The History of Ra
Introduction
Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, was one of the most important deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Often depicted with a falcon head and a solar disk above it, Ra was considered the god of the sun, creation, and order. His worship dates back to the early dynastic period of ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE.
Origins of Ra Worship
Ra's worship began in the city of Heliopolis (Iunu), which was one of the oldest religious centers in Egypt. The early Egyptians knew that Ra created himself out of the primordial chaos and then created other gods and the world itself. This self-creation myth was central to Ra's identity as a deity of supreme power and authority.
Ra's Role in Egyptian Mythology
In Egyptian mythology, Ra was believed to travel across the sky in his solar boat, known as the "Barque of Ra." Every day, he sailed from the eastern horizon to the western horizon. During the night, he journeyed through the underworld, battling the serpent Apophis to ensure the sun would rise again. This journey symbolized the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
Ra and Pharaohs
Pharaohs were considered the living representatives of Ra on earth. They often incorporated Ra's symbols and attributes into their own regalia and titles to legitimize their rule and demonstrate divine approval. The pharaohs' association with Ra reinforced their role as the intermediaries between the gods and the people. Even now, our ranking system incorporates a Pharaoh role, as the supreme leader.
The Evolution of Ra Worship
As time progressed, Ra's worship evolved and became integrated with other deities. By the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BCE), Ra was often syncretized with Horus, the god of kingship, creating the composite deity Ra-Horakhty. Later, during the Ptolemaic period (332–30 BCE), Ra's worship continued to be influential, blending with Greco-Roman religious practices.
Legacy
Even after the decline of ancient Egyptian religion, Ra's legacy persisted through various forms of cultural and historical references. His depiction in art, literature, and religious symbolism continues to influence modern interpretations of ancient Egyptian mythology, along with sects of groups such as ours, The Brotherhood Of The Hidden Eye.
A Typical Depiction of Ra
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