Egyptian/ egyptian wicca

[liliana]

Hi everybody!
I am practising the egyptian path combined with some christian (and other) ides since many years. So I found out that almost everyone has his own way of doing/ living it. I would really love some exchange of ideas, if anybody out there loves the egyptian path(s) as much as I do. For any questions feel free to ask me, too! Please share!!!
Many greetings, Liliana

[Ahautenites]

To explain my take on Kemetic belief…

Kemetic Orthodox is as close to the original Egyptian beliefs as possible. Kemetic (without the Orthodox part) is pretty close, only oftentimes without following the guidance of a Nisut (aka modern-day Pharaoh). Tameran is what someone is who is People (usually of the Wiccan kind) who worships Egyptian deities, but who may or may not celebrate Egyptian holidays in addition to the generic Wheel of the Year.

I’m Kemetic and I consider myself my own spiritual leader. Being Kemetic also means that I’m devoted to just one specific Name of Netjer instead of working with the whole pantheon, or even several from the pantheon. I’m Setekh’s kid and that means when I’m talking to the Divine, I’m mostly talking to Him first and foremost. I also talk to Seshat, but She’s a close friend not a parent, so I don’t call on Her as often now that I have a Parent to serve.

Kemetics do have a code of conduct for their everyday lives as well as their spiritual and magical lives. It’s similar in intent to the Wiccan Rede, but it’s more flexible. The code of Ma’at is what it’s called. Kemetics and their deities are supposed to work to maintain worldly balance because, if ever all the balance is removed from the world and only isfet (chaos and destruction) remains, then the universe will virtually implode. So, we live our lives trying to help our deities keep ma’at in the world. Anything that goes against this is wrong and shouldn’t be done, but anything that promotes this is divinely sanctioned. Whereas Wiccans believe in harming none whenever possible (a basic turning of the other cheek), Kemetics are free to use magic or any other means, for that matter, to remove sources of isfet from the world so that ma’at is maintained. No circles are cast, no quarters are called. We just do what we need to when we need to. (More traditional Kemetics will stipulate that people are not allowed to practice at the altar or work magic if they are bleeding because they say it draws evil spirits. Some Kemetics will resort to casting a circle for protection’s sake. And still others, like me, will just ignore that stipulation anyway, because, really…. Who in their right mind is gonna mess with MY patron?)

Another difference between Kemetics and Wiccans is that Wiccans will not always eat food offerings that are given specifically to a deity. Kemetics eat and drink all ingestible offerings at the end of their time in Senut (time spent at the altar praying and/or doing magical stuff).

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthre...ghlight=Kemetic

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthre...ghlight=Kemetic (Mine’s the third post on the thread)

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthre...ghlight=Kemetic (post #8)

http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthre...ghlight=Kemetic (This was before Setekh decided I was ready to be picked.)

(Please take note that the Kemetic Setekh -- aka Set, Seth, Sutekh -- is not evil, though He came to be seen as such later, because people think of chaotic things as evil and undesirable, when actually, a shakeup can be quite a good thing. The Kemetic people actually realized that it was a good thing to have a god in control of the chaotic side of nature, so that they could appeal to Him to make sure that Balance was maintained. Also, the Temple of Set is something very different from my practices, though they call on a god by the same name.)

Common Ritual Practice. The worshipper gets ritually clean. Natron is a substance that the ancient Egyptians used in their cleansings. It was found along the Nile. But modern-day worshippers can’t get this stuff, so someone created a substitute that is equal parts water, baking soda, and salt mixed together and smoothed over a cookie sheet. Bake at 200 degrees F until dry. This will take about four hours, and you have to watch it, because it should still be white when you’re done, not browned. When it’s all hard and dry, break it into kernel-size pieces and put them in an airtight jar. You’re actually supposed to toss five or ten kernels into a bath and then make sure you’re clean, but you can do it in the shower by dissolving them in a cup of hot water and then pouring some of it on a washcloth and washing as usual. In ancient times, every orifice was washed (use your imagination). Current practice is much more lenient.

Then the worshipper dries off and puts on clean clothes (preferably white, if they are a stickler for tradition), and then they play music that their deities like, light a candle, light some incense, pour an offering of cold water (and perhaps another drink that the deity being worshipped prefers.... in my case, Setekh likes anything alcoholic, especially if it's red, and Seshat prefers just cold water with crushed ice), and make a food offering. Seshat likes M&Ms and anything non-fussy and countable, and Setekh likes a fresh salad (He’s a vegetarian) and nearly every ancient Egyptian deity adores chocolate, cake and cookies. They also seem to appreciate big, sweet, juicy oranges. (It reminds Them of the sun, I think.) Anointing a statue of them on your altar (if you have a statue) can be done then.

After that, praying, giving thanks, asking for help for self-improvement, and giving of other gifts (such as a dance or song or poem given to Them in Their honor) are normal. There is also something called a prayer box or jar. You take small strips of paper and write on them your wishes (I wish for x in the future, or I wish y wouldn’t happen anymore) and roll them or fold them up and put them in the jar or other container. At the end of each month, you read through all the wishes you’ve made and burn the ones that have come true.

Mostly, it’s just a time to commune with the Ones the worshipper is dedicated to. Magick isn’t usually performed in this kind of ritual. When the worshipper feels that there has been enough quality time for that particular session, s/he thanks the deity (or deities) for appearing, and then extinguishes the candle (the incense can burn out on its own), bows, retreats from the altar while still facing it (called “removing the foot”), and then comes back to remove the offerings. The worshipper then consumes all food and beverage offerings and makes sure the plate, dish, and/or cup are clean for the next time they’ll be used.

This is actually supposed to be a daily affair but I’m a lazy slacker bum who only does about half of that on a semi-regular basis, but I do pray every night, and They don’t seem to mind.

Holiday ritual differs according to what holiday it is and the preferences of the Parent of the practitioner in question. (Setekh always seems less than thrilled, and sometimes downright ornery, about anything to do with Heru.)

[liliana]

Hi NeferSesemet!
May I know, how you got that name?

Talking about Seth, I thought he is the god of foreign countries, desert, destruction, war, hate, vengence... In ancient Egypt he was the frightening one and would more or less be considered evil... You said already, he is not, ´cause he´s got to keep a balance... But even to keep that balance, don´t you think an evil part is needed - I think that is Seth ?*my respect*

In my own way (practising solitary) I try to follow as far as possible the ancient path, inspired by my own intuition and by what the gods/ godesses teach me. I have mostly contact to Bast and Isis in a sister- or aunt-like relationship. Sometimes I feel protected even like Isis was my mother or grandmother with her wisdom...
For me the most important part is also to live the path of Maat, developing justice, balance, ... in my life.
Everyday I speak to the godesses in my mind, ask for advice, report my ideas, thank for life, ... Sometimes for special honors I also dance for the godesses (sometimes Isis, sometimes Bast, sometimes both) and they really seem to like it. They support me in my dancing and a few years ago, when I worked as a dancress sometimes, I even offered those professional occasions to them. It feels like they give me all I need to be the best and I danced perfect by their power. Both are very different. I can feel who is supporting me at the moment I dance: With Bast it starts getting very erotic, breathe-taking and powerful with perfection of the movements - With Isis it´s more slowly, sensual, smooth, ...

If I do a ritual it is always very special to offer myself to Bast. It feels like she comes into me and starts taking control. By that I show her complete trust and I gain wonderful moments.

Same thing I also do a cleaning before a real ritual. But it´s usually a bath and afterwards I rub my body with certain scented body-oils that I create myself. With perfumes I paint symbols on may skin, burn inscense and candles...

During the last years I concentrate more and more in Isis, learning different methods of healing. What I learnt from her I use in energy-increasing massages.

Many greetings, Liliana

[Ahautenites]

Hi NeferSesemet!
May I know, how you got that name?

**smiles** I've been in sponge-mode ever since the Kemetic deities decided to yank me away from my eclectic solitary Wiccan practices. (They don't mind me teasing about it, because I eventually admitted that They knew what was best for me.) Among the things I've studied is a smattering of Kemetic language. I've gotten as far as half-way through chapter 2! (Yes, there's good-humored sarcasm in that statement. I can't seem to ever get past that dumb chapter because life usually gets too busy for study.) I also wanted to know more about the animals of the ancient Egyptian world, so I got this gorgeous $70 (the most I ever spent on a single book not used in a college class) hardbound Ancient Egyptian Bestiary. Among the creatures discussed in the book were horses. Horses didn't appear on the scene until After the Romans introduced them, but the Egyptians LOVED them. They thought they were the most beautiful creature they'd ever seen. (An opinion that I share.) They never rode the horses, though. They only used them for pulling chariots. They prized these animals above all others. (One guy even joked that he'd sooner sell his beloved wife than his horses.) Out of all the book, there were only three or four Kemetic words naming the animals, and one of them was "sesemet", meaning horse. (It's actually a collective noun, the way deer is singular and plural.)

I already knew "nefer" means beautiful, so I put the two together, because I love horses and unicorns (and "unicorn" as mythology and word didn't exist in Egypt), so I use it to mean, "Beautiful Mare/Horse" (either is correct because they didn't have a separate word for male and female horses) or "Unicorn."

Sometimes I wish the horse had been around in Egypt at the time the Kemetic Netjeru were starting to make Themselves known to the ancients. If it had been there, we'd probably have a part-horse god to be discussing. **wistful sigh**

Talking about Seth, I thought he is the god of foreign countries, desert, destruction, war, hate, vengence...

In time, He did become all of those things. He was a foreign import Himself, coming from the red desert lands (called "deshret" or red lands in Kemetic) which was infamous for foreigners, harsh storms, and inhospitable climate and geography. He is called "Great of Strength" and it was in this capacity that He alone was originally able to slay Apep (the evil serpent that embodies isfet, or chaos), so He became a god of Chaos and Chaotic/Devastating change because of His nightly mastery over this serpent and His mastery over thunderstorms and fierce winds.

It wasn't until later in history that the priests of Heru (among others) decided to give their own gods a little golden time in the lime light, and to do that, they needed a patsy. Setekh fit the bill quite nicely. So, they created and spread new stories that make Setekh even more fierce, perverse and chaotic than He originally was. He was always one that demanded respect and caution, but not to the degree that He was eventually made out to be. In fact, Setekh was at various times considered the Patron of the Nisu-Bity. Seti was named after Him and he considered his royal self to be as Great of Strength as his Patron Set (Seth, Setekh, Sutekh). Eventually, Heru's worshippers decided to claim the royal/spiritual head of the kingdoms for Him, instead. That tradition has lasted to this day, in that the current Nisut-Bityt (a woman pharaoh of the Kemetic Orthodox faith) claims that she is the current human incarnation of the god Heru-Wer.

