Kemetic spirituality is known as Kemeticism or Neterism and emerged in the 1970s. This neopagan belief revives ancient Egyptian religion and encompasses different spiritual groups with various approaches. In particular, three primary groups are reconstructed Kemetism, syncretic Kemeticism, and Kemetic Orthodoxy. Furthermore, individuals who practice Kemeticism call themselves Kemetic pagans or Kemetics.
Exploring Kemetic Spirituality
The endonym of Egypt, Kemet, originated Kemeticism. In English transition, Kemet means “black” or “black land,” deriving from the Nile’s dark color of its fertile mud, which occurs during yearly flooding. However, these annual floods no longer happen due to the development of the Aswan Dam. For Kemetics, the ancient Egyptian deities they honor go by numerous names including Netjeru, Netjer, and Neteru. They may also call Netjeru by their ancient Egyptian names such as Anubis as Anpu, Thoth as Djehuty, and Horus as Heru. these naming preferences reveal the deep connection between Kemetics and Egyptian heritage and show respect for these ancient traditions.
Kemetics Influence
Kemetics used their faith to recreate or restore, rather than directly continue, ancient Egyptian religion. Some individuals following this belief claim to have ties with secret societies that allegedly existed since the paganism ban in 392 CE by the Roman Emperor, Theodosius the First. Likewise, some secret societies may have arisen around 535 CE following the Isis temple being closed down by Emperor Justinian. However, both assertions of these secret societies’ origins lack historical evidence to be considered facts, yet, Kemetics continues to make connections to Egypt’s spiritual history.
Since the Hellenistic period, Ancient Egyptian religion has influenced numerous belief systems worldwide. Specifically, Hermetics combines Egyptian and Greek mythology, typically merging Thoth and Hermes. Comparatively, ancient Egyptian spirituality incorporated Jesus’ childhood in Egypt, adapted Isis myths, and recognized the authority of Hermes Trismegistus in early Christianity. While these interpretations symbolically combine Egyptian religions, gods, and cultures, Kemetics inspires to revive the religious practices of ancient Egypt.
Transformations and Debates
Kemetic spirituality underwent various complex transformations in different places and periods. Interestingly, these mythological associations and diverse worship practices arose across various temples and nomes, a territory in Ancient Egypt. Due to these transformations, determining the origins of Kemetism proves challenging, as later reinterpretations, including Christian and Hellenistic influences, significantly altered Kemetism and other Egyptian religious ideas.
In today’s debates, Kemetics makes arguments on using Egyptian or Greek names for their gods. These arguments among Kemetics derive from Egpyptian’s belief that names confirm one’s existence. Consequently, this naming dilemma has caused issues with Hellenics and Christians, who don’t like their inclusion or exclusion within Kemeticism. While some individuals embrace strict views of Egyptian traditions, others prefer syncretic approaches.
Kemetic Principles
Different interpretations of Kemeticism have various understandings of its monotheistic and polytheistic nature. Although Kemetics values its polytheistic foundation, diverse spiritual practices emerge as some individuals choose to elevate specific deities. So, while traditionalists follow individual deities of varying powers, henotheists, including Isis or Serapis cults, worship one main deity. Individuals who believe in monolatry believe in many gods but only worship one. At the center of these beliefs, the sun symbolizes the source of existence and divine power, with Amun-Ra or Ra considered its deity.
One foundational principle Kemetics follows is maat known as order, involving ancient Egyptian ideals of harmony and stability to improve the world. Even pharaohs across various periods contributed to and were responsible for maat despite their own divine essence. What’s more? The goddess, Maat, and her symbol, the ostrich feature, are considered the epitome of Kemeticism. Individuals pursuing maat value ethical ideas and good manners even though no binding texts exist codifying moral norms. Without maat, however, practitioners believe the world will end as chaos rises.
Final Thoughts
Excelling in Kemetic spirituality requires one to cultivate key practices. Generally, individuals meditate to observe their thoughts without resistance and strengthen their visualization using narrative storytelling and imagination. Breathwork or belly breathing allows one to replenish their vital life force and oxygen levels, providing an energy boost. Making offerings to gods or deities establishes connections and strengthens bonds. Acts of devotion, like knowing the 42 Positive Connections, facilitate healing, a connection to maat, and maintain purity. Lastly, attending Kemetic organizations or worship services can significantly enhance their spiritual growth.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
