The Kemetic Path
Serqet
She Who Causes the Throat to Breathe
Pronounced SER-ket
Domains
scorpions · healing · venom · magic · protection · canopic jars · fertility · funerary rites
Who is Serqet?
Serqet, also known as Selket, is a protective deity in ancient Egyptian religion, associated with healing and protection against venomous creatures. Her name means 'She Who Causes the Throat to Breathe', highlighting her role in both protection and healing, especially in cases of scorpion stings and snake bites. Serqet is frequently depicted as a woman with a scorpion on her head or simply as a scorpion, emphasizing her dominion over these creatures. She plays a critical role in Egyptian funerary texts, including the Pyramid Texts and the Coffin Texts, where she is invoked to protect the deceased from venomous threats in the afterlife (Pyramid Texts, utterance 532; Coffin Texts, spell 335).
Serqet is notably one of the four goddesses assigned as protectors of the canopic jars, specifically the jar containing the intestines, protected by Qebehsenuef, one of the four sons of Horus. Her protective capacity extends to the safeguarding of the pharaoh and the deceased in the afterlife, ensuring that venomous animals do not harm them. This role is elaborated upon in the Metternich Stela, a key text that underscores her healing and protective aspects, detailing her intervention in the story of the young Horus who was bitten by a scorpion (Metternich Stela, lines 1-23).
Priests of Serqet were often skilled in the art of healing, particularly in treating venomous bites and stings, combining medical knowledge with magical incantations. This dual approach reflects the Egyptian understanding of medicine and magic as intertwined paths to healing. The goddess's association with magic is further reflected in her use in various spells and amulets intended to protect against venomous creatures.
Beyond her protective and healing roles, Serqet also had associations with fertility and childbirth, reflecting a broader protective function in daily life. Her role in ensuring safe childbirth and her protection over mothers and children connects her to broader themes of life, death, and rebirth. The scorpion, while dangerous, is an emblem of protection and vigilance, embodying the dual nature of Serqet's influence.
Theologically, Serqet's presence in the Egyptian pantheon exemplifies the balance between life and death, danger and protection. Her worship underscores the belief in divine intervention in daily life and the afterlife, with her influence permeating various aspects of ancient Egyptian spirituality.
The Myths — cited to the sources
The Healing of Horus
Metternich Stela, lines 1-23
This myth tells of the young god Horus, who was stung by a scorpion sent by Seth. As Horus lay dying, Isis, his mother, invoked Serqet, among other deities, to heal him. Serqet responded to the call, using her knowledge of venom and healing to cure Horus, thus saving his life and ensuring his eventual triumph over Seth.
Protection of the Deceased
Coffin Texts, spell 335
Serqet is invoked in the Coffin Texts to protect the deceased from venomous animals in the afterlife. The texts describe her role in guarding the canopic jars and ensuring the safety of the deceased's spirit, emphasizing her protective nature.
The Scorpion's Blessing
Pyramid Texts, utterance 532
In this text, Serqet is called upon to bless and protect the pharaoh from venomous creatures, ensuring his safety both in life and the afterlife. The utterance reflects her dual role as a protector against physical and spiritual dangers.
Correspondences
Domains
scorpions · healing · venom · magic · protection · canopic jars · fertility · funerary rites
Symbols
scorpion · ankh · was scepter · papyrus · uraeus · heqa scepter
Sacred Animals
scorpion · crocodile
Sacred Plants
papyrus · lotus
Offerings
honey (for sweetness and healing) · milk (symbol of nourishment) · incense (to purify and honor) · beer (a common offering in Egyptian rituals) · bread (staple of sustenance) · water (essential for life and purification) · figs (for fertility and abundance) · ointment (for healing and anointment) · dates (for sweetness and longevity) · gold (symbol of divine and eternal)
Also Known As
Selket (alternative transliteration) · Selcis (Hellenized form)
Day of the Week
null with note about calendar tradition
How Serqet is worshipped
To honor Serqet today, practitioners can set up an altar with symbols such as the scorpion, ankh, and was scepter. Offerings of honey, milk, and incense can be made to invoke her protection and healing powers. Traditional Egyptian prayers or modern invocations can be recited during these offerings.
Practitioners may also craft protective amulets or charms in her honor, using materials like papyrus or clay to inscribe her name or symbols. These amulets can serve as personal protective charms against venom and other forms of harm.
Engaging in meditative practices or visualization techniques focused on healing and protection can align one with Serqet's energy. Invoking her presence during times of illness or when facing danger can provide comfort and spiritual support. Additionally, learning about herbal medicine and natural remedies can deepen one's connection to her healing aspects.
How do I start honoring Serqet?
For those new to Serqet, begin by understanding her dual role as a protector and healer. Explore her association with scorpions and her protective influence over the deceased. Setting up a small altar with her symbols can help create a personal space for meditation and prayer. Start with simple offerings like honey and incense, and use modern prayers to connect with her energy. Learning about her role in ancient Egyptian mythology through primary texts like the Metternich Stela can enrich your practice and deepen your understanding of her significance.
A prayer to Serqet
O Serqet, She Who Causes the Throat to Breathe, protect us from the sting of harm, shield us from the venom of malice. Grant us your healing touch, O Lady of the Scorpions.
Festival days
- Wepet Renpet (New Year celebration)
- Shemu (Harvest Festival)
- The Beautiful Feast of the Valley (spring season)
What people get wrong about Serqet
- Serqet is exclusively a goddess of venom. Correction: While she is closely associated with venom, her role is more broadly protective and healing, extending to safeguarding the deceased in the afterlife.
- Serqet is a minor deity. Correction: Despite being less prominent than some other Egyptian deities, Serqet's protective and healing roles make her significant, particularly in funerary contexts.
- Serqet is depicted only as a scorpion. Correction: She is often depicted as a woman with a scorpion on her head, emphasizing her dominion over these creatures.
- Serqet is associated only with death. Correction: Her influence extends to fertility and childbirth, reflecting her protective role in life and death.
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