This article focuses on the Egyptian deity Nefertum, his mythological origins, and the magickal practices associated with him. Also known as Nefer-temu, this ancient deity originally represented the first sunlight and the Egyptian blue lotus flower. A comprehensive analysis of his symbolism, roles, and functions in Egyptian mythology, as well as his influence on art, literature, history, and religion, are discussed. Additionally, the various magickal practices and rituals surrounding Nefertum are explored.
Who is Nefertum?
Nefertum, also spelled Nefertem or Nefer-temu, is an Egyptian deity whose origin lies in the ancient belief that he was a lotus flower at the creation of the world, having arisen from the primal waters. As the embodiment of both the first sunlight and the delightful smell of the Egyptian blue lotus flower, Nymphaea caerulea, Nefertum is often associated with the water-lily, and occasionally, the lion.
The ancient Egyptians revered Nefertum for his beauty and regenerative properties, often carrying small statuettes of him as good-luck charms. Nefertem’s iconography includes depictions of him as a lion-headed man, as a beautiful young man, or a beautiful young man with a djed-staff and blue lotus with a sun disk on his head.
Mythology and Symbolism
Nefertum is often referred to as the “beautiful one who closes” or “one who does not close” due to his role in the creation of the world. In the Egyptian myth of creation, Nefertem emerges from the primal waters as a blue lotus flower and represents the first light of the sun, the dawning of a new day, and rejuvenation.
In the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, Nefertum is associated with the phrase: “Rise like Nefertem from the blue water lily, to the nostrils of Ra (the creator and sun-god), and come forth upon the horizon each day”. This reference emphasizes Nefertum’s connection to the sun and the act of creation, and his role in symbolizing the daily rebirth of the sun.
Later in Egyptian mythology, Nefertem was seen as the son of the creator god Ptah and the goddesses Sekhmet and Bast were occasionally identified as his mother. In artistic representations, he is frequently depicted as a beautiful young man having blue water-lily flowers around his head and occasionally with the head of a lion or as a lion or cat reclining. This association with Bastet, the cat-headed goddess, likely influenced this fusion of lion and water-lily symbolism.
Throughout Egyptian art history, there have been a number of notable depictions of Nefertem, such as the “Head of Nefertem” – a wooden bust which portrays a young pharaoh, King Tutankhamun, as Nefertem with his head emerging from a lotus flower.
Magickal Practices and Rituals
Nefertem’s association with the blue lotus flower, sunlight, and creation has made him an essential figure in magickal practices and rituals throughout.
Ritual of Nefertum: The Perfected Incense
The Ritual of Nefertum is a sacred practice celebrating the perfection of Nefertum—our savior from suffering and the epitome of immortality. It signifies the completion of the grand cosmic work of the magician, showcasing the ultimate unity of the individual with the ALL. Hold this ritual when you feel the seed of light within has fully blossomed, marking the triumph of the initiated and the fulfillment of the Great Work.
Materials:
- An alter facing east (towards the sunrise, symbolizing Nefertum as the first sunlight)
- Incense sticks or cones (preferably lotus-scented, to honor Nefertum’s connection to the Egyptian blue lotus)
- A small statue or image of Nefertum
- A bowl of water (symbolizing the primal waters from which Nefertum arose)
Procedure:
- Position yourself in front of the altar, facing east. Begin by taking a few deep breaths and centering your energy.
- Light the incense and allow the scent to fill your space. This acts as an offering to Nefertum, inviting his energy into your ritual.
- Hold the statue or image of Nefertum and recite: “Nefertum, who is perfect and without equal, you who relieve suffering and embody immortality, I honor you.”
- Gently dip the statue or image into the water, symbolizing Nefertum’s emergence from primal waters.
- Recite the Hymn to Nefertum.
- Place the statue or image back on the altar and visualize the blue lotus flower opening to reveal the rising sun. As you do this, say: “I celebrate the completion of my cosmic work, the fusion of my being to the ALL. My seed of light has blossomed, and my Great Work is complete.”
- Take a moment to meditate on the scent of the incense and the image of Nefertum, feeling his divine presence and the realization of your eternal essence.
- Once done, close the ritual by saying: “I am eternal; I am the God. Nefertum, I am one with you, and now I reap the rewards of this divine fruit, the sweet scent of the sacred flower. So it is.”
Carrying out this ritual with sincere intent and regular practice will facilitate a deeper connection with Nefertum and aid in the realization of one’s divine essence.
