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'''[[Thoth]]''', pronounced "tote", is the Greek name given to the Egyptian god of the [[Moon|moon]] (lunar deity), wisdom, writing, magic, and measurement of time, among other things.  As the cycles of the moon organized much of Egyptian society's civil and religious [[Rituals|rituals]] and events, so Thoth was also seen as the primary regulator of such things. He was a son of either [[Ra]] or [[Set]], but is also said to be the secretary and counsellor of Ra.  Thoth was a close companion of [[Astennu]], a name which was occasionally used to refer to Thoth himself.  He had a daughter named [[Sesh
at]].

Thoth was known as a reasonable mediator. He supported [[Horus]] vs. [[Seth]] and mediated between [[Tefnut]] and [[Ra]]. In [[Duat]], the [[underworld]], he helped [[Osiris]] judge the souls of the dead.  He also convinced [[Hathor]] (alternatively: [[Tefnut]]) to return to Egypt after she fled, pursuant to an argument with [[Ra]] (alternatively: [[Shu]]).

He is sometimes identified with the Greek god [[Hermes]] or [[Hermes Trismegistus]].

Thoth was credited by the ancient Egyptians as the inventor of writing and the 365-day calendar. He was usually depicted with the head of an [[Ibis|ibis]] whose beak looks like a [[Crescent moon|crescent moon]] or of a [[Baboon|baboon]] (a nocturnal animal that has many similarities to humanity). 

During the late period of Egyptian history a cult of Thoth gained prominence, and millions of ibises were mummified and buried in his honour.

August 6 is a date traditionally sacred to Thoth.
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