In ancient Egypt he was the frightening one and would more or less be considered evil... You said already, he is not, ´cause he´s got to keep a balance... But even to keep that balance, don´t you think an evil part is needed - I think that is Seth ?*my respect*

Yes. :) When one has dominion over chaotic forces of nature (and uses them as unpredictably as the Egyptians perceived Him to be doing) and dominion over the fiercest of animals and all things foreign (people are inherently apprehensive about things that aren't familiar to them), tended to make people tred lightly with Him. But, even though He eventually became a symbol for all that was evil and unfortunate, He was still useful to the people, because they figured if His power could be turned against an enemy, He would be a very useful friend in high places indeed.

And I do agree with the idea of evil being a necessary part of life. Otherwise, how would good people be challenged to be even better? (They might grow complacent, and complacency leads to stagnation. And stagnation leads to death if one is not careful.)

I have mostly contact to Bast and Isis in a sister- or aunt-like relationship. Sometimes I feel protected even like Isis was my mother or grandmother with her wisdom...
For me the most important part is also to live the path of Maat, developing justice, balance, ... in my life.

**nods** I can understand that one well. I have statues of each of those goddesses. And every now and then, They'll let me know They're still watching out for me, too. They do tend to act very much like bustling aunts, I think.

Everyday I speak to the godesses in my mind, ask for advice, report my ideas, thank for life, ... Sometimes for special honors I also dance for the godesses (sometimes Isis, sometimes Bast, sometimes both) and they really seem to like it.

**nods and smiles** They haven't enjoyed such popularity in a very, very, very long time. Anything you do to remember Them, no matter how insignificant or trivial it might seem by our standards, delights Them.

They support me in my dancing and a few years ago, when I worked as a dancress sometimes, I even offered those professional occasions to them. It feels like they give me all I need to be the best and I danced perfect by their power. Both are very different. I can feel who is supporting me at the moment I dance: With Bast it starts getting very erotic, breathe-taking and powerful with perfection of the movements - With Isis it´s more slowly, sensual, smooth, ...

:) Dance is sacred to the Egyptian deities. These particular goddesses had priestesses whose sole job in life was to dance for Them, so that you would do this is no doubt something They enjoy thoroughly. It honors Them and empowers you with grace (through your own limber body and through Their giving you an added touch of sensuality).

If I do a ritual it is always very special to offer myself to Bast. It feels like she comes into me and starts taking control. By that I show her complete trust and I gain wonderful moments.

**nod** That sounds like Her work, all right.

Same thing I also do a cleaning before a real ritual. But it´s usually a bath and afterwards I rub my body with certain scented body-oils that I create myself. With perfumes I paint symbols on may skin, burn inscense and candles...

Scent and body beautification are very important, too. (They even have a god of perfume and cosmetics... Nefertum, Bast's son.) They must love it when you do that. :)

During the last years I concentrate more and more in Isis, learning different methods of healing. What I learnt from her I use in energy-increasing massages.

**nods** Very appropriate. She's a great healer (with a dynamite bed-side manner) and terrific magician, so I'm sure that whatever you've learned from Her is bound to come in very handy, indeed.

Em hotep,

Ses

[Erincelt]

How did I not notice this thread before now? I'm losing my edge... assuming I ever had it.

I pretty recently (since 2002) came into my own Egyptian path with Kemetic Orthodoxy (thanks Nefer for mentioning us ;) ) and I have to say, its been incredably beautiful and affirming, and I sometimes wonder how I survived before. I spent many years before that, and still now in a diminished capacity, practicing an essentially solitary Wiccan path, and it was in 2000-2001 that I first started getting the little hints. And the not-so-little ones of course. :D

Just as Nefer refers to Setekh as her parent, I refer to Yinepu ("Anubis") as mine, but also have devotion to Khepera and Bast... Yinepu and Bast I credit with drawing me to this path to begin with, sometimes with subtlety, and sometimes with a fist clenching my collar and dragging me along... I often picture Yinepu tugging on my leash and calling, "C'mon son. That's it, that's a boy. Heel."

And that's really what he's like... sure he's a funerary deity, sure he's important in times of death, but what's most striking is what he apparently does with his free time. ;) He has an infinite sense of humor, and I swear he talks Bast into helping out with his pranks. I think that's why Khepera took an interest in me... its his job to help me survive those two.

[darastar]

Very interesting thread!

I have recently developed an interest in the Kemetic deities - it never really had any kind of attraction for me till late last year, when I basically got the equivalent of "Someone" in this case, Yinepu - grabbing me and yelling his Name in my ear - since then I have been trying to learn and research as much as I can - I've been to the House of Netjer boards, and find them very interesting, the people there are all lovely but I suppose the idea of worshipping the Nisut doesn't sit too easy with me, after many years as a solitary it goes against my basic beliefs to suddenly start worshipping a living person, although I do have a tremendous amount of respect for the Nisut.

NeferSesemet, you mentioned that Setekh was your Parent, were you divined by the House of Netjer? (hope you don't mind the personal question) - If not, how did you determine who your Parent was? From what I've read on the HoN boards, you cannot claim any particular Name as a Parent or Beloved until you have been divined?? Is this correct? Over the past few months I have developed a great love and strong connection with Yinepu, and I would dearly love to know if he will be with me always, in the form of a Parent or Beloved, or whether his role is simply to guide me... of course, I've tried asking him, but he can be so obtuse when he wants to be.... :)

Thank you, NeferSesemet and Liliana for sharing your experiences!

[Erincelt]

First off, Yinepu's involvement doesn't surprise me at all... the more I've talked with Kemetic followers the more I've realized he seems to have taken it upon himself (him and Bast, actually) to yoink people's attention. I guess its a hobby. ;)

worshipping the Nisut
We don't actually worship the Nisut. In fact, the question of how to approach her was one I personally wrestled with for some time, and finally talked to a few people about it... including the Nisut herself eventually. A few people do have a shrine to the Kingly Ka, the essence of Heru-sa-Aset that blesses and empowers the Nisut, but she actually expressly requestions that we not have a shrine to her. We venerate her as a teacher and role model, but it pretty much stops there. In fact the "head of the faith", if we must name one, would be Rev. Craig Schaefer (the Heri-Tep).

I'm not saying "yes yes, you must join us!" just saying that if that is your primary reason, please reconsider. At least try out the beginners' course... its free. Who doesn't love free lessons in anything? :D

[darastar]

Thank you Erincelt - and I must apologise for the comment about "worshipping the Nisut" - obviously I misunderstood that, and hope I didn't cause offence. And yes, I certainly am hoping to do the beginner's course - i just missed the most recent one! :(

Your comment about Yinepu being the one that leads people towards Kemeticism (is there such a word??) - I have heard that before, and that is why I wondered if this connection I seem to have with him will last, or whether he is expecting me to 'let go' of him at some stage - I feel like someone just learning to swim, desperately clinging to my teacher! All I know is, the things I have felt and experienced these past few months have been some of the most intensely spiritual moments of my life, and I'm not really sure what to expect next. But then again, it seems I don't have much choice in this matter, Yinepu has been in my head for almost six months now and shows no sign of letting go any time soon.. which is fine by me... :hearthear :)

[liliana]

Hi Erincelt!
What is the House of Netjer and where do I find it?

[darastar]

http://www.netjer.org/home/

http://www.kemet.org/home.html

The House of Netjer is a Kemetic Orthodox temple - the website has lots of info, FAQ's etc. and great forums (which are very interesting and informative) and they also run a free beginner's course. :)

[Lucius]

To explain my take on Kemetic belief…

thank you sooo much for the links and great information. I follow an Egyptian (Isian) tradition but I don't really go along with the Kemetic system. Very informative. Thanks a lot.

[Ahautenites]

I've been to the House of Netjer boards, and find them very interesting, the people there are all lovely but I suppose the idea of worshipping the Nisut doesn't sit too easy with me, after many years as a solitary it goes against my basic beliefs to suddenly start worshipping a living person, although I do have a tremendous amount of respect for the Nisut.

I should apologize here, too, when I said that the children of Netjer actually worship Her Holiness (A.U.S.) as a deity in her own right. I must have misunderstood. Like darastar, I too have been a solitary Pagan too long to look to anyone else for spiritual leadership. And while I acknowledge the divinity that is a part of everyone, I don't agree with the idea of venerating one person with that blessing more so than another.

NeferSesemet, you mentioned that Setekh was your Parent, were you divined by the House of Netjer? (hope you don't mind the personal question) - If not, how did you determine who your Parent was? From what I've read on the HoN boards, you cannot claim any particular Name as a Parent or Beloved until you have been divined?? Is this correct?

**smiles and nods** That's a fair question. Yes, those of the Kemetic Orthodox faith are most definitely divined by the Nisut herself. But I'm not Orthodox, so I didn't have that option. I've never been one to do divinations. Wouldn't know the first thing about how to go about it. However, when I was first introduced to my faith, Seshat (goddess of scribes and accounting, and all things nitpicky) sent me a dream that I needed in order to complete an assignment on my old company's accounting department. I needed to make it interesting, and She decided that tying it together with ancient Egyptian accountants (aka scribes) would work quite nicely. (The rest of the company thought so, too.) She Herself was never in that dream. She just put what I needed right in my head, which was something no god or goddess had ever done before, to my knowledge. While I was researching that article, Seshat appeared in many of the online articles, and I just *knew* somehow that it was Her. What really clinched the deal as to Her getting my attention was when I was on eBay. I typed in "Holly Crown" in order to bring up Santa Clauses that might look more like the Holly King, who was my original patron. Much to my surprise, the eBay result I got was a piece of papyrus up for sale that had the words "holy crown" (instead of "holly"), and in the papyrus was Seshat marking a new year for the pharaoh's jubilee celebration. So, I thought, well, okay, She must be my matron. But it turns out, She wasn't. She was always quite helpful, and was always trying clever new ways of getting my attention and answering my requests (always be careful what you wish for, because you will most certainly get it, and in a very peculiar way), but She never spoke to me and never appeared in my dreams. Then one night before bed, I wished for a deam where I could see and talk to Seshat in the dream. Instead, it was Setekh who showed up. He was in a dream that night and in another one the next night, and in both of them, He never spoke to me with words. But He spoke directly to my heart and mind with images and feelings instead. So, even without words, He was there, and I understood what He was saying, even though He never said anything aloud.

No deity had ever visibly appeared in my dreams and communicated with me, even though I have asked for it to happen in the past (when I was trying to figure out who my matron or patron was while I considered myself Wiccan). After the first dream, I guessed that He'd picked me. After He sent the second dream the next night, I was convinced of it. Everything that's happened to me since then has affirmed that belief. He's a quite the taskmaster sometimes, but the lessons learned are always worth it. I made the last major lesson much harder than it had to be, I think, but I eventually understood what I was supposed to learn and I've had a bit of a respite in which to recuperate, so I'm grateful for that.

