The Feather of Maat
Maat is the Egyptian Goddess of truth, cosmic balance and justice. She holds an ostrich feather, symbol of that truth. The Egyptians believed there was inherent balance, harmony and goodness in the universe, and it was important that each person act with honor, truth and justice to align with this universal order. Maat represents this ideal of cosmic (and individual) balance.
It was said that when one dies, their soul arrives in front of Maat, guarding the doors of heaven. Maat will then take the heart of the departed and put it on a scale on one side, with her olstrich feather on the other side. If the heart is as light as the feather, it is the proof that the person lived with honor, and the soul can pass on through the doors of heaven. To me, Maat is a reminder of the important living our lives without guilt or regrets, so that at the time of our death we can look back and feel confident that we would pass Maat's test. We’ll be light as a feather and at peace as we depart.
It was said that when one dies, their soul arrives in front of Maat, guarding the doors of heaven. Maat will then take the heart of the departed and put it on a scale on one side, with her olstrich feather on the other side. If the heart is as light as the feather, it is the proof that the person lived with honor, and the soul can pass on through the doors of heaven. To me, Maat is a reminder of the important living our lives without guilt or regrets, so that at the time of our death we can look back and feel confident that we would pass Maat's test. We’ll be light as a feather and at peace as we depart.
