Het-Hert is a very ancient Name of Netjer who has been worshipped since before the time of the pyramids. Archaeologists have found prehistoric figurines of Het-Hert dancers with arms raised above their heads. Her Name means "House of Heru," and She represents the sky in which Heru, the hawk, takes wing. Het-Hert is associated with the living Queen, while Heru is associated with the King. The hieroglyphs spelling Her Name show a house with the hawk of Heru standing inside.
Hieroglyphs of Het-Hert's Name
Het-Hert can be depicted as a full cow with a sundisk between Her horns, as a woman with the horns-and-disk headdress, or in later periods, as a woman with a cow's head. The tops of temple columns are decorated with Her image of a woman's face with cow ears.
[picture of Het-Hert]
Het-Hert's main symbols are the sistrum, menat, and mirrors. All three were used in temple ritual, carried by Her priestesses and used in the performances of sacred music and dance. Her main areas of interest are motherhood, children, and family. These are very important because the idea of family is so central to Kemetic society.
[picture of sistrum, menat, and ritual mirror]
Het-Hert was worshipped throughout Kemet in ancient times, but Her main temple was at Dendera. Her consort is Heru of Edfu and Her son is Ihy, usually shown shaking a sistrum. Many joyous festivals were celebrated at the temples of both Edfu and Dendera.
Het-Hert is very closely associated with Sekhmet, like two sides of the same coin. In one myth, Het-Hert actually turns into Sekhmet in order to do Ra's command. You can read more about this myth here. Both Het-Hert and Sekhmet are also connected with healing. Het-Hert's beautiful temple at Dendera has a sanatorium that was used for healing rituals in ancient times.
Here is a prayer for Het-Hert, written by Her daughter, Imakhu NeferuHethert:
Het-Hert, Beautiful Mother,
Lady of Love,
Be with me, protect me,
Hold me in Your arms.
Let me feel Your love
As a blessing in my life,
And help me bring it
Into the world
And give it to others.As mistress of women, children, music, dance, and the liberal arts, Het-Hert is concerned with all that is good and beautiful. She is full of joy and love. She is the gentle mother, wanting Her children to care for others, create beauty and goodness, and spread love and Ma'at throughout the world.
Test your knowledge!
[click on question to see answer]
1. What does Het-Hert's Name mean?
2. Name at least two ways that Het-Hert is shown.
3. Name as many areas of Het-Hert's interests as you can.
More information on Het-Hert: The Domain of Het-Hert