Over the past few months I have developed a great love and strong connection with Yinepu, and I would dearly love to know if he will be with me always, in the form of a Parent or Beloved, or whether his role is simply to guide me... of course, I've tried asking him, but he can be so obtuse when he wants to be.... :)

**laughs** He may not know yet Himself. You will always have some connection with Him, and He with you, but as to whether He is your Beloved or your Parent...? **shrugs** Only time will tell. Regardless of Who chooses you, you will never regret it and you will love Them whole-heartedly.

[aftershocked]

First off, Yinepu's involvement doesn't surprise me at all... the more I've talked with Kemetic followers the more I've realized he seems to have taken it upon himself (him and Bast, actually) to yoink people's attention. I guess its a hobby. ;)

Yes, Yinepu was also the first one to inform me that I had it all wrong... in the form of a nice period of stalking (I say this with love.. it was one of those ironic coincidence things). Everywhere I would look, there would be information involving Him.. His name.. it was odd. Untill finally one night I did a small meditation, asking why He was always popping up, and he simply said "Because you need me to." I had been struggling with depression and anxiety, and his lighter, more puppy-like side has been a comfort unlike anything else. I was given the name SathuYinepu from him.. it's an odd story, but the word 'sathu' came to me in meditation, and when I looked it up, I wrote it with his name and it fit.

Along with Him, Sekhmet and Hathor have shown themselves in my life in interesting ways- more personality things than anything. I have a very firey, passionate additude, whether it is in creation and arts (Hathor) or in matters of conviction or defending my beliefs (Sekhmet). I feel grateful for their influence in my life, even though some times it's a bit of a challenge- My encounters with Sekhmet have added to my already stubborn nature, but She's taught me to have faith in my ability to pull through life's challenges. And for Hathor, She is like my muse- I've always loved to dance, and I most definately feel her with me when I dance now..

And just recently, Setekh has made Himself VERY known in my life.. which, if anything, has been an experience. This is to NeferSesemet, along with anyone else who has contacted Setekh- do you ever get that little voice in your head that prompts you to do the weirdest things? Like I posted in the 'Deities and Sense of Humor' thread, he's lately been trying to help me do traffic-control in my school hallways.. only with a cattle prod :lol: . I've resisted the urge, but these kind of thoughts have become more and more frequent- and destinctly more 'not mine'- like someone else talking in your head, different voice and all. Am I insane, or have others had this happen? :rolleyes:

I also want to thank Erincelt for the clarification.. I have been toying with the idea of joining the HoN beginner's class for a long while, but the idea of having the Nisut be worshipped raised a little red flag in my head. I've always dreaded the idea of having someone have to be my connection to the Divine, like a priest- and for one reason I thought the Nisut filled this description. I will most definately be joining the class now, although I think it'd be best if I wated to do so until I was supporting myself. Plus, I feel it will give me time to really work on my connection with Netjer, and then decide if the House will be the best way for me to venerate it.

I find it really interesting to hear how everyone first heard Netjer in their lives..

And now, a discussion-prodding question! Festivals: What calendar do you use? Do you celebrate specifically Kemetic holidays? If so, how? Being solitary, the idea of having actual festivals intrigues me...

[liliana]

I don´t really celebrate special festivals. Usually I celebrate whenever I feel it´s right.

This taking-over thing described about Setekh I know from Bast very well. It has always been okay, and funny ´cause she always makes me win... A few years ago a guy betrayed me. I haven´t known about it, but I felt it. I was 100% prepared when I was gonna find out, feeling stronger then ever. Like this I went to that club where we used to meet and I saw them together. We broke up our relationship still being friends, ´cause she fits much better to him than me... But about his lying and betrail I was mad!!! So another time and another place (I was tired and didn´t feel like going out) I went to that club and met him alone. She was visiting her parents. Bast definetely took over in an impressionly attractive way being me. So far that he was gonna btray her with me!!! Weird things happen!!! But it gave me the chance to beat him and laugh about the whole thing. (Of course I never did it!) So I don´t believe you´re insane...

It´s strange to me, that most of you have had connections to Ynupet... I never had.

[darastar]

Yes, Yinepu was also the first one to inform me that I had it all wrong... in the form of a nice period of stalking (I say this with love.. it was one of those ironic coincidence things). Everywhere I would look, there would be information involving Him.. His name.. it was odd.

Yes, that's what happened to me!! For a couple of months I had a similar experience, strange coincidences, and obviously Yinepu decided I was completely clueless and needed a bit of a shove, because this all culminated in a dream in which I heard a loud voice saying 'Anubis' - this Name was only vaguely familiar to me at the time, but since then He's had me firmly in His grip...

I don't celebrate the festivals, mostly because I am still very new to all of this and I would hate to show disrespect by doing something wrong. So in the meantime I just do my little rituals with my candles and talk to Yinepu and enjoy His presence - one day I hope to be able to honour Him more, and also try and learn more about the other Netjer - so far They all seem to be hanging in the background, so to speak.... but I am absolutely loving this thread, it's wonderful to hear about other experiences, at first I thought I was alone with this ancient Deity suddenly in my face, it's not something you can just discuss with anyone, you know..??!! So to come online and find there are others who understand....it's wonderful....

[Gwyndara]

I too must thank you for the information and the great links.
I also follow an egyption path, although I am still learning what exactly that means.
Set chose to be my patron, therefore I am trying to learn all I can about him and the others.

[argento_occhi]

right, let's try this again, seeing as though the wonderfully longwinded post i had just written didn't want to be posted. right. what follows is somehting i wrote ages ago in one of my rare contemplative moods. it pretty much explains my path, my life journey into paganism/kemetic faith. i did have it on my computer somewhere, but i can't think where i've put it. good thing i've posted it somewhere else before (not here on mw, though, i don't think).

"I am MerytDjehuti. The name means ‘beloved of Djehuti’. I was raised Christian, and remained so until I was about 14 or 15. We moved house when I was about 11 or 12, at the end of year 6. We started going to another church, and it was ok, but it got bored, and felt nothing when I was there. I eventually stopped going to church, and slept in Sunday morning to avoid going. Eventually my parents just left me to sleep, and I didn’t go. I was always fascinated with ancient Egypt, though only from an archaeological point of view. I was 16 when my Pagan friend Tabitha (her actual name, I kid you not) suggested I take my love of ancient Egypt one step further by making it my religion. At that time, I was open to pretty much anything. She told me about Wicca. I started researching, and bought some books on Wicca. I read Teen Witch by Silver RavenWolf ( I was too inexperienced to know fluff when I saw it, but it was a start). I bought other books on Egypt. I started serving Aset (Isis), Ausir (Osiris), Heru (Horus), Bast, Djehuti (Thoth), and Ma’at personified as a Goddess. About a year ago, I ditched Wicca for Kemetic practices. I stopped casting circles and invoking the elements. I wanted to worship the netjeru as the Egyptians had worshipped Them. As I learned about the religion and the netjeru (deities), I became drawn to Aset and Djehuti in particular. It took me ages to hear Sobek’s call.

I’ve always loved dinosaurs and crocodiles for as long as I can remember. Even today I have a 50 cm long wooden velociraptor skeleton hanging above the head of my bed, and an 80 cm high inflatable T-Rex, quaintly called Terry II (named after my first inflatable T-Rex , Terry, who got a hole in his foot and ‘died’, so to speak.). I went to the Perth zoo one day with my family, and went straight to this 4m long male crocodile, without knowing before hand where he was. I knew I had to find him, though. He was a majestic creature. I thought he was the most beautiful crocodile I’d ever seen. He was just floating in the water, his nostrils at the surface, his back legs and tail touching the bottom of the enclosure. He just sank down to lie on the floor, stayed there a while, and then rose again to have his nostrils at the surface. His eyes were calm and peaceful, and he seemed to smile at me. I looked at this croc and thought, ‘there’s something special about this croc.’. His eyes spoke to me in a way I never understood at the time, but I felt this was more than just a crocodile. It was a special moment for me. I knew instinctively that there was something special about this crocodile. At the time, I wouldn’t have said divine, but looking back, it’s the right word. I felt that we were one being, part of each other. He never spoke to me, but it was as if there were unspoken words being said, rather than us actually speaking. I felt peaceful. He was speaking to my heart, not my mind. It was only months later that I read the name Sobek, and saw an image of him as a crocodile-headed netjer (god). It all became clear, and I heard Sobek calling me. I had never thought of Sobek. But I couldn’t doubt what had happened that day. Not that I told anyone. I feel Him by my right side as a crocodile, protecting me against harm. I feel calm and safe when I think about Him.

I wasn’t pagan then. I am now. I call myself Kemetic pagan, though others have other names for it. I have looked at Kemetic Orthodoxy, but it seems too strict in its rituals for me. I serve and worship netjeru in my own way. Some would call me recon (as in reconstructionist) Kemetic, or just Kemetic. Kemetic pagan suits me, and fits like we were made for each other.

I’ve always felt drawn to Aset, but it’s only recently that I’ve become aware of the other aspects of Her. Yes, She is a mother, but She is also a woman, and a leader. Of sorts. She is intelligent and cunning, loyal beyond doubt to Ausir, and protective of her child Heru-sa-Aset (Heru son of Aset, as opposed to other forms of Heru). She is also a woman, and I always see Her as a very sexual woman, passionate about Her love, Ausir, and willing to sacrifice everything for him. Yes, after His death, Aset is grieving, but before that, They were happy and loving and passionate. I see both sides of her, and although She is a mother, and warm and loving when you need it, She’s quite happy to let you know when you’ve stuffed up. That’s how much She cares about you. I don’t feel as close to Her as I feel to Djehuti and Sobek, but close enough to feel her near me. For me, the netjeru are not just confined to statues or priests, They are real, and with us all the time.

Djehuti was a natural choice for me. I am studying science, and have always loved it. I love languages, and have dictionaries of Japanese, German (x 2), Italian (x 3 + a textbook), Egyptian hieroglyphs, Latin, Egyptian Arabic, a French-English dictionary published in France, and probably a few more hiding around my room. I love calligraphy, especially with a dip pen. In my opinion, you’re not a real calligrapher unless you can calligraphy something and get your hands covered in ink in the process. Cartridge pens, while less messy, I have found to be less reliable. I am yet to find the perfect quill, but my bamboo pen is fabulous. I also write stories, something I have been doing since I was 12. I instinctively feel him with me, standing behind me near my left shoulder. He guides me on the dreamtrails (read the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody if you don’t know what they are) and I feel He is encouraging me to write this down. The reason will become clearer later on, hopefully. For now, I hope I can get my room cleaned up before mum goes off at me for not cleaning it in 3-4 weeks.

It has been a blessing to serve these three netjeru, Aset, Djehuti and Sobek. I feel honoured to be able to serve Them. May They teach me many things, about myself and about the world."

