Kemetic Witchcraft...?

[autumn_beauty]

I was curious if anyone knew if there is such a Trad/Path as Kemetic Witchcraft (not Kemetic Orthodox or Wicca)-- one that follows the belief structure/views of Traditional Witchcraft but with a Kemetic twist...?

I personally found that Wicca is not for me for various reasons. I subscribe more to the beliefs of Traditional Witchcraft, but I do not feel a calling with Anglo-Saxon Gods. All my life I felt a close connection and pull when it came to Ancient Egypt. I'm obsessed- Egypt and cats. Yup. Anyway, I was hoping there was a way to work the Kemetic side into the Witchcraft side-- or would this just fall under Ecelectic Witchcraft? Would Tameran fit (or is that one Wiccan based? I forget and there's so little info about it...)?

If anyone has these beliefs or knows of any place to read about them please let me know. Any input is appreciated. :)

** And a question a little off topic-- over the years I've read a few books and websites that stated you have to either follow the path of the land you live in or follow your racial/ethnic roots. Is that true?
Autumn Lucia

[Verthandi]

Repeat after me: the search function is my friend. ;) Seriously, though, there are several Kemetic-related threads. Just use search and you'll find them.

[autumn_beauty]

Repeat after me: the search function is my friend. ;) Seriously, though, there are several Kemetic-related threads. Just use search and you'll find them.

I know. I've looked at those threads. They deal with the Kemetic Orthodox, Tameran and other things which I already know of and are not refering to. I was asking about a path of Witchcraft (note that Witchcraft does not = Wicca) that focuses on Kemetic dieties and such...Oh and I looked online for Kemetic Witchcraft -- nothing...I guess there is not info...

[Sage Rainsong]

Well I don't know of any specific books on it or anything. I know that Gerina Dunwich has her own tradition called Bast wicca. (which isn't wicca at all) She practices magic with a focus on Bast and feline energies. She talks about it a little in her book exploring spellcraft. Of course you could ask the Gods to help you. Maybe you could give an offering to Isis or whoever and ask for her help in forming your path.

[Khuinaset]

Well, I hate to say it, but you're probably just going to have to read what you can on Traditional Witchcraft and put it into a Kemetic view. There's a site about Egyptian ritual magic here (http://www.idolhands.com/egypt/), but I'm not entirely sure how accurate it is.

[Anubis RainHawk]

You can check out "Cirlce of Isis: Egyptian Magick for Modern Witches".

[autumn_beauty]

I figured there wouldn't be much info about it, everything is either Kemetic or Tameran or something else. I'll look more into Kemeticism though (I have before but not as much as Wicca) and see if that is for me. I've always-- since I was 4-- have been interested/drawn to Ancient Egypt, I still am-- obsessed actually-- that's why I asked... I know I want a Path dealing with Kemetic dieties-- mainly Bast--I just don't know in what meduim (Wicca, Witchcraft, Orthodox, etc..- those are what I'm trying to figure out)

Sage Rainsong: sounds perfect! Bast, Felines-- both of my obsessions rolled into one...I'll have to look into that. Thanks :)

Everyone else: Thank you for the input :)

[Redshire]

I was curious if anyone knew if there is such a Trad/Path as Kemetic Witchcraft (not Kemetic Orthodox or Wicca)-- one that follows the belief structure/views of Traditional Witchcraft but with a Kemetic twist...?

Study Witchcraft, study Kemet. You will be able to blend the two on your own after a while.

** And a question a little off topic-- over the years I've read a few books and websites that stated you have to either follow the path of the land you live in or follow your racial/ethnic roots. Is that true? I mean, I'm Russian and Cherokee, but I have no pull and calling in those areas-- I do in Kemetic and Celtic though. And I live in WA state-- I have no idea what Native American tribes are here and what their beliefs are... I assumed those books and sites were just talking nonsense, but I still wanted to bring it up....
Autumn Lucia

I had that issue once, being primarily anglo-saxon and in OR. Truly, tho, the gods are beyond culture, time and place. I honor the Kemetic Names in a very un-orthodox way, and They don't seem to mind. In fact, I get the impression that They enjoy my discovering how They operate in this place and time. :)


em hotep!

