Kemetic personal shrine

Transcription

1 1 Kemetic Spirituality Lesson 8 Lesson theme: Shrines, Temples and Altars Introduction: Em hotep - Greetings in peace (hotep) This lesson is going to explore what a Shrine is, how temples work and how Ancient Egyptian temples differ from the Western Pagan temples. I will again add to my lesson extracts from authors whose work is of great importance to me. Again I must remind you what we discussed in lesson 1: read as many books as you can and from that you take what compliments you. Must it be a circle, a room or a temple, as just some of the questions students ask and my answer every time is: do what is comfortable to you and your spiritual work. Most of us would like to have an temple to do our work in, but due to the economy and work we are required to live in small places and be happy with make shift altars and sacred spaces, but non-the-less your small make-shift sacred space or altar is just as important as the big lavish one somebody else have. I believe it is not in the building or the space, but in what you offer. The last part of this lesson will be setting up an Altar. Again, no two altars are the same, for an altar is personal and should be decorated by you alone. You can decorate your altar according to your Neter/Neteret you worship or according to the elements, the options are endless. Kemetic personal shrine A personal shrine is a personal sacred space set aside to either do ritual work with your Divine. It does not have to be elaborate; it should be of personal and private effect. A personal household shrine should not be placed in a high-traffic area, or in a place which attract to much attention. It is a sacred private space where you can interact with the Divine. Your shrine should be in a comfortable area for you will spend time praying, meditating or other celebration ritual work. Your shrine is a place created for the god or goddess and as such it is a place of sacredness. One can say that it is your informal temple. It is then a fully functional ritual place for you as an individual containing all the necessary elements for Kemetic ritual. It should not be in places where germs, dust or dirt accumulate. It should remain in this location and have partitioning or be in a closed area. It will be the place where you communicate with the gods and goddesses, Your shrine should have a white cloth for the floor, a food-safe waterproof - normally glass- bowl for liquid offerings, food-safe bowl for dry offerings, light source like candles and incense. Your shrine is your private place of communication with the Divine and it should have your "feel" in it. You will not feel safe in a place that has all the markings of another person in it. This is a place where you will communicate with your Divine and as such it is personal to you and should show your interest and character. It must have your energy within it and also it must show the aspects of what you believe in.

2 2 And if you do not have a set space (Like I do) for a shrine, it is not the end of the world. If you have to share your special place with other items just make sure your altar area is covered for the other items. I have to share my sacred space with my desk and a few other items which I can move around when I want to open my shrine. I have two large candle holder stands which I then move to show that the shrine is now in working. A shrine is a dedicated place, so any place that you dedicate to the worship of the Neteru is a shrine, remember that The Household Shrine in Ancient Egypt An extract from the writings of Kerry Wisner: In addition to the great temples of the state religion individual people had their own shrines dedicated to the Neteru whom they felt most drawn to. In the poorer homes this shrine might only be a corner of a room or a niche in a wall set aside for the purpose. Wealthier households on the other hand frequently had a special pavilion built in the garden to serve as the family chapel. Frequently these could be quite elaborate affairs incorporating many of the features found in the state run temples but on a smaller scale. Typical private chapels generally began with a small basin or pool just outside of the building. These were shaped in the form of T and held immense esoteric significance. Like the larger square pools of the state run temples these T shaped basins were used to cleanse the ritual participants prior to ceremony. Dr. Ann H. Bomann explains the symbolism of this shape well in her work on Private Chapels in Ancient Egypt: The T as a form of cross was used mainly as a basin. This has been suggested as a symbol of the water of Nun. This, of course can be extended to the rectangular basin. The distinguishing point, nevertheless, is the two intersecting bars, which suggest opposing forces (Nun and Naunet) as the underlying potential of creation, yet formless in the endless expanse of the primordial waters. Dr. Bomann continues to explain: The ideas expressed above concerning the potential of creation in the T are further extended by the loop of the Ankh suggesting a continuous state of being or immortality. This is demonstrated in the mythology of the Sun disappearing into Nun while his mother, Nut, nourishes him as he performs his transformations to re-emerge from the abyss renewed as Khepera. Dr. Bomann concludes: It would seem that the T represented the potential of the elements of the creative process before they were manifested into form. In other words, we see within the shape of the _ basins and pools a symbolic representation of the masculine (Nun) and feminine (Naunet) forces present within the primordial waters of Nun. It was from this creative state of being that the Neteru, and all else that exists as we understand it, issued into temporal being. In my opinion, it is highly significant that this same symbol continues to be a highly potent magical and esoteric point of reference today among many western mystery traditions and magical schools of thought. Without a doubt the symbolism