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

This is to NeferSesemet, along with anyone else who has contacted Setekh- do you ever get that little voice in your head that prompts you to do the weirdest things? Like I posted in the 'Deities and Sense of Humor' thread, he's lately been trying to help me do traffic-control in my school hallways.. only with a cattle prod :lol: . I've resisted the urge, but these kind of thoughts have become more and more frequent- and destinctly more 'not mine'- like someone else talking in your head, different voice and all. Am I insane, or have others had this happen? :rolleyes:

**hysterical fit of giggles** Yes. I've heard that voice. And it sounds remarkably like Jareth, the Goblin King (aka David Bowie). **grins** I'm only kidding. Well, okay....half-kidding. I've never heard His voice at all. I only get emotions and mental impressions. But the craziest thing I've ever done was start writing a vampire story (available for your reading pleasure and/or heckling in the Short Stories and Novellas section). All because I decided to heed His message in the Labyrinth song that says, "Live without the sunlight.... Love without your heartbeat." (If you look at all the words in the Labyrinth soundtrack, you'll see that most of them fit Setekh to a T.)

**smiles** He does have a peculiar sense of humor, but it does tend toward the cruel, so if it seems totally ludicrous, don't do it. But if it's something that you think you could do and get some positive results from (without harming yourself or anyone else), go for it. You might be surprised at the results.

And now, a discussion-prodding question! Festivals: What calendar do you use? Do you celebrate specifically Kemetic holidays? If so, how? Being solitary, the idea of having actual festivals intrigues me...

I have tried to hold Kemetic holiday observances, but I fail miserably at it every time. I can't keep track of two calendars. It's just been too much of a hassle. So, I've stopped holding any holiday observances (except my Parent's birthday) until such time as I can figure out how to not lose track of my own connection to the cycle of seasons. I found that when I tried so hard to focus on the Kemetic calendar and holiday celebrations, I became extremely disconnected from the cycle of seasons I actually live in. It sucked all the joy out of the widely celebrated Americanized holidays (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.) as well as the Pagan ones I used to celebrate. It's possible that it was just my emotional state over the last year that made things so joyless.... **shrugs** I think the best way for me to go about this will be to crack open my holiday book and also observe the esbats, just so I don't suffer that disconnect anymore. (So, that's eight more holidays in addition to what seems like a holiday every day in the Kemetic scheme of things.)

[argento_occhi]

i acknowledge birthdays and festivals, but usually don't get around to performing any rituals. i only stick to the kemetan calendar and the western calendar. the wheel of the year never stuck in my head.

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

but I am absolutely loving this thread, it's wonderful to hear about other experiences, at first I thought I was alone with this ancient Deity suddenly in my face, it's not something you can just discuss with anyone, you know..??!! So to come online and find there are others who understand....it's wonderful....

I love this thread, too. It's nice to talk with people who have more of an idea of what it's like to have a Kemetic deity influencing your every thought and deed. I tried, for a while, to to visit Kemet Online (and later the HoN boards) to get more information and have that kind of camaraderie. but it's not the same as the personality similarities I get here on a predominantly Pagan board. Pagans of various kinds are more apt to understand and accept my reasoning for when I might choose not to pray one way or adhere to a specific kind of format for ritual.

[Ahautenites]

I too must thank you for the information and the great links.
I also follow an egyption path, although I am still learning what exactly that means.
Set chose to be my patron, therefore I am trying to learn all I can about him and the others.

I've been compiling The Book of Setekh for the same purpose. It's got everything in it I've read about Him to date. If you want, I can see about typing up a thread about Him in the Gods and Goddesses section. Also, for really great information on Him (as well as to see the image in my signature banner in its entirety) go to http://www.per-set.org

I do want to caution people about Him. If He's making His presence known, He could be just saying His hello to you as a new Child of Netjer or He could be feeling you out to see if He wants you. If you (general, not you in particular Gwyndara :) ) aren't 100% sure that He's chosen you, be wary. Think of him like Professor Snape from the Harry Potter books. He favors His own house and, while He will tolerate those who aren't in that "house," He'll look for ways to show that He's not amused.

[darastar]

Interesting site, NeferSesemet! :thumbsup:

BTW, this thread has inspired me to 'take the leap' and send in my application for the beginner's class at the House of Netjer! Answering those questions has taken up most of my evening :lol: It'll probably be a few months till the next class rolls around, but wish me luck!! :)

[Erincelt]

It´s strange to me, that most of you have had connections to Ynupet... I never had. Doesn't surprise me at all, really, considering the strong relationship you talk about with other Netjeru. Sometimes Yinepu is called "Patron of Orphans"... you, hon, are no orphan, ya get me? ;)

As to festivals: I still honor the sosltices and equinoxes, because that's just in me to do. Maybe its a Khepera thing, who knows. I also follow a few dates of my own choosng (St. Tibb's Day, for instance) and the Kemetic calendar, admittedly as envisioned by HoN clergy although I'll admit I don't always follow it exactly. Heck, I practically missed the recent Saq Heru-Ur entirely. *sheepish grin*

[liliana]

Sorry, my knowledge of your language is just leaving me now... What does orphan mean???
Thanks, Liliana

[Ahautenites]

One with no parents. :)

[aftershocked]

Hmm, I never posted my answer >.<.

I follow a really odd calendar... I celebrate Christian holidays with my family, pagan holidays with my friends, and I'm in the research phase of trying to find out more about the Kemetic calendar. It's really odd, because some of the holidays overlap, (Halloween and Samhain, Imbolc and St. Brigid's Day) so I get a little partied-out around those times :fprtyman3

NeferSesemet, I understand the warning... I am a little wary of him, even though the chaos He's brought has made some interesting (and usually positive) changes in my life. I have yet to feel that He's lost patience or anything, and I feel he is drawing closer to me. But in the past few weeks, a large variety of Names have decided to pop in while I'm meditating... I think it's a plot to confuse me untill I become more disciplined in my worshipping habits :2G: . Even though I feel a very close bond with Yinepu, something recently has made me rethink his involvement in my life. And every time I ask him about it, I get a classic Yinepu response: "You'll know when you know" :rolleyes: . So I guess, for now, my head is up for grabs. I guess we'll see, eh?

I also agree that it's great to have a place to discuss our connection to Netjer without fear of looking crazed ( I have many other places to be crazy, thank you ;) ) Looking forward to speaking with you all! :)

[Erincelt]

And every time I ask him about it, I get a classic Yinepu response: "You'll know when you know" :rolleyes: Him and Djehuty are the Zennist and Taoist of the Netjeru, I swear! :D My better half once was called to the shrine and given the quick message, "Don't expect miracles; let me surprise you!" She blinked, I laughed.

[darastar]

And every time I ask him about it, I get a classic Yinepu response: "You'll know when you know"

*nods head vigorously* Oh, isn't that so like Him?!! :lol: I swear, the amount of times I've asked Him and gotten this kind of response - it's a good thing He is so infinitely patient with me!

For those of you who are drawn to other Names, what are their personalities like? For me, Yinepu is such a strong, dominant presence at the moment I really haven't been able to make any kind of connection with any other of the Netjer, so I'm interested to know what They are like...

[Erincelt]

Khepera: He's an enigma, like a large thousands-of-pages-long tome of eternal knowledge that won't really make sense until you've read the entire thing and memorised at least half of it. He likes for you to come to Him instead of the other way around, and stays mostly in the background, guiding things in subtle ways that you might never notice. He listens, and doesn't do much talking.

Bast: She's warm, She's patient, She's caring and nurturing, and She'll rip you open with nary a moment's notice. ;) She's a true lioness, a caring and protective mother, who wants desperately for us to succeed, and will do whatever she must to see to it -- no matter who it might hurt, even if that means us. She's a lot like Sekhmet, only perhaps toned down a bit, somewhere between Sekhmet and Het-her. At least, that's my take on Her. She's quiet usually, but when She does make a statement, She makes damn sure you'll hear it.

[aftershocked]

Well...

Hathor: She's very warm.. and motherly. Talking to her.. Her replies feel (I've yet to hear her voice) like sinking into a warm bath- very soothing, calm, and comforting. She also has a very sensual air, much like a latin dance- fast, fun, passionate and sexual at the same time. I love it when She's near me.. she usually comes around either when I'm being artsy- dancing and singing, usually- or when I need a little bit of comfort. She's a much more sympathetic ear than Sekhmet, altough she only gives me sympathy when the situation deserves. I've never felt her be angry.. impatient, yes, but actually mad about something, no. It seems Sekhmet takes care of that... ;)

Sekhmet: This is a really interesting relationship. She's also like Hathor: Motherly and Passionate. But not warm- firey would be the term here. She doesn't take crap, and will be the first to tell me I messed up or that I'm wrong. She does it not to be mean, but She expects the best for me and from me, and She knows that in order for that to happen, I need a swift kick now and then (which She's more than happy to give :lol: ). I also get a VERY protective vibe from her, and if I'm in a situation I feel I can't handle, I know I can always count on her to keep me safe.. even though she wishes I could be that strong on my own, she understands I'm just learning. In that sense, she does have a patient nature- but take advantage of that patience or let it wear thin- and you most definately feel it. She is my 'I am Woman' Netjer- always the reminder that I can do anything I apply myself to. She doesn't speak often, but what she does say has definite meaning- and is always easy to understand (Unlike Yinepu's Zennist nature ;)).

These are the only two others that have made their presence know enough in my life for me to give a discription... good question, by the way.

[Erincelt]

always easy to understand (Unlike Yinepu's Zennist nature ;)). Hah, you're just thinking too hard to understand. Stop figuring it out and just let it be. ;) *hooooooowl*

[Crystalinedreams]

I have just barely even touched the surface of any of this but I have always had a kind of I guess when I was little it was imaginary friend but now more of a presence of a dog like figure that has beent ehre for me especially in the bad times and laughed at me when I'm being stupid, but more of a comfort source than anything and I have always been drawn to Yinepu, and always had a vast fasination andrespect for him. Now all I have to do is find out who keeps putting these malicious jokes in my head and who is the source behind my wild imagination :)

[Crystalinedreams]

I do want to caution people about Him. If He's making His presence known, He could be just saying His hello to you as a new Child of Netjer or He could be feeling you out to see if He wants you. If you (general, not you in particular Gwyndara :) ) aren't 100% sure that He's chosen you, be wary. Think of him like Professor Snape from the Harry Potter books. He favors His own house and, while He will tolerate those who aren't in that "house," He'll look for ways to show that He's not amused.
Now look what you've done! I have this intense urge to draw Set with black hair and in robes and a wand~! Curse you you have tempted my twisted little imagination! :lol:

[Ahautenites]

**giggles** Perversely appealing idea, I'll admit.... but you'd better make him a red-head with green eyes. (Part of the reason He's considered a god of foreigners is that He's a foreigner Himself. That's why he doesn't have the black hair and dark eyes so common in Egyptian art.)

