#netjer

shiny

Bleached Eurocentric Theoi make me so sad.

Bleached Eurocentric netjer make me so sad.

Bleached Eurocentric Deva/Devi make me so sad.

Bleached Eurocentric kami make me so sad.

Bleached Eurocentric Teteo make me so sad.

Bleached Eurocentric Orisha make me so sad.

I am the storm in the desert, the wind that tears down walls.

I am the fire that burns away weakness, the force that cannot be tamed.

Do not seek comfort in me—seek truth.

You live. You endure. You rise again. That is your offering to me.

I do not ask you to bow. I ask you to stand.

To know your strength when the world tries to bury it.

Chaos is not your enemy—it is the field on which you sharpen your will.

When you call to me, do not whisper. Speak with your full voice.

Praise Horus, Son of Aset

Praise Horus in the Horizon

Praise the Divine Falcon

A acrylic and gouache paint piece. A visual interpretation of the 12th hour from “The Book of Gates” where Ra is lifted into Nut’s arms by Nun.

Kemetic Orthodoxy is a modern religious movement that revives the ancient Egyptian religious practices, also known as Kemetism. Rooted in the religious traditions of ancient Egypt, Kemetic Orthodoxy emphasizes the worship of the Egyptian gods, a deep connection with ancestors, and the pursuit of Ma’at, the concept of balance, truth, and cosmic order.

Key Principles of Kemetic Orthodoxy

Ma’at (Cosmic Order, Truth, and Balance):

The central philosophical concept in Kemetic Orthodoxy is Ma’at, which represents the natural order of the universe, encompassing justice, harmony, balance, truth, and morality.

Followers strive to live in accordance with Ma’at by fostering balance in their relationships, communities, and with nature. It also involves resisting Isfet, or chaos, which is the opposite of Ma’at.

Polytheism and the Egyptian Gods:

Kemetic Orthodoxy recognizes the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities, such as Ra, Isis, Osiris, Hathor, Anubis, and others. These gods represent various aspects of the cosmos and human life, and each deity has a specific role and domain.

Worship involves rituals, offerings, prayers, and meditation to honor the gods and cultivate a relationship with them. Temples and priests historically played a major role, but in modern practice, rituals may be conducted individually or in community.

Divine Kingship:

Ancient Egypt viewed the Pharaoh as both a political and spiritual leader, a living incarnation of the god Horus on Earth, and an intermediary between the gods and humanity. While there is no modern equivalent to the Pharaoh in Kemetic Orthodoxy, the idea of divine leadership and service to the community is still respected.

Modern adherents honor leaders who preserve the teachings of the gods and maintain the connection between the divine and earthly realms.

Ancestor Veneration:

A strong emphasis is placed on ancestor worship, where practitioners pay homage to deceased relatives and historical figures. Ancestors are believed to offer guidance, protection, and support in the spiritual journey.

Ancestor veneration ties into the broader concept of heka (magic), which involves the use of spiritual power and knowledge to invoke the presence of the gods or ancestors for assistance.

Heka (Magic or Divine Speech):

Heka is the ancient Egyptian concept of magic or divine speech, through which the spoken word is believed to have the power to influence the world and align the practitioner with Ma’at.

This practice includes the recitation of hymns, prayers, and sacred texts, which are considered powerful tools to maintain order and harmony in the world.

Netjer (Divine Force):

The word Netjer represents the concept of divinity in Kemetic Orthodoxy. It can refer to both the universal divine force and individual deities within the pantheon.

Netjer is seen as manifesting in various gods and goddesses, who represent different aspects of creation, life, and death, and are integral to maintaining the balance of Ma’at.

Personal Piety and Community Worship:

Kemetic Orthodoxy emphasizes personal piety as well as participation in communal religious activities. Personal piety includes maintaining shrines, offering daily prayers, and engaging in meditation to connect with the gods and ancestors.

The community aspect is reflected in festivals and rituals that celebrate significant dates in the Egyptian calendar, such as the Opet Festival, honoring deities like Amun, and the Wep Ronpet (Egyptian New Year), marking the rebirth of the world.

The Concept of the Ka and Ba (Soul Components):

The ancient Egyptians believed in a multi-faceted soul, including the Ka (spiritual essence or vital energy) and Ba (personality or spirit). The Ka represents a person's life force, while the Ba is the unique spiritual essence that survives after death.

Practitioners of Kemetic Orthodoxy work to maintain the health and balance of these aspects of the soul in life and the afterlife.

Ethical and Spiritual Development:

Living according to the values of Ma’at means cultivating virtues such as justice, truthfulness, respect, humility, and generosity. Spiritual development is seen as a journey toward greater harmony with the cosmic order and deeper connection with the gods and ancestors.

Daily life is imbued with spiritual meaning, and each action is a reflection of one's commitment to maintaining Ma’at in the world.