Domain/Influence:
The realm of the sun, creation, and cosmic order; Ra embodies the life-giving power of the sun and the eternal cycle of life and death.
Symbolism:
- Symbol: The Sun Disk
- Colors: Gold and Yellow
- Numbers: 1 (symbolizing unity and the source of all life)
- Other symbols: The scarab beetle (Khepri), representing rebirth and transformation.
Offerings:
Ra delights in offerings of incense, bread, and beer; rituals honoring the sun and the cycles of day and night resonate deeply with him.
Personality:
Ra is powerful, radiant, and authoritative; he inspires awe and reverence, representing the unwavering light of truth and justice.
Pantheon:
As the chief deity of the Egyptian pantheon, Ra is often associated with other major gods like Osiris and Isis and is seen as the father of all gods, embodying the essence of creation.
Favored Rituals:
Rituals of praise at sunrise and sunset; he enjoys ceremonies that celebrate the cycles of nature, including solar festivals and offerings that invoke his radiant light.
Mythology/Story:
Ra is often depicted as a falcon-headed man with a sun disk atop his head, symbolizing his dominion over the sky. In myth, he is known for sailing across the sky in his solar barque, bringing light to the world. Each night, he descends into the underworld, where he battles the serpent Apophis, representing chaos. His stories illuminate the eternal struggle between light and darkness, illustrating the importance of order, justice, and the cyclical nature of existence, reminding us of the profound impact of the sun’s life-giving energy.