[Erincelt]

Part of the reason He's considered a god of foreigners is that He's a foreigner Himself. And that's something else worth mentioning... there are a few imports in the family of the Netjeru, and possibly a few exports. Over time They've absorbed some middle-eastern deities (such as Astarte) and probably some european ones... and I'm not so sure other cultures haven't absorbed some of Them. I'm still wondering if there's any connection between Heka and Hekate. ;)

[Ahautenites]

**nods** Anat was originally a Semitic goddess, just like Astarte. I can't remember what I read about Bes, but part of me wants to say He is, too.

I always assumed that Heqet and Hekate were probably originally the same.

http://www.aztriad.com/hekate.html

[Erincelt]

I almost mentioned Bes but I didn't feel certain I was remembering Him right... isn't He the one that's dwarfish? Nice link, btw, it pretty well spells out my suspicions. :)

[Ahautenites]

**takes a theatrical bow, then grins** We aim to please.

And Google helped me discover this, too:

"He was not a god of Egyptian origin. Bes was described as 'Coming from the Divine Land' and 'Lord of Punt' (perhaps an area in present day Somalia - see Hatshepsut's Expedition to Punt)." (http://www.thekeep.org/~kunoichi/kunoichi/themestream/bes.html)

[Erincelt]

Y'know... I think we've hijacked lilianna's thread... :D Maybe we should start a seperate strictly-kemetic thread to banter in and give this one back to her. Heh.

[Ahautenites]

This is true.... I only posted here in the first place because the title was Egyptian (which I interpret as Kemetic) / Egyptian Wicca. I'm still not quite purely one or the other. It's all grey...

[Erincelt]

I thought it was more of a fuschia-teal swirl... wait no, that's my Trix yogurt...

[Ahautenites]

**feels her stomach lurch** I'm of the opinion that *anything* teal in color should *not* be consumed. (I had blue chocolate chip ice cream once. It tasted like it was regular ice cream, but my intestines REALLY hated me for a couple days after that.)

**returns thread to Egyptian discussion** Setekh would have dominion over snow if it snowed in ancient Egypt. :) But they still wouldn't have had ice cream.

[liliana]

"Bast: She's warm, She's patient, She's caring and nurturing, and She'll rip you open with nary a moment's notice. She's a true lioness, a caring and protective mother, who wants desperately for us to succeed, and will do whatever she must to see to it -- no matter who it might hurt, even if that means us. She's a lot like Sekhmet, only perhaps toned down a bit, somewhere between Sekhmet and Het-her. At least, that's my take on Her. She's quiet usually, but when She does make a statement, She makes damn sure you'll hear it."

I want to add that she´s very erotic, quickly furious. She loves gold, red, perfumes and wild things. She loves attention, standing in the middle of everything... (she really makes sure you hear her!!!)

"Y'know... I think we've hijacked lilianna's thread... Maybe we should start a seperate strictly-kemetic thread to banter in and give this one back to her. Heh."

*laughing* That´s exactly what I was hoping for! I like the way the dicussion turned and I really don´t care about kemetic or whatever!!! That´s why I was asking for the different paths involving Egypt. Thanks you mentioned it! *still smiling* maybe we should add "kemetic" to the title... :hehehehe:

[Crystalinedreams]

Hmmmmmm...I've always been a bit terrified of Seth and I don't know why he just scares me. Is there any way to tlak to him to get over my fears with out ticking him off??

[argento_occhi]

Aset: to me she is a woman and mother, with her child Heru who she fiercely protects. I feel her as a calm, warm presence. i always see her in human form, usually wearing a sheath dress, with the crown headdress on. i always get the sense that at any given monent, she'd love to just throw a big party and celebrate her love for Ausir and Heru, her son. I sense this great power about her, not just cos she's a goddess, but something more. it's an overwhelming sense of power. and there's always this mischevious glint in her eyes, like she's waiting or watching for something to happen. I always feel like she listens to me and tells me when i'm being silly, worrying about some small trivial thing, and it feels ike she's always holding me tight. not like she's protecting me from the outside world, but just out of love. i feel like she talks the most, like she's the easiest to have a conversation with, cos for me, Djehuti doesn't speak much and neither does Sobek, not unless he's trying to make me understand something. then he'll whack me over the head when i finally get it. She's got a lot of love to give. she's very joyul, though the tragedy of Ausir always hangs around in the background.

Djehuti: i feel like he's an alchemist, a scribe, a medieval scientist, let's say. i always see him as an ibis-headed man. i see him in this lab, bottles of numerous coloured liquids all over the place, books of parchment and notes and stuff everywhere. it's like his fave place or something. maybe it's cos i'm a science student, but i always see the science aspect of him, moreso than the other sides of him as the sribe of the gods, divine physician, inventor of writing, etc. he always feels stable, not exactly calming, but happy, perhaps. like he's at home in this lab and he's having the best fun throwing these chemicals together to see what will happen. i feel like he's very curious, and wise. very wise. like he knows everything, but doesn't go about bragging about it. humble is another word that comes to mind. he's a comforting presence, like he's giving me confidence whenever i'm at uni doing stuff in labs. i think he might be a bit annoyed that i put nekhbet on the back of my lab coat and not him. i'll have to remedy that. i feel like he enjoys my labs, especially the molecular biology ones. lots of DNA and proteins and small stuff that i find simply fascinating. possibly liked the chem labs the best. so many chances to blow things up. (and if he didn't, my chem lecturer made up for him tenfold. there was always something to react during lectures. even better if it could explode. she could also tell you everything you ever wanted to know about water. she'd probably try and burn it (not boil, burn, like set it on fire) if you convinced her it might be possible. she's adorable though.) i don't feel like he speaks much, but he does listen. he only answers when i need to hear somehting. otherwise it's the silent treatment.

Sobek/Sobek-Re: sobek's like a protective force, scouting the path ahead of me. he eels warm. he's also a healer and the strength behind the pharaoh. his healing aspects surprised me, as it didn't immediately jump out at me. i always see him as a crocodile, a large one, with a gold wristband on his left front paw, and his headdress on (which comprises two ostrich feathers, horns, two cobras and a solar disc.). to me, i feel like he's happy just listening, but isn't afraid to hit me on the head every now and then. (like when i finally realised he was calling me: 'about bloody time! how long have i been hinting?') patient, but understanding, i think is the best way to describe him. i call on him a lot for healing.

i hope that all makes sense,

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

Hmmmmmm...I've always been a bit terrified of Seth and I don't know why he just scares me. Is there any way to tlak to him to get over my fears with out ticking him off??

**ponders** Sit at your altar and meditate on Him. If it helps, dig out the Devil card from your tarot deck (if you have one). When Setekh first started making His presence known, I pulled that card a LOT. It's just to tell you that you need to understand and embrace your own inner dark side so that it will not imprison you and so that you will know your whole self, rather than just the goodness and light. Practice feeling sympathy or at least understanding of the motives of the villains in stories, shows and movies.

[liliana]

Is anybody here also using "modern" egyptian traditions for rituals...
For example I like to do belly-dance to honor Bast or Isis with very good results -> they love it and make me dance in different ways. And this dance I am sure it has changed a lot during all those centuries...
Love to you all!
Liliana

[Ahautenites]

I haven't learned how to belly dance just yet, but it's one of my goals to learn how, so that I can honor Them that way. :) And I want to get a doumbek (a kind of Egyptian drum) so that I can play some of the rhythms I've heard.

[aftershocked]

I LOVE dancing for Hathor.. it's such a great, impowering feeling. Plus, it's good cardio ;). I've been trying to learn bellydancing, but it's been a while since I did any sort of structured dancing that I have more belly than dance :lol: . Gonna work on that. I remember reading somewhere that Hathor had priestesses dedicated to her whose sole purpose was to dance, sing, and make music at her festivals. But I doubt I do the same dances they did, you're right.

I also want to learn how to drum, but the drum that I've found (a small djembe) is a quite a bit out of my price range right now- I'm broke >.<. So, I guess dancing and singing will have to do.

[liliana]

Uh yes... the drums... I tried that, too. But the lessons were expensive. I have some small drums from Marocco and play only very little, as much as one teacher explained to me. I haven´t practised for a long time either.
What do you think about doing a dance for the Gods/ Godesses all together at the same time? Each one his/ her own way for his God/ Godess... Like a worldwide ritual...???
What do you think?

I am gonna be off for about a week (until next week sunday) - so if you like, maybe after that...
Greetings to you all,
Liliana

[argento_occhi]

i'd love to dance for Aset, but i'm not exactly the world's greatest dancer, and there's not a lot of room to dance in my house. that and i've never really learnt any dance so i'm kinda dancing to my own tune, something between ballet stuff and modern stuff. i follow the sound of the music and create a story out of it. not that i dance much. though the music that accompanies the credits for pirates of the carribean has made me dance all round the house acting out sword fights and other such things several times.

[liliana]

Sounds good, too! Why not!

[argento_occhi]

i'd dance more often, but i'm too darn self-conscious, and i only dance around the house when there's no one else around. it makes me feel alive, though. it fills me with this energy that i never knew existed. i'm kinda too old to really learn proper ballet, but it's still a very beautiful form of dance. I'm kinda a late bloomer in everything. took me a while to realise i actually liked dancing.

[Ahautenites]

**Grins** I don't dance in public, either.

Here are some questions for you all.... The show Mad, Mad House is planning on having a second season, and someone said they might be looking for someone of some kind of Kemetic beliefs to be an Alt. What do you all think of this? Would you seek to be on this show as an Alt? Who do you think they should get if they can, or else what would your opinion of the person they do get be right off the bat? Would you watch the show if they got someone? Would their being on the show influence your opinion of their validity?

[argento_occhi]

well, not having seen the first season, cos it wasn't shown here in oz, i don't think i'm qualified to comment. what little i know about the show, it sounds interesting and really, really weird. i have no idea if i'd actually enjoy the show cos i haven't had the chance to see it. If anyone else who's seen it can enlighten me, feel free. i'm kinda intrigued by the whole idea of this show.

[aftershocked]

Well.. if I had to choose someone to represent kemeticism on a show like this, the first thought in my head would be, what is the stand-out for this person? I mean, Fiona Horne was an author and known presence in the Wiccan community.. but being such a small public presence (I only know of the others online, having never met another in real life), would they represent how I saw my gods? I doubt it. Nor do I believe that they should- I like my personal relationship. I'd just be afraid that people would think that this one person represents anyone who chooses to call themselves Kemetic. Also, what would the 'challenges' be? Maybe I've been desensitized by my lack of exciting rituals and terrifying one-on-one encounters with Netjer (I'm a chicken anyhoo, fire and brimstone is not a good sales ploy for me :rolleyes: ), but I can't even think of anything to do as a game like the hanging ritual and whatnot.. unless we dragged out the good ol' mythology books and re-enacted one... what would you do for a 'showcase' or game to show the guests what your religion is like?

Personally, I'd love to be on the show if I could (being 14 and in-the-closet = no public TV appearances). It would be a fun way to educate people about how I see my religion, get my opinions known, and I think it would be fun to see firsthand how the other Alts lived. But it would be odd, and would certainly be a test of faith, one which I think I have a while before I could think of passing.

