Domains & Iconography
Domains: scorpions, healing, funerary protection
Iconography: scorpion on the head, woman holding a scorpion
Role
The British Museum schools overview describes Serqet as goddess of scorpions, venom, and healing. She is frequently a woman with a scorpion on her head, or a woman holding a scorpion. The same overview associates her with protection against scorpion stings and other poisonous bites, and with rebirth.
It says priests of Serqet were considered great magicians and doctors because of that healing role, and that people offered food, drink, and scorpion amulets. Her image was used on coffins, canopic jars, and other funeral objects.
Objects and a paired god
A black steatite cippus in the British Museum, EA36250, names Serqet among the figures around Horus the Child, with Bes, Taweret, Neith, Sokar, and Sobek. On this site, Qebehsenuef, the falcon-headed son of Horus who guards the intestines, is the canopic partner already paired with her in that entry.
In practice
Reflect on how Serqet's domains (scorpions, healing) show up in your own life. What would it mean to honor this deity's pattern through a single honest action today?
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Serqet in Egyptian mythology?
- Goddess of scorpions, venom, and healing. The British Museum overview also ties her image to coffins and canopic equipment. Also called Selket.
- What domains is Serqet associated with?
- Serqet is associated with scorpions, healing, funerary protection.
- What symbols represent Serqet?
- Common iconography for Serqet includes scorpion on the head, woman holding a scorpion.
- What role does Serqet play in Egyptian religion?
- The British Museum schools overview describes Serqet as goddess of scorpions, venom, and healing. She is frequently a woman with a scorpion on her head, or a woman holding a scorpion. The same overview associates her with protection against scorpion stings and other poisonous bites, and with rebirth.