The History of the Ankh

Exactly how did the Ankh come to be such a potent symbol of the power of the Egyptian Dynasties?

In this series of articles we take a look at the Ankh and how it developed to become such a powerful sacred and ceremonial tool.

• The Sacred Cross of Egypt
  
  The Ankh was the most sacred glyph in Ancient Egypt. In this first article we trace its early use as glyph, talisman and instrument of healing.
• The Goddess and the Ankh
  
  The Ankh was one of the few cultural icons to survive the collpase of the Egyptian Dynasties. Following this period in history the glyph was gradually absorbed into the early Christian Church and formed an essential point of focus in Goddess worship.
• The Ankh and the Sacred Metal
  
  The form and structure of the Ankh was always an important consideration in its usage. However equally important was the material from which it was made. In Ancient Egypt only one material was considered sacred enough.
• The Universal Flux and the Ankh
  
  The pantheon of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses were closely associated to the emblem of the Ankh. In some cases they are decpicted using the glyph to channel healing energy or light. What exactly was the source of this benevolent power?