5) Tarot Symbolism: “ANKH”

Origins of the symbol “Ankh”:

 The Ankh symbol is the most commonly found Egyptian iconography from ancient times, but its origins have still not being conclusively determined. 

Meanings attributed to the Ankh symbol:

i)              The symbol only represents a major role played by the Nile in sustaining life and bringing about prosperity in the land along its Banks with the oval head representing the Nile Delta and the vertical mark representing the path of the River or the two sides of the Land through which the Nile flows. As such the Ankh is also called the “Key of the Nile” or the ‘Key of Life”. As such, the Ankh may have also symbolized the purifying power of water or its life sustaining qualities. As a corollary to the above interpretation, the Ankh may represent the life-giving elements of air and water. It was often shown as being offered to the King’s lips as a symbol of the “breath of Life” or even “eternal life”. Depictions of the Ankh sometimes show it holding an ostrich – like feather fan behind the pharaoh.

ii)           The first pharaoh that we know of who has an “ankh” in his name was “Tut –ankh – amun”, the boy king. A gilded mirror case in the shape of the Ankh was found in his tomb. It is said that his father “Amun” was a God symbolized by the rising sun (the loop representing the Sun rising above the horizon represented by the cross-bar and the vertical rod representing the Sun’s transit path during the day). Why the Sun: The sun is vital to sustenance of life on Earth – the abundant crops on the banks of the Nile which was vital to the Egyptians existence.

 The sun disc, the “Aten” was often depicted with small ankhs at the end of its rays which extended down to the royal family.

iii)          Another interpretation is that the symbol is a kind of totem pole representing the male and female reproductive parts, in a manifestation of sexual symbolism. The loop of the Ankh is held by the Gods. It is associated with Isis and Osiris in the Early Dynastic Period. The loop of the Ankh represents the female principle or the Womb, while, the elongated section represents the masculine principle which together create life. It was also believed that it symbolized the mystical union of Osiris and Isis which is said to have caused the flooding of the Nile, which has provided the people of Egypt with all their basic needs ever since. The union of Osiris and Isis is said to be the start of the creation of life which is symbolized by the Ankh.

iv)         Another interpretation is that the “ankh”, “djed” and “was” symbols are derived from ancient cattle culture with “ankh” being the “symbol of Life” (thoracic vertebra of a bull), the “djed” being a symbol of stability (base on sacrum of a bull’s spine) and the “was” (symbol of power and dominion or Strength).

v)           Some Egyptologists call the symbol a “belt – buckle” of the mother Goddess Isis, a sandal strap with a loop going around the ankle (as the word for sandal strap is also spelt almost similarly although with a different pronunciation).

vi)         Since the origin of the symbol Ankh has not been conclusively determined, let me also add to the confusion with my own “profound” theory on the subject (J).  In Sanskrit, an Indian language, the word “Ankh” simply means an “Eye”.  Therefore, the “Ankh” symbol looks very much like a “monocle”, i.e. if you treat the circle portion of the Ankh symbol as a lens or a “seeing eye”. The monocle, put into use by the Europeans and Westerners many centuries later, enhances the vision of a person suffering from poor eyesight, therefore as it supplements the vision and helps gain a clear focus on the object being seen or read, it is given the name of “Ankh” or “seeing eye” or “clear or focused” vision or a “fresh lease of vision” (life?) to the person with poor eyesight. I wonder if my theory has enough backers to start a serious enquiry on the subject (:-).

Depictons/Uses of the Ankh over the centuries:

i)                    The Ankh is one of the symbols that represent the immortality and the equilibrium of life, thus, it is also associated with life after death. The dead are referred to as “ankhu” and the sarcophagi were called the “neb-ankh” (possessor of life).

ii)           It is a symbol for the power to give and sustain physical life as well as eternal life; the Ankh is associated with material things such as water, air, and sun as well as with the Gods. The Ankh appears in Egyptian tomb paintings and other art, often at the fingertips of a God or Goddess in images that represent these deities conferring the gift of life on a dead person’s mummy and symbolizing the act of conception or “initiating life”. The Ankh symbolizes eternal life and bestows immortality on anyone who possessed it. It is believed that life energy emitted from the Ankh can be absorbed by anyone within certain proximity. An Ankh serves as an antenna or conduit for the divine power of life that permeates the universe. The amulet is a powerful talisman that provides the wearer with protection from the evil forces of decay and degeneration.

