Serket, a prominent goddess in Egyptian mythology, holds various roles and functions within ancient Egyptian religion, such as the protector against venomous stings and snakebites. Often depicted as a scorpion or a woman with a scorpion on her head, Serket played a vital role in Egyptian mythological narratives and magickal practices, leading to a nuanced relationship with several other deities, including Isis. This article examines the development, mythology, and magickal rituals associated with Serket, comprehensively investigating her impact throughout ancient Egyptian history.
Evolution of Serket in Egyptian Mythology
Initially, Serket functioned as the protector of deities from Apep, the great snake-demon of evil in Egyptian mythology. Her status as a guardian developed further when she became the defender of the deceased, relating to both venomous creatures and their effects on the human body. Consequently, Serket obtained a strong association with embalming and the canopic jar linked with venom, offering essential protection to the embalmers’ tents.
During her evolution, Serket began to be identified with the deities Neith, Isis, and Nephthys, who also performed similar protective functions. Serket eventually merged with Isis, sharing imagery and parentage, ultimately becoming another aspect of Isis. This blending of identities highlights the fluctuating nature of divine relations and the cult of Isis’s increasing dominance during ancient Egyptian history.
Serket’s Symbolism and Associations
Serket, the goddess of healing venomous stings and bites in Egyptian mythology, has roots in the original deification of the scorpion. Her family life remains uncertain, although she is occasionally credited as the daughter of Neith and Khnum, making her a sister to Sobek and Apep. Nonetheless, her primary identification lies with the scorpion, a potent symbol throughout Egyptian art and culture.
Scholars have posited that Serket’s association with a scorpion might be misinterpreted and that her link could instead refer to a water scorpion (Nepidae). This hypothesis suggests that Serket represents “she who gives breath” due to the water scorpions’ apparent breathing underwater. Regardless of the specific affiliation, Serket represents protection and healing tied to the natural world and its dangers.
As scorpion stings often lead to paralysis, Serket’s name reflects her dual association with venomous harm and healing. While she can sting the unrighteous, she also can cure scorpion stings and other venomous afflictions such as snakebites. Her close association with pharaohs implies her status as their protector of the realm of spiritual life.
Magickal Practices and Rituals
Serket’s devotees consisted mainly of healers and magicians. As the protectress of venomous secrets and their antidotes, her followers in ancient Egypt combined folklore, science, and magick in their medical practices. Serket’s priests were renowned as skilled healers specializing in venomous bites, and their presence was widespread throughout Egypt.
Serket also held the title of “Lady of the Beautiful Tent” or “Lady of the Beautiful House,” referencing her role as the protector of the embalming process. She was revered for her capacity to grant both the kiss of death and the breath of rebirth, signifying her dualistic nature as a goddess of both death and rebirth.
In magickal rituals, Serket’s image was often used in various ways, such as amulets. These objects were believed to protect the wearer from venomous creatures or offer healing properties. She was also invoked in incantations for protection against snakebites and other venom-related afflictions.
The Astral Portal of Serket
Seven-Day Healing Ritual Invoking Serket with Microdosing of Psychedelic Mushrooms
Ritual Implements
- Sacred Image of Serket
- A black seven-day novena Candle
- Three microdoses of Psilocybe cubensis
- Optional: Materials to create an amulet from bloodstone and red clay.
Day 1: Preparation and Microday Day
To begin, prepare your sacred space with objects that symbolize Serket – a scorpion or an image of the goddess or using the Astral Portal above to tune into her energetic signature. Ensure you have secured a source for your microdose quantity of psychedelic mushrooms, always respecting local laws and regulations. Magick is rebellious by nature but it is not ignorant of the world and its societal limitations.
Once your space is setup. Gaze upon the Astral Portal of Serket and call the goddess into your space.
Day 2: Invocation
Sit in your sacred space, meditate, and call upon Serket. Let your intention be clear: “Serket, Healing Goddess, I call upon you to guide me in transmuting pain into power.” Recite or sing the Hymn to Serket.
Optional: Shape the Red Clay into an Ankh and place the bloodstone in the center. Inscribe the hieroglyphic for Serqet into the hilt of the Ankh. Fire the Clay.
Day 3: Microdose Day
Before you consume the mushrooms, hold them in your left hand. Recite or sign the Hymn to Serket into the microdose and thank Serket for their healing power. Take the microdose in the morning to allow sufficient time for contemplation and integration.
Optional: Hold the ankh amulet and charge it with your intention to heal. Do this daily to charge the amulet. Create a mantra to speak directly into the bloodstone.
Day 4: Reflection and Shamanic Breathwork
Reflect on the insights and emotions that surfaced on the microdose day. Consider how these insights can help transform your trauma and pain, and how they align with Serket’s healing powers. For instructions on how to perform a shamanic breathwork session.
Day 5: Further Invocation
Invoke Serket again, this time with an offering. This could be a bowl of water as a nod to her potential association with water scorpions, or a piece of jewelry signifying her protective amulets.
Day 6: Microdose Day
Repeat Day 3’s process, this time with a deeper understanding of your journey. Journal about your experiences and perhaps engage in automatic writing to see what messages are coming through from Serket.
Day 7: Closing Ritual with Shamanic Breathwork
Thank Serket for her guidance during your healing journey. Reflect on the transformation you’ve experienced and how you can continue to embody this power, both within your sacred space and in your daily life.
Optional: Consecrate the Ankh Amulet for future magical healing rites.
