Goddess Serket: The Scorpion Deity of Healing and Protection in Ancient Egypt

The Goddess Serket, also known as Selket or Selqet, was a revered figure in ancient Egypt, embodying healing, protection, and magic. Known as the “Scorpion Goddess,” Serket played a vital role in safeguarding individuals from venomous bites and stings, making her a central deity in medicine and spiritual practices.

Serket is often depicted as a woman with a scorpion on her head. The scorpion symbolizes both danger and protection, reflecting her dual role as a guardian against harm and a healer of those afflicted by venom. Her name, meaning “She Who Causes the Throat to Breathe,”emphasizes her life-giving powers and ability to alleviate suffocation caused by poisons or diseases.

Doctors and magicians, such as Titi Nab Fu, invoked Serket in healing rituals to treat venomous bites, stings, and illnesses.In Egyptian mythology, Serket played a critical role in funerary traditions.She protected the canopic jars containing the intestines of the deceased. Also as a guardian of Osiris, she ensured the safety of divine entities and preserved cosmic order. Her protective role extended to safeguarding individuals from physical and spiritual threats. Serket was widely known through rituals and prayers. Her influence extended across medical and magical practices, cementing her as a key figure in Egyptian spirituality and health.