iii)          Several Gods/Goddesses – Anqet, Anubis, Hathor, Isis, Osiris, Ra, Sekmet, Sobek, Thoth etc. are often depicted as holding the Ankh symbol along with a scepter and in various tomb and temple reliefs, placing it in front of the King’s face symbolizing the breath of eternal life. The Ankh of the God Anubis is related to the protection of the dead, that of Sekmet related to war and that of Hapi related to the living waters of the Nile and that of Amun – the breath of life.

iv)         The Egyptian King is often depicted with the Ankh, either in possession of an Ankh (providing life to his people) or being given an Ankh (or stream of Ankhs) by the Gods. It is usually worn as an amulet to extend the life of the living and placed on the mummy to energize the resurrected spirit. The Gods and Kings are often shown carrying the Ankh to distinguish them from mere mortals. In the movie “Kull the Conqueror”, Kull upon his coronation is shown as holding an Ankh symbol in his right hand and a staff or “Lath” (The symbol of power in his left hand).

v)           Since the Ankh also represents water, in several frescos/wall depictions in Egyptian temples, the Pharaoh/King is depicted as being flanked by two Gods – one of whom is often Thoth who showers a stream of libations (regenerating power of water) in the form of Ankhs over the Pharaoh’s head. Further, in some tombs in the Valley of the Kings, there are life-size frescoes of the goddesses Isis and Nepthys bending gently with water flowing from their hands symbolizing the Kings eternal life in the World beyond.

vi)         The symbol as an extension of the above concept is also found on two figurines of the snake goddess found in the palace of Knossos. Both figurines have a knot with a projecting loop cord between their breasts.

vii)        In astrology the Ankh is the symbol o the planet Venus or the goddess Aphrodite both of whom are associated with generous, unbounded physical love. The Ankh is therefore also called the mirror of Venus”.

viii)       In alchemy, this symbol is associated with copper (the heavy mining of which gave Cyprus its name).

ix)         The Ankh symbol is said to have been found in Minoan and Mycenaean sites. In Mycenaean Greek script, the Ankh is also a phonetic sign “za” or “sa” (the hieroglyphic symbol representing magical protection.

x)             The Ankh has also appeared in coins from ancient Cyprus and Asia Minor.

xi)         The symbol has also been associated with the Tjet emblem (knot of Isis) described as a ceremonial girdle. Another theory connects the Ankh with the royal cartouche in which the King’s name was written.

xii)        Another representation of the symbol shows it in the form of chains wherein several Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to each other. Such patterns are depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured, thus symbolizing the power of water.

xiii)       In some places, the word “nkh” (ankh) means a mirror and many mirrors were shaped like the Ankh.

xiv)      It is interesting to note that the Copts in Egypt have adopted the ancient Egyptian “Ankh” in their representation of the Cross (familiarly known as the Coptic Cross or “Crux Ansata” – Cross with a handle).

xv)       Numerous examples of the Ankh are found in metal, clay and wood. This symbol pervaded usage in many ways, from Royal and religious and cultural ceremonies (Libation vessels which held the water in religious ceremonies were themselves sometimes produced in the shape of the Ankh hieroglyph). Also, the symbol is represented in several household items and pictures including in mirrors, sistrums, spoons, crockery items etc as a talisman.

 Ankh Symbolism in Tarot:

-      The appearance of an Ankh in a Tarot card/reading urges the querent to focus his/her thought processes to accept the magical power of living in the Now and his connection to the Universe. The Ankh is a constant reminder to him/her that he/she should constantly adopt a holistic approach to  life and live life to the full, because the querent is protected by energies of the Universal natural forces, much like the Ancient Egyptian Kings, whose connection with the Gods and afterlife was symbolized by the Ankh.

-      As a corollary, the Ankh finds a place in Tarot card images where it represents Isis’ knot, Seth’s ladder, etc. indicating the querent’s eternal connection with the Gods and the Universal Forces, as well as his special qualities both manifest as well as inherent in him which place him much above others in tackling the issues at hand and is a symbol of positive energies that bring life and beneficial outcomes with them for the querent.

-      The Ankh symbol is looked upon as a portal to other dimensions. The Ankh is therefore said to be a key/keyhole that “unlocks the realms of the dead”. The Egyptians used this symbol to represent a portal to the dead. This viewpoint led to an abundance of Ankh related paintings/symbols/sculptures in Egyptian tomb Art. Thus, the presence of the symbol in a Reading indicates that the querent should look at life through a key hole to find new “dimensions” or perspectives to the issues confronting him/her.

-      The Ankh symbol in the Rider Waite Deck is found in the Emperor Card and can also appear in other cards to portray other meanings of the Ankh.

