Thoth, The Ancient Egyptian God of Wisdom
- C. L. Nichols
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
An influential force in the world of mythology, religion, and esotericism.
In Egyptian mythology, few figures stand out like Thoth. Known as the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, Thoth holds a unique place in the hearts of historians.
With its rich pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own spheres of influence, ancient Egyptian religion was a complex system of beliefs. Thoth was a revered deity, likened to the Greek god Hermes and the Roman god Mercury.
The origins of Thoth can be traced back to the early days of Egyptian civilization. He was worshiped as a moon god and associated with the cycles of the moon and the passage of time. As the civilization evolved, so did Thoth’s role. He came to be regarded as the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, and was often depicted in the form of an ibis or a baboon.
A fascinating part of Thoth’s mythology is his association with writing and the invention of the written word. According to ancient Egyptian tradition, Thoth gifted humanity with the hieroglyphic script, the system of writing that would form the foundation of Egyptian culture and society. As the patron god of scribes and scholars, Thoth was revered for his ability to bridge the gap between the mortal and divine worlds.
Thoth was regarded as an influential figure in the afterlife. In ancient Egyptian belief, the path to the afterlife was a perilous one, fraught with danger. Thoth served as protector for the souls of the deceased, helping them over the treacherous waters of the underworld to achieve eternal life.
In a famous myth of Thoth and the moon, he plays a pivotal role in the creation of the lunar calendar. According to the story, Thoth challenged the moon god, Khonsu, to a game of dice, with the winner receiving a portion of the moon’s light. Thoth emerged victorious. As a result, the lunar calendar was born, consisting of 12 months of 30 days each.
Another famous myth involving Thoth is the story of Ra and the serpent Apep. In this tale, Thoth serves as the loyal advisor to the sun god, Ra, as he battles the monstrous serpent Apep. Through his wisdom, Thoth helps Ra overcome Apep, ensuring the continued cycle of day and night and the survival of the world.
Thoth is associated with wisdom, magic, and the pursuit of hidden knowledge. A famous example is found in the works of occultist Aleister Crowley, who regarded Thoth as a key figure in his magical system and even claimed that he was the earthly incarnation of the god.
Thoth’s mythology is associated with the Tarot, the popular system of divination that originated in the late medieval period. In many Tarot decks, Thoth is represented by the Magician card, a symbol of wisdom, creativity, and the ability to manifest one’s desires.
Whether we view him as a moon god, a patron of scribes, or a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, Thoth’s story helps us gain an appreciation for human history.
