Metaphysical Properties

Ra was the Egyptian god of the sun, life, and creation. He was also the father of pharaohs and was considered the king of the Egyptian gods. 

Meaning

• Sun god

  Ra was the sun itself, and was thought to ride across the sky in a barge during the day. 

• Creator

  Ra was believed to have created the universe and the moon. 

• Father of pharaohs

  Ra was seen as the father of pharaohs, and was responsible for choosing Egypt's rulers. 

• Life-giver

  Ra was associated with life, warmth, and growth because the sun controls the ripening of crops. 

Appearance 

• Ra was often depicted in human form with a hawk head, a golden disk with a serpent on his head, a scepter in his left hand, and an ankh in his right hand.

• Ra was also sometimes depicted in animal form, such as a hawk, beetle, lion, ram, or snake.

Other associations

• Ra was associated with the powers of other gods like Horus and Amun. 

• Ra was associated with the order of the world because he was the father of Maat. 

• Ra's eye was a symbol of protection and retribution