The ancient Egyptian ankh, often referred to as the “key of life” or the “Egyptian cross,” is an iconic symbol that held various meanings and had different uses in ancient Egyptian culture. Here are some of its primary uses and meanings:

1. Symbol of Life and Immortality:
   • The most common and fundamental meaning of the ankh was as a symbol of life and immortality. It represented the concept of eternal life and the continuation of existence after death. This belief was central to Egyptian religion and the afterlife. In some cases where multiple ankhs and shown it could represent multiple lives or incarnations.
2. Symbol of Fertility:
   • The loop at the top of the ankh is often interpreted as a symbol of the womb and fertility. As a result, the ankh was associated with the goddess Isis, who was considered the mother goddess and protector of the dead.
3. Amulet and Protective Symbol:
   • The ankh was frequently used as an amulet or talisman, worn by both the living and the deceased. It was believed to offer protection and ward off negative forces. Many ancient Egyptians would carry an ankh as a symbol of protection and good fortune.
4. Key to the Underworld:
   • In some contexts, the ankh was seen as a key that could unlock the doors to the afterlife. It was often depicted in the hands of deities, who were responsible for guiding the souls of the deceased through the underworld.
5. Symbol of Regeneration:
   • The ankh was also associated with the idea of regeneration and renewal. It was used in rituals and religious ceremonies that aimed to ensure the cyclical rebirth of life, such as the flooding of the Nile, which was crucial for agriculture.
6. Connection to Deities:
   • The ankh was sometimes held by gods and goddesses in depictions and was associated with specific deities. For example, Osiris, the god of the afterlife, is often shown carrying an ankh. The ankh could symbolize the power and authority of these deities.
7. Hieroglyphic Sign:
   • In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, the ankh was used as a symbol that represented the word for “life” or “living.” It was incorporated into inscriptions and texts as a visual representation of these concepts.
8. Tuning Fork:
   • The ankh could have been a vibrational device that overtime and as we devolved in consciousness became symbolic, but was originally a technology

In summary, the ancient Egyptian ankh was a multifaceted symbol with a range of meanings and uses, primarily associated with life, death, fertility, and protection. Its enduring significance continues to be recognized in various ways in the modern world.