Seshat

**Seshat**


 * Other Names:**[[image:seshat.jpg width="196" height="274" align="right"]]

Seshet, Sefkhet, Sesheta


 * Meaning of Name:**

“The Female Scribe,” //sesh// meaning “scribe.”


 * Hieroglyphics:**




 * Titles:**

“She Who is Foremost in the House of Books”

“Mistress of Time”

//Abwy// ("The Seven-pointed One")

“Lady of the Builder’s Measure”

//Aubi// (“She Who Wears the Two Horns”)

“Mistress of the House of Architects”


 * Family:**

Seshat was thought to be the sister-wife-daughter of Thoth.

A moon goddess of writing and measurement, Seshat was believed to keep a daily account of human lives, stars in the sky, grains of sand, and fishes in the sea. The patron goddess of writers and builders, Seshat was the recorder of the years, celebrations, and jubilees of the pharaoh. She kept track of each pharaoh and the period for which he ruled and the speeches made during the crowning rituals. Seshat was shown writing down the inventory of tribute and captured goods from campaigns. She was also thought to record the actions of all people on the leaves of the sacred persea tree. In Sehet Aaru Seshat provided a house for the spirits of the dead, and was credited with the design of the pyramid.

She was believed to be the inventor of astronomy and mathematics, and was also patron of all forms of writing, including accounting, auditing, and the taking of census. Seshat protected temple libraries and other collections of texts. Seshat played a prominent role in the //pedj shes// (“Stretching the Cord”) ceremony, an essential part of the founding or expansion of sacred structures. The priestess who officiated at these functions in her name also oversaw the staff of others who performed similar duties and were trained in mathematics. Much of this knowledge was considered sacred and not shared beyond the ranks of the highest professionals such as architects and certain scribes.

Seshat was pictured as a woman wearing on her head a seven-pointed star, the Headdress of Hathor, or a crescent moon crown topped with two falcon feathers. In her hands she holds a palm leaf, a pen, and a tally-stick. Seshat was frequently dressed in a leopard skin, the symbol of priests.


 * Egyptian Names Honoring This Deity:**

Seshseshat

Egyptian Deities - S