The Name of Nebt-Het means "Lady of the House." She is a very ancient Goddess who is called the "Friend of the Dead," because She leads the dead to the West and hands them over to Yinepu for the Judgment. She also comforts the living who are left behind.
Nebt-Het appears as a woman with the hieroglyphs of Her Name on Her head. These include a basket which means "lady" and the sign for a house. Her hair is made of mummy wrappings, and She can also appear as kite (a small hawk-like bird) or a woman with wings.
[image of Nebt-Het]
She is the youngest daughter of Ra and Nut, and the sister of Aset and Wesir. She is also the wife of Set and is called "True over the Red" because of this. She is the "Mourner," weeping with Her sister Aset over the death of Wesir. As "Mistress of the Night Bark," She guides the boat carrying the dead king into the West. She and Her sister are also present at the birth of every child. Aset sits at the feet of the mother, helping to deliver the baby. Nebt-Het stands behind the mother's head, ready if something goes wrong.
Nebt-Het is connected with death, crows, graveyards, and mirrors. She is associated with edges and "in-between" places. These are the places between the seen and unseen worlds. She is like the twilight, the time between light and darkness, day and night. She is like the silver part of a mirror, the edge that "holds" the images and then reflects them.
Nebt-Het is full of compassion, silence, and peace. She extends Her quiet wings in protection and comfort to those in need. She consoles all of us who call upon Her in times of trouble or grief.
[Prayer to Nebt-Het]
Test your knowledge!
[click on question to see answer]
1. What two forms can Nebt-Het take?
2. Why is Nebt-Het called the Friend of the Dead?
3. Give a comparison of how Nebt-Het is associated with the seen and the unseen worlds.
More information on Nebt-het:
