Everything You Need To Know About The Ankh – The Key Of Life

The Ankh is said to represent life, the breath of life, and the life force that gives power to all living beings. It is sometimes shown emerging from the sun disk and is regularly used in relation to both the hieroglyphs for air and water – highlighting this deep connection to life, light, nourishment, and generation. The Ankh is known as the key of life and is often depicted in the hands of Egyptian gods. The Pharaohs of Egypt are frequently depicted in receipt of the Ankh, representing both personal and cultural bestowment of continued life and protection – the Ankh also symbolises the immortality of the soul. (reincarnation and afterlife). This beautiful emblem of life is thought to signify protection through its likeness to the Tyet symbol – or the Isis knot. (Womb of Isis). 

In their famous portrait, Akhenaten and Nefertiti are portrayed with the Ankh entering at the nostrils; the symbol itself is shown emanating from the Sun, again signifying the connection to light, air, and breath. This intriguing emblem of the gods was deeply connected to the solar orb and represented the life giving power of its golden rays – the oldest amulets of the Ankh were made primarily of Gold (the metal of the sun) and Electrum. (A naturally occurring alloy of Silver and Gold). In its other astronomical interpretations, the very shape of the symbol is thought to provide an analogy to the journey of the sun and its crossing of the horizon each day. The Ankh is also deeply connected to the planet Venus (Isis), with the astrological symbol for Venus being very similar to the design of the Ankh. (Along with the Female symbol). 

In its anatomical interpretation, this mysterious sign is said to relate to the union of opposites, the coming together of male and female, and the balancing of negative and positive polarities. The teardrop shape is thought to symbolise the female womb, the womb of Isis, the great matrix, where all life is nurtured. The straight lines are said to represent the active masculine principle and the male creative parts. The Ankh is also likened to the human spinal column with the skull at its pinnacle; the crossing of the sacred creative energies into the head is represented by the crossbar. In its anthropomorphic form, this mysterious motif is often depicted with the outstretched arms of a human. With regards to its possible practical utilization the Ankh lends itself perfectly to the opening of the door of life. In Eastern tradition, the door of life, or the Ming men, is located in the lumbar spine – opposite the navel. (between the 2nd and 3rd lumbar vertebrae).

There are numerous ways of accessing and exercising the door of life, one of which involves applying pressure to the navel area. This applied pressure is used to push on the door of life – located within the spine. The hands may be utilized in this practice, but certain tools can also be applied. This application of pressure, along with correct use of the breath, is used to stimulate the horse’s tail nerve bundle (Cauda equina) housed in the lumbar vertebrae. (In the East this is related to the dragon’s tail).The very design of the Ankh makes it ideal for this task. The crossbar and teardrop shape could be held securely whilst the opposite end is placed just below the navel and used to apply the required pressure, whilst leaning forward and gently exhaling. This practice is well known in the East. If trying this for the first time please go slowly, some clicking may be heard and some lightheadedness felt, this is normal.

Please do not push too hard, and use your breath and lungs to help adjust the pressure. The Ankh is the symbol of life, it is held and bestowed by the gods. It represents the life force and the sacred subtle energies of the natural world. In its anatomical interpretation, the Ankh may be seen as a tool, a utensil, to aid in the unlocking of the life force – a metaphorical key to help us access our own door of life.

Images source: 2plustv.com

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