What does the Circle of Necessity refer to in Ancient Egyptian beliefs?

The Circle of Necessity in Ancient Egyptian beliefs refers specifically to the journey of the deceased's soul. In this context, it describes the voyage that the soul undertakes after death, symbolizing the transition and experiences that the soul encounters in the afterlife. This journey is significant as it reflects the Egyptians' understanding of death and the afterlife, emphasizing the importance of the soul's fate.

This belief system was integral to their funerary practices and the elaborate rituals surrounding death, aimed at ensuring that the soul successfully navigates this journey towards eternal life. The Circle of Necessity illustrates their views on mortality, guiding the living on how to support the deceased in their afterlife endeavors.

While the cycle of rebirth is a concept related to the beliefs surrounding life and death in Ancient Egyptian mythology, it is not synonymous with the Circle of Necessity, which focuses on the soul's journey rather than the broader cycle of existence. The embalming process is a specific practice designed to preserve the body for the afterlife but does not directly relate to the concept of the Circle of Necessity. Similarly, burial rituals, while essential in ensuring proper respect and honor for the deceased, do not encapsulate the idea of the journey of the soul.