Kemetic spirituality is an ancient Egyptian practice that honors the sacred connection between humanity, the Earth, and the divine. It provides guiding principles for living in harmony with oneself, others, and the universe. The main principles revolve around truth, justice, balance, order, reciprocity, morality, and purpose.
1. Maat – Truth, Justice, and Balance
Maat represents the cosmic order and harmony in the universe. It encompasses concepts like truth, justice, balance, and morality. Maat is embodied by the goddess Maat, often depicted wearing an ostrich feather on her head. This feather represents the balance between order and chaos, light and dark. Living in maat means speaking truth, acting with justice and morality, and seeking balance in all areas of life.
Some ways to practice maat include:
- Being honest and acting with integrity
- Treating others fairly and fighting injustice when you see it
- Seeking balance between opposing forces and perspectives
- Taking time for self-reflection to stay spiritually centered
Upholding maat brings order to the external world and inner peace.
2. Netcher – Experiencing the Divine Within
Netcher refers to experiencing the spark of the divine within oneself and all living things. The Kemetics believed that the supreme creator force existed within everything in the universe. The netcher principle honors that divine essence within each person.
Some ways to connect with your inner netcher include:
- Spending time in nature and contemplating your place in the web of life
- Meditating to get in touch with your highest self
- Chanting, dancing, creating art or music to express your inner divinity
- Looking for the sacredness and divine light in other people
- Developing your intuition and connection to spiritual guidance
This practice cultivates self-awareness, spiritual growth, and oneness with all.
3. Sankofa – Learning from the Past
Sankofa is a concept represented by a mythological bird reaching its head backwards. It signifies the importance of learning from the past and reclaiming knowledge that empowers you. Sankofa reminds us to honor ancient wisdom and ceremonies for self-discovery.
Some ways to embrace sankofa include:
- Studying Kemetic history, stories, and principles
- Incorporating ancestral rituals and healing practices
- Visiting historical sites to learn about ancient cultures
- Drawing life lessons from your personal history
- Gathering wisdom from elders and spiritual teachers
Looking back gives perspective for moving forward.
4. Utchet – Spiritual Purpose
Utchet represents your spiritual purpose and unique path. The Kemetics believed each soul chooses its destiny before incarnating on Earth. Your utchet involves identifying and living out your higher calling. It might relate to serving family, community, creative passions, or advancing humanity.
Steps for aligning with utchet:
- Exploring your natural talents, interests and values
- Asking for guidance through meditation and divination
- Noticing synchronicities and signs that point to your purpose
- Choosing work or volunteering that fulfills your soul
- Committing to your utchet despite challenges
Discovering your purpose brings meaning and direction.
5. Heru – Self Mastery
Heru represents maturing into your highest self and full potential. It is about mastering all areas of life – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Heru is symbolized by the falcon, which soars high above to gain broad perspective.
Some key aspects of heru include:
- Discipline – Developing positive habits and overcoming weaknesses
- Wisdom – Gaining knowledge through study, observation and experience
- Courage – Facing fears and challenges with heart
- Leadership – Guiding and inspiring others through modeling strength
- Enlightenment – Elevating consciousness through spiritual practice
Embodying heru brings continual growth and actualization of potential.
6. Aakhu – Ancestral Communion
Aakhu refers to communication with ancestors to gain their loving wisdom. Kemetic rituals often invoke elevated ancestors as guides. Developing a relationship with ancestral spirits can help heal generational trauma and find direction.
Some ways to honor the aakhu include:
- Setting up an ancestral altar with photos, offerings, candles
- Calling on ancestors during meditation and asking for help
- Hosting ceremonies to celebrate and feed departed loved ones
- Thanking the ancestors and asking for forgiveness
- Spending time at gravesites to pay tribute
This practice deepens family ties beyond the physical world.
7. Sesh – Embracing Community
Sesh represents the principle of active kinship. It emphasizes participating in your community, supporting others, and embracing communal bonds. Sesh builds unity through hospitality, generosity, and mutual assistance.
Some sesh practices include:
- Volunteering your time and skills
- Sharing resources and networking to help others
- Collaborating on community initiatives
- Attending social gatherings to connect with people
- Providing hospitality through food, shelter, warmth
Living in sesh creates active, loving communities.
Conclusion
Kemetic spirituality provides an enlightening worldview and principles for centered, purposeful living. The seven codes of maat, netcher, sankofa, utchet, heru, aakhu and sesh form a holistic path. Embracing these values leads to truth, balance and order inwardly and outwardly. By honoring the divine within, learning from the past, pursuing your purpose, striving for self mastery, communing with ancestors and building community, you align with your highest self and destinies beyond ego.