the five gifts of daily gratitude

The 5 gifts of the ancient Egyptian Goddess Hathor can be translated into a meaningful contemporary practice of gratitude and humility. 

This image illustrates the timeless quality of Hathor, the primeval Egyptian Mother Goddess from whom all others were derived. Relating to her 5 gifts, are the five faces of “goddess” in this scene at Nectanebo’s Kiosk at Philae Temple – 4 of the Goddess Hathor on the columns and 1 modern-day goddess. 

Those who followed Hathor were to look at the fingers of the left hand and name 5 things they were grateful for.  For the poorer farmers of Egypt, it was a constant reminder to have gratitude. The left hand was used to grab the grain, therefore always visible, before cutting the grain with the right hand. 

Ingratitude was considered the beginning of all other bad traits and faults. 

For the wealthy, to name the five things they were grateful for, was always a reminder to be humble before the gods through service and charity to others.  

Wishing you the five gifts of daily gratitude.