I would most definately watch the show if they got a Kemetic person on there.. I plan on watching season 2 anyway, but I would make a point if it was someone who shared my religious views. I don't think I would be right to judge someone on that show, even if they were completely in opposition with how I see Netjer. I've learned that pigeon-holing Netjer is one of the fastest ways to annoy Them, and besides- I think it's very interesting to see how others interact with Them. And as far as validity,it would depend on how they showed themselves as a person. Anyone who is truly interested in serving Them and upholding Ma'at is perfectly respectable in my eyes.

[Ahautenites]

I've learned that pigeon-holing Netjer is one of the fastest ways to annoy Them,...

Good point. **evil grin**

[aftershocked]

Whoo! Yet another question:
Do any of you use Kemetic-related divinatory tools? I've been looking for a good Egyptian oracle to dedicate to Aset as a thank-you for helping me along my magical path.. but I would also like to put them to use. Does anyone use an oracle that helps them connect to Netjer?

[And NeferSesemet- is that a grin of experience? :hehehehe: ]

[argento_occhi]

i've got the ancient egyptian tarot by clive barret, which has absolutely gorgous images on it. it's my fave deck (although being a tarot deck) i have some Ra-Ma'at cards, which i use very rarely. I alsomade some scarabs, used like runes, i suppose. For me, though, the AE tarot is the one that i connect best to. so not exactly egyptian, as such, but i look at the cards, especially the major arcanan cards, and i see and connect with netjeru. it's amazing. those cards speak to me more than the scarabs and the Ra-Ma'at cards do. Just personal preference there. Apart from that, nothing.

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

I use the Egyptian Tarot by Lo Scarabeo and I have the Eye of Horus Oracle runes and book.

[aftershocked]

The AE Tarot is on my list of decks I want to get, but it's out of print and the only way to get it is online (No shipping things to my house). If you don't mind my asking, what kind of images are on the scarabs you made?

And Nefersesemet, do you like the Egyptian tarot? I've looked at it, but never picked it up.. do you like the way it 'speaks' to you?

[Elena]

I have a question. I have been working on with shamanism for a while now, and I have just recently gotten into egyptian stuff. I have found out a lot of me has to do with it. And there have been a lot of connections that lead to Egypt. And just a while ago, I found this item. I researched it and it turns out it is egyptain. So I was just sitting in my room and it began to glow and a spirit came out of it. He follows me around ever where, but he wont talk to me, and every time I get near him, he tries to say something, but gets scared and "runs" off. Do have any segestions?

[argento_occhi]

no, but that sounds fascinating. i've never had anything that glows.

aftershocked, the images on the scarabs are the ones from 'the mysteries of isis' by traci de regula. it describes ways to make them and meanings and images for them, and how o cast them. there are other divinatory ways mentioned in there too. the images are a suggestion of what to use. there's about 25, maybe. i just used tumbled river stones and drew the symbols on the back, but you could use clay, wood, whatever you like. i don't actually own the book, i just get it from the library.

[liliana]

Hi!
I´m finally back again!!!
Just a week ago I ordered 2 Tarot-decks with ancient egyptian drawings... Whenever I get them I might be able to tell you more...
Does anyone know the following:
Bernd A. Mertz - Der Ägyptische Tarot (the egyptian tarot) includes 22 cards
Silvana Alasia - Das Altägyptische Tarot (the ancient egyptian tarot)
???
Many greetings, Liliana

[aftershocked]

Hmm.. I'll have to check out my library now.. :)

And Elena, can you describe the object? I'm just curious.. and also, did you get the object from one of your family members? The spirit could be one of your ancestors that has something to tell you.. but especially if they weren't of a path that venerated ancestors, it can make them uncomfortable to try to talk to you... I've never had this happen to me under these circumstances, but I have 'met' some of my akhu by being around some of their old items.

For instance, my grandpa was a plumber, and a perfectionist to boot. He always used to tinker with things around his house when he was bored or upset. When he got sick, my family moved into his house to take care of it for him- it was very important that this house, the first one he ever owned since it was built, was taken care of by family. Ever since he passed on, I'e noticed a presence around when things aren't being kept up- especailly around the basement and upstairs... I always feel he's around the house making sure things are working. One night, I remember waking up hearing the water go on and off, and the toilet flushing, and a door opening and closing. When I asked my parents about it in the morning, they thought it was me- apparently it was my grandpa checking on his plumbing! :lol: I've had a few conversations with him, and have made sure to keep things up to keep him happy.

Wow, that was off on a tangent. But I'll be interested in hearing if you do finally break through your new friend's shy side.:)

[edit]
After my story, I completly forgot to answer you Liliana! My apologies, and welcome back! :) I've never used these decks before, and the only information I can find online about them is in another language.. let me know if you like them!

[liliana]

I thought it wouldn´t be easy to find someone using one of them... The ones I saw I only found in german...
Thanks. I´ll see, when I get them...

[aftershocked]

I thought it was German, but I wasn't really sure.. I'm not that familiar with the Germanic languages.

Speaking of languages, I've been looking to start in on my study of Egyptian languages, hieroglyphs and the like.. but I've been a little daunted by the amount of information out there.. does anyone have any suggestions on how to start out?

[argento_occhi]

the book i've got is called 'how to read egyptian hieroglyphs' by mark collier and bill manley. It's a small book, and covers various funeral stelae that you learn to read, so it's not very indepth, but it's a good way to start out. I've seen a few others around at the museum, but this one i liked best. it's published by British Museum Press, and the ISBN is 0-7141-1910-5. First published 1998. I think i've seen it on amazon.com, so hopefully it won't be too hard to get a hold of it. Hope that helps.

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

And Nefersesemet, do you like the Egyptian tarot? I've looked at it, but never picked it up.. do you like the way it 'speaks' to you?

Yes and no. Before, I used to say that it gave me the best "connection" I'd ever had with a tarot deck, but I still had trouble interpreting the suits if I didn't have the booklet with me to clue me in. The major arcana definitely do speak to me but I think the minor arcana sucks. I need people doing things in pictures so I can tell what on earth is going on. Seeing six pharaoh's crooks artfully arranged on a page does nothing for me.

I'm going to be getting the World Spirit tarot deck before long. That one has people and imagery on all of the cards and it gives me a much better read. (Plus, several of the images in the cards are Egyptian-themed.)

[Ahautenites]

Oy, good luck trying to learn to read hieroglyphs. It takes a lot of time, concentration and dedication. I haven't been able to. I just don't have the attention span I used to.

What I wish someone would do is attempt to teach the language in a more modern way. I want to learn the language in transliterated form first, because that would be closer to how the original people learned it.... by hearing it first, rather than reading it. Once we learned the language in the transliterated form, *then* we could take the time to study it the way it was originally written.

I'd read that it takes between four and seven years to become literate in Kemetic. Lots of dedication.

**grins** Welcome back, Liliana!

Elena ~ Sometimes, just because we learn that our past lives have had overtones of one culture or other, it doesn't mean we are being called to it again in this life. I, too, am curious to hear what this Egyptian object is that had a spirit in it. Akhu wouldn't be afraid of us. They are our blessed dead and are there to protect us, not to run away from us. Personally, I would get rid of whatever it was that had the spirit in it and then perform an exorcism to get rid of that spirit. But that's just me. I have a thing about spirits and ghosts. If they leave me alone in this life, then I don't threaten to kick their ethereal arses all around the cosmos once I've left this body.

[argento_occhi]

i'm just learning the hieroglyphs. i'm a long way from any serious dedication. But, if you're keen, then go for it. I learn languages purely outta interests sake. Ifi become fluent, so be it. If not, doens't matter. I mainly use the language books i have as sources of character names and such like. I love the etymology of words. it's so fascinating.

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

A coworker of mine once had a really fascinating book that documented the same word in every language that is known (and understood). It was really interesting to watch how the sound of the word drifted slightly (and sometimes not-so-slightly) from region to region.

I find it interesting that the "muh" sound is used so frequently for "mother." Even in Kemetic the word for "mother" is "mutef." (And "father" is "itef.")

Kemetic language seemed to have some onomatopeoia, too, from the little I've seen. Like, the name "Am-mit" the Devourer of Souls? It sounds a lot like Cookie Monster devouring a cookie. Then there's "Mau" and "Miw", both of which mean "cat" because that's the sound a cat makes. And there's also "Iw" or "Iiw," which means "dog" and that was the sound their dogs made when barking. (Their dogs sounded like wusses, don't they, with those goofy little "ee-Yooh!" barks?)

[aftershocked]

I personally use the Ancestral Path Tarot.. a beautiful deck- and the staves, as well as many of the majors, are Egyptian themed. I also need the people on the decks.. I'm always fascinated with the actions of the people and the way they relate to meanings.

I'm also one of the odd birds who loves languages simply out of fascination. I would love to become literate in it, but I'd settle for just the enjoyment of studying it.

(And I got an affronted reply from Yinepu when I read that last sentence, Nefer :lol: )

[Ahautenites]

**grins** Please tell Yinepu for me that I'm sorry I offended Him. I forgot that jackals are canines, too.

[Erincelt]

Nefer, you might try looking for this book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0520215974/qid=1084228841/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9344872-6064944?v=glance&s=books
How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Mark Collier

It does start introducing the glyphs from pretty early on, but most of the vocabulary and lessons are in roman letters, and also a fair amount written with the two side-by-side. Unfortunately I haven't bought my own copy yet, having to borrow the library's copy. (Heck, I'm just impressed they even had it.)

It is a long-term dedication though, I agree. But its fun! :D They were big fans of puns, that's something I learned quickly enough.

[liliana]

One question...
I was gonna buy a necklace or something to offer Bast. I thought of the "divine" stone, Lapislazuli (hoping it´s the same word in english). I know it was forbidden to wear by the common folk, and all resources belonged to the temples and the pharaohnic family being the represantants of the divine on earth (or their children). Does anyone know, if priests were also allowed to wear this? I think, in the present it is okay, especially for Bast, but I wanted to make sure I don´t ennoy them...
Greetings, Liliana

[argento_occhi]

it should be fine. who are you worried about annoying? I love lapis and plan on buying some on saturday. If you're worried, you could try asking if it's OK to wear first.

bright blessings,
argent

[Ahautenites]

Nefer, you might try looking for this book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0520215974/qid=1084228841/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9344872-6064944?v=glance&s=books
How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Mark Collier

**Grins** GMTA. I own it. I still can't get past Chapter 2.

Another book you all might like to check out is Wit & Humour In Ancient Egypt (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0948695684/002-2216878-3909603?v=glance). I still haven't read it. It's sitting on my shelf, waiting patiently for me to get to it. But I think it's going to be very interesting to see what they found funny.

