Who Was Seshat, the Goddess of Writing?

Unraveling the mysteries of an ancient deity and its connections to cannabis

Published on 01/17/2024

The earliest records of Seshat date back to around 2500 B.C., a time when Ancient Egypt flourished with its rich traditions and cultural practices. Seshat, whose name means "She Who Writes", was revered as the goddess of libraries and writings. Often depicted with a scroll of papyrus and, curiously, a cannabis leaf on her head, Seshat became an icon of wisdom and the preservation of knowledge.

The goddess Seshat had a special connection with the House of Life, a place dedicated to the preservation of manuscripts and knowledge. In this context, her presence stood out as the protector of books and guardian of sacred writings. Her influence transcended the religious sphere, embracing education and wisdom as well.

The Symbolism of Cannabis

The depiction of Seshat with a cannabis leaf above her head is an intriguing enigma. The plant, which would later become controversial in different periods of Egyptian history, seems to have had a significant relationship with the goddess of writing. Could cannabis be a spiritual or medicinal element associated with Egyptian rituals?

Seshat and Egyptian Medicine

Diving into ancient Egyptian papyri, we discover that cannabis played a vital role in Ancient Egyptian medicine. Used in treatments for glaucoma, inflammation, childhood diseases, wound healing, and even during childbirth, the plant was seen as an ally in the pursuit of health and well-being. The goddess Seshat, guardian of knowledge, also seemed to be connected with the medicinal secrets of cannabis.

The Decline and Prohibition

The story of Seshat and cannabis in Egypt faced a setback in 1764 when Napoleon's troops invaded the region. Driven by economic interests and social pressures, the cultivation and consumption of cannabis were prohibited, marking the beginning of an era of repression that persists to this day, with strict laws and severe penalties for those trafficking the plant.

Seshat in the 21st Century

Despite the prohibitions, the legacy of Seshat and the connection to cannabis still resonate in the 21st century. The Sechat portal (www.sechat.com.br), inspired by the goddess, seeks to explore the historical and spiritual links between cannabis and Egyptian culture.