Ma’at is a prominent deity from ancient Egyptian mythology, embodying the concepts of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice. As both a cosmic principle and a goddess, Ma’at played a crucial role in the regulation of the stars, seasons, and the actions of mortals and deities. Her ideological opposite, Isfet, represents injustice, chaos, violence, and evil. This article explores the evolution, mythology, and magickal practices associated with Ma’at, examining her influence on various aspects of life such as art, literature, history, and religion.
Origin, Symbolism, and Associations
Depictions of Ma’at as a goddess can be traced back as far as the middle of the Old Kingdom (c. 2680 to 2190 BCE). Ma’at is often represented as a young woman, sometimes with wings on each arm or an ostrich feather on her head. The symbolism of the ostrich feather is uncertain; however, the god Shu, who in some myths is Ma’at’s brother, also wears it.
Ma’at’s primary associations are with scales, ostrich feathers, and balance. The scales represent the weighing of the heart during the ceremony of the Weighing of the Heart, where the decedent’s heart was weighed against Ma’at’s feather. The ostrich feather is a symbol of balance and order, further emphasizing the core aspects of Ma’at.
Roles and Functions in Mythology
The sun-god Ra came into existence after setting his daughter Ma’at in place of Isfet (chaos). Kings inherited the duty to ensure Ma’at remained in place, living on Ma’at alongside Ra. Akhenaten (r. 1372–1355 BCE), in particular, emphasized the concept to such a degree that his contemporaries viewed him as intolerant and fanatic. Some kings incorporated Ma’at into their names, being referred to as Lords of Ma’at or Meri-Maat (Beloved of Ma’at).
Ma’at was also essential in anchoring the divine order established at creation and reaffirmed at each new king’s accession. By replacing Isfet with Ma’at, the king played the role of the sun god, the deity most closely linked to Ma’at. Ma’at stood at the head of the sun god’s bark as it traveled through the sky and the underworld.
Influence on Art, Literature, and History
Ma’at’s principles formed the basis for many aspects of ancient Egyptian culture, such as instructions for the elite class and involvement in kingship. Texts like The Instructions of Ptahhotep provided guidelines for effective rhetoric based on Ma’at’s principles, shaping the thought processes and actions of the elite class.
The fundamental principles of kingship and Ma’at endured until the end of ancient Egyptian history, indicating their significance in ancient Egyptian life and thought. In art and literature, Ma’at often appears alongside the sun god and in association with the pharaohs, reflecting her crucial role in the establishment of harmony and justice.
Magickal Practices and Rituals
In ancient Egyptian magick, Ma’at played a significant role in spells and rituals, particularly related to justice, truth, and order. For instance, the Book of the Dead contains numerous spells and invocations seeking Ma’at’s assistance in the afterlife.
Ma’at was also invoked for protection against chaos and injustice, with specific rituals performed to appease her or incorporate her into amulets for personal use. The goddess also served as a mediator between the living and the dead, ensuring justice in the afterlife for those who upheld her principles during their mortal lives.
Ritual of Ma’at: Claiming Sovereignty over Chaos
This ritual is a powerful invocation of Ma’at, designed to imbue the practitioner with the Pharaonic authority of order, balance, truth, and justice, both in the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of personal reality.
Materials:
- Two ostrich feathers or a feather of any kind
- A balance scale
- A copy of The 42 Negative Confessions of Ma’at
- A copy of The Hymn to Ma’at
- Frankincense and Myrrh
Astral Portal of Ma’at
Instructions:
- Begin by setting up your sacred space and lighting the Myrrh Incense. On an altar, place the balance scale and the two ostrich feathers, symbolizing Ma’at’s central attributes of balance and order. Or use the sigil portal above to align your consciousness to her principles.
- Stand before the altar and read aloud The Hymn to Ma’at. Kneel and then recite The 42 Negative Confessions of Ma’at. These affirmations and praises serve to align your being to the principles of Ma’at and invoke her presence. Light the Frankincense.
- Place your hands over the ostrich feathers and say the following invocation:
- “Ma’at, Goddess of Truth, Balance, and Order, I invoke your divine power and wisdom. As the Pharaohs ruled with your principles, imbue me with your authority to stand against the forces of chaos, both macrocosmically and microcosmically. Let my world be governed by your justice, and my actions reflect your truth.”
- Visualize the energy of Ma’at flowing from the ostrich feathers into your being, filling you with her divine power. Feel the sense of balance, order, and justice resonating within you, transforming you into a sovereign of your universe.
- Once you feel imbued with Ma’at’s power, conclude the ritual by saying:
- “As it is said, so it is done. I am the Pharaoh of my world, a beacon of Order and Truth, a warrior of Justice against Chaos. May the principles of Ma’at guide my path and shape my universe.”
- Let the altar remain set up as long as you feel the need for Ma’at’s presence. Each day, re-read The 42 Negative Confessions and The Hymn to Ma’at to keep your resonance with Ma’at’s principles strong.
This ritual draws upon the ancient Egyptian belief in the power of words and the divine authority of Ma’at. Through this process, you are aligning yourself with the goddess’s virtues of truth, balance, and order, empowering yourself to bring these principles into your life and reality.
