08/01/2025
Today’s Deity of the Day is Heru-Wer or Horus the Elder. His birthday marks the second day of the Epagomenal or Intercalary Days for the Ancient Egyptian New Year or Wep Ronpet.
Horus the Elder was depicted as a man with a falcon head, most often with the double crown or a solar disk on his head, carrying the was sceptre of power. He can sometimes appear with a leonine head or as a falcon-headed sphinx.
Heru Wer is not to be confused with Heru Sa Aset (Horus, son of Isis) or Horus the Younger. There are lots of Falconidae deities in the Egyptian pantheon, and it’s easy to become confused. Horus the Elder is the consort of Hathor. He was revered for his prowess in battle, protective nature of his followers and is primordial in nature.
Adapted from Pyramid and Coffin Texts, ca. 2400–2000 BCE Artwork by Jeff Dahl through Wikimedia Creative Commons
“Hail to you, Horus the Elder,
Falcon of the Heights,
Guardian of your Father Osiris,
Son of Truth, Born of the Great Cow!
You who rise on the horizon with the shining sun-disk,
Your eyes pierce the shadows,
Your wings shelter the just.
You are the avenger of your father,
The protector of Ma’at,
The smiter of chaos.
Let your strong arm defend me,
Let your bright eye see me,
Let your voice speak my name before the gods.
I come to you in reverence, O Great Falcon,
Lord of the sky,
Heir of eternity.
Make my path firm beneath me,
My words sharp like your talon,
My heart pure as the lotus.
Guide me in truth,
And lift me upon your wing
That I may dwell in peace,
In the light of Ra,
Forever and ever.”
Today would be an excellent day to do ritual work for clarity, strength and justice by honoring Horus the Elder.
Facing east, light a white, gold, or sky blue candle. You may offer incense such as frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood or any other scent you may have on hand when offering the below prayer:
“Hail to you, Horus the Elder,
Falcon who flies beyond the sun,
Son of divine justice,
Avenger of wrongs, Upholder of truth.
May your eye shine within me,
Piercing the fog of doubt and fear.
May your wings shield me from harm,
And your talons drive away deceit.
Teach me to see as you see—
Far, wide, and clear.
Teach me to act with courage,
Swift and precise as your flight.
I ask your strength to protect me,
Your wisdom to guide me,
Your fire to awaken me.
Horus the Elder,
Let your light dwell in my heart,
And let my path be strong beneath your gaze.
I walk in Ma’at.
I walk in truth.
I walk with you.
Eye of Horus, open and clear, guide me now, drive out fear.
Horus the Elder, great of strength and keen of sight,
I thank you for your presence and protection.
May your eye watch over me,
May your wings carry me forward.
Go in peace and power,
And remain ever in my heart.”