TAWERET

TAWERET: Goddess of Maternity and Childbirth.

Very popular with those expecting a blessed event, she comes in the form of a pregnant hippopotamus. If you can believe this, just add breasts and a crocodile tail. (Make that several breasts — she was very well-endowed in that department.)

Possibly the wife of SEBEK, she protects women and children. Her alternative name Thoeris appears to mean 'Mistress of Talismans'. For added protection during maternity, put a picture of her on your pillow to keep the demons away.

According to the BOOK-OF-THE-DEAD, she nourishes the deceased and devours the wicked who are on the way to Hell. This must be for a taste of things to come.

It would also seem the constellation of Ursa Major may be under her control. But there are rather a lot of Hippo Goddessess and much confusion of names. When crocodiles come into the equation as with TAWERET and RERET and you get Crocopotamuses and Hippodiles, we tend to take the rest of the day off.