3 3 first conceived of in Ancient Egypt concerning this symbol managed to be carried forth through time down to the present. The typical private chapel itself was a walled structure with a small flight steps leading into an open air forecourt. From here another small set of stairs led into the roofed area of the chapel. The facade of the roofed chapel generally was designed along the same lines as that of the state run temples in that this was shaped as an Akhet symbol - two taller structures to either side of the doorway. Frequently could find two single flag staffs standing on each side of the entrance. Once inside the roofed area a small room acted as the Outer Court or Hall. These were simple affairs with benches running along the walls. In the center of the floor quite often evidence has been found showing that a small fire would be set and offerings incense were made here. The Inner Court or Hall was entered via yet another passage which was a step above the Outer Court. Set into the floor of this room frequently one could find a platform oftentimes made of limestone and plastered over with white gypsum. This appears to have been used for offerings as archeological digs have found remains from jars and related items on these. This room too, was frequently decorated with hieroglyphic texts, and rituals scenes showing attendants performing rites. Further, remnants from model barges have been found. Clearly this room was used for ritual and related to the voyage of the Neter whom the family worshiped. At the end of this room another set of stairs normally led up to a landing with a balustrade to either side. This marked the entrance into the sanctuary of the chapel. Within this area benches abutted the walls. It was in this room that the Naos, sacred shrine housing the statue of the Neter was kept. Upon the walls behind this frequently images of the winged solar disk were painted. Sometimes, along with the solar disk, the image of two Nekhbet vultures with wings spread would be depicted, each hold a Shen symbol in their claws ============================================================================= Creating Your Ritual Space By this point in your studies you already have a place in your home that acts as your shrine. I would like to present pointers on how to incorporate some of the elements discussed thus far into your personal sanctuary. The first consideration should be the location of your shrine. If at all possible a special room set aside in your home for your ritual work would be ideal. This should have a door or curtain at the threshold that separates it from the rest of the house. Some students convert large walk-in closets into their ritual space. If you don t have a room or large enough closet that can be used choose an area in the home that gets very little traffic. This could be a corner of a bedroom, den, family room, it doesn t really matter so long as it is kept separate from other household functions. Basements and attics are ideal for private shrines; particularly finished attics as they are also the highest point in the house. The area that you will be working in should always be kept clean and free from any clutter. The walls to should also be kept free of distracting photos, paintings, etc that are not directly related to your temple worship. If possible this area should be kept fairly dark as you are creating your own Great Seat or Holy of Holies for the Neteru. By keeping this fairly dark and secluded until you illuminate it during the actual performance of ritual you maintain the sacredness and energy that will begin accumulating there. Some members have taken dark blue linen and draped this behind their altar. In one situation a practicing couple has draped the entire room in dark blue cloth from floor to ceiling, including placing a blue curtain across the doorway. In this way the entire ritual area is sealed off from outside distractions and it gives the room an ethereal feel that is very conducive to ceremonial work.

4 4 At this point I would like to discuss one of the most misunderstood concepts of Egyptian ritual settings. Many people who begin studying and practicing Egyptian religion and magic are often confused as to why there is no magic circle. While the idea of performing magic in a circle is a very ancient concept, it was rarely used in Egypt. Keep in mind that in almost all circumstances the Egyptian ritual working space was square or rectangular because the temples themselves were square. They were built in this shape because of the spiritual doctrines the ancients held regarding the number four. In the Ancient Egyptian mysteries four is the number of completion, perfection and totality. The four corners of the temple can be seen as representing the four supports of the sky, holding up the heavens. The space within the four corners is considered sacred. Egyptian temples were also different than the conventional magic circle of western esoteric systems in that once they were built and the proper ceremonies for bringing these to life were conducted they were considered to be permanently sacred. The magic circle of modern practice, on the other hand, is recreated each time as a sacred space. The Egyptian temple doesn t have to be as it already is sanctified. Having stated this there are some exceptions. Protective spells in which a circle is inscribed around one s bedroom to guard against evil spirits were occasionally used. Generally the ivory wands associated with the Neter Bes were used to draw these. These procedures were most frequently used to protect pregnant women from demons and evil influences (79). In the high rituals of the temples magic circles appear have been used only rarely. Finally, you may want to go back through the entire lesson scanning the details that were encompassed in the ancient temples themselves. As you do, see if there are any of these features that you could incorporate into your temple space. While few people have the means to recreate sacred pools, Birth Houses, and many of the other elaborate details found in the ancient temples, with thought there are many features that may be brought to play in your own shrine. Don t be afraid to be creative. ============================================================================ Altar Your altar is your personal space in which you invoke the God and Goddess. This is the place where you will share your heart and soul and your devotion. It is the most sacred space of the shrine. It is a place that you created and should not be shared with any passerby if possible. There are a variety of ways to set up your altar, but the most important part of setting up an altar is YOU! Always place something personal on the altar to show your dedication and that which you deem important. I believe in the elements so on my altar you will always find things relating to the elements of fire, earth, air and water The Egyptian Altar This extract is from the book: Ancient Egyptian Divination and Magic written by Eleanor L. Harris: Egyptians often employed wooden tables for altars. In some instances, stone altars were used. In The Egyptian Book of the Dead, we learn that the altar was used to hold ritual tools, offerings to the gods, and food and drink for funeral ceremonies. The altar was lavishly covered with offerings of fruit, flowers, incense, meat, bread-cakes, ducks, and vessels for wine, beer, and oil. Single wax flowers and wreaths were also laid upon the table altars. The solitary magician used a wooden table to conduct divination on occasion. We can assume that in most magical work, an altar of some type was used, probably decorated in much the same manner as for the funeral ceremonies, if invocation of a deity took place. Offerings were given to the gods for the purpose of acquiring favours from them. Magicians and scribes sometimes wrote their scripts at the altar, seated upon wooden chairs. There were royal and

