The Order of the White Moon Goddess Gallery Presents
Taweret
By Initiate Iaret
A Level
1 Final Project for the Pyramid of Light Mystery School
(© 2020. All
original material in this site is under copyright protection and is the
intellectual property of the author.)
Who
is Taweret?
Taweret is an ancient Egyptian Goddess, considered to be a fierce protector and mother. She is depicted in a composite form with the body of a pregnant woman, human hair, a hippopotamus' head, the paws of a lion, and either a crocodile tail, or an entire crocodile perched on her back. The fierce animals included in her composite form point to the strongly protective nature of Taweret. Her pregnant belly shows that she is a mother and protector of mothers and children.
Hippopotamus appear as the focus of cult followings as early as 2686 – 2181 BCE, and Taweret herself more prominently around 2055 BCE. Her following extended outside of Egypt as well. Taweret was a part of Nubian religion, was introduced into the Levantine religion, and into the Minoan religion of Crete (Weingarten). In various times and places, hippopotamus Goddesses, who may all be forms of Taweret, are known by several names including; Ipet (nurse), Reret (sow), and Hedjet (white one) (Wegner).
Taweret was largely venerated as a household Goddess, showing that she was accessible to the common people. She was trusted as a protector of the home and family, along with other local and family Goddesses and Gods. Depicted on countless amulets and magical objects, Taweret would be present at the birth of a child, in the home as a protector, and played a role in death and the afterlife.
Taweret was associated with several other Goddesses, among those considered to be “Eyes of Ra”. Such Goddesses include: Hathor, Mut, Neith, and Aset, who could all assume the form of a hippopotamus when acting in the role of motherly protectors.
Some things associated with Taweret, that may be viewed as sacred to her are: pregnant women, mothers, children, hippopotamus, lionesses, crocodiles, fresh water (as “Mistress of Pure Water”), the Ursa Minor and Draco circumpolar stars, the Little Dipper, and the Northern Sky (Seawright). In my experience working with her, I have found that she is responsive to offerings of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, milk, water, homemade bread, flowers, amulets depicting her, spontaneous acts of veneration, and art dedicated to her. Other items that resonate with Taweret could include: turquoise and carnelian stones, gold, silver, clean cloth (as might be used in cleansing or a medical procedure), red or white candles, homemade oil candles, knives, the “sa symbol”. Any birth could be viewed as a time sacred to Taweret, as well as the season of Spring, the dawn, and the elements of water and fire. Birth, marriage, and death (a “birth” into the other world) would all be appropriate times to seek her protection and blessing.
Taweret, like other ancient
Egyptian Goddesses, would have been venerated through offering and prayers, and
called upon for assistance in ritual and magical operations. She was welcomed
into the homes and private lives of thousands of people, was probably
approached in a variety of different ways. What I have found working with Taweret is that she is approachable, in a way that
sets her apart from many other Goddesses. She can be called upon for the
protection and health of pregnant women, for healing in matters of women’s
health generally, and as a fierce advocate for women in issues concerning us. Taweret protects children and families and can be
approached for assistance with family issues. I would encourage anyone who
feels called to work with Taweret to follow that
prompting. She wants to hear from us!
Original
Art
This video is a song that I wrote for Taweret. It is my original creation and should only be used or reproduced with permission.
Taweret Ritual to Protect Home and Family
Items needed:
Altar cloth
An image of Taweret
A white candle
Blessed oil
Bowls, cups, and plates for offerings
Something to pour water with
A spicy or floral incense
Water, and other offerings
Time to perform: Any, as needed
Begin by setting aside a clean space to perform your ritual.
Assemble items and offerings on your altar.
You may cast a circle or not as you prefer.
Light the candle and let her know that it is for her. You may say words such as, “Great Goddess Taweret, I offer you the light and energy of this flame.”
Light the incense and let her know that it is for her using words such as, “I offer you this fragrance.”
Pour water for Taweret into its vessel, and any other drinks into theirs. Place food offerings on the altar. Let Taweret know these are for her with words such as, “May my offerings nourish and satisfy you.”
Speak to Taweret from your heart about any specific concerns you may have, people in your home you feel need special protection, or threats you feel you need extra protection from. Take a bit of the blessed oil and touch it to your image of Taweret. Say, “Great one, protect my family, protect my home. Guard us with your love and strength.” You may chant it several times, if that feels right.
Thank and praise Taweret in the manner that feels right to you. If you have cast a circle, close it at this time.
Remove the offerings. You may consume the food and drink later.
Place Taweret’s image in your home, facing the entrance. Annoint the image with oil and/or pour an offering of water near it when you want to renew her protection.
References
Robert Ritner, "Household Religion in Ancient Egypt," Household and Family Religion in Antiquity, ed. John Bodel and Saul M. Olyan (Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008), 177–8.
Houser-Wegner, Jennifer. "Taweret." In The Ancient Gods Speak : A Guide to Egyptian Religion. Edited by Donald Redford. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002. 351–352.
Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Mythology : A Guide to Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Weingarten, Judith. The Transformation of Taweret into the Minoan Genius: A Study in Cultural Transmission in the Middle Bronze Age. Partille: P. Åströms, 1991.
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taweret
Seawright, Caroline. Taweret, Goddess Demoness of Birth, Rebirth and the Northern Sky
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/taweret.htm
Reidy, R. J. (2010). Eternal egypt: Ancient rituals for the modern world. Bloominton, IN: IUniverse. (as inspiration for ritual format)