GoodGod!
Meet the Gods: Ra
Merry meet.
Cultures since the beginning of time have worshiped the sun. In Egypt, which extends south into the Tropic of Cancer, Ra the sun god was powerful. He was the creator of everything as well as king of all the gods. As such, Ra was a just ruler and a kind father. He’s also a warrior and can dispel darkness with his light.
His representation varies: while the most often he is depicted as a man with the head of a hawk crowned by a solar disk he carries across the sky each day, he is also shown as a man with the head of a beetle, a full-bodied ram, beetle, phoenix, heron, snake, bull, cat, and lion. Generally, he is shown with a scepter in his left hand and an Ankh in his right.
Ra’s correspondences include symbols of the sun, scarab beetle, spheres, and eggs. Ra-friendly tools include the wand, candles, sacred fires, and incense. Some of his magical herbs include sandalwood, myrrh, and cinnamon. He is aligned with the east and rules vitality, strength of mind and spirit, potency, and immortality. His animals include the hawk and lion. His foods are eggs, oranges, and red apples, and his stones include topaz and tiger’s eye.
About the second dynasty, a Ra cult began to grow; its center was in Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. By the fourth dynasty, he was so worshiped that pharaohs were called “sons of Ra,” and said to be Ra’s earthly manifestation.
Egyptians built solar temples in honor Ra. Unlike other temples, these were open to the sunlight; they did not feature a statue because he was represented by the sunlight.
During the heat of summer, with the sun at its peak, is a natural time to incorporate Ra in magical work. While he is primarily identified with the midday sun, sunrise is also a special time to honor him.
Seek Ra’s help to dispel darkness, depression, and sadness; for strength and fortitude; personal power; justice; protection; wisdom; and empowerment. You can light a red candle, perhaps gathering a few items to make a shrine honoring Ra and the sun, or you could go outside and turn your face up to the warm summer rays.
Merry part. And merry meet again.
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About the Author:
Lynn Woike
All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and “just knew things.” In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice. When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie – a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at thewitchonwheels.com, Facebook and Instagram.
