The 42 Laws of Ma’at (Egyptian Virtues)

(Image Taken From Maat Shrine)

Ma’at is the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of truth, balance and order. She is most often depicted as a woman with wings or a single white ostrich feather. When the deceased go to the afterlife, the Egyptians believed that their hearts would be weighed against this feather.

If the individual lived a good life, following the rules of ma’at, their heart would be lighter than a feather and they would get to go to the afterlife. However, if that individual did not follow the rules of ma’at, they would have a heavy heart – weighed down by the guilt of their transgressions. As a result, their heart would be devoured by Ammut and the soul would be destroyed.

The laws of Ma’at are called the 42 Negative confessions and they were revealed in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, or the Papyrus of Ani – a book that was written more than 3,000 years ago.

THE 42 NEGATIVE CONFESSIONS

I have not committed sin I have not committed robbery with violence I have not stolen I have not slain men and women I have not stolen food I have not swindled offerings I have not stolen from God I have not told lies I have not carried away food I have not cursed I have not closed my ears to truth I have not committed adultery I have not made anyone cry I have not felt sorrow without reason I have not assaulted anyone I am not deceitful I have not stolen anyone’s land I have not been an eavesdropper I have not falsely accused anyone I have not been angry without reason I have not seduced anyone’s wife I have not polluted myself I have not terrorized anyone I have not disobeyed the law I have not been excessively angry I have not cursed God I have not behaved with violence I have not caused disruption of peace I have not acted hastily or without thought I have not overstepped my boundaries of concern I have not exaggerated my words when speaking I have not worked evil I have not used evil thoughts, words or deeds I have not polluted the water I have not spoken angrily or arrogantly I have not cursed anyone in thought, word or deed I have not placed myself on a pedestal I have not stolen that which belongs to God I have not stolen from or disrespected the deceased I have not taken food from a child I have not acted with insolence I have not destroyed property belonging to God

In recent years, a list of 42 ideals was written as a parallel to the Negative Confessions. Some modern practitioners of the Ancient Egyptian Ways like to repeat these 42 ideals in the morning and evening, as way to encourage these ideals in themselves. Chanting was an important part of spirituality in ancient Egypt. It was believed that if you chanted something often enough, that the words would become a part of your being. I guess there really is something to encouraging positive thinking!

THE 42 IDEALS

1. I honor virtue

2. I benefit with gratitude

3. I am peaceful

4. I respect the property of others

5. I affirm that all life is sacred

6. I give offerings that are genuine

7. I live in truth

8. I regard all altars with respect

9. I speak with sincerity

10. I consume only my fair share

11. I offer words of good intent

12. I relate in peace

13. I honor animals with reverence

14. I can be trusted

15. I care for the earth

16. I keep my own council

17. I speak positively of others

18. I remain in balance with my emotions

19. I am trustful in my relationships

20. I hold purity in high esteem

21. I spread joy

22. I do the best I can

23. I communicate with compassion

24. I listen to opposing opinions

25. I create harmony

26. I invoke laughter

27. I am open to love in various forms

28. I am forgiving

29. I am kind

30. I act respectfully of others

31. I am accepting

32. I follow my inner guidance

33. I converse with awareness

34. I do good

35. I give blessings

36. I keep the waters pure

37. I speak with good intent

38. I praise the Goddess and the God

39. I am humble

40. I achieve with integrity

41. I advance through my own abilities

42. I embrace the All