The Evolution, Mythology, and Magickal Practices of the Egyptian Warrior Goddess of Healing
Sekhmet, a powerful and complex goddess from Egyptian mythology, has played a prominent role in the evolution of Egyptian religion, art, and magickal practices throughout history. As a deity connected to both destruction and healing, her mythology and influence on ancient Egypt are significant and noteworthy. This article will explore the evolution and history of Sekhmet, her roles and functions in Egyptian mythology, symbolism and associations, and her impact on magickal practices and rituals.
Evolution and History of Sekhmet
Sekhmet is an ancient goddess with her origins traced back to the Old Kingdom of Egypt (circa 2686-2181 BC). As a solar deity, she is often called ‘the eye of Ra,’ emphasizing her close association with Ra (the sun god) and the goddesses Hathor and Bastet. Sekhmet, in her role as the vengeful manifestation of Ra’s power, was responsible for several destructive and healing myths that permeated ancient Egyptian culture.
Over the course of Egyptian history, Sekhmet’s role and attributions evolved, depicting her as both a ruthless warrior goddess and a goddess of medicine. In the New Kingdom (circa 1539-1076 BC), Sekhmet gained particular prominence and reverence, as her protective and healing qualities were invoked during times of conflict and illness.
Roles and Functions in Mythology
One of Sekhmet’s most notable roles in Egyptian mythology is as a warrior goddess, where she acted as the fierce and aggressive aspect of the sun god Ra. According to myth, she would breathe fire, and the scorching desert winds were likened to her breath. Additionally, Sekhmet is associated with the power to cause and cure plagues, and her intervention was often sought to ward off disease and illness.
In a well-known myth recounting the end of Ra’s rule on earth, he sends Hathor in the form of Sekhmet to wreak havoc on the mortals who conspired against him. However, Sekhmet’s bloodlust becomes insatiable, resulting in her nearly destroying all of humanity. To stop her rampage, the gods concoct a plan, inebriating her with a lake of beer that she mistakes for blood. As a result, Sekhmet is pacified, and the threat to humankind is averted.
Symbolism and Associations
Traditional symbols and associations of Sekhmet include the sun disk, underlining her role as a solar deity, and the lioness, which reflects her warrior aspect and fierceness. Red linen is also connected to Sekhmet, symbolizing the blood of her enemies. These symbols were often depicted in Egyptian art, showcasing her importance and influence during this time.
Magickal Practices and Rituals
Sekhmet’s duality as a goddess of both destruction and healing extends to the realm of magick and rituals. A key magickal practice associated with Sekhmet is an invocation of transmutation, which involves invoking the goddess to heal or eradicate illness by consuming and internalizing the pain and sickness. This ritual, which takes place within a rage, aims to channel Sekhmet’s fiery nature as a means of promoting well-being and recovery.
Shamanic Trance Ritual Invoking Sekhmet for Transmutation
This shamanic trance ritual involves invoking the goddess Sekhmet to transmute pain and illness into power. It is a transformative process that requires mental focus and emotional strength, harnessing Sekhmet’s fiery spirit to promote healing and recovery. It is advised that this ritual be performed in a calm, undisturbed setting that allows for deep meditation and spiritual connection.
Begin by setting up the sacred space. A red cloth, as a symbol of Sekhmet, may be laid out. On it, place symbols associated with the goddess – a figurine or picture of a lioness, an image of the sun disk, and perhaps a vial of red ochre. Light a red candle and some incense, preferably frankincense, to set the mood and aid in focus.
To induce a trance, there are many methods, including playing a shamanic drumming track or rhythmically drumming on your own drum if you have one.
Light the frankincense incense and recite the Hymn to Sekhmet.
Once the sacred space is prepared, start the ritual by invoking the goddess Sekhmet. You may chant:
“Great Sekhmet, Goddess of power and healing, Patroness of the hot desert winds, I call upon you. Lend me your strength, guide me in my journey to transmute pain and illness into power.“
Following this invocation, enter the trance state via engaging with an active breath.
Close your eyes, and begin deep, rhythmic breathing. Visualize Sekhmet, her lioness form, her fiery spirit. Feel her energy surrounding you, feel it coursing through you.
As the trance deepens, visualize your pain and illness. See it as a dark cloud hovering within you. Now, invoke Sekhmet’s fiery power. Imagine her fire consuming the dark cloud, transmuting it into a powerful force. Feel your stomach digest the illness and feel the heat build. Draw that energy from the stomach to your root and let it settle and ground into you.
Once done, slowly come back to your conscious state. Thank Sekhmet for her guidance and help:
“Great Sekhmet, I thank you for your assistance. May your power continue to guide me as I tread my path. Blessed be.“
To close the ritual, blow out the candle, and pack up the sacred space, feeling assured and strong with the goddess’s power within you. Remember that the key to this ritual is faith in Sekhmet’s power and a strong will to heal and transform.
