The meaning of the Ankh

The Ankh (aka the AITS node, or 'Ansata' or 'handled cross') was sacred to the ancient Egyptians (this is actually the land of ancient Kemet - "the land of the blacks" - which the Greeks later renamed Egypt ) and is known as the original cross. This symbol represents the life or lives, and part of the Egyptian words such as 'health' and 'happiness'. (This is because it is often referred to as the key to life that would unlock the gates of death, aka the cross of life.) Being connected with the Egyptian God Osiris and Isis, the goddess (the eternal mother and High Priestess who carries the Ankh in hand ). Kings and pharaohs are often marked with an Ankh to distinguish them from "ordinary mortals". The cycle of Ankh (which represents the womb, the female discipline) is considered the feminine form and "T is considered the masculine (the masculine discipline or punishment). Together, these symbols create life and reflect a continuing to exist. It is sometimes called the key of the Nile (the river that provided water for Egypt to survive - the Ankh is often associated with water, air and the sun rising above the horizon ), which further reinforces the image of fertility and reproduction. Of course, the Ankh can be further taken to symbolize the power to give and sustain life. With its deep roots in Egypt, it's no wonder that it is widely used in the Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt.

Today the Ankh is usually worn as an amulet (a protector, or something that is believed to bring good luck to the wearer - from the Latin 'Amuletum' which is defined as 'defenses') to extend the life here on Earth. It is believed that the Ankh will assign immortality to its owner. It is believed that life energy emanating from the Ankh can be absorbed by anyone within a certain proximity. An Ankh serves as an antenna or conduit for the divine power of life that permeates the universe. The amulet also provides the wearer with protection from evil forces of decay and degeneration. Many people are buried with the Ankh in order to ensure their 'life events' in the afterlife.