5 5 temple libraries that housed collections of religious and magical literature. These are described as being similar to our modern libraries. You may wish to set aside a small table as a permanent altar. You may have an entire room, or an empty space in a room, to furnish with an altar and your private magical library. The altar serves as a focal point and a symbol of the universe where spiritual and divine energies touch your life. By using the altar as a channel your magical power is amplified into the cosmos, rippling across the celestial energies to produce change. It is also a practical furnishing, like a lectern, for such purposes as writing magical script. Magicians sometimes prepared and conducted magic in private. In keeping with tradition, you can maintain your own personal magical script, altar, and storage of all ritual tools Forming an Egyptian Deity altar To the ancient Egyptian statues were not only stone pieces, but representations of their gods that could manifest their energies and send aid to worshippers. When you make your altar, you make offerings of incense, anointed altar statues with oils such as myrrh, and even could dress your deity with jewellery in the form of charms or crystal necklaces. Meditate upon your deity s qualities or ask them for help to bring their powers into your life. The ancient Egyptians had over 130 gods (deities) they prayed to. Each of these deities had their own functions. There are various sites on the internet that explains the reason for that specific deity. Choose your deity that you want to call on, make sure of its characteristics and then set up your altar accordingly. Your altar should contain a statue of the deity you call upon, candles and incense. Certain deities had their own charms and amulets, use these also in your altar for example Ma at had a feather amulet. Once your altar is set up, you write a prayer to exalt your god/goddess and thank them for the gift of live, the gifts you received and then ask or speak what is in your heart. Remember: *there are many ways to set up an altar *there are many ways for open, proceeding and close rituals. *this proceedings I write of here works for me. You will find your own way that will exalt your god/goddess. Each of the gods/goddesses was connected to an element. Find out which of these your god/goddess represents. Make sure you have representatives of earth, air, water and fire on your altar. Cleanse your charms in your elements: water, earth, through the essence (air) and over a candle (fire). Now open your altar ritual by invoking the guards of the elements to guide you and to protect you while you are busy. Proceed now further with prayer and a ritual of thanksgiving. Here is an example: raise your hands with your palms facing your god/goddess, facing them you recite your prayer, then turn your hands and bring the essence smoke over to you in order to cleanse yourself. Afterwards you then can perform your divination or play the Snake game of journey and chance or cast a magic spell. When you are done thank the god/goddess you called, thank the elements and close your proceedings with a thanking prayer.

6 6 Your altar with your gods/goddesses do not need to be packed away when you done with rituals. Make a permanent space in your house for your altar with your god(s)/goddess (es) on. Always keep your altar clean, surrounded by candles and other elemental objects. It is good to bring in nature also in or around your altar. If your altar is not standing in a place where natural light falls, lit a candle regularly for light. ================================================================================ Worksheet 1. Do you have a personal altar or shrine and what does this symbolize to you and what do you think is the value of having an altar? 2. What effect do you think does a shrine have on a person's abilities of worship and magic? 3. If you worship the Neteret (Goddess) Bast, which items would you place on her altar? 4. To honour the elements give one example of an item you will place on your altar to celebrate the elements of fire, earth, air and water. 5. To honour the Neter (God) Sobek on your altar, which items would you place on his altar? 6. In a previous lesson we looked at consciousness, how does having a sacred space and an altar help with attuning your consciousness for the ritual at hand? 7. Research: In most temples and on most Altars of the Ancient Egyptian worshipper you will find a pyramid. I would like you to do some reading and find out what the meaning of this pyramid is, what it symbolizes to those that believes in the Ancient Kemetic Traditions (Ancient Egyptian Spiritual). Give your findings in not more than three paragraphs. ============================================================================== All answers to per.saret@gmail.com ==============================================================================