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    • Jan 18
    • 15 min read

A Beginner's Guide to Kemeticism



Nefertari's Temple at Abu Simbel; Amber Nebthet


Em hotep, hello! If you don't know me, I'm Amber a High Priestess for Set. I teach about the Neteru and Kemeticism on my social media and patreon. As such, this has brought amazing beginners to my space asking similar questions--which is never a problem! This is why I'm writing this post as an all rounder helper guide for you. It will be a long post, so bear with me, and if you have to, favourite or bookmark this page for future reading. So, let's begin:

*Disclaimer: I am a revivalist (more on that below) and as such this post will reflect that. I do not know anything about Tamaran Wicca or the Kemetic Orthodoxy, which I am not affiliated with.


Let's start by giving you a brief history on Kemeticism and what it is.


Kemeticism or even Kemetism started to emerge back in the 1970s through the late 1980s. This is the time where we see the emergence of the Kemetic Orthodoxy and other religious sects claiming the Neteru such as the Temple of Set. There are spaces that would call it Neterism as well, but I don’t see that used modernly.


Kemeticism derives its name from Kemet, meaning “Black Land” due to the fertile soil around the Nile. This is the name given to Egypt by the Ancient Egyptians. It is the modern term used for those of us who practice the Ancient Egyptian religion. They’ve also used Ta-Mery, or “Beloved Land,” as a name for Egypt as well. There are some of us who practice it as close as possible to the Ancient Egyptians, and we call them Reconstructionist.


Then there are others who bring in the way the Ancients practice alongside the Modern practices, Revivalists, and this is where I lay on the line. I combine a lot of scholarly research alongside my modern-day experiences to walk my path. A good example would be me offering Set the Kemetic Basics (water, bread, beer, and wine) alongside a cinnamon roll. I also do my lectures and such as a way to honour him, since I am doing it for him, technically. (Sorry, Djehuty.)


Then there’s the Wiccan off-shoot called Tamaran which derives its name from Ta-Mery. They stick the Neteru within their Wiccan beliefs. I’m not Wiccan, so I can’t speak about it other than that.


Some Kemetics refer to themselves as Pagan, but others call themselves Polytheist. I myself vibe with Polytheist VS Pagan. There are also Kemetic Witches. We’re mostly a polytheistic bunch, but everyone’s practice is unique to them.


Now let's get into the nitty-gritty of the work that needs to be done on this path.

Step One:


First Step is one I know a lot of people hate, but it is necessary if you want to walk this path and that is research. You'll want to research the Ancient Egyptian history, culture, and religion. I know, it's daunting and it can be tedious, especially when most of our books are academically driven. I, unfortunately, cannot in my right mind recommend any book I've seen written on a modern Kemetic path due to a lot of reasons. It's mostly because they are Wiccan driven (which no hate on that path, I just do not teach that path here) and biased and/or because the information in there isn't correct. As such, that leaves us with academic Egyptology books and papers. This isn't a bad thing, really! In my experience, it has helped me de-Christianize and decolonize my practice more since neither of those things should have a place in your Kemetic practice--regardless of your path.


Our gods are Egyptian, and you should remember that.


I know there's a lot of books out there and you're unsure where to start. I have a book recommendation list in my link above if you clicked on social media, however, allow me to get you started:



(You do not have to get these books on amazon! Find them at local thrift book stores or other places you feel comfortable with.)


These books will help you get started. To move forward, keep in mind that any Egyptian book is pretty good as long as it's published in more modern times. A good rule of thumb that I always tell beginners is to avoid the following authors and other occult peoples:


  • E.A. Wallis Budge is outdated, racist, and pushed his Christian ideology upon the Ancient Egyptians. This is most likely where a lot of misconceptions come from even now. Egyptologists today tell others to avoid him and his translations as they don't even use him anymore.

  • Aleister Crowley didn't know jack when it came to Ancient Egypt, he just took what he wanted for his cult and bastardized our gods for his gain. Plus, he was also a racist. Not to mention his views are heavily outdated.

  • Helena Blavatsky wrote Isis Unveiled and basically did the same exact thing Crowley did for her own gain. Her beliefs and Theosophy are one of the main components for the Ancient Astronauts conspiracy theories. Yes, aliens, and yes Ancient Aliens on the History Channel. Her views are also heavily outdated.

