WADJET

Wadjet (also Uadjet or Wedjet) is the ancient cobra goddess who served as the patron deity of Lower Egypt. Her name is derived from the color of the papyrus plant, symbolizing the fertility of the Nile Delta.

Ancient Egyptian Name	𓎼𓏏𓆗 (WꜢḏyt)
Phonetic Pronunciation	Wad-jet
Literal Meaning	“The Green One” or “She of the Papyrus”
Cosmic Role	Royal Protection, Heat of the Sun, Fertility

Wadjet originated in the Predynastic Period in the Nile Delta (Lower Egypt). Her primary cult center was the city of Buto (known as Per-Wadjet, or "House of Wadjet"). As the goddess of the papyrus marshes, she represented the lush, life-giving north.

Wadjet is most famous as the Uraeus—the rearing cobra found on the forehead of the Pharaoh's crown. In this form, she was the ultimate bodyguard:

• Spitting Fire: She was believed to spit fire and venom at the king's enemies.
• Eye of Ra: As a solar goddess, she acted as the "Eye," manifesting the burning power of the sun to destroy chaos.
• Symbol of Sovereignty: No pharaoh could rule without the Uraeus, as it signified divine legitimacy.

Egyptian kingship relied on the duality of the "Two Lands." Wadjet formed a divine pair with Nekhbet, the vulture goddess of Upper Egypt.

Goddess	Form	Region	Crown
Wadjet	Cobra	Lower Egypt (North)	Red Crown (Deshret)
Nekhbet	Vulture	Upper Egypt (South)	White Crown (Hedjet)

Together, they were known as the Nebty ("The Two Ladies"), appearing side-by-side on royal jewelry to symbolize a unified Egypt.

In the myth of Osiris, when Isis gave birth to Horus, she hid him in the papyrus swamps of Chemmis in the Delta to protect him from Seth. It was Wadjet who acted as the divine nurse and protector of the young god, shielding him with her coils until he was old enough to claim the throne.

Wadjet is depicted in several powerful forms:

• Rearing Cobra: Her most common form, often winged or crowned with the Red Crown.
• Lioness: Like Sekhmet, she can appear as a lioness representing her aggressive solar aspect.
• Woman with Cobra Head: A hybrid form emphasizing her maternal yet dangerous nature.

Wadjet represents the concept that Authority requires Defense. She teaches that the "green" fertility of life must be guarded by the "red" fire of protection. She embodies maternal vigilance—gentle to her charges (like Horus) but deadly to any threat.

Primary Role	Goddess of Lower Egypt & Protection
Sacred Animal	Cobra (Uraeus)
Cult Center	Buto (Per-Wadjet)
Divine Partner	Nekhbet (The Two Ladies)
Symbol	Papyrus, Red Crown