This is obviously going to be a multi-post. This first part is directed at addressing the bigger and more important objects that a Kemetic or neopagan practitioner might need/encounter. Where do you store your collection of ritual objects? How should the altar be set up? What incense should I use and what should I use to burn it? And last but not least, what icons should I use for my altar to represent my Netjeru? I intend to address these questions.
Storage Box
To start, a storage box(es) of some form is an absolute necessity. You need a place to store your ritual objects for when they aren’t in use. Take your time and try to make your own storage box. If you can’t, simply find one that calls out to you. I try to stick to handmade boxes, usually from Buddhist temples and the like. They have such good energy already attached that it seems sensible to use such a box.
Your boxes don’t have specific parameters to follow. As long as they successfully and carefully store your objects there isn’t much of a guideline to follow in this respect. Every Kemetic varies in what tools they use and how they use and store them. Simply think of what you’re going to need and take into consideration what the Netjeru might appreciate.
I have several storage boxes for different items as to keep things a little more organized. I keep some of my stones and minerals in a small, green, velvet box. My jewelry is kept in a baggy in the same box as the stones. I keep my wand in a black bag with a gold drawstring that I crafted and this usually travels with me. My incense and censer remain on the altar at all times along with the athame. I keep my oils and herbs in a container that remains near the altar at all times. Figures, such as Shabti, are stored in a separate box custom made to the specification of each one out of respect.
Altar
The altar doesn’t have a specific format for set up, unlike the Shinto tradition I’ve come to know. So feel free to set yours up with a little creative inspiration from your respective Netjeru. I’m sure they’ll appreciate the thought. Most altars are decorated with elegant plants, feathers, stones, candles, and other offerings. The altar tables are usually made from wood, however stone altars are acceptable as well.
My altar consists of a wooden censer that I had painted with images of Sutekh, Djehuty, and Khepri for daily use, I have a brazier (bronze censer) that I utilize for celebration and events, a hanging limestone relief of the Judgement in the Hall of Two Truths as depicted in the Papyrus of Ani, a limestone mirror with Aset, Nebet Hut, and Re in the form of the Winged Sun disk bordering the edge, two pieces of art I did (one of Sutekh the other of the Pyramids of Giza and Re), a vase of peacock feathers with my lily scepter, a kris-style ritual athame with hieroglyphics on the scabbard as the Netjer Khepri and the Netjert Ma’at make up the handle, several statues (Anpu, Wadjet, Sutekh, Bastet, Usir, Heru, Aset, etc.), and various books; most on Egypt, fact and fiction alike! In this aspect, I took into consideration that Djehuty is the Netjer of wisdom and language. So why not give him a few books to sift through in his down time? And as childish as this sounds, I’m an avid TCG player, so I tend to leave my deck box in the corner of the shrine. Maybe the Netjeru will give me extra blessings when I use it! I keep a plush of Anpu in the corner as well as three tablets near him- one of himself, Anpu, one of Hethert and one of Sekhmet.
I also keep an elegantly decorated bottle of Dragon’s Blood ink on the altar. Sutekh adores this ink and it makes for an effective way of communicating and harnessing his energies. I used red offering containers in his honor. They’re decorated in Japanese Kanji as to appease the Shinto deity I’ve kept by my side- that is Inari Ookami. I keep good tea in the corner for them as well and decorate the altar with all manner of gemstone (Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Carnelian, Amethyst, Red Jasper, etc.).
I do keep three homemade, hand-painted kitsune (fox) statues on my altar in honor of the Shinto Goddess of foxes, fertility and the harvest Inari Ookami. She pointed me in the direction of the Egyptian Netjer and has helped me learn; an ever present guardian.
Censer and Incense
Typically made from earthenware, clay, or bronze, censers were used in almost every aspect of worship. The ancient Egyptians viewed incense as the “perfume of the Gods” and as such it was used in worship and heka (magic) alike. Olive wood charcoal was used to burn the resin incense. Some people believe that frankincense was a morning incense and kyphi (kapet) was an evening incense.
Incense was burnt in resin form and can still be purchased and used today. However, resin incense is extremely potent and those with lung complications of any form should refrain from using this kind. Resin incense is amazing for outdoor occasions as it burns for a long time and produces a lot of smoke. It isn’t recommended for indoor use and as such, I, typically purchase stick or cone incense. It is important to note, you should check the ingredients on the incense. If it contains “urea”, avoid it! It is ritually impure and unhealthy to use.
IMPORTANT: NEVER LEAVE INCENSE BURNING UNATTENDED. EVEN FOR A MINUTE! I WAS LUCKY AND WAS IN THE ROOM WHEN MY INCENSE STICK BURST INTO FLAMES THE SAME INCENSE STICK WHICH HAD BEEN BURNING FOR FIVE MINUTES SAFELY JUST PREVIOUSLY! IT WAS ENGULFED AND I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO EXTINGUISH IT. NOTHING WAS DAMAGED THANKFULLY, BUT THAT WAS THE SUTEKH’S WAY OF TELLING ME TO LEARN QUICK OR REGRET! PLEASE LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES!
Figures and Pictures
The energy of various creatures could be harnessed through utilizing statues, figures, and pictures (images). The ancient Egyptians believed that statues carried the spiritual energy of the creature they represented. With such a belief, it’s not all that surprising to see why vandalism of various statues and hieroglyphics occurred- in an attempt to erase that individual’s power!
Various Pharaohs unknowingly suffered this fate, such as Hatshepsut, the fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty. She catapulted Egypt into an age of prosperity, but primarily because of her sex and how she adopted the throne, she was mistrusted. Thus, after her passing, many went in and defaced and destroyed her statues and temples. Thutmose III, her step-son, eradicated her images towards the end of his reign. Some scholars speculate this was to close a gap in the male succession of leadership, to solidify the bloodline.
In many cases, when a new cult or religious center would take over a temple, they would destroy the idols of the previous Netjeru as to render them powerless. They would then erect statues of their own Netjeru, who would gain power and precedence over the temple. Statues were seen as more than just a symbol. They were “living” idol; a place where the Netjert could store their spirit and energy. We bear witness to such an event in the Contendings of Horus and Seth. During this mythological tale, it has been historically noted that the cults of Heru (Horus) and Sutekh (Seth) were vying for power. We can see the reflection of the actual events within the tale. When the cult of Heru prevailed, Sutekh was shamed and cast out as an evil deity.
In ancient times, the lector and sem-priests would perform an “Opening of the Mouth (and Eyes)” ritual upon an icon statue of a deity to breath life into the figure. Once the ritual was performed, the Netjer(t) could sit comfortably in the figure whenever they pleased. We don’t seem to have a definitive guide on the “Opening of the Mouth” ritual. Instead, we have to create our own from what we do know and what we study. Also, the tools within the ritual itself are complex and not too easy to find or make.
I’ve found a few sites that sell pretty good renditions of statues and more that I’ll list in my upcoming resources section. Now, statues aren’t a requirement at all. One could simply use images or carvings- or even a candle flame. It’s all dependent upon what you as the practitioner feel most comfortable with. I, personally along with many others, adore the Netjeru in all forms, but feel most comfortable allowing them their own abode in the form of a figure.
[PART 2] / [PART 3] (COMING SOON!)
[RESOURCES] (MORE COMING SOON!)
[BIBLIOGRAPHY] (COMING SOON!)
Per Sutekh 