Also called Taurt, Ipet, Reret, the Great One.
Their story
Taweret was a household goddess, shown with the body of a hippopotamus, the paws of a lion and the tail of a crocodile. Families kept amulets and images of her, often together with Bes, to protect mothers and babies. In tomb ceilings she appears as a northern constellation, holding back the stars of Set.
Their day
Monday. In modern practice, Monday is often chosen for her through the moon, linked with mothers and the body.
Best times to give to them
- during pregnancy
- the new moon
- at night
What they like being given
- milk
- fresh water
- bread
- flowers
- a sa amulet placed on the altar
How to honour them
- Ask her to protect a pregnant person or a newborn.
- Keep a small figure or image of her in the bedroom.
- Say a short prayer at bedtime for her to watch over the house.
- Support mothers and families in your community.
How they can help you
- pregnancy and childbirth
- protection of children
- safety at night
- home and family
Symbols
- the hippopotamus
- the sa amulet
- the knife
- the lion paws
She has few surviving myths, and was mostly honoured in the home rather than in great temples.
More Egyptian goddesses
- Isis Great of Magic, mother of Horus
- Bastet Protector of the home, lady of joy
- Hathor The Golden One, lady of love and music
- Sekhmet The Powerful One, healer and protector
- Maat Truth, balance and right order
- Nephthys Lady of the House, comforter of the grieving
- Amunet The hidden goddess of the primordial eight
- Mut The great mother and queen of Thebes