The Scorpion Goddess serqet

The Scorpion Goddess serqet

Serqet, the scorpion goddess, was one of four deities protecting Osiris and thus they were in charge of protecting the deceased person. These four goddesses are Serqet, Neith, Isis and Nephthys. They would ward off any bad spirit and protect the deceased by the power of magic being in them. They were represented with their attributes upon their heads, standing with their outstretched wings at the four corners of the Canopic shrine or sarcophagi. Their names would be mentioned also within the formula of protection of the intestines written on the four canopic jars.
Serqet was feared of by the people, especially those who live near the desert. They used to wear charms and amulets in form of scorpions, to get the protection of the goddess and help in curing those who would be stung with the scorpion. The goddess was depicted as a lady with her attribute as a scorpion upon her head, or could be represented as a scorpion only. She was also one of the protectors of Horus and the sun-god.
This plaque with the figure of the scorpion made in high relief might have belonged to a healer or a magician, who would let the stung person touch it, while he is reciting his charm to help healing him. Some people still believe, however, that wearing a ring with a gem of the scorpion’s bone could help in healing the stung person. The plaque is exhibited in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.