SEKHMET

Those connected to an Egyptian incarnation may resonate with the Goddess Sekhmet, the Egyptian primordial Goddess associated with Sekhem. Sekhmet, represented with the body of a woman and the head/headdress of a lion or cat, was viewed by the Egyptians as the bringer of destruction, as well as the Goddess of regeneration and healing. Sekhem is traditionally associated with the Egyptian archetype, Sekhmet, the Goddess of Healing.

The name, Sekhmet, contains the root word, Sekhem, which means power, or the Sacred Might.

Sekhmet is one of the most ancient deities known to the human race. Myths and legends relate that she was present at the creation of our universe, existing well before the time of the Earth’s creation, as some of her many titles, such as Lady of the Place of the Beginning of Time, and The One Who Was Before the Gods Were indicate. Her origin before Egypt, however, is unknown.

By the time myths came to be recorded in writing, Sekhmet had come to be called the daughter of Ra, the Sun God, the leader of the Egyptian gods. In Egyptian mythology, it was she who punished the damned in the underworld, yet, at the same time, she was worshiped in her aspect of Great One of Healing, the setter of bones. Her priests were skilled in the knowledge of anatomy, surgery, herbs, metals associated with homeopathy, sound healing, and the vibrational healing arts, at all levels of body, mind, and spirit.

The ancient story of Sekhmet recounts the Destruction of Mankind. When, at the origin of time, men plotted against their Creator, Ra determined to send his Eye, in the form of a lioness, Sekhmet, to with instructions to destroy the Earth and its inhabitants. Sekhmet, following her instructions, wreaked havoc, and was at the point of devouring all humanity when Ra regretted his decision. In order to stop the destruction of humanity, Ra ordered that the ground be covered with beer dyed red. When Sekhmet encountered the field of red liquid, she took it to be blood, and greedily drank it, and fell asleep, allowing mankind to be spared. Ra then sent Thoth, in the guise of a monkey, to bring Sekhmet back. As they reached Aswan, Thoth suddenly plunged Sekhmet into the life-giving waters there, to cool her off. Subsequently, Sekhmet renounced her bloodthirsty destructive behavior, and, choosing compassion, she was transformed into a gentle cat, Bastet, who is one of the aspects of Hathor, the great Mother, thus illustrating that compassion is the strongest power.

Sekhmet represents the balanced use of power. She is a powerful protector. Although Sekhmet has the power to destroy, he also has the power to renew, and to directly inspire healers and healing.

All Sun Gods are Healing Gods, and all Healing Gods are Sun Gods. Sekhmet is no exception.

The Sun is a symbol of manifesting energy. Sunlight is an important part of our life process. The Sun is central to our existence. It is through the mediation of the Sun that life comes to the Earth.

Sekhmet is commonly referred to as the "Lady of Flame". She corresponds to the South, and, as such, to the element of fire in many religions and traditions. As the Daughter of Ra, God of the Sun, She cannot help but be associated with the element of fire. Her properties as a healer were invoked to turn back illness and plague, and, in particular, She was called upon in cases of fever. She is the fire of life, which exists within the nucleus of every cell in every living thing on Earth. It is fitting that she be paired with Ptah, the Creator God of the Egyptians, for it is she who lends the fire to the creation process which breathes life into that which is created. She is not to be taken lightly – Sekhmet is the Right Eye of Ra, the vengeful Daughter, protecting the righteousness of His Name. Sekhmet is the upholder of Ma’at – that which is Truth, or the Order of the Universe. As the Eye of Ra, Sekhmet enters the sphere of the Earth; as Sekhmet, She transforms the Earth, and, as Hathor, She rules the Earth.