-      The Ankh symbol in the Emperor card may symbolize the desire to rule over one’s surroundings and its appearance in a reading often suggests that the subject needs to accept some things may not be controllable, and that those with whom he interacts may not like being controlled.

-      The Ankh in the Emperor Card also indicates that the querent has to overcome rigidity in his character. Some rigidity of thinking, some inflexibility of approach, some external forces are keeping him from achieving his goals/objectives.  If at all the querent’s “Royal” (overbearing) traits should manifest themselves, these should be more in the nature of a “benevolent” Royal who is aware of the feelings and interpretations of his “subjects” and always works to the mutual benefit of all, rather than being of a “dictatorial disposition”. The querent needs to be in a position of benevolent authority in his area of interaction. He should allow more freedom to his subordinates and members of his family and persons he interacts with, yet protect them from outside harmful influences.-       

-      Sometimes, the Emperor may represent similar exterior forces or pressures which the querent must stand up to and either accommodate or confront.

-      Again, in the Rider-Waite Tarot (Arthur Edward Waite), the Empress, representing the Earth Mother, shows a heart shaped cushion on which is emblazoned a prominent Ankh.

-      In the Elemental Tarot, the following cards show depictions of the Ankh:

          

i)      Death: This card is called “Transformation” in this deck. A black shrouded figure holds an ankh, a symbol of life and the key to the wisdom of the portal of the afterlife, also indicating the universal process of renewal, death and rebirth.

            

ii)           Sun: This card is called “Awareness” in this deck and shows a glowing orange sun with an Ankh contained in the middle of the Sun’s orb. This is a depiction of the life sustaining effects of the Sun’s energies without which our planet could have been reduced to a lifeless cold “Rock” in the Universe. Also, this Card indicates, that through wisdom and knowledge, and proper utilization of one’s resources, the querent can achieve perpetual/eternal happiness and contentment not only for himself, but also, for those he seeks to protect and nurture. It is also a symbol of divine protection and freedom to the querent.

iii)          Judgement:  This card is called “Forgiveness” in this deck. In the necklace on the male figure depicted on this card, is shown a circle and a cross, both separated. This symbolism has been described as the glyph of Pluto, the planet of transformation. The imagery also, seems to represent an “Ankh”, with the circle separated from the cross (Remember that in early depictions of the Ankh, the Circle was shown as a separate unit from the cross section.) Thus, in my interpretation, the adornment around the man’s neck is also a representation of the Ankh.

In the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot, the Ankh symbol is seen in the Tarot Trumps Moon and the Hanged Man.

The Moon (Tarot Trump XVIII), shows an Anubis figure on each side holding an Ankh. Anubis is the God of death and his Ankh is related to the protection of the Dead. The message of this Card is that although back-stabbing and deception may surround the Querent, there is no need to despair, as he is connected with the Protective forces of the Universe, and though all may seem lost, his connection with the Universal Life forces and the immense strength within him will help him to overcome the odds.

The Hanged Man (Tarot Trump XII) shows the figure of Osiris and indicates that although the querent may have been rendered immobile/ stagnant temporarily, his foot is bound to the Ankh of Immortality (indicating his connection with Universal Life Forces), as such this is a time to meditate on his predicament and his life's goals, meanings and spirituality. This time shall pass and he will emerge a stronger person from this experience.

In the Haindl Tarot, created by Hermann Haindl, the Ankh symbol is seen in the Tarot Trump the Emperor as seen in the image below:

The Emperor holds a stylised cross symbol in his right hand and an orb in his left hand, symbolising an Ankh where the circle and the cross portions are separated as in the earliest depictions of the Ankh, showing his Royal status and connection with the Gods.

In this Haindl portrayal of the King of Swords (Father of the Swords in the North), Ra the sun God (symbolic Father of Tut - Ankh - Amun and the force that makes the Nile give prosperity to the lands that it passes through among other interpretations) uses his power and Energy to play its role in maintaining  the Universal Laws of Nature in the World as well as bring life and prosperity. Ra holds an Ankh in his right hand (connection with the Gods and other worlds) and a staff in his left hand symbolising benevolent power. 

Here in this Card symbolising the Wheel of Fortune in the Haindl Tarot, we see the figure of Anubis holding an Ankh in his right hand. Anubis appears on the lower half of the turning Wheel of Fortune, symbolising that in the turning wheel of fortune and with the passage of time, nothing is permanent and whatever is born must be destroyed, only to be born anew. Thus, the querent should not view his achievements as permanent, but should constantly draw upon his inner resources to handle any eventuality.