Who told you that you’re just a woman? Who made you feel like being confident was unseemly, or undesirable? Women have been at the center of judgment since the beginning of time (think, the Adam and Eve story). And we have bought into this narrative. We’ve played small, unintelligent, fragile, docile…but who has it served? When things get tough, even from ancient times, women have been at the helm of turning the tides positively. In ancient Egypt, women played multifaceted roles that left a profound impact on both their society and the world at large. “Women in Antiquity: Real Women across the Ancient World,” edited by Stephanie Lynn Budin and Jean Macintosh, provides valuable insights into the lives of ancient Egyptian women, shedding light on their contributions, challenges, and enduring legacy.
For this post, I will not be expounding upon the challenges imposed by a patriarchal system–leaving it to be discussed further at another time, but can you believe that this existed even back then?! Now, there are narratives that would say the contrary-that women and men were equal in Ancient Egypt. What I will say I’ve found, is a respect for women when it comes to their roles in society. They were not to be sexually harassed or violated. And violators faced severe penalties. But, as the above researchers note in their book, they found that women indeed faced societal and political challenges.
I wanted to focus on the women and their contributions, instead-to offer you a few narratives that will empower you on your journey of tapping into your own goddess energy!
Here are the stories of three remarkable women from ancient Egypt that resonates with me deeply:
Isis (c. 2686–2181 BCE):
Isis was one of the most revered goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion, symbolizing motherhood, magic, and wisdom. She was worshiped throughout Egypt and beyond, and her cult remained influential for thousands of years.
As a divine figure, Isis was often depicted as a compassionate and protective goddess, embodying the ideal qualities of femininity and nurturing. She was also associated with the power of resurrection and renewal, particularly through her role in the Osiris myth.
One of the most enduring stories associated with Isis is the myth of her husband, Osiris, who was murdered by his brother Set and subsequently dismembered. Isis embarked on a quest to retrieve and reassemble Osiris’s body, symbolizing her role as the divine mourner and healer.
Through her magical prowess and devotion, Isis successfully resurrected Osiris, allowing him to ascend to the afterlife and become the king of the underworld. This mythological narrative underscored Isis’s central role in the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, and her ability to transcend earthly boundaries.
Isis’s cult spread beyond Egypt, influencing other cultures and religions in the ancient Mediterranean world. Her worship persisted into the Greco-Roman period, where she was often syncretized with other goddesses, such as Demeter and Aphrodite, reflecting her enduring appeal and significance.
As a symbol of divine femininity, magic, and maternal love, Isis continues to inspire devotion and reverence among modern practitioners of various spiritual traditions, attesting to her timeless significance and enduring legacy in the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities.
Hatshepsut (c. 1507–1458 BCE):
Hatshepsut was one of ancient Egypt’s most iconic female rulers, reigning as pharaoh during the 18th dynasty. Initially serving as regent for her stepson, Thutmose III, Hatshepsut eventually assumed the title of pharaoh, effectively ruling Egypt as a king.
Despite the societal norms dictating that only men could ascend to the throne, Hatshepsut successfully navigated the political landscape, consolidating power and establishing herself as a formidable leader.
Hatshepsut’s reign was marked by prosperity, stability, and cultural advancement. She initiated ambitious building projects, including the construction of the famous mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, which showcased her grandeur and divine legitimacy.
Through diplomacy and trade, Hatshepsut expanded Egypt’s influence beyond its borders, fostering diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms and facilitating lucrative trade expeditions to distant lands, such as Punt.
Hatshepsut’s legacy as a visionary ruler and shrewd diplomat endured long after her death, leaving an indelible mark on Egyptian history and inspiring future generations of leaders.
Nefertiti (c. 1370–1330 BCE):
Nefertiti, whose name means “the beautiful one has come forth,” was the queen consort of Pharaoh Akhenaten during the 18th dynasty. She is renowned for her exceptional beauty and powerful influence during one of ancient Egypt’s most transformative periods.
Nefertiti played a pivotal role in the religious and artistic revolution initiated by her husband, Akhenaten, who sought to establish the worship of the sun god, Aten, as the sole deity of Egypt. Together, they founded the city of Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna) as a center for the new monotheistic religion.
Nefertiti’s striking depictions in art, characterized by her elegant features and distinctive crown, reflect her prominence and authority as queen. She is often depicted alongside Akhenaten in intimate family scenes, highlighting her role as a devoted wife and mother.
While the exact nature of Nefertiti’s fate remains a subject of debate among scholars, her legacy as a symbol of beauty, grace, and power endures in the artistic masterpieces and royal monuments of ancient Egypt.
Contributions of Ancient Egyptian Women:
Religious Influence: Women in ancient Egypt held significant religious roles, serving as priestesses, temple musicians, and ritual participants. They played crucial roles in religious ceremonies, offering prayers, performing sacred dances, and participating in rituals honoring the gods and goddesses. Their spiritual devotion helped maintain the connection between the divine and the earthly realms, shaping the religious practices of ancient Egypt. While we see them evolving into goddesses themselves, this designation is one of reverence; as we all innately possess god/goddess energy of creation, being fractal beings of the source!
Political Power: Some ancient Egyptian women rose to positions of political authority, wielding power and influence in both the royal court and society at large. Queens such as Hatshepsut and Cleopatra exerted considerable influence as rulers, administrators, and diplomats, leaving a lasting impact on Egyptian history and international relations. Their leadership contributed to the stability, prosperity, and cultural advancement of ancient Egypt.
Artistic Expression: Women in ancient Egypt were patrons and creators of art, contributing to the vibrant artistic landscape of their civilization. They commissioned and participated in the production of statues, reliefs, and decorative objects, immortalizing their images and narratives in the artistic legacy of ancient Egypt. Their artistic endeavors reflected their status, values, and aspirations, shaping the cultural identity of their society.
So what can we learn from the contributions of ancient Egyptian women as it relates to life, to religion, politics, art, and society? We each have the power to leave an indelible mark on history, shaping the cultural legacy like the women of ancient Egypt-influencing subsequent civilizations as they have influenced ours. Despite facing challenges (yes, Patriarchy reared its head even then) related to legal rights, social expectations, and healthcare, ancient Egyptian women demonstrated resilience, creativity, and agency in navigating their roles within a patriarchal society, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and inspiration.
Finally, as I continue to navigate this world, I continuously ask myself, if I’m living to my maximum potential. Am I being influenced, or am I the influencer? Am I going along with what the media has projected upon me, or am I tapping into my great ancestral essence to uncover who I am? Do you know that you are greater than you think? Because, I’m here to tell you–you are! You are far more capable, intelligent, greater, and connected than you think. And once you uncover your personal superpower, you will do great things. Know it. Tap in, and join me on my journey…
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