  • New Age Spirituality. Alongside their toxicity and spiritual bypassing, they also bastardize our gods and try to fit them into their love and light Christian outlooks. They don't do their just research and it shows.

  • Any Wikipedia page. This isn't even a good starting point as they have a ton of misinformation!


Websites I recommend:



Creators I recommend:



Step Two:


Now that you've been researching, you feel the pull toward a Neteru, or sometimes they come to you and that's how you find yourself walking this path in the first place. It's okay, it happens. On top of doing research on the Ancient Egyptian history, culture, and religion, you must now add in the Neteru you are either interested in or has come to you. If it's someone like Set or Anpu, there are plenty of academic research papers on them you can use Google Scholar for researching.


Besides research, which you can use as an easy devotional act and offering, let's talk about those devotional acts and offerings.


Devotional Acts:


These can be anything you feel called to do. Most notably, we use art work as a devotional act and offering, we can use singing and dancing, and taking care of ourselves to name a few. Some Kemetics will volunteer at their local animal shelters as a devotional act as well. I've been wanting to pick up archery for a devotional act for Set, but alas I don't have a range around where I live.


Offerings:


You will start with the Kemetic basics: water, bread, wine, and beer. The best thing about food and drink offerings is that we get to eat them when the Neteru are finished with them--or find a new use for it. In your research, you should find that the Ancient Egyptians didn't waste them either and they were distributed amongst the priesthood. This tradition carries over to our modern day practice as it's a universal experience that the Neteru don't like waste.


As you build your relationship with the Neteru, you will figure out what they like and don't like as offerings. This will take time, as building any relationship does take that time, work, and dedication. You can also look to other people who have shared their experiences online*, or within your circle of friends if that is available for you, and see what they've found to be good offerings for the same Neteru you are worshipping. (*Make sure to cross reference any information you find online, even the information I give you. Vet the people you see online and keep yourselves safe. Not everyone will have your best interest in mind.)


Worshipping VS Working:


You've probably seen online everywhere a lot of pagans and polytheists claim to be working with rather than worshipping a deity. What's the difference? Worshipping is simple, and I highly recommend starting your journey this way rather than working with. It's simply just worshipping the Neteru with offerings, prayers, and devotional acts. When you worship, it helps build that relationship first.


Working with can become quite a wild ride. Sometimes, we work within spell work if you partake in that, or we work in shadow work (which I do not recommend doing this without professional help as well!! The Neteru--or any deity for that matter--are NOT your therapists!). Sometimes when we choose to work with a deity, they are only there for that set amount of time, and that's okay.


Prayers:


When it comes to prayers, I always recommend writing your own rather than using one of mine or others. You can certainly start with a pre-written prayer from someone you trust or from antiquity should you wish to, of course, until you feel confident enough to write your own. Regardless of the way you choose, say them from the heart and truly mean it. This is another part, other than the research, that you can't half-ass.


How I usually start my prayers is with "O, [epithet] [Neteru's name]" and the rest just flows. Prayers are meant for praise and love, so allow the wording to reflect that. When it comes to petitions, it depends on what you want it to focus on in that moment that will determine the epithet used. So, let's say you want to ask Sekhmet for healing, you'd use her healing epithets. Or, you're asking Set to bring forth a storm, you'll use his storm epithets. I start these the same way I start my prayers.


Shrines and Altars:


Let me start this section by saying: NO you don't need a shrine or altar, you just need you. However, if you want to make one, remember that it does not have to be this elaborate aesthetically pleasing thing filled with the most expensive items! I know it's tempting because of what we see online, but those things take time and money that some of us don't have. The biggest and most important part of this equation is YOU. The Neteru will never force you to make purchases you can't! You must take care of yourself first aka feeding yourself, and taking care of adult things.


Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.


Shrines and altars are spaces for devotion and rituals. You can have both or one or the other should you choose. Shrines are meant for devotion and altars are meant for ritual. They are just as individualistic as the Kemetic practitioner. How yours will look will differ from mine.


What can go into a Shrine?


  • A picture of or a statue of the Neteru you're worshipping.

  • Offering cups; one for food and one for water, if you can.

  • Candles (electric or not).

  • Flowers in vases.

  • Gifts for the Neteru you're worshipping.

  • Crystals.

  • Incense (myrrh and frankincense are the main two).

  • A God Box should you want to.

  • Ib or heart.

  • Ma'at feather.

  • Ma'at herself.

  • Ankh.