[aftershocked]

Got this from SixSixFive.com (http://www.sixsixfive.com/) (and edited for PG-viewing :ugh: )

Safety Tips from Anubis (http://home.comcast.net/~aftershocked/anubis.gif)

[edit: Picture's big, so I changed it to a link.. could be a long load]

[Erincelt]

http://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/nervous.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/nervous.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/nervous.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/nervous.gif
http://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/rotflol.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/rotflol.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/rotflol.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/rotflol.gif
http://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies2/loki16.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies2/notworthy.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/cool.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies2/128.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies/cool.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies2/notworthy.gifhttp://www.mysticwicks.com/images/smilies2/loki16.gif

I must now print that out and hang copies all over the neighborhood... yes yes, must must, its divine inspiration, honest honest...

[Ahautenites]

**giggles hysterically** Oh, that was too good. Per-Set.org has a bunch of comics, too, but that was a riot.

[argento_occhi]

**giggles hysterically** Oh, that was too good. Per-Set.org has a bunch of comics, too, but that was a riot.

oih, Gods, that was funny!! :dancy:

[Elena]

Sorry I havent been on for a while. I was trying to get some things together. I got it from another object really. I found it. But since it wasnt mine I didnt keep it. And then another man gave it to me.

[liliana]

Does anyone know the fellowship of Isis? (fellowshipofisis.com)
I just found that page and (´cause it is mostly in english) it is a little bit confusing for me...

[aftershocked]

The Fellowship of Isis really intrigues me.. from what I can tell, it's more of an eclectic group than an Isian tradition. On their page, it says that they're a multi-cultural organization that honor the Goddesses of all pantheons throughout the world. It seems that Isis and Brigid are their two 'main' goddesses, but they have members of 'many esoteric traditions' that seem to cover almost all the old Pagan traditions. I had thought of joining the FoI when I was less involved with Kemeticism, but I feel better only honoring the Egyptian deities.. it's one of the few 'guidelines' that I've set for my faith (besides, it seems I have enough on my hands with Them as it is :raining: ).

[argento_occhi]

i'm intrigued by them too. i like that they're 'multi-cultural', but for me, it's only really for networking that i joined. maybe later they'll become more prominent in my life. i've joined lots of places like that, only to meet people more than for any other reason. I too have enough on my hands just with Aset, Djehuti and Sobek-Re. Just the egyptian deities for me, thank you.I'm open to anything though, which is prolly why FOI intrigues me so much. Meh.

bright blessings,
argent

[liliana]

Reading all the things on that page... sometimes my english was leaving me again. Do they expect from people to worship all those deities? I thought you could choose it yourself...???

[Meritsekhmet]

Hello, merry meet everyone :). I'm glad I have found this thread! I've been learning about Wicca and paganism basically in general for about 4 years now and I just recently decided to take the next step and find a Tradition. I chose- or They chose me ;)- Kemetic/Tameran/Kemetic Wicca. I am not sure weather I want to go in the Kemetic Orthodox or if Kemetic Wicca/Paganism is right for me. I know a lot about Kemet mainly because I have been interested and draw to it since I was about 5 and I read books about it continually. But when it comes to Kemetic/Kemetic Wiccan resources it is a little gray- hopefully this place can help out :). I am grown more towrds the Goddesses (though I recognize the Gods, also)- Aset, Bast, Sekhmet, Ma'at, Seshat...you get the idea ;). I look foward to geting a better knowlegde of this Path so I can better follow it.
Feel free to IM me :)

[aftershocked]

Welcome Merit! Hope you enjoy the stay..

And now, since it seems things are getting a bit quiet :2G: ...

I've been noticing a lot that when I listen to music, or hear a certain phrase, I keep thinking 'That's so *name of Netjer*!' Like on of my favorite songs, Face a la Mer by Cafe del Mar, reminds me so much of Yinepu (Rough english translation):

On sand, vis-a-vis with the sea
Draws up itself there, a cemetery
Where cypresses like lances
Are the guards of his silence.

On sand, iron bedsteads
Are planted there, vis-a-vis with the sea
My friend, death took you along
In its boat for eternity.

If one went to the cemetery
See my name engraved on the stone,
To greet deaths vis-a-vis with the sea,
Drunk of life in the light.

In heat, silence
At the hour when the cypresses are balanced
Deaths rest with the cemetery
Under sand, vis-a-vis with the sea.

Anyone else? :hmmmmm:

[Erincelt]

That is so Yinepu... and also reminds me of a quote from someone at the House of Netjer...
On sand I cast a shadow, on water I cast a reflection.

[Ahautenites]

I remember reading that quote there, too.... Interesting song, too. Anytime I hear a song that reminds me of those I'm closest to, I put links to them in my signature. :)


And because I'm weird, I'm getting back to the onomatopoeia words for a sec. I never knew that Apep's name meant "Spat Out." Now I can totally understand the name. Make the sound of spitting something out and it could sound like "ah-PEHP!" (Though normally, it sounds like "pih-TOOEY!" to me.)

[liliana]

Hi Meritsekhmet!
Welcome to the path...!!! I´m sure you´ll feel like being home...
For any questions, feel free to ask also per pm or e-mail. My goddesses are Bast and Isis.
Lovely greetings, Liliana

[argento_occhi]

I remember reading that quote there, too.... Interesting song, too. Anytime I hear a song that reminds me of those I'm closest to, I put links to them in my signature. :)


And because I'm weird, I'm getting back to the onomatopoeia words for a sec. I never knew that Apep's name meant "Spat Out." Now I can totally understand the name. Make the sound of spitting something out and it could sound like "ah-PEHP!" (Though normally, it sounds like "pih-TOOEY!" to me.)

ahaha, pih-tooey! that's a good one! :crylaugh: *has this wonderful image of Apep getitng spat out of the sun and falling into the sea.* Hey, i have a vivid imagination. And if this doesn't lead you to believe the Egyptians had a sense of humour, i don't know what will.

[liliana]

I was gonna ask you something again...
If you do a ritual, how do you usually do it? What are you basics? Do you use athame and other things? Do you have your own "spells" or greetings to the Gods/ Goddesses that you use mostly?
Greetings, Liliana

[argento_occhi]

i don't do many rituals, but when i do, i don't use any of the 'wiccan' altar tools. there's no need for them. basically include prayers and verses, and meditation, sometimes visualisation. My morning greeting (when i do it in full) involves:
1) 'breaking the seal' on the shrine -- i just lift up the curtains and uncover the picture
2) lighting candles for Djehuti, Sobek-Re and Aset, and Bast too.
3) reciting the prayers of awakening to Aset, Sobek-Re and Djehuti, and a greeting to Bast.
4) greeting the Gods and then continuing on with my own prayers and meditation
5) present offerings
6) finish off and start my day

A shorter version which i perform involves lighting candles, reciting the prayers of awakening and maybe presenting some offerings.

that's about it really.

bright blessings,
argent

[liliana]

Does anyone of you read other types of egyptian literature (Pauline Gedge, Mika Waltari...)?

[Ahautenites]

Not sure how you mean.... If I want Egyptian literature, I read it from a translated source (but not those translated by Budge). :) http://www.touregypt.com has some good translations or at least explanations of a lot of Ancient Egyptian works. And by following the Amazon links on The House of Netjer Reference page, you can even get good translations of all of the most important texts.

[liliana]

Sorry, I meant novels and these things about ancient Egypt.

[Ahautenites]

Ahhh. **nods** Well ,there are the Amelia Peabody mysteries. They're quite fun to read and if you look closely enough, you'll be able to see that her stories parallel certain myths, legends and folktales from ancient Egypt. Also, you can tell which of her characters represents which god or goddess.

[liliana]

Great, thanks!
At the moment I´m reading again one of those books by Christian Jacq. But most I like the books by Pauline Gedge, especially one called (i will try to translate...) "Son of the Pharaoh", which turns out to be a real mystical story. And one book by Mika Waltari (think it´s called "Sinuhe"), that possibly is made as a modern translation of a collection of papyrii fond in the desert.

[argento_occhi]

i've read the first two of christian jacq's ramesees books, but haven't been able to track down the others to read. i read a book called 'the pharaoh's daughter' by some guy i can't remember which 'tells' the story of moses in a very interesting way. the imagery in the book.... i just wanna read it over and over again. it's a beautiful story and lacks some of the 'bias' that can come through in some versions of this story. it's a touching tale. *goes off to search city of joondalup's online library catalogue to discover author's name* ah, Julius Lester wrote it, published 2000. if you ever get a chance to read this, you should. it's such a beautiful story. And the final scene at the end.... aww... if this novel doesn't make you want to go and live t the palace there, then i don't know what will.

senebty!
argent

[aftershocked]

I've been looking for some Kemetic stories to obsess over during summer... I think I'll have to add those to my list :smile:

How many Ramsese books did Jacq write? And I'm correct in assuming they're classified as fiction/fantasy, right?

[liliana]

He wrote 5. Really a good story!!! What I like, too, I think in english it should be "The Stone of Light", 4 books of Christian Jacq (reading now). I´m fascinated!!!! That one is also more mystical...
Suzanne Frank wrote one about Moses, too. It´s the first of those 4 time-travelling books of her.
Greetings, Liliana

[coyoger]

OK, well looks like I am a little late in jointing in, but I will give it a go.

Hello, I am new to this forum and just found this thread. It is very intresting to read about a common intrest. So, I'll give a little info on me, and what I beleive. Then I will try and answer some of the questions asked in this thread.

*clears throat*
Well, I was born in a desert type region. I'm not saying this has anything to do with anything, but I have always been drawn to coyotes. One of the great Trickster spirits of notrh America.

That being said, I was raised Christian. I went to church, I followed along, but it never appealed to me. I would go and write stories on pamplets, and then I had a huge fight with my mother. That was when I stopped going to church.

It's not like I had something else to turn to, and really didn't feel the need. I still went to church now and agin, but it was for my mom's benifit. Anyway, in school I had enrolled in history. Nothing special, but the next week we started talking about Egypt. I was in love. I loved the writings, the buildings and temples. I loved the pantheon. This is where I was first introduced to Anubis. It was like a slap in the face. A wake-up call. I studied everything I could about him and the rest of the Egyptian deities.

But it was always about Anubis.

It took a long time for me to give up on the Christian upbringing of "thou shalt have no other gods before me." And for the longest time I fooled myself into thinking that, "Yeah, Anubis is really cool, but that's it." It wasn't until I moved out that I was able to experiment with my own faith that I was able to worship him properly. He has been with me a long time, and now that I acknowledgee him, he is even more vocal. I have learned many new things over the last 5 years that I have allowed myself freedom. Like, his real name (or what he perfers I call him is Anpu.) That he has a brother that is equally as rockin' named Wepwawet.

I see him in my dreams, talk to him almost daily, and honor him above all others. (although I respect all others and beleive in them as well.) I have had the honor of assisting him in a judging, and late last year he gave me my name. Insepanu.I have studied the glyphs and near as I can tell it either means, "Woman of Anpu" or "Instrument of Anpu." Either way it was so neat that I went and got a tattoo of the name on the small of my back. The more I listen, the more he talks.

