As much of the world exits poverty and achieves a comfortable standard of living, our attention turns inward. Now that we have improved our material conditions, the human spirit naturally begins to focus on itself. We see a rich modern revival of interest in the metaphysical. In this, Kemetic spirituality and Kemetic meditation have found fertile ground in which to grow. Those who practice them, moreover, demonstrate that this ancient spiritual system is still very useful today.
Kemeticism Spirituality: A Beginners Guide
In this article:
What Is Kemetic Spirituality?
Kemetic spirituality, also known as Kemetism, may also be called Neterism or Egyptian Neo-paganism. The name derives from “Kemet.” This is the original, native name for the Ancient Egyptian homeland. Kemetic spirituality derives heavily from many sources. Traditional African spiritual practices. Ancient Egyptian architecture and tradition. Modern infusions. Even yoga.
Together, these combine to form a branch of modern spirituality. Its adherents also refer to it as Kemetic Orthodoxy. They strive to return to the old Egyptian ways as closely as possible. For some, this includes instructions on how to worship. For others, however, the religion takes the shape of a spiritual tradition.
The Kemetic traditions are grounded in a cycle. From birth through life and death, then back to rebirth. These same roots characterize many traditions. The Kemetic tradition, though, focuses strongly on moving adherents from a state of confusion to a spiritual rebirth. Adherents express these many different ways. Some pictures show colored areas that represent states of confusion or enlightenment. Other Kemetic traditions use a chakra-like system, equivalent to yoga.
All traditions ground themselves in spiritual truths. Kemetism is no different. The tradition is rooted strongly in Maat. This ancient Egyptian idea rolls truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice all up together. The result: A harmonious system of practical and spiritual teachings.
The Foundations of Kemetic Yoga
Today, the spiritual foundations laid by Ancient Egyptians manifest in different ways. One of the most common is the yoga studio. Interested people can take yoga classes based in Kemetism. Many of the poses look the same. This is especially true of the common human positions. This includes child’s pose or warrior pose, explains the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Such poses are natural positions for the human body. As such, we gravitate to them without effort.
Other poses mimic Ancient Egyptian traditions. Some poses stem from temple carvings. Others represent specific gods in the Egyptian tradition. Some adherents believe in those gods – Kemetism is a polytheistic tradition, after all. Others practice the spiritual side of Kemetism without worrying. Whatever god you believe in, the spiritual principles remain available.
The Goals of Modern Kemetic Spirituality
Though Kemetism mimics ancient beliefs, it embraces modern goals. Today, people want to live healthfully. We understand intuitively that health is the greatest gift. More and more people try to protect their health from younger ages. Yoga and meditation step to the forefront in many traditions. Kemetic spirituality is no different. It focuses on several aspects of health:
- Physical: In order to maintain health, you must stretch and tone your body, so it functions at peak performance.
- Mental and Emotional: A clear mind can manage much more, and much more peacefully.
- Energetic: Your body needs energy, and the right approach to health can ensure you have enough.
- Spiritual: When your body and psyche are in alignment and energized, you have the best shot at spiritual wholeness.
Kemetism also prizes balance. Without balance, harmony cannot exist. Nor can order, truth and so forth. Thus, Kemetic spirituality has a strong foundation in the male-female opposites. These are also represented by yin and yang, perhaps a more familiar image to most moderns.
The Importance of Breathing
For instance, the breath. Breathing comprises a central tenet of yoga. It is also key to many other traditions. Think meditation, or tai chi. Gurus advocate special breathing while chanting or praying as well. In Kemetism, the breathing takes the shape of the “Rule of Four.”
Rule of Four breathing works like this. Close lips. Press the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Keep lips sealed. Inhale through the nose. Inhale gently while counting to four. Hold for one second. Exhale while counting to four. Contract abdomen to squeeze all air out. Repeat.
This breathing technique works for a huge array of applications. Yoga. Sports. Meditation. It grounds the body, as well as clearing the mind. It makes room for spirituality to seep in. This is true for people of all backgrounds. It’s not limited to practices of Kemetism.
The African Roots of Kemetism
Kemetic spirituality strives for inclusion. It’s important to acknowledge, though, that it has its roots in a range of African traditions. Anyone can benefit from these. Those with African ancestry may get even more out of the spiritual practice, though. Many Western practices aren’t very inclusive, intentional or not. Kemetism is. This translates to real value for many people of African descent. Kemetism provides an anchor to the past.
Here’s a video by The Shrine of Ma’at showing the 7 principles of Kemetic spirituality:
Whether you’re from Africa or not, you can get a lot out of this practice. The breathing. The spiritual sides. The balance. The poses. Whatever your goal, Kemetic spirituality has something to offer. It is relatively accessible too. All you have to do is find a studio that teaches it. These are more and more frequent these days, so keep your eye out.
Do you have other methods of Kemeticism for beginners? Let us know in the comments section below.
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