Ancient Egyptian lotus amulet - carnelian, single piece

• Culture: ancient Egypt, 1570 - 1070 BC, New Kingdom period
• Material: carnelian
• Size: 1.7×1.1×0.4cm
  
• Condition: very good

Provenience / Known history:
Ex. Private UK collection. Collected before 1970. After that A&O Gallery, UK.

Egyptian white lotus ( The water lily (Nymphaea lotus) is believed to be the original sacred lotus of ancient Egypt. It, and the Egyptian blue lotus ( Nymphaea caerulea), were often depicted in ancient Egyptian art. The blue lotus was found spread over the body of Tutankhamun when the pharaoh's tomb was opened in 1922.

Lotus amulets were made from various materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and various types of stone. They could be necklaces, bracelets, or other jewelry, and were worn for protection and good luck.

Symbol meaning

Ancient Egypt is known for its symbolic and ritualistic culture, where various amulets and symbols were a significant part of people's lives. The lotus was one of the important symbols associated with the concepts of life, death and rebirth. The lotus was also a symbol of Upper Egypt. This flower, along with the papyrus flower, was depicted throughout Egypt in tombs and temples to symbolize the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

The lotus is a plant that grows out of mud and blooms beautifully on the surface of the water. This symbolizes rebirth and spiritual growth in Egyptian culture. The lotus flower opens in the daylight and closes at night, which was associated with the movement and continuity of the sun. This made the lotus a powerful symbol for understanding the cycle of life and death.

Amulets were an important part of the Egyptian belief system, and had many different meanings and uses. The lotus as a symbol reflected the Egyptian culture's deep understanding of the mystery of life and death, and the belief in continuity and rebirth. Lotuses were also associated with funerals, symbolizing the transition to another life.

Carnelian is also considered the stone of Cancer.

Ritual use

The lotus amulet can be a powerful symbol when used in rituals or spiritual practices. Here are a few ways in which the lotus amulet can be utilized in rituals:

• Focusing your awareness: You can use the lotus amulet in meditation or at the beginning of a ritual as an aid to focus. Hold the amulet in your hands or place it in front of you, and focus on its symbolism and meaning. This will help calm your mind and deepen your meditative state.
• Setting an intention: Before beginning the ritual, you can hold the lotus amulet in your hands and place a specific intention or wish on it. Visualize how the power of the lotus and the symbolism of growth strengthen your goal.
• Channeling Power: The Lotus Amulet can serve as a symbol of power. Use it in rituals where you want to channel the qualities of the lotus, such as rebirth, growth, and transformation. You can hold the amulet in your hands or place it on your altar while performing the ritual.
• As a ritual item: A lotus amulet can be a ritual item that you use as part of certain ceremonies or celebrations. You can carry it with you, make it into an amulet to wear around your neck, or place it on an altar to emphasize the theme of the ritual.
• Spiritual Journey Reminder: The lotus amulet can also serve as a reminder of your spiritual journey and growth. You can wear it daily or as needed to remind yourself that you are in a constant process of evolution and transformation.

When using the power of the lotus amulet in rituals, remember to create a ritual that feels natural and meaningful to you. This will help you connect the amulet's power to your own purposes and needs.