Symbolism of the Utchat ("Eye of Horus/Ra"), Eyes, and Hurricanes
Whether you call it "The Eye of Horus", "The Eye of Ra", "Utchat" (what the Egyptians called it), or simply Ancient Egypt's "Sacred Eye", there are lots and lots of intriguing Meanings behind this Symbol. That site has very thought provoking ideas, including how the symbol is a representation of binary fractions (not like the Egyptians were ever interested in Math...). They also include a link to how the Moon may have an Utchat when seen from Egypt (not like the Egyptians were ever interested in Astronomy...).
My favorite picture of the Utchat is this picture, which has some great added symbolism. I particularly like the Cobra and Vulture, which seem to tie into Utchat's Symbolism of Protection. Along similar lines, one of the common features of an Utchat is the 2 markings underneath the eye. When I saw that this is a common element in all Utchat renderings, it reminded me of the Rune for Thorn, which is the Rune for Protection in my Psychocosm. Having that Thorn rather straight and centered under the eye makes more interesting implied Symbols, including one from eighteenth century chemistry for cuprum auratum (gilded copper?), a symbol for higher SoCs, a couple of Symbols for Pluto (and here), a bit of Libra and its ruling planet of Venus (boy those Egyptians loved the Astrology! It's a Wonder they didn't build huge monuments in honor of the Night Sky...), an Ankh (which is also related to Venus), and many more. I haven't even really delved into the whole topic of the Symbolism of an Eye, and how it seems to be a very potent Symbol for WatchFullness and Alertness, and thus another level of Protection. I will mention the Symbolism of the "Eye of the Hurricane", which represents things such as the "I of the Hurricane", or the "calm Void at the center of our fractured Egos". Which brings up Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan (and soft martial forms in general, which excel in defensive capabilities), as being an Empty Swirling Calm Center of Motion. Not unlike the whirling dervishes of Islamic Sufism, which of course, brings us full Circle (if you'll pardon the pun) back to the middle east and the Egyptians.
Very interesting stuff. I haven't done research in Egyptology since I was in a particular Thelemic organization well over a decade ago. It's always amazing to look back on something later in Life, and see it in so many new lights. It always perplexed me as to why the Egyptians used so much Animal Symbolism, whereas looking back, it makes perfect sense that one of the first Civilizations would have such strong Totemic roots.
*Please note that such geeky cracking out like this (in this case, what started out as a specific Symbol of Ancient Egyptology that led to Symbolism of The Eye, and then to Hurricanes) is an excellent way to Utilize the 3rd Circuit to attain a rather intense form of Invocatory/Evocatory Gnosis of the subject at hand. It's also quite useful for PathWorking into the various Symbols, if you'd prefer going that direction. After immersing yourself (becoming Obsessed) with a subject in such a manner, various Magickal Acts can become quite Simple within that Sphere . Posted for myself and those of you that may be interested.
My favorite picture of the Utchat is this picture, which has some great added symbolism. I particularly like the Cobra and Vulture, which seem to tie into Utchat's Symbolism of Protection. Along similar lines, one of the common features of an Utchat is the 2 markings underneath the eye. When I saw that this is a common element in all Utchat renderings, it reminded me of the Rune for Thorn, which is the Rune for Protection in my Psychocosm. Having that Thorn rather straight and centered under the eye makes more interesting implied Symbols, including one from eighteenth century chemistry for cuprum auratum (gilded copper?), a symbol for higher SoCs, a couple of Symbols for Pluto (and here), a bit of Libra and its ruling planet of Venus (boy those Egyptians loved the Astrology! It's a Wonder they didn't build huge monuments in honor of the Night Sky...), an Ankh (which is also related to Venus), and many more. I haven't even really delved into the whole topic of the Symbolism of an Eye, and how it seems to be a very potent Symbol for WatchFullness and Alertness, and thus another level of Protection. I will mention the Symbolism of the "Eye of the Hurricane", which represents things such as the "I of the Hurricane", or the "calm Void at the center of our fractured Egos". Which brings up Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan (and soft martial forms in general, which excel in defensive capabilities), as being an Empty Swirling Calm Center of Motion. Not unlike the whirling dervishes of Islamic Sufism, which of course, brings us full Circle (if you'll pardon the pun) back to the middle east and the Egyptians.
Very interesting stuff. I haven't done research in Egyptology since I was in a particular Thelemic organization well over a decade ago. It's always amazing to look back on something later in Life, and see it in so many new lights. It always perplexed me as to why the Egyptians used so much Animal Symbolism, whereas looking back, it makes perfect sense that one of the first Civilizations would have such strong Totemic roots.
*Please note that such geeky cracking out like this (in this case, what started out as a specific Symbol of Ancient Egyptology that led to Symbolism of The Eye, and then to Hurricanes) is an excellent way to Utilize the 3rd Circuit to attain a rather intense form of Invocatory/Evocatory Gnosis of the subject at hand. It's also quite useful for PathWorking into the various Symbols, if you'd prefer going that direction. After immersing yourself (becoming Obsessed) with a subject in such a manner, various Magickal Acts can become quite Simple within that Sphere . Posted for myself and those of you that may be interested.