But the whole reason of starting off my story of deserts and coyotes, is Anpu is basically the coyote of the Egyptian world. And pretty much the trickster as well. But that is just how I see it.

As for the questions, no I don't really follow any set rituals. I know them, and can do them, but really, what need to I (crunching numbers at work) have to perform the "opening of the mouth."? I always give him water, and sometimes more. He likes dance as well and has been very helpful in my leaning of belly dancing. I am still learning, but I feel closer to him when I dance.

Mad, Mad house was a pretty cool show, and if they do choice someone who follows a Egpytian God/Goddess I wish them well on the search. I would watch it, but I enjoy learning new things about new paths. I really came to reaspect Art, and began to have less and less faith in Feiona. (wanted to slap her in the end.)

Anyway...cool topic.

[aftershocked]

Welcome coyoger! Yes, I have been noticing more and more of His.. shall we say odd sense of humor in my life. When you say you had the honor of assisting Him in a judging, what do you mean? I've never heard of this.. unless you're referring to attending a Kemetic funeral rite. If you wouldn't mind sharing, I'd love to hear about it. :)

Hmm, that's odd. I had been wondering what the Egyptian representation of fate was.. I found the names Shai (Fate) and Renenet (Fortune). Has anyone heard of/worked with these two before? I've only come across references to the Book of the Dead, and one site that said that Ramsese II associated himself with Them. Any thoughts? :hmmmmm:

[liliana]

Welcome Coyoger!!!
Good to have new people around all the time!!!
So you do belly dancing... how long have you learnt? (if I may ask...)
Greetings, Liliana

[cheddarsox]

Hi, I have been learning so much reading this board. I am so glad I found it. Let's say I am a panentheist with strong Kemetic interests. Anubis appeared to me in a shamanistic journey. I want to listen and learn more.

I studied Egyptian art for several years, a long time ago. Have some books about learning to read hieroglyphs. When I was in high school a friend and I used to write notes to one another in phonetic hieroglyphs!

I recently bought a piece of soapstone to carve. I believe Anpu is calling.

cheddar

[darastar]

But it was always about Anubis.



*nods*

same for me - no matter how much I read about or try to make a connection with any of the other Names, it always, always comes back to Yinepu. He is always with me, around me, I talk to him and honour him and I just *know* He's around. I have been following a Pagan path for more than a decade and have never felt anything so spiritually intense as that which I've experienced in the seven or so months since He crashed into my life..

I'd love to see a pic of your tattoo, if you don't mind...!

[coyoger]

OK, I directly cut this from my Live Journal, so Maii is me and Frosty is my mate.

"Maii: Well last weekend was eventful. The most notable thing that happened was a huge ‎fight that happened down where Frosty works. I wasn’t there, I just saw the results. ‎Perhaps he will post what happened but he encouraged me to post my dream. And my ‎dream was connected to what happened. ‎

That being said, a little background. At the club where Frosty works, (A Tex-Mex bar ‎that is frequented by Mexicans) when closing time came around, there was a big fight out ‎in the parking lot. Frosty saw that there were three men who had pipes and was able to ‎wrestle one of them down to the ground. (Literally) Well, while he was holding the man ‎down the two others came up on him and started to hit Frosty on the back with the pipes. ‎Frosty is big and tough and made it through the fight safely. (So to speak) But when He ‎got home he showed me the bruises. Angry marks were littered on his back, and they ‎were not ones that I had made. (Cuz ya know when…love…humm, sweet lovin’…humm ‎enough said.) ‎

Anyway this made me very mad. I tried to heal him the best I could with touch and he ‎took a bath. Without me thinking about it, (Meaning I did not plan this) I had a dream ‎that night. ‎

The Dream:‎
I was wearing a long white pleated gown, my hair flowing wild about me. (I usually have ‎it up in some form) I walked into this small dark room and saw a man on a bed. He was ‎short and looked to be Mexican with short brown hair. I knelt beside his bed and told him ‎his time was up. Very calmly we walked out of his room and into a temple that had ‎candle lighting the way. ‎
I knew that he was not speaking in English, but I still understood what he was saying. ‎
Man: “What’s happening?”‎
Me: “You have died, and you must now be judged.”‎
Man: “But I don’t understand?”‎
We came to a room. In this room were torches and the judgment room. It was the ‎Egyptian judgment set up. Anubis was there and so was Amut. I get the feeling that there ‎were more in the room, but when seeing Anubis all others just kinda didn’t matter to me. ‎There was a golden scale in the middle of the room and the feather was on one of the ‎scales. (Those of you who know this set up will understand) Anubis came up to me and I ‎handed the man over to him. ‎
Anubis was well…my god. Such an awesome power, he was hard to behold, but the best ‎way to describe him is he was without form, yet with. He was just a mass of ‎golden/bright light that was filled with images of Anubis, and it all came together to ‎make the general outline of the figure that he is known by. The man with the Jackal’s ‎head. ‎
Anubis grabbed the man by the chest and ripped his heart out. There didn’t seem to be ‎any pain, and we were all very clam. Something must be done.‎
Man: “What’s happening?”‎
Me: “You must be judged before you are allowed to meet your maker.”‎
Man: “But I’m Catholic, this isn’t supposed to happen?”‎
Me: “It doesn’t matter, all must be proved worthy before they can meet there god of ‎choice.”‎
Anubis put the heart on the scale and of course, the scale moved down. (To be worthy the ‎scale must remain equal. The heart of the dead person must weight as much as the feather ‎in order to pass on to meet the god.) ‎
Me: “You are unworthy to meet your god.”‎
At this point the man started saying, “But I’m Catholic, this isn’t suppose to happen.”‎
Anubis took the heart from the scale and gave it to Amut. She ate it in the typical ‎alligator fashion. The man started to panic. He started to scream, “But I’m Catholic! I’m ‎Catholic!”‎
Anubis and I took him by the hand and lead him down a dark tunnel. This one had no ‎lights. ‎

At this point I woke up with a happy grin!!! JOY!!! No, not because of the poor man, but ‎that I got to see Anubis and was working with him. (Hard to explain, but Oh boy oh boy ‎oh boy…) [Wonder if this means that I am worthy of meeting my god?] ‎

Now I don’t know if that man died, I don’t know if he was unconscious or knocked out or ‎what. But I am sure that somehow I tapped into his dream and we shared this vision. I’m ‎sure this was one of the men who beat up my Frosty. And I can guarantee that he had a ‎pretty bad nightmare! "

My mate told me that the discription of the man fit him to a tea, and He also said that in the floowing nights/months, ect. He has not seen the man again. Again, let me state, I do not wish anyone harm. I didn't plan on dreaming this, but seeing Anpu in a dream, and acting as a priestess, just made me all kinds of gitty. It hasn't happened since. But wow... That was sometime around December, before I received my name.

I have a picture of my tat, but haven't scaned it to the computer yet. But I will be happy to share when I can get it scaned. And I have been learning to belly dance for about a year and a half. I'm not great, but it's not so much about how you look, as how you feel for me. And I'll have to stop/slow down pretty soon. Or so I hear. I'm sure it's hard to jiggle da' belly, when it sticks out with a new life. *laughs*

[liliana]

Wow!!!! That´s an awesome dream!!!! I believe you and I´m sure that there was a connection to this guy... Maybe just a nightmare-like warning... who knows...Great experience!!!!

Keep on dancing!! It´s the best thing you can do to have it easier when the "new life" wants to leave that belly. All dancing women I know had the easiest births (hope that´s written well...?) ´cause it builts the muscles of the involved parts... When will it be? All the best wishes to you! May Hapi protect you!
Greetings, Liliana

[aftershocked]

What an interesting dream, coyoger! And congratulations on your new vistior! Do you know what they'll be? And when are they due? (Sorry, I hate using 'it' to refer to a life.. I'm odd like that).

[aftershocked]

Sorry to double post, but I epiphanized today during my morning walk and had to post.

It's a really windy day today, and while I was walking I was thinking about Shu and how I would personalize Him (I want Him to be the subject of my next drawing). And just as the wind picked up, it rustled through the tree and what sound did it make? *shoooooooo*

Ok, that sounded kinda lame.. but I thought it was cool. :crazyman:

[TaysatWesir]

I was looking through the forums and found this thread. I am a daughter of Maihes lion headed Netjer son of Bast. At the moment I am studying the ancient Egyptian religion otherwise known as Kemeticism. In the near future I am looking to open my site for ancient Egyptian background sets.

[liliana]

Hi!
That sounds interesting! Are you also working with scents and perfumes?

[coyoger]

Aftershocked, that doesn't sound strange at all! Go for it! (the new art project)

MerytMaihes, welcome to the board, and good luck on your search.

As for those wondering about me, as far as I know it's only one little stinker who is killing me with the morning sickness. I'm only on my 6th week. Meaning "it" is due sometime late January. Put I will post more on that when I know more.

In the meantime, any advice on who I should ask for help with this stage? (No offense to my great lord and master, but his mom had him and then left him out in the desert. Where he might have died if it weren't for the Jackle mom and Isis finding out.) So, any good mother Goddess' out there?

[aftershocked]

I've found the names Heqet, Bes, and Meshkhenet to be directly related to the birthing process, or children. More info on them is at HoN's Glossary of Netjeru (http://www.kemet.org/glossary/) . I'll have to admit, having never been involved in a birth other than my own, I'll be of little help. Also, Aset and Het-hwr come to mind as motherly deities, although that's more of a general sense; not directly related to midwifery.

MerytMaihes, welcome! I've been looking into Maahes.. do you have any suggested reading on him? Welcome, by the way.. hope you can stick around! :hugz:

Thanks for the support, as I've been interacting more with Shu, I have a beautiful picture in my head of what He looks like.. the difficulty now will be to get it on paper. If it turns out decent, I'll see if I can sneak over to my friend's house and scan it to show you. I never thought of working with perfumes.. that sounds like a good idea. I'll have to check into it, thanks liliana :).

[liliana]

For Coyoger... Wasn´t there a temple of a goddess on an island in the middle of the river nile? I forgot the name, but she looked like a hippopotamus (?!? english!!!) and with her big belly she was the protecting goddess espacially for familiar luck...
Also my goddess Bast supports everything concerning familiar luck (or better reproduction ;-) ). A good birth, healthy children... is sort of a main goal. Even in the old times people believed that being bad towards cats could cause a bad birthing process... Especially during pregnancies women were supposed to feed there cats well, so Bast would thank it with protection of the mother and her child.

Fragrances in all kinds are an object of several gods/ goddesses. Especially Shu is somehow the lord of incence (smoke-air...). Interesting way to get closer to gods/ goddesses...

One question: Tomorrow I´m gonna start lessons for the people of our german forum. The topic is also everything egypt