Sia “God of Thoughtfulness” was the deification of perception in the Heliopolitan Ennead cosmogony and is probably equivalent to the intellectual energies of the heart of Ptah in the Memphite cosmogeny. He also had a connection with writing and was often shown in anthropomorphic form holding a papyrus scroll. This papyrus was thought to embody intellectual achievements. It was said that Atum created the two gods Sia and Hu from his blood spilled while cutting his own penis, a possible reference to circumcision. Sia appeared standing on the solar barque during its journey through the night in New Kingdom underworld texts and tomb decorations, together with Hu, the “creative utterance,” and Heka, the god of magic. These gods were seen as special powers helping the creator, and although Heka had his own cult Sia did not.

Overview Sia was seen as the personification of thoughtfulness and perception which represented the heart that acted as the seat of thought, emotion, and character. Sia formed a triad with Hu and Heka plus she created a day with her tongue of Hu. It is one of the primordial forces of the cosmos which enforced life and sustained Maat. Sia is the spiritual embodiment of the intellect while Hu is a magical symbol of the word of Ptah and Atum that made thoughts into a reality. Sia is seen as a man who stands on the right side of Ptah and held his papyrus scroll. He is seen in the Valley of the Kings as a member of the ship Crew Abroad Ra’s sun barge.