The Hemsut (Hemuset) were the goddesses of fate, destiny, and protection in Ancient Egypt. They were closely associated with the concept of the ka (life force or spirit) and could be seen as the female personification of the masculine ka. They could also be seen as the personification of the creative potential in the primeval water from which everything was created.
The Hemsut were generally depicted as women bearing a shield with two crossed arrows above it (the symbol of Neith). Occasionally, they were also depicted as kneeling women holding a child in their arms. According to the Memphite theology they were created by Ptah but in Sais they were closely connected with Neith who was said to have drawn them from the waters of Nun.
Copyright J Hill 2010