Kemetic spirituality is premised on the thought that the goddesses and deities of the ancient Egyptian civilization are still operative currently. The current article will elucidate all aspects of Kemetic spirituality practices.
What is Kemetic spirituality?
The term Kemetic spirituality refers to the ancient Egyptian religion/systems of worship. Kemetic spirituality is the view that the ancient Egyptian pantheon’s deities are still present and active in today’s world. For instance, Kemetic practitioners often believe in the existence of different deities who are interconnected and hence, individuals perform prayers and rituals to them.
Kemetic spirituality cannot be described in one term; that is it is not just a religion it is a set of beliefs and practices which differ among its adherents. Some practitioners remain orthodox about the ancient Egyptian religion whereas others deviate and apply those teachings in a way that guides their spiritual path.
There is no official organizational structure or arrangement of Kemetic traditions, and no recognized spokesperson is able to address all practitioners of necromancy. There are many challenges in understanding Kemetic spirituality, as this term may not mean the same thing to everyone.
Ancient Kemetic Spirituality: The history of Kemetic spirituality
The practice of Kemetic spirituality dates back to pre-dynastic Egypt, over 5,000 years ago. The universe appears to have been driven by a single divine force.
The word Kemetic originates from the ancient Egyptian term “Kemet,” meaning Kemete one who erases. Kemetics believes that the creator deity is Atum, who created the world of matter and time.
A religion that is over three thousand years old, Kemetic spirituality has had a long and eventful history. It began as a small religion in ancient Egypt but has now grown to become a widespread tradition around the world.
There have been several phases of growth and decline throughout its history, but Kemetic spirituality remains strong today. It is one of the most well-known and practiced world religions, but not many people know that it originated in ancient Egypt.
Kemetic spiritualism differs from mainstream faiths in that it emphasizes the “accessibility” of sacred knowledge to any individual through spiritual attainment. These principles include order, balance, and harmony. Kemetic spirituality has undergone many changes over the years. It has evolved and adapted to new cultures and beliefs. However, the core principles of Kemetic spirituality remain the same. Today, Kemetic spirituality is practised by people from all walks of life. It is a popular form of spirituality because it emphasizes personal growth and development.
The importance of community in Kemetic spirituality
The notion of community occupies one of the central roles in the tenets of Kemetic spirituality. The Kemetic community is not a new concept as it has quite ancient history. In the current day study, some advancements have been made in the growth of the Kemetic community.
Belonging to a community is perhaps one of the best assets one can boast of. It helps one meet other people of a similar religious orientation as well as engage in activities in the society.
It has to be emphasized that no aspect of the Kemetic spirituality practice occurs in isolation. Religion has been practiced for many years since the beginning of dynasties, and this has changed over the years. Dyzenhaus notes that since expert practitioners have populated the religion since salvaging it, today quite a number of groups both physical and virtual exists practicing Kemeticism.
7 Basic principles of Kemetic spirituality
Kemetic spirituality originates from the conviction that the universe is governed by an order. One is to comprehend this order and practice it in order to have a good and complete life. The core values of Kemetic spirituality comprises of seven basic values. These are order, balance, justice, truth, creation, destruction, amelioration.
Order
As an axiom of Kemet’s spirituality, the first one is order. There is order and a certain order in the whole universe. This principle exists in the natural setup, as there is order in everything and every-thing follows a particular order or cycle. Similarly, it can be in the spiritual set up, as there exists an order of hierarchy of gods and goddesses.
Order is critical in the formulation and existence of balance in the universe. Order virtue is also an agglomerated form of religion orthodoxy and development flexibility H12. It is the foundation of all life; actively preserving and restoring the cosmic order is one of its goals. The order bestows the essence and the form to life.
Balance
The second principle of Kemetic spirituality is balance. This principle concerns the idea of the management of one’s life. One has to maintain a balance of work and play, order and chaos, the spiritual and the physical. Disharmony is also created in this case due to the excess of any one thing that should have worked harmoniously.
Moreover, it is equally important to adopt the everyday rituals which ensure a harmonious living. For the Kemetics, the natural rhythms of the day, of the season and the natural years are significant since they are associated with their cosmology. As such, it offers essential guidance that we need to adhere to ourselves in order to achieve the intended purpose of being.
