The life of ancient Egyptians is filled with intriguing mysteries. Among these is their obsession with the number 13. They believed that the number 13 held significant magical meanings in spiritual life, making it an important figure in mathematics and theology. It was also thought to be related to peace and balance in the world, assisting in the quest for tranquility and happiness in life.
The mysteries surrounding ancient Egyptian civilization attract experts and scientists who strive to uncover their secrets. Among these, the spiritual life of the Egyptians captures the public’s curiosity.
According to research by specialists, ancient Egyptians were fanatical about the number 13. They believed that human life is a long spiritual journey with many phases.
The Egyptians envisioned the first 12 phases occurring during a person’s lifetime on earth. The final phase is the 13th phase, which represents the transition from the earthly world to the afterlife. In this realm, the souls of the deceased would experience eternal life.
Thus, the number 13 symbolizes death, but not in a negative sense. Instead, it represents the recognition of eternal life, full of glory, by the Egyptian civilization.
In Egyptian mythology, the soul of the deceased must pass through 12 gates in the afterlife before reaching the 13th gate. This is where Osiris, the god who rules the afterlife and is considered the first pharaoh of Egypt, resides. There, the soul will be judged by Osiris and 42 other gods through the ritual of the weighing of the heart. The gods will weigh the heart of the deceased against a feather of Ma’at.
Ritual of the Weighing of the Heart.
During the weighing process, if a soul’s heart is lighter than Ma’at, it signifies that they were kind and pure during their lifetime. In this case, that soul will be granted eternal life by the gods.
Conversely, if a soul’s heart is heavier than Ma’at, it indicates that they committed many wrongdoings and sins in life. Consequently, they will be punished by the gods through torment and suffering. Hence, the number 13 is closely associated with the god Osiris and the beginning of the soul’s new life in the afterlife.
