Attributes
Hathor is a prominent figure in Egyptian mythology, famous for her versatility and kindness. She is associated with a wide range of domains, including love, motherhood, music, dance, beauty, fertility, and joy, embodying a multifaceted deity ready to offer her support and blessing in many aspects of human life.
Correspondence table
| Stones | Turquoise, Lapis lazuli, Emerald |
| Planets | Venus, Moon |
| Day | Friday (associated with Venus) |
| Deities | Isis (similarities as maternal and protective goddesses), Aphrodite/Venus (associations with love and beauty) |
| Creatures | Cow (Hathor is often depicted with cow horns), Serpent (symbol of rebirth and protection) |
| Plants | Myrrh, Rose, Lotus |
| Signs | Taurus (associated with Venus and abundance), Cancer (for its maternal qualities) |
| Direction | West (associated with sunset and beauty in Egyptian tradition) |
| Offerings | Cow amulets, cow figurines, offerings of milk and honey, gold and turquoise jewelry, and lotus flowers |
Symbols and appearances
Depicted as a woman with cow horns surrounded by solar disks, Hathor symbolizes abundance, fertility, and fruitfulness. These cow horns refer to her association with motherhood and fertility, while the solar disks evoke her connection to the sun and light. Sometimes, she is also shown holding a sistrum, a sacred musical instrument, highlighting her role as goddess of music and dance.
Genealogy
| Parent | Ra |
| Brothers and sisters | Sekhmet, Bastet, Maat, |
| Consort | Horus, Ra |
| Children | Ihy |
Myths
In Egyptian stories, Hathor holds a prominent place, especially in the legend of the "Drama of Destruction." In this myth, she first takes the form of Sekhmet, goddess of destruction and vengeance, called upon to punish humanity. However, her fury threatened to destroy the entire world, prompting the gods to intervene. Hathor was then appeased and transformed into a benevolent goddess, ending the calamity and restoring peace and prosperity.
Spiritual message
Hathor represents the quintessence of joy, beauty, and sacred femininity. Her worship emphasizes the importance of love, motherhood, and the celebration of life in all its dimensions. By honoring Hathor, the Egyptians acknowledged the constant presence of divine grace in their existence and found inspiration and comfort in her boundless kindness.