[Romani Vixen]

I've *very* recently become attracted to Kemetic ideas (rather see that they match some of mine). I was looking for a local... something.... anything.... redshire, have you found anything in the pdx area? or... perhaps if there's enough interested people in the PNW, we can get together for a discussion day.

My practice is very ecletic. I call myself Hedge Witch. I won't give up what I already see as working for me. I see myself maintaining a very 'traditional' practice of witchcraft. It's a matter of implementation and integration of the two. Traditional witchcraft is about your life and what is important to you. Apply as much of the philosophy as applies to you.

[Redshire]

I've *very* recently become attracted to Kemetic ideas (rather see that they match some of mine). I was looking for a local... something.... anything.... redshire, have you found anything in the pdx area? or... perhaps if there's enough interested people in the PNW, we can get together for a discussion day.

My practice is very ecletic. I call myself Hedge Witch. I won't give up what I already see as working for me. I see myself maintaining a very 'traditional' practice of witchcraft. It's a matter of implementation and integration of the two. Traditional witchcraft is about your life and what is important to you. Apply as much of the philosophy as applies to you.

Unfortunately, I have found no group and few people in the PDX area who practice anaything Kemet-related. Feel free to PM me, I'm all for starting something! :)


em hotep

[Romani Vixen]

Autumn... turns out that Kemetic magic is called 'henu'. There are a few books out there, though I havn't ready any yet (the KO site 'bookstore' has some that are just on magic)

[Erincelt]

Actually Kemetic magic is called "heka", meaning fairly literally "authoritative utterance" and is mostly based around spoken (sometimes sung, sometimes shouted) words and doing things to symbols (such as beating an image of Apep with a big stick -- don't laugh, I've done this one!).

The word "henu" refers to gestures of praise and/or respect. Its modern equivelants would include things like waving and saluting. Although it is arguable that "henu" performed with sincerity can be a kind of interpersonal "heka" -- as "henu" is generally considered an offering that is being made, and offerings are definitely a part of "heka".

There are also different kinds of "heka" such as "sau" which is protection magic. Unfortunately I'm not really an expert on the subject, just a Kemetic follower who intends to take a "sau" course soon. :D

[Romani Vixen]

which kemetic trad do you follow, if any?

There are a few out there... and I'm looking at as many as I can find (though some don't take much time for me to pass over... lol)

[Erincelt]

I am Kemetic Orthodox (with the House of Netjer). Although I'm also dual-affiliated (meaning I practice a second religion, which is Lycian Wicca). :)

[Romani Vixen]

Out of curriosity... has anyone had any dealings with the group Nuhait Am Nutjeru? http://thelivingnuhati.org/

They seem very interesting.

Experiences? Comments?

[Erincelt]

The Nuhati faith is an interesting one. One of the founders, if I remember right, was actually once a member of the House of Netjer, but left it so she (if I recall correct gender) could spare more of her time. She does still hang out on the House forums a bit, though.

From what I've ever been able to ascertain about them, they have a faith that, while built around the legacy of ancient Kemet (Egypt), is probably more likenable to Buddhism or Taoism than to anything else. I do have a good respect for what they are trying to do, and have seen our Nisut offer them the highest of well-wishes, which I think really does say something.

[Ishtara]

*waves*
Just wanted to introduce myself to my fellow MW-ers on an Egyptian path.

I have been having a love affair with ancient Egypt since I was 14 (I am 30 now) but it is only recently that the intellectual/artistic fascination gave way to something much deeper.
So I am very new to this, or to any kind of spirituality for that matter.

I am really looking forward to having great discussions with all of you. I have lots to learn!

Oh, and one little disclaimer: English is not my mother tongue, so if some of my posts do not quite make sense or worse, sound inappropriate, please let me know! Hopefully the worst you will have to put up with will be funny spellings and poor grammar ;)

[Khuinaset]

*waves*
Just wanted to introduce myself to my fellow MW-ers on an Egyptian path.

I have been having a love affair with ancient Egypt since I was 14 (I am 30 now) but it is only recently that the intellectual/artistic fascination gave way to something much deeper.
So I am very new to this, or to any kind of spirituality for that matter.

I am really looking forward to having great discussions with all of you. I have lots to learn!

