Thanks for joining us for another Families’ Deity! We’re exploring deities that tie into families and family values, or who are important to the family unit or children in some way. This month, we are exploring the birthtastic Goddess, Taweret
Who is Taweret?
Taweret is an Ancient Egyptian deity whose name means “she who is great.” There are many other epithets she is known by including “Lady of the birth house” and “Mistress of Pure Water.” The goddess is depicted as having a human and hippopotamus form which sometimes included paws of a lion and the tail of a Nile crocodile which made her unique looking.
Why is Taweret one of our Family Deities?
Taweret is an important household deity and a goddess of protection especially for childbirth, fertility, and children in general. She was an important household Deity in ancient Egyptian times because of her protectiveness toward children.
Honouring Taweret
Many amulets and household items have been found dedicated to Taweret including children’s drinking vessels from as early as 2686 BCE. We can place a statue on our household altars, thank her at times of birth, children’s milestones and make protective amulets for children with her blessing.
As an offering we can use water as this is Taweret’s element or offer drinking vessels we have made with her image on or the hieroglyphs that are associated with her.
Taweret Correspondences
To honour Taweret today you could make an offering of purified water in a rounded or hippo shaped cup.
Animals
Animal associations are hippopotamus, lion and crocodile
Offerings
Sa (protection) symbol
Homemade bread
Amulets
Flowers
What are your experiences with this fascinating deity? Pop over to our Facebook group and let us know.