Justice
Justice is the third principle. It means living ethically and treating others fairly. It is one of the most basic principles in Kemetic spirituality. This represents the ideal of fairness and equality and holds that everyone should be treated equally before the gods. This principle often manifests in society, with laws designed to ensure justice for all.
Truth
The fourth axiom of Kemetic spiritual philosophy is the concept of truth. Truth, in a way, is the source of every other principle comprehended. It is the cornerstone upon which all understanding of the universe as we know it is based.
To uphold the tenet of truth, it would mean that one has to be truthful, both to themselves and to others. People must be willing to be honest – to look at things as they are, without distortion or denial. People need to be prepared to be true to themselves – to live according to their identity.
To uphold the tenet of truth is understandable as people tend to avoid conflict with those in power, but eventually, it is pleasurable. When the truth is the standard upon which what a person says, does and thinks is based and achieved, life becomes fulfilled and there are no contradictions existing within one’s life.
Creation
Creation is the fifth principle. This implies being inventive and making proper use of one’s assets. It is a principle that can be described as parasitic to how human beings regard and interact with the environment. We recon that everything that exists has been created by the gods and therefore there are things that ought to be taken care of.
This approach is fundamentally centered around the perspective that the gods have provided us with everything including the gift of ingenuity. We appreciate all that they have granted to us and therefore, make it a resource management routine honoring them.
Destruction
Destruction is the sixth principle. It rather means throwing away things which are either less useful or useless and reusing those resources to make something new. This principle may be misinterpreted because most people tend to see it as violence or negativity – which is not, at least not in this context.
Destruction, on the other hand, is an essential concern. It refers to violence; it is viewed as one of the forces that make change possible. It is understood that if destruction is not embraced, stagnation will occur and life will become boring. In acceptance of all these, destruction of any form is the most hated concept, but at the same time viciously necessary if people are to evolve.
Renewal
In Kemetic spirituality, renewal is the seventh principle. This means that we must all to all time be growing and developing. Every one of us two inclusive must put into action making ourselves better and the other person. And this can be achieved by learning, studying, and also broadening one’s intellect.
There is also the need to ameliorate our state of health as a more inclusive concept of well-being. To achieve this, we have to consume the right kinds of food, be physically active, and have enough sleep. It has also been rather beneficial to discover ways in which stress can be reduced from our lives.
Lastly, very importantly, we need to be physically in nature, meditative and engage in physical (breath and otherwise) exercise which includes or aims at communing with the divine.
The Practices of Kemetic Spirituality
Kemetics as a belief system advocates for a peaceful coexistence with nature and realization of the ma principle. Ma is a term that is defined in two principles “what ought to be” and the usual way of doing things. It equally projects the grandfather of linear sophistication which is that every thing has its place in the scheme of the universe.
In following these principles, Kemetics also includes principles of respect for all living things, restraint and responsibility in eating and drinking for ma. It is also a teaching of Kemetic spirituality that the universe is composed of intertwined souls. It is this connection that breeds compassion and care for every form of living material.
This is a relevant spiritual discipline which draws for ancient Mesopotamia religion. Except for those who are beginning on spiritualpath(establish them first), it is impossible to point out one single universally accepted method of practising Kemeticism. Typically made included god offerings, prayers and hymns, meditation, and observance of rituals.
A very deep practice that can be found in Kemetic practice is the nurturing of ma’at or cosmic balance. The nurturing of ma’at was instrumental to the practice of the Kemet. A synthesis of aspects of Kemetic religion and modern-day paganism is called Kemetism. Some Kemet practitioners focus on practices designed to promote this aspect of ma’at through rituals and meditation. One of the primary objectives of practicing Kemet is to establish peace and equilibrium within a person, as well as between the person and the world.
Kemetic meditation
Kemetic meditation falls under the category of mindfulness and is associated with the ancient civilizations of Egypt It is open to anyone. In this case, the purpose of Kemetic meditation is to experience God both within and outside yourself.
