In ancient Egyptian beliefs, Ma'at represents truth, balance, and order. She is often depicted as a woman with an ostrich feather, which symbolizes her essence. Ma'at’s principles were foundational to Egyptian society, dictating morality and justice. The concept of Ma'at was crucial in the judgment of souls after death, where the heart of the deceased was weighed against her feather. A heart lighter than the feather indicated a righteous life, granting the soul passage to the afterlife.