Wearing an Ankh

Thinking about carrying or wearing an Ankh?  Before purchasing an ankh or having one made, it is best to know the origins and the meaning behind it’s symbolism first.

The Ankh is described as a capital T-cross with a loop on its top.  The Latin interpreted the symbol as a crux ansata, “cross with a handle”.  The crux “The Ankh” or “The Key of Life” is said to represent Life Eternal.  Considered to be a universal symbol of The Tree of Life; the continued regeneration of life in spiritual culture.

Having the balance of masculine and feminine, the Ankh also symbolizes the divine sign of the womb; mother and the father on the left and right and the center being the children. It also represents how the water rises up from the earth into the clouds; bringing the rain back to the earth to bring vegetation and the light from the sun upon the earth.

The cross from Christianity was said to be a plagiarized version of the Ankh.  Even the obelisks outside the vatican and other places has ankh symbols on it.  In 6th century A.D, the Theodosius Empire closed the temple on the Island of Philae and banned the Ankh.   The loop representing Christ on the cross, the loop being the head with two out stretched hands and a body.  When the Romans adopted Christianity, they removed the womb (female) from the symbol.  And Constantine replaced it with the roman sword known as the cross as the symbol for Christian religion.  Similar symbols to the Ankh are used today;  the sign to represent the goddess or planet Venus, as the symbol for female and it also signifies the element copper.

The Ankh from the traditions of Ma’at, that was carried by ancient Kemet Nubians and Cushites priests; based on the principals of truth, balance, order, harmony, justice, righteousness, and reciprocity.  Truth:  based in fact with honesty and integrity.  Balance:  an equal distribution of weight.  Order: the correct sequence of thought and action.  Harmony:  being on one accord; in a pleasing arrangement.   Justice:  being a state of fairness and lawful judgment.  Righteousness: being a state of consistent good conduct.  Reciprocity is what goes around comes around; the measure you give is what you will receive.

If you do decide to wear an Ankh you are making a statement of the respect for life and the principals of Ma’at; which are Truth, balance, order, harmony, justice, righteousness and reciprocity.

Thanks for reading.