For this, take either, a sitting position or a reclining position against a wall. Close your eyes and eep relaxing focusing on your breathing. Picture a bright light coming from the sky and imaging that it is putting you at ease, and giving you tranquil sensations. So, simply let go of this restless state and turn your attention to your breath. In case your thoughts start straying, it is only natural, so patiently return them to the light.
After this, be sure to be grateful for the experience. You might also wish to reflect on how your session went in the form of writing; to note down any newfound understanding or ideas.
The Divine Pantheon: Gods and Worship in Kemetic Spirituality
The Pantheon
The gods and goddesses of Kemetic spirituality are quite extreme and complicated as it is. There are more than 200 of such figures, each bearing some responsibility or undertaking place. Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Hathor, Sekhmet, and Bastet are some of the most worshiped gods and goddesses in history. Each god or goddess has a vocation that is defined and explained in Kemetic literature.
There are also other identifiable characteristics of the Kemetic or Egyptian Pantheon which are equally appealing. There are deities dedicated to pretty much every single facet of life including love and marriage, fertility and agriculture, war, and even justice. Such a distribution means that each adherent has a deity that satisfies their yearning.
Unlike other mythologies, in the Kemetic Pantheon, the other gods and goddesses can constantly interact and relationships can develop, which in turn is a great source of opportunity for the worshippers to delve deeper into the mythology.
Deities
Kemetism is a spiritual tradition that practices the active devotion to many gods. These deities were often presented as components of a more comprehensive system, namely the god Ra or the goddesses Isis and Nephthys. A list of Kemetic deities is rather elusive, however, some such AGL members as Horus, Thoth and Sekhmet, surely need mentioning.
The Kemetics regard these deities as alive and able to be contacted, indeed, within the confines of such action appropriate aid, favors or guidance can be requested. All-powerful and wise, they are able to do so whenever the need arises. Also in colonial America the Kemetic deities possess practical usefulness in cultural restoration.
In Egyptian mythology, many animals were depicted in many forms with some later included into how Egypt is depicted. The hippo is another example of one of the animals attributed to the God keen on wisdom and writing; the God Thoth. Divine power and strength was also depicted by the cat. Animals heads were also used for Egyptian gods. The goddess Bast herself has frequently been portrayed with sister or femmes fatales head, those are either leopard or cat. The God Anubis was more often than not portrayed with Jackals head just like the priestess Seshat at other times had Lioness head.
Worship traditions
Kemetic spirituality is based on the worship of the gods and goddesses who inhabit the natural world. Unlike some other religions, there is no one right way to conduct worship in Kemetic spirituality. Each person may find a way to express their devotion to the gods. All forms of Kemetic religion share some common principles.
First, offering is a very important part of worshiping in Kemetic Spirituality. Typically, offerings are made in the form of flowers, food or drink. The purpose of the offering is twofold; firstly, it is a way of showing respect and reverence for the gods; secondly, it is a way of requesting their blessing and assistance.
Secondly, prayer is an extremely significant part of Kemetic worship. During worship, the prayers are called “The Litany of Re”, which means simply “Re’s words.”. “Litany” derives from the Greek word ‘litania,’ which means religious procession.
Sacred texts
Kemetic spirituality reveres several sacred texts. Book of Coming Forth by Day and Book of Going Forth by Night are two of the most well-known texts. The texts are sometimes referred to as “Pyramid Texts” because they were found engraved on ancient Egyptian pyramid walls.
There are prayers to the gods and hymns to the goddess as well as spells and instructions to guide the dead through the underworld in the Pyramid Texts. There is also a text called “The Ritual of The Opening of The Mouth”, a ceremonial ritual meant for empowering statues and images of the gods.
Festivals
Some of the most famous festivals are The Festival of Opet, The Festival of Lights, and The Festival of the Dead.
The Festival of Opet is a celebration of Amun-Re, one of the gods of Ancient Egypt. It takes place in September and lasts for nine days. During this festival, participants celebrate the union of Amun-Re and his consort Mut.
The Festival of Lights is a two-day feast honoring Bastet, the goddess of Egypt. It takes place in October and lasts for nine days. During this festival, participants celebrate Bastet’s victory over darkness.
The Festival of the Dead, is an annual festival held in remembrance of the god of the dead Osiris. It takes place from October 31st to November 7th and celebrates Osiris’ victory over death. Participants commemorate loved ones who have passed away during this festival.
