sun’s life-giving energy but also the vigilance required to maintain harmony in the face of chaos, as well as a reminder that we humans are not the masters of Nature. She can and will destroy crops, dry up lakes and rivers as well as causing a heat-stroke, if we don't pay attention to Nature and the cosmic laws that we all are a part of, whether we are aware of it or not. 

As a bridge between the mortal and divine realms, The Eye of Ra serves as a timeless reminder of humanity’s quest to  connect with the forces that shape our existence and pay our respects to Nature: The Birther, the Giver and the Taker of Life.