The only things you absolutely need should you put a shrine together are the statue or artwork and the incense as these two were the most important items. I say this because I can't leave offerings out on my shrine because my cats will drink and eat them. So I offer what's on my plate everyday. Do what you want to and do what you can. It's really that simple.


A god box, if you don't know what it is, is basically a shelter you put your statue in to immolate the djeser-djeseru or the Holy of Holies that the Ancient Egyptians had in their temples. This room is where the High Priest and Priestess would enter to give offerings, dress the statue, and do ritual. You can get one from online stores that sell the boxes for their Buddhist shrines. They can be pricey, though, so remember that they are not needed! I have linked an example so you can see what I mean.


For reference, here is my shrine area:


Nothing too elaborate. I have yet to find a statue of Set and Nebethet that I really like that I can afford. It's going to take years, I'm sure, and I've been doing this for eight years as of writing this. It's a good reminder to take your time as you walk this path, as well. This isn't a race, and if you want it to be, this path will last your lifetime--sometimes lifetimes, if you believe in that.


How To Connect with the Divine:


I'm sure you're wondering how to actually feel connected to the Neteru who are in your space. I have the answer for you--that you may or may not like, because well... it's more work.


Intuition is a key factor in this practice and the best way to get in touch with yours is through meditation. Yeah, that's more work, but I'm not sugar coating this path--it takes work and it takes a lot of it. If you're unwilling to do that, it may not be the path for you, and that's okay. It doesn't have to be. That's most likely not what you want to hear, but it is the truth, and there's zero shame in being honest with yourself.


Meditation can be difficult to start, especially for my neurodivergent besties out there. I suggest practicing it a couple times a week at five minutes per day. Once you build up that habit it becomes easier and as time goes by, you'll do it for longer intervals at more times a week. I highly recommend Megan Alisa's Sitting in the Power Meditation, so check that out to give a helping hand.


For my neurodivergent besties, this is done with active meditation. Pick up something that you can do, like crocheting or yoga or journaling for an example, and schedule out a couple times a week to do those things you love within a quiet environment and allow yourself to just be. This active meditation will look different for everyone and no way is the right way to do so. Find what feels right to you and make an effort to do so. However, if we find ourselves on low spoon days, make sure to nurse that instead. There is zero shame with doing so. Your health always comes first in these paths!


Speaking of low spoon days, remember that you don't need to be doing all this work every day of the week 24/7. Your mental and physical health are the most important things in your life and should take priority, and the Neteru understand this. Not to mention our mundane lives can get in the way. As always, remember that there has to be a balance. Set actually gets upset with me if I don't take breaks or work on the weekends. It's important to take care of ourselves. There's a massive difference between refusing to do the work versus not being able to for that day.


Step Three:


Last but not least, there is a huge part of being Kemetic, and that is ma'at. This is the foundation of every Kemetic path and it should be the forefront of your path. To be clear, ma'at the concept, not the goddess Ma'at--though the goddess can be a huge part of someone’s practice should one want to worship her.


Ma'at:


Ma’at translates to order, balance, truth, justice. While there isn’t anything in antiquity that explains how ma’at was followed in Ancient Egypt—or at least haven’t been found—it’s difficult to comprehend ma’at and a lot put their modern lens over it.


Granted, there is a base line to ma’at that we all follow being kind and growing as a person to be a better person and not doing evil things, but I feel there’s more to it than that. The way that I teach ma’at is that it is unique to the individual. My ma’at, my truth, will be different than your ma’at and your truth. I should not be living and following someone else’s truth, I should be following mine.


I see a lot of other Kemetics explain ma’at as this black and white thing when I see ma’at as greyer in nature. Ma’at is the balance, not the whole light. However, if that is not your truth then it’s not and you should follow your own way. Also, the Ancient Egyptians believed that ma’at was sustained by heka.


I also feel the same way about isfet, the opposite of ma’at. Isfet is the unnecessary and unrelenting chaos that ceases all existence. That’s A/p/e/p’s goal—to cease all existence. This is different than the chaos Set brings to the table. What you see as isfet may be different than what I see as isfet. However, there is still that base line of what isfet is; the absence of balance.


This is why we as Kemetic cannot be worshipping or working with A/p/e/p or The Nope Rope as most of us call it. You may have noticed the way I spelt its name, and through your research you'll learn that the Ancient Egyptians believed names held power and so we don't give it power by speaking or using its name.


