Djehuty is a very ancient Name of Netjer with origins that go back more than 5000 years. Some myths even say He is older than Ra.  He is Lord of Knowledge, Master of Time, and the father of writing and mathematics.  He is the patron of teachers, scientists, accountants, and anyone associated with learning.

Both the ibis and the baboon are associated with Djehuty.  He can take either of their forms and also appears as a man with an ibis-head.  The ibis bird looks especially serious and wise, which is appropriate for the Lord of Knowledge. No matter which form He takes, Djehuty usually wears a crown with a crescent moon holding the disk of the full-moon. A picture of the ibis appears in the hieroglyphs of His Name.

Hieroglyphs of Djehuty's Name

In the Underworld, Djehuty records the names of all the souls who enter. He also appears at the Judgment of the dead.  He stands near the scales where the heart is weighed against the feather of Ma'at, ready to write down the result. Sometimes He is shown in the form of a baboon sitting on top of the balance.  

[image of Djehuty]

Seshat and Ma'at are sometimes called the consorts of Djehuty. Seshat is a Name associated with record-keeping and libraries, and Ma'at represents truth, balance, and order.  Djehuty is the scribe and advisor to Ra.  He writes letters about important matters and acts as a fair judge in disputes. In their tomb inscriptions, officials liked to say that they had been "straight and true like Djehuty."

Djehuty teaches us about Ma'at, and He protects those who live by it. He is the Divine Judge, whose wisdom is endless.  He will help you if you call on Him, and He can answer any question.  But be prepared for the answer!   He might not tell you what you expect to hear!

Here is a prayer for Djehuty written by His son, Abekhdjehuty:

Djehuty Says

Let your Ba soar!
Let your Ka shine!
Ba can soar as high as you dare fly.
And Ka can shine for all eternity.

How have you accounted for your days?
Did you use them to the full or waste them doing nothing?
Bless the morning sun that gives you energy?
Or curse a life of boredom, waste and regret?

Write yourself a life today!
Expand your wings to fill the sky above!
As big as the world, as light as a feather,
Leave me such a heart to weigh.

 

Test your knowledge!

[click on question to see answer]

1. Name three titles of Djehuty.
2. What is Djehuty's role in the Underworld?
3. What would you like to ask Djehuty?

 

Read more about Djehuty here: Tehuti, Lord of Wisdom

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