About kemetic orthodoxy
With this, I hope to allow you to gain a little insight into kemetic orthodoxy, whether you practice it already or you're just curious.
What is paganism?
Paganism can mean many things, but mainly it's a word for anything that isn't included in Christianity, Islam or Judaism. It's obviously a rather big genre! (Please note that paganism doesn't equal wicca - wicca is a pagan path, but paganism contains so much more.)
Kemetic orthodox often say that they aren't pagan - often because it's more of an african traditional religion.
What is reconstructionism?
Reconstructionism, or simply recon, is a movement within paganism that strives to reconstruct the philosophies and religious beliefs of long-gone cultures - egyptian (kemetic), greek (hellenic), roman, celtic, norse (asatru), sumarian, babylonian, you name it. Recons try to stay fairly true to their historical and academic sources, at least as a general rule.
It is said that recons reject pantheons and practices that aren't part of their own tradition, but I haven't seen much of that. Some argue that you aren't a real recon if you go and lend a goddess from a different culture and incorporate Her in your worship, but I personally disagree with that. It's difficult to say just where to draw a line, though.
I don't believe recon is a blind faith in ancient sources either - innovation and thinking for yourself is certainly required! Research is also, obviously, a huge ingredient in reconstructionism. So do your homework. ;)
What is kemetism?
Kemetism (sometimes called kemetics) is an afrocentric term, but is often used to describe the religion of ancient Egypt (Kemet). It, too, can probably mean an awful lot of different things, but I view it as the revival and reconstruction of the religion and philosophy of Kemet.
There are many paths and temples, all different, out there - for example, Akhet Hwt-Hrw, Per-Heh, Per-ankh, Nuhati am Nutjeru & the Isis Moon Temple. Check out the kemetic FAQ for more info. The International Network of Kemetics may also be of some help.
What is kemetic orthodoxy?
Kemetic orthodoxy is a kemetic recon religion, founded by our Nisut (AUS). It's a cultic/ritual religion, not a revealed religion - that means that humans themselves have to contact the deities, through correct living and rites, in order to experience the divine (as opposed to the belief that divinity speaks directly to its followers via scripture, that the faithful must stick to no matter what).
We worship Netjer and its forms, and we strive to uphold ma'at. Followers of the religion are kemetic orthodox, and divided into different groups, depending on their commitment to Netjer (these groups are equal, and not different "ranks").
What is Netjer?
Netjer (the spelling varies depending on who you ask) is our concept of God. Netjer is one - one divine power, one divine entity. Because of Its vastness, Netjer is beyond our understanding - we're not capable of fathoming It. Luckily for us, Netjer finds a way around that...
Who are the Names?
The Names, the Names of Netjer, are what you in general refer to as gods and goddesses. You see, Netjer manifests Itself in different forms so that we may communicate with It and build a relationship with It, on some level. The Names (or Netjeru, if you will) are different aspects of Netjer - individuals in Their own right, but all part of the same energy.
Our faith isn't really a mono- or polytheistic one. Rather, it's more of a monolatry. God is one, but God is many. Not an easy concept to embrace, perhaps, but I find it truly fascinating.
Some, like me, take this a step further and think of deities of all the pantheons of the world as part of Netjer. Who says God belongs to only one religion, anyway?
Who is the Nisut?
The current Nisut (AUS) is the founder of Kemetic Orthodoxy, a specific reincarnation of kemetic religion. Her English name is Tamara L. Siuda, and She is a scholar and writer, and to us, She is a King. Many of us capitalize Her pronouns out of respect - the words ankh udja seneb (see Common Blessings), shortened AUS, are written after Her name for the very same reason.
We don't worship Her, but we honour Her. Nor are we required to follow Her blindly, or view Her a certain way. One kemetic orthodox may see Her as a king and leader, while another view Her strictly as an insightful teacher. I'm somewhere in between, but I do feel a deep affinity for Her.
A biography of Her Holiness can be viewed here, and a more thorough description of Her role can be read here.
What is ma'at?
Ma'at is both a Name (a goddess) and a concept, the principle we try to uphold. In simplest terms, ma'at is balance, harmony, creation - it is my understanding that ma'at doesn't mean that everything is peachy and wonderful, but rather that "good" and "bad" equals each other, creating balance in the universe. This doesn't mean we should murder and rape to our hearts delight - to uphold ma'at one must do good, to counteract isfet.
What is isfet?
Well, isfet is the opposite of ma'at. It's imbalance, impurity, destructive power, and worse - it's "uncreation". Isfet is personified by Apep (Apophis), the great serpent which we all, Names and humans alike, fight each day.
How do you become kemetic orthodox?
Read up on kemetic orthodoxy a bit more, join the House of Netjer forums (so that you can get to know people and get your questions answered), and apply for the beginner's class. The class is free of charge, and provides great insight into the faith. It'll be the foundation of your time with KO, and you get to exchange ideas with priests (your teachers) and fellow classmates online. (You'll find more info on all of this at Kemet.org.)
Further reading
I'd recommend browsing through the HoN website for further, and more accurate, information before listening too much to me. ;) Check out the glossary, FAQ & essay.
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