I don't care what anyone on social media says, it is cultural appropriation if you believe you are working with this snake. It is against the Ancient Egyptian's core beliefs and it is against the very thing that Kemeticism is. You are not Kemetic if you worship The Nope Rope.


How I personally deal with this on social media is block and move on, should I come across anyone doing this and saying it's okay. It's not okay, but no amount of teaching on my part or yours will convince them otherwise. Protect yourself, protect your peace--block and move on. They'll eventually learn.


Keep in mind to also ground yourself around these people online. They claim the Neteru told them it's okay, but that's a load of horseshit. They lack discernment and it shows.


Discernment:


Another key component to this path other than intuition is discernment. Discernment is the practice of looking at your experiences critically. The way I do this is to ask signs. I only do this with big things that happen within my experiences, like Set asking me to be his High Priestess. Not little things like Set wanting a glass of Coca Cola.


What I'll do is ask Set for four things within four days. So, for an example, I'll ask for four cuttlefish within four days. I make sure the sign, in this instance the cuttlefish, is something I don't see everyday or research or look at online. It has to be obscure and it has to be multiple of the sign; a good rule of thumb is more than two, I ask for four because it's my lucky number. I'll even sometimes put limits on him like "it can't be on TikTok." Be specific!


The Egyptian Mind:


Within your research, you will find that the Ancient Egyptians had about four different creation myths and many different myths telling the same story; some even contradicting others which makes matters worse. They believed that all of them were true, which doesn't help your confusion. It depended on where you were from is which myth and story you believed. In modern times the best way to navigate this is to choose which one feels right for you and your experiences. This will come easier the more you research and the more experiences you have. Give yourself grace navigating this as it can become quite frustrating. It's okay if you can't choose or don't know which one to follow when you first start out. Allow your experiences to blossom and the rest will follow.


Their Egyptian Names:


We use the Neteru's Egyptian names. This is a way to decolonize your practice and give respect. It is not only my experience but many other Kemetic's experiences that the Neteru prefer their Egyptian names being used and said. It can take some time to learn, but do make sure to learn them to the best of your abilities. In your research, you'll usually see their names like this:


Seth (Set, Sutekh, Setesh) Nephthys (Nebethet, Nebthet)

Anubis (Anpu, Inpu, Yinepu)

Isis (Iset, Auset, Aset)

Osiris (Usir, Ausir, Wesir)

Horus (Heru-sa-Aset OR Heru-Wer) Heru-sa-Aset is Iset's son. Heru-Wer is Heru the Elder, listed as the brother of Usir, Set, Iset and Nebethet.


The names that are in the parentheses are their Egyptian names, usually. It doesn't matter which pronunciation you find feels right for you and your experiences, but do take the time to learn at least one of their Egyptian spellings. For an example, a couple of my friends use Wesir while I use Usir because that's what I heard Set call him once and it rolls off my tongue easier.


In Conclusion:


Take your time as you walk this path. It's a lot of work, it's a lot to take in. Keep yourself grounded and try not to compare yourself with other Kemetics. Your experiences will be unique to you. While you will have some experiences that overlap with others, the vast majority will be UPGs (Unverified Personal Gnosis) and they will shape your practice and your path. Building the relationship with the Neteru will take time, so comparing your path at the beginning with someone who's been at this for years will only hinder your progress.

Even though the Neteru have their own base personalities that everyone will experience, your experience and beliefs will colour this in different ways. It was believed that the Neteru were quite human-like in Ancient Egypt, and it has shaped my experience, so keep that in mind. I will update this should anything else pop into my mind to include, but in the meantime, I do hope this helps you get started.


Nefer Sedjmek, may you hear beautiful things.

Much love,

Amber Nebthet


Come find me on TikTok, Instagram, and check out my Patreon for a safe Kemetic Community, lessons, guided meditations, and more! If you'd like a free sneak peak of the patreon with journal prompts, monthly tarot and hieroglyph readings, and lessons sign up for my Monthly Newsletter!


Sources:


Ancient Egyptian Magic by Bob Brier

Law and Order in Ancient Egypt Thesis by A.J. Van Loon

Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt by Emily Teeter

Religion in Ancient Egypt: Gods, Myths and Personal Practice by John Baines, Leonard H. Lesko, and David P. Silverman

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Amber started her Kemetic journey back in 2016 when Iset came to her in a dream. A few months later, Set entered her life, and the rest is pretty much history.

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