Getting Started

In Breasted's account of the Imperial Age, the growth of Egypt into an empire widened religious thought from a purely national focus toward universalism. The teaching is simple and profound: when a people sees itself joined to a larger world, the Neter can also be understood as reaching beyond one land, one city, or one priesthood.

In Margaret Murray’s preface, the Duat is named as the home of the dead, the one place where mummies naturally belong. That gently reminds us that death in the Kemetic worldview is not mere disappearance, but entry into a real sacred realm woven into the order of existence.

Breasted speaks of ruined pyramids and the futility of material means of immortality, which stirred skepticism and deeper inward reflection. The spiritual meaning is clear: stone decays, but character endures more deeply than monuments.

Yes. In Breasted’s telling, the old view kept the Sun-god’s rule largely within Egypt, but the Empire awakened a vision of Re whose dominion stretched as far as the world known to Egyptian power.

If you are new to Kemetic practice, Ra is one of the most accessible deities to begin working with because his presence is felt every single day — in every sunrise, every shaft of sunlight, every moment of warmth and clarity. You do not need an elaborate temple or expensive tools to honor Ra. Start simply: tomorrow morning, when the sun rises, step outside or stand at a window facing east. Take a slow breath. Acknowledge the light. You might say something as simple as 'Dua Ra' (praise to Ra) — this is the standard Kemetic greeting of adoration. Over time you can build a small altar with a yellow or gold candle, a bowl of water (always offered pure), and perhaps a scarab or falcon image. Read the Great Hymn to Ra from the Papyrus of Ani — it is freely available online and is one of the most beautiful religious texts from the ancient world. The key principle in Kemetic practice is purity of intent and cleanliness: wash your hands before approaching your altar, speak with sincerity, and offer what you can with an open heart. Ra does not demand perfection; he asks that you show up, that you face the light.

Start simply, as the ancients did, with offerings and remembrance. Place clean water and bread before an image or symbol of the Neter who calls to you. Speak their name aloud -- for in Kemet, to speak a name is to give it life. Light a candle to honor Ra at dawn. Before sleep, examine your heart against the feather of Ma'at: did you live in truth today? This is the foundation of the path.

In Mackenzie's Egyptian Myth and Legend, the world began as a vast waste of water called Nu, the Primordial Deep. From these waters arose Ra, the sun god, first appearing as a shining egg that floated upon the water's breast. Ra then spoke creation into being, commanding earth and heavens to rise, and the Netjeru came forth from his will.