In an accessory, in some movie about ancient Egypt or even in a store of esoteric articles, you have probably seen a cross a little different. Probably, the name of this object was "ankh" or "cross ansata" And you wondered what this symbol meant, and what the drawings all along it meant.

Before you make any mistake by trying to interpret without any help what this distinctive cross symbolizes, read each of the topics of the content we have prepared. From them, you will delve into this mysterious and powerful universe.

What is ankh?

Ankh, also called ansata cross, is a cross that was elaborated by the Egyptians. Very similar to a cross, the upper shaft has an oval shape, as if it were a handle for the rest of the object.

It is also common to find some symbols inscribed on the ankh, like hieroglyphs, which have different meanings according to the context. Usually, the cross ansata is represented in shades of bronze or copper, as if it were made of metal, or in black.

Origin of the ankh

After understanding what the shape of the Ansata cross is, it is understandable that you would want to know the origin of the Ankh. After all, does it have any relation to the Christian cross that we see so often?

The answer is no. It is believed that the ankh originated in the Fifth Dynasty of the pharaohs of Egypt. It began to be written as a hieroglyph to represent eternal life. Even as it relates to the culture of these people, it is possible that the ankh was a symbol of life after death.

But other cultures also adopted the cross ansata in some representations. From the 3rd century on, when the Egyptian people were Christianized, people continued to use this cross with a religious meaning.

Then, starting in the 19th century, occult movements began to use the ankh. Witches, hippies, and people linked to esotericism appropriated the symbol in countless ways. Nowadays, the cross is even seen in tattoos.

What does "ankh" mean?

The meaning of ankh is not so explicit from the origin of the symbol. That is why it is important to look at the etymological origin of this term, which explains every part of the word. Thus, "ankh" means "life", essentially. Any meaning other than this is already part of the symbolism of the Ansata cross.

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Symbolism of the ankh

So let's understand what else ankh can represent, besides "life". The main symbolism of ankh is immortality. In this concept, the oldest cross in history can also be seen as a symbol for life, for death and for resurrection.

In Egypt, it was also associated with the deities Atum and Ra, which are directly related to the Sun. In this culture, the star is interpreted as the creator of life. Today, this symbolism has been transformed and many people use the ankh as a representation for the rising sun.

Other gods associated with the symbol were Osiris and Ma'at, who were part of the myth of the Last Judgment, which would lead a person to the afterlife. In other words, the deities that are related to the ansata cross are linked to life, death, and resurrection, reinforcing the symbolism of the object.

One last interpretation of the ankh claims that it represents the duality between man and woman, represented by the loop at the top of the cross. In this case, it is believed that this sort of loop is what unites two opposite sides, such as man and woman, through fertility.

However the symbolism of the ankh has another aspect, which is what makes it so popular today. It is believed that when this symbol is worn in an environment or on a person's skin, it confers the protection of the Egyptian gods.

How to wear the ankh?

Based on the interpretations that the Ansata cross has already received, you may be imagining that you can use it to have eternal life or to protect yourself from any evil.

If you want protection in the afterlife, or if you want to ensure that you will have a peaceful life even after you pass away, on another plane of existence, the ansata cross can be worn as an amulet. That is, you can add it to a necklace, a bracelet, or a pair of earrings.

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This same use is also ideal for those who want to ward off negative vibrations. However, if you want an even more effective protection that is always with you, a tattoo with this symbol is the most indicated option, besides lasting forever.

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Another important use of the ankh is to gain the intimacy of another person not only on a physical level, but also on an emotional level. This is why you can have this symbol in your bedroom or wear it inside your purse on a date.

Now that you know all about the ankh, you know how to use Egyptian culture to your advantage. Regardless of your beliefs, this symbol can bring you more energy, more willpower, and more protection in any situation in life. Enjoy!