The Basics Beliefs of Kemetic Reform
So what are the basic beliefs of Kemetic Reform?
Obviously, we pray to and worship the ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. (Sometimes people are surprised that pre-Christian religions are experiencing a revival, but they in fact have been since the 1970's and before.) But more specifically, what are we about? The following Principles, Core Beliefs and the Eight Ma'ats give a sense of what is important to in the Kemetic Reform worldview. More resources are forthcoming.
Core Principles of Kemetic Reform:
The many Gods and Goddesses, or Notjeru, of ancient Egypt continue to exist and are beginning a renaissance. They are calling to those of us who have a spiritual connection to Them.
The Egyptian concept of Ma'at - truth, justice, and order - gives us a moral framework and a code to live by. Living in accord with Ma'at does the Gods' work and guides us in making our world a better place.
Egyptian spirituality transcends race, gender, age, orientation or disability. All are equal in the eyes of Ra.
By celebrating the Gods, we can enrich our lives; by celebrating Their festivals, we can foster a sense of community and inclusion for those who have none.
Core Beliefs of Kemetic Reform:
The Notjeru, or Gods and Goddesses, are directly accessible to all Their worshippers for prayer, thanksgiving and intercession, and they need no earthly representative. The Notjeru are loving and forgiving. Our job is not so much to 'submit' to them as it is to heed Their guidance and improve ourselves.
The physical world in which we live was created by the Notjeru at the First Time; it is not inherently evil, nor should it be shunned. True growth only comes about when both the physical and spiritual worlds are embraced as equal parts of our human experience.
Humanity is not 'born in sin' and will not face an apocalyptic judgement. Our purpose in living is to be of benefit to others as well as ourselves, continue the good deeds begun at the First Time, and leave a legacy for future generations.
Every person has free will and a voice, and everyone will have a chance to speak for themselves at their own personal Judgement in the Hall of Two Truths. The Gods hold everyone accountable to the same standard of ma'at, or Truth.
The Eight Ma'ats
The ancient Egyptian collection of sacred texts known as the Book of the Dead contained 42 Declarations of Innocence that served to outline their sense of morality by stating misdeeds that a person had (hopefully!) not done. In Kemetic Reform tradition, the major themes found within those Declarations are condensed into Eight Ma'ats (eight being a powerful number, representing the primeval forces that brought about Creation). In prayer, we recite the Eight Ma'ats in a positive form; focusing not upon what we haven't done, but what we will do.
Upholding the Eight Ma’ats:
May we always act with gentility and compassion, for such is the First Ma'at.
May we always offer charity and hospitality, for such is the Second Ma'at.
May we always respect consent and fidelity, for such is the Third Ma'at.
May we always avoid violence and promote wellness, for such is the Fourth Ma'at.
May we always speak words of truth, for such is the Fifth Ma'at.
May we always promote the public good, for such is the Sixth Ma'at.
May we always act humbly and with temperance, for such is the Seventh Ma'at.
May we always honor my Gods and respect others', for such is the Eighth Ma'at.
May we uphold Ma'at like Djehuty, that we may witness Ra's perfection every day.
In-un-ma'a."
(The phrase in ancient Egyptian, In-un-maa, means "truly it is". It's a Kemetic Reform equivalent of the familiar word "Amen" - which comes from Hebrew Omayn, not the Egyptian deity Amun.)
If you'd like to read the original 42 Declarations, which are still important to Kemetic Reform belief, look for the link on our Egyptology resource page or in the book below.
Horizon - the Kemetic Reform Newsletter
Begun in 2018 as a print-only quarterly newsletter, in response to requests from Kemetics overseas and the ongoing issues related to the pandemic Horizon is now available online! Each issue is linked here as a downloadable .PDF document. Like the brochures below, you can print them to share with others in your area, as long as you keep the content unaltered and attribute the source - being this website. If you'd like to sumbit something for a future issue, email us. (Turnaround on emails may be rather slow, but rest assured that we will get in touch with you.)
Volume 1, Issue 1, July-September 2018
Volume 1, Issue 2, October-December 2018
Volume 1, Issue 3, January-March 2019
Volume 1, Issue 4, April-June 2019
Volume 2, Issue 1, July-September 2019
Volume 2, Issue 2, October-December 2019
Volume 2, Issue 3, January-March 2020
Special Issue: Volumes 2.4 and 3.1, April-September 2020
Downloadable Brochures
These color .PDF brochures are free for download. You can print them for use at World Religion Day, Pagan Pride or other events, so long as the original content is kept unaltered.
Do Egyptian Pagans Worship Idols?
Read More
You can learn more about Egyptian Paganism, Kemeticism and basic beliefs of Kemetic Reform in these books by author and videographer Sharon LaBorde:
Following the Sun: A Practical Guide to Egyptian Religion, Revised Edition
Circle of the Sun: Rites and Celebrations for Egyptian Pagans and Kemetics
The Ancient Egyptian Declarations of Innocence