Alison Roberts Reviews

Added February 5, 2005

Hathor Rising

The Power of the Goddess in Ancient Egypt

Author: Alison Roberts
Publisher: Inner Traditions
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: June 1997
Genre: Nonfiction: History/Reference/Ancient Egypt/Goddess Studies
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $19.95
ISBN: 0-89281-621-X
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus

Hathor Rising is an interesting book that deals with the divine feminine in Ancient Egypt, specifically in the New Kingdom dynasties. Mentioning Hatesheput, Nefetari and many other important females during the New Kingdom, Alison Roberts speaks about their greatness and what they've done as well as what it meant to Egypt. Going into the religion of ancient Egypt, she begins speaking about Hathor-Sekhmet and what she represents. A solar deity, Hathor is the coloured one of bright heat that resides as the snake upon the head of Re. Yet she also is Sekhmet, the lioness capable of killing due to her ferocity, which must be harnessed.

This book goes into great detail about the heritage of Hathor-Sekhmet within the ancient texts of ancient Egypt. From dealing with the king's rebirth to coronation goddesses, this book takes on various aspects of the goddesses and their roles within the context of Egypt as a whole. The book goes through the transformation of Hathor through the New Kingdom dynasties to see how she's adapted and how she brings in features of other goddesses into herself. The emphasis is the role of the feminine divine in conjunction with rulership and the balance of Egypt, especially after the time of Akhenaten, commonly referred to as the heretic pharaoh who encouraged the worship of Aten only.

I had worried that I'd be dealing with a book that wasn't researched fully and relied on self-knowledge. I was completely and utterly wrong. The book is listed as Ancient Egypt/Goddess Studies, but this is a misnomer to me. This belongs in the history section. The references are simply amazing and complete. I'm an amateur Egyptologist and I was concerned that some of the texts would be taken out of context in regards to Hathor and Sekhmet. Alison Roberts has done a terrific job putting together not only various passages to ancient texts, but pictures as well that guide you through Hathor's transition throughout the New Kingdom. Though as she said there are alternative theories out there, including hers, it's taking it in context with other texts and not going beyond what's known that makes a difference. This book is not for beginners, but for those who want to really study in depth about Hathor-Sekhmet and the role of the goddesses in Ancient Egypt. I hope Alison Roberts considers taking on the other goddesses of Egypt and giving them equal time and research as she has shown skill both as a writer and as a researcher. This is the kind of book I'd refer to often while studying various rituals and other scenes in regards ancient Egyptian beliefs. Truly a great book.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.