文档介绍：Hathor, Lady of Beauty
by Judith Illes
In Egyptian mythology, the various deities not only ruled specific departments of life but actually embodied these concepts as well. What does this mean? Well, in other words, Nefertum, Lord of Perfume, not only ruled and sponsored the fragrant arts but also actually embodied their product. He not only ruled the process, at its finest expression, he could be the result. Heka was not only god of magic but also the embodiment of magic as well. Similarly, Hathor was the goddess of beauty and sacred sponsor of the cosmetic arts but simultaneously their living embodiment too. It is difficult to consider the Egyptian vision and concept of beauty without also considering the roles played by this prominent goddess.
Hathor is among the most ancient of the Egyptian deities. She figures prominently in the creation saga featuring Ra. Although Isis, who shared or adopted many of her attributes, would eventually eclipse her in popularity, Hathor would remain an important deity for as long as worship of the traditional Egyptian gods was legal and permitted. Even today, she continues to be spiritually significant both for those Westerners who find spiritual inspiration in ancient Egyptian religion and also for local Egyptian women who still seek cures, fertility and protection at the remains of her shrines. Hathor is a constant presence in the history