The Name of Amun means "the hidden one." He is the Lord of Ma'at, King of the Gods, and Creator of Eternity. He brought the universe into being by His thoughts, and He is as invisible as the wind.
Hieroglyphs of Amun's Name
Though His true form is hidden, Amun can appear as a man wearing a tall plumed crown and a red and white kilt. His skin is the color of the rare blue lapis-lazuli stone, and He is often shown seated on a throne. Amun can also appear as a ram-headed man. Both the ram with curved horns and the Nile goose are sacred to Him.
[image of Amun]
Amun's Name first appears more than 4300 years ago. A thousand years later, in the New Kingdom, Amun was combined with Ra to become Amen-Ra. Ra is like the visible sunlight, and Amun is like the heat that you can feel but not see. Together They are both the visible and the hidden at the same time.
Amen-Ra became the main Netjer of Waset (Thebes), and great temples were built there in His honor. The two largest ones are at Ipet-sut (Karnak) and Ipet-resyt (Luxor). Many kings had names with "Amun" in them: Amenemhat, whose name means "Amun is in front," and Amenhotep, which means "Amun is content."
Amun was protector of the common people. He was known as "the listening god" because He hears prayers. Many beautiful hymns have been written asking Him for help and blessings. Amun is mysterious and unknowable, but He is also compassionate and merciful. If we ask Him, He can help us find the hidden possibilities that we all hold within ourselves.
Here is a beautiful prayer for Amun, written by His daughter, Nubtshepsut:
"A" (deep breath in)
"mun" (breathe out)
Amun, I breathe you in,
Your breath surrounds me.
I am safe with you,
Your breath surrounds me.
None can harm me,
Your breath surrounds me.
I am never alone,
Your breath surrounds me.
You bring peace to me.
I am happy.
