TYPE: Minor goddess of cosmic order
ORIGIN: Egyptian (Upper)
INFORMATION: Epitomizing the harmonious laws of the cosmic order. She is recognized from the middle of the third millenium, and probably earlier, closely associated with the creator deities and particularly the sun god. In later times she was described as the "daughter of Re". Her only known sanctuary is in the complex of Karnak at Thebes. Maat is depicted either in human form wearing an ostrich plume on her head or by an ostrich feather alone. The rulers of Egypt believed that they governed under her aegis and frequently had themselves described as "beloved of Maat". Maat was also integral to the success of the soul passing through the Hall of the Two Truths, where the heart was weighed, to reach paradise.