Kemetic symbols
Ancient Egyptians used Kemetic symbols to represent the divine. Some Kemetic followers still use them today. Some of the most common symbols are the ankh, the Eye of Horus, the Djed pillar, and the Was scepter.
The Ankh
An ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that is still in use today. It is often worn as jewelry and has various meanings depending on who you ask. To some, it represents eternal life. To others, it is a symbol of protection or good luck. The ankh is one of the most popular symbols globally and is found in many different cultures.
The Eye of Horus
In ancient Egyptian mythology and art, the Eye of Horus is a symbol of great significance. Horus, the sky god, was represented by the eye. Eyes were symbols of protection, strength, and health. The eye was painted as an amulet to protect against evil and on walls.
The Djed Pillar
The Djed Pillar is an ancient Kemetic symbol that represents stability and strength. A vertical column with four horizontal bars crossing appears in the Djed Pillar. The God Ptah, the patron of craftsmen and architects, is associated with the Djed Pillar. He has often appeared holding or standing on a Djed Pillar. The symbol signifies the strength and stability of the Egyptian nation.
The Was Scepter
The scepter is a Kemetic symbol that represents the authority of the Pharaoh. Made of wood or metal and decorated with carvings or hieroglyphs. The Pharaoh carried the scepter during religious ceremonies and processions.
Modern Kemetic Spirituality or Contemporary Kemeticism
Kemetic spirituality has developed over time in response to new challenges and new opportunities. Firstly, there is a more extensive grasp of the philosophical and theological underpinnings of Kemeticism among its adherents. Secondly, there is a greater motivation for the adoption of the ancient Kemetic ways into contemporary life. Emphasis is also placed on the strengthening of relations between all Kemetics across the globe.
For instance, several practitioners have sought the assistance of online means to view and participate in the tradition. This has helped to broaden the borders of the Kemetic tradition to the people of different locations. On the other hand, some practitioners have gone further into the confines of ancient practices and developed their interpretations of the ancient teachings while some others have developed practices based on some of the traditional elements.
Religion practices of Kemetic spirituality
Kemeticism is one of the oldest religions which began in Africa. It involves beliefs, devotion and ceremonies. It revolves around the worship of Gods and Goddesses in Ancient Egypt. As such, the centripetal aspect of Kemetic spirituality is the oneness with the Gods and Goddesses as well as the universe.
One of the common aspects of Kemetic spirituality is the act of calling on God or Goddess in prayer. Such requests can be specific, intercessory or general. Most of these activities are done with the aim of invoking a deity from the practice of Kemetic spirituality. People respond to the deities and win their favors through rituals.
The practice of Kemetic spirituality aims at self improvement. This is also a path which leads people into themselves, to look for and cultivate the skills of appreciative recognition of their divinity.
Significance of Kemetic Spirituality
Nowadays, there are still people who practice the ancient religion of Kemetism that is also known as Egyptian religion. It simply has lessons which every person can make use of, hence it is ancient and universal. One of the most basic teachings is that we are all in one family. Even if we do not know someone, they are still a part of us and this is why we must be considerate and compassionate to them. Another teaching is about the inner world of the human .
There is a need for us to achieve a center as individuals and also in reference in as far as our relations are concerned. While they focus on spirituality, Kemetic believes in reincarnation. Also, the concepts require us and our souls to come into this world and keep coming back for many more times till we are ready. Also, it helps in enriching modalities of our current life and future order.
The teachings as well as the principles that the people have adapted concerning Kemetic civilization are amongst the core world spiritual teachings. Covenant development theory was developed in ancient Egypt and centers on spiritual issues, but nowadays it is applicable.
Here are some of the most famous quotes about Kemetic spirituality:
“All religions are true, but none are final.” – Swami Vivekananda
“Kemetic spirituality is about understanding the natural order of things and living in harmony with it.” – Dr. Madhu Kotiya
In conclusion, Kemetic spirituality is a complex and fascinating religious practice that can offer insights into ancient Egyptian culture and religion. While it is not possible to know everything about this ancient tradition, studying Kemetic spirituality can provide a deeper understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
