Jtm (Atum) - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
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Atum, a figure shrouded in the mists of time, is the ancient Egyptian god of creation, the self-originated being who emerged from the primordial waters of Nun. More than a mere deity, Atum embodies the totality of existence before existence itself, inviting us to reconsider the very nature of beginnings. Often conflated with Ra, the sun god, Atum invites a subtle questioning: is he merely a solar aspect, or a profound philosophical principle personified?
The earliest whispers of Atum echo from the Pyramid Texts, dating back to the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE), specifically within the pyramid of Unas. These inscriptions portray Atum as the complete one, the finisher of the world who will eventually reabsorb all creation back into himself. During this era, the pyramids themselves stood as colossal testaments to the pharaoh's divine connection and their hope for resurrection alongside the gods – a tumultuous time marked by both monumental achievement and the inherent instability of centralized power.
Over centuries, Atum’s image morphed. In later dynasties, he was sometimes depicted as a serpent, a lion, or even a mongoose representing his diverse and complex nature. The Heliopolitan creation myth tells how Atum, through a single act—either through sneezing or spitting—birthed Shu and Tefnut, the first divine pair and the foundation for the rest of the cosmos. He is thus both androgynous and complete, a testament to the self-sufficiency of the divine. Intriguingly, some believe Atum's creative act signifies not just a physical birth but a metaphor for conscious thought, raising the profound question: is creation merely an act of divine imagination?
The legacy of Atum persists, woven into the fabric of Egyptian religious thought and subsequently influencing Western philosophical and religious traditions. From Jungian archetypes to modern interpretations of cosmic origins, Atum's initial act of creation continues to resonate. His image lingers, posing a fundamental question: Is the universe a deliberate act, or simply a spontaneous occurrence from the depths of nothingness? Explore further, and perhaps the enigmatic eyes of Atum will reveal more.