Seshat: The Feminine Scribe of Ancient Egypt
Seshat, revered as the feminine partner of Thoth the Scribe, embodies the essence of wisdom and creativity in Egyptian mythology. Known for intimately linking with the cosmic narrative of humanity’s journey through time, Seshat stands alongside other mystical figures like Isis and Hermes. Often referred to as the ‘Egyptian Fairy Godmother’, her magical attributes are symbolized by her wand, which features a seven-pointed star, representing the genesis of all conscious ideas and creative thoughts.
In the realm of cosmic intuition, Seshat’s role was pivotal, collaborating with Thoth to shape the celestial geometry. Originally, she represented the deification of wisdom, which evolved into her veneration as the goddess presiding over writing, astronomy, architecture, and mathematics.
Seshat is often regarded as the feminine counterpart of Thoth. The ancient Egyptians attributed the invention of writing to her, while Thoth was credited with imparting this knowledge to humanity. Seshat, known as the ‘Mistress of the House of Books’, oversaw Thoth’s vast collection of spells and writings, asserting her influence as the patroness of libraries and all forms of written expression, from legal documents to scientific records. Unique among other deities, she is the only woman depicted engaged in the act of writing; her title literally translates to ‘she who is a scribe’.
The name Seshat, Sashet, or Sesheta is derived from the term “scribe,” reinforcing her connection to this essential role in society. Additionally, like Thoth, Seshat was noted for her architectural prowess.
Seshat is typically portrayed wearing a distinctive leopard skin garment. Above her head floats a seven-pointed star or rosette, often accentuated by a pair of inverted cow’s horns that evoke the image of a crescent moon. The headdress also serves as her hieroglyph, symbolizing a stylized flower or the seven-pointed star, with the downturned horns linking her to lunar mythology and her association with Thoth.
Artistically, Seshat is characterized as a woman adorned with a papyrus plant above her, an homage to the material on which the Egyptians recorded their knowledge. This plant is stylized to resemble a seven-pointed star, reflecting her connection to cosmic themes. Over time, her association with Thoth led to the papyrus symbol being combined with crescent shapes, which eventually transformed into horns.
In various artworks, she’s frequently depicted holding a palm branch marked with notches, symbolizing the passage of time. Traditionally dressed in a leopard-skin robe—a nod to funerary priests—the leopard’s pattern signifies eternity and its celestial connections.
From the era of the Second Dynasty forward, Seshat played an essential role in ritualistic practices surrounding the construction of temples and ceremonies like the ‘stretching of the cord’, pivotal in architecture and land measurement. As Mistress of the House of Architects, she was considered a personal deity of the pharaoh, documenting his achievements and presiding over the significant rites of passage throughout his reign.
As the divine scribe and measurer, Seshat was believed to appear alongside the pharaoh during critical events, notably recording divine decrees on his lifespan and his involvement in jubilant celebrations such as the Sed festival. She meticulously documented speeches during coronations and inventories of treasures accrued in military victories.
The Pyramid Texts refer to Seshat by titles such as ‘The Female Scribe’ and ‘The Lady of the House’. Nephthys is mentioned in these texts as ‘Seshat, Foremost of Builders’, while Seshat’s lineage links her to the pantheon, being the daughter of Geb and Nut, as well as a sister to Isis, Osiris, and Seth. Some narratives even name her as the mother of Anubis by Osiris.
Her most significant sanctuary was situated in Heliopolis. Together with Isis, she was entrusted with the protection of Osiris’ remains. Artistic renditions often depict her in human form, crowned with the symbol for ‘house’. On occasion, she is shown as a kite guarding Osiris’ funeral bier. Despite the absence of dedicated temples in her name, her prominence is noted in artworks such as those from Hatshepsut’s reign, where Hatshepsut is illustrated instructing Thoth to communicate with Seshat.
“Seshat, Great Lady of the House of Books,” is known by various titles, including Sefkhet-abwy and the Silicon Goddess, illustrating her enduring legacy in ancient texts and modern interpretations of mathematical and symbolic knowledge.
