Deep within Egyptian mythology, in the darkness of the Duat—the underworld where Ra travels every night on his solar barque (Mesektet)—the great serpent Mehen (from mḥn, meaning “the coiled one”) wraps his body around the sun god, creating a living shield against chaos.
Mehen is not an enemy like Apep (Apophis), the giant serpent of chaos who tries to swallow the sun every night. On the contrary, Mehen is the Protector. His coils form an impenetrable barrier, a canopy over Ra’s shrine where the god appears in the form of a ram (Afu-Ra). This imagery recurs in the “Books of the Underworld”—the Amduat, the Book of Gates, and the Book of Caverns: Mehen envelops the barque, shielding it from Apep and other demons of the dark.
His role is the embodiment of cyclicity, rebirth, and absolute protection. The serpent biting its own tail (similar to the Ouroboros) symbolizes eternity: Ra dies in the evening, journeys through death, and is reborn at dawn. Mehen ensures this transition, guaranteeing the victory of order (Maat) over chaos (Isfet).
The Sacred Game
Interestingly, Mehen’s name is linked to an ancient board game—Mehen, one of the oldest in the world (dating back to the Predynastic period, ~3000 BCE). The game board was shaped like a coiled serpent divided into segments. Pieces (often lions, lionesses, and marbles) moved from the tail toward the head. The game symbolized the journey of the deceased’s soul through Mehen’s body toward rebirth—just as Ra emerges from the serpent’s mouth at dawn to shine once more.
Mehen also guarded the mummy of Osiris, wrapping around the body of the god of death and rebirth to ensure his eternal existence.
Initiation and Meditation with Mehen’s Energy:
Imagine yourself on Ra’s solar barque. Around you is the darkness of the Duat, the whispers of demons, the threat of Apep. But then Mehen appears: his scales shimmer, and his body slowly coils around you, creating a warm, impenetrable cocoon. You feel your fear recede. Each coil is a layer of protection: from external threats, from internal chaos, and from everything trying to extinguish your inner sun.
Breathe deeply. With every inhale, Mehen tightens his coil—you are safe. With every exhale, release old fears, toxic connections, and accumulated darkness.
The Invocation:
”Mehen, Coiled Protector, Enveloper of Ra,
Wrap me in your coils of eternity.
Protect my light from the chaos of night,
Grant me passage through the darkness
To be reborn at dawn—stronger, purer, radiant.
Let your power flow within me, like the solar barque upon the Nile of eternity.”
Repeat this invocation whenever you feel threatened—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Mehen is always near: in the cycles of life, in the spiral of DNA, and in the circle of friends who protect.
Card 35: MEHEN • PROTECTION
Your soul is the solar barque. Your strength is the Mehen within you.
With love, @Areal’Naya ❤️🌀👽