Oh, and one little disclaimer: English is not my mother tongue, so if some of my posts do not quite make sense or worse, sound inappropriate, please let me know! Hopefully the worst you will have to put up with will be funny spellings and poor grammar ;)

Hey, your grammar/spelling is better than a lot of people I know ;)

Welcome to MW, I hope we entertain you somewhat :) if you have any questions, ask away, there are lots and lots of knowledgeable people on here! :D (Erincelt and NeferSesemet spring to mind :p )

[Ishtara]

Nice to meet you, Khuinaset! :)

And now.. question time! After all this time as a solitary, you can bet I have a few!

OK, so death is very much on my mind at the moment as two close friends of mine are dying of cancer. I am very happy to be on a path that thoroughly deals with death instead of turning it into a taboo the way our Western societies do.
Now my question is: how do you adapt your Kemetic beliefs to our modern times where the elaborate Egyptian funeral rites would be impractical at best? I am not talking about mummification, which I do not think was used for everyone in Kemet anyway (at least during the Old and Middle Kingdoms). But on a practical level, how can you help those who are about to pass to the West (with their consent, of course)? How do you honour your dearly departed? Have you made or are thinking of making any special arrangements for your own funeral?

Hopefully I will be able to talk to Yinepu or Wesir soon, even though They are not the Names who visit me most often, and ask for guidance.

[Romani Vixen]

I wouldn't worry about the preservation of the body. In our climate, no ammount of natron will stop a body from decomposing!!!! I'm not worried about my ka having a place to come back to. I'll have other things that represent me.

The biggest thing that I think you can do to help a dying friend is to help them understand that death isn't an ending, but rather a change. Yenipu is a wonderfully caring jackal, and won't let anyone get lost... :)

Hope this helps... i'm still rather new to kemetic faiths.

Hotep!

[Khuinaset]

OK, so death is very much on my mind at the moment as two close friends of mine are dying of cancer. I am very happy to be on a path that thoroughly deals with death instead of turning it into a taboo the way our Western societies do.
Now my question is: how do you adapt your Kemetic beliefs to our modern times where the elaborate Egyptian funeral rites would be impractical at best? I am not talking about mummification, which I do not think was used for everyone in Kemet anyway (at least during the Old and Middle Kingdoms). But on a practical level, how can you help those who are about to pass to the West (with their consent, of course)? How do you honour your dearly departed? Have you made or are thinking of making any special arrangements for your own funeral?

Hopefully I will be able to talk to Yinepu or Wesir soon, even though They are not the Names who visit me most often, and ask for guidance.

Sorry, I think I meant to reply to this ages ago and simply forgot >_<

Aside from Yinepu or Wesir, I've found that Nebt-Het is also very comforting and helpful in situations of death - one of her roles is comforting the deceased in the afterlife and the friends/relatives of the deceased if I'm remembering right. So you might try praying to her for guidance and comforting for both your friends and you :) .

[Ishtara]

Thank you very much for your answers, Romani Vixen and Khuinaset. It really helps :hugz:

So far, thankfully, my friends are relatively pain-free and they sound quite serene. Their families, on the other hand, have a hard time dealing with the situation, so I am praying to Djehuti for eloquence and to find the right words to comfort them. And yes, praying to Nebet-Heb is a great idea! Thanks again to both of you for the advice :)

[Ishtara]

Khuinaset, I just wanted to thank you again for pointing me to Nebet-Het.
I prayed to Her today after learning that my friend had passed away. I am sure She and Yinepu are going to take good care of him. Hopefully She will look after his family too. All I can say is that She did a great job of comforting my grieving, frazzled self today.

[Redshire]

Khuinaset, I just wanted to thank you again for pointing me to Nebet-Het.
I prayed to Her today after learning that my friend had passed away. I am sure She and Yinepu are going to take good care of him. Hopefully She will look after his family too. All I can say is that She did a great job of comforting my grieving, frazzled self today.


***hugs!***

[Khuinaset]

Khuinaset, I just wanted to thank you again for pointing me to Nebet-Het.
I prayed to Her today after learning that my friend had passed away. I am sure She and Yinepu are going to take good care of him. Hopefully She will look after his family too. All I can say is that She did a great job of comforting my grieving, frazzled self today.

*hugs* You're welcome, I'm glad she comforted you, she was a great help to me many times when people I cared about died or came close.