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Kemetic Orthodoxy

Religious movement based on Kemeticism, a reconstruction of ancient Egyptian religion

  • 14 min read
  • 7 chapters

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Kemetic Orthodoxy is often considered a cultic religion. Followers prioritize the practice of "correct" action, rituals, and liturgy rather than adhering to a specific scripture. Worship often takes place in both public and personal shrines. The main temple is located in Joliet, Illinois and various shrines are maintained by priests worldwide.

The faith is guided by five fundamental principles: upholding ma'at (cosmic order), belief in Netjer (the supreme being), veneration of akhu (ancestors), participation in and respect for the community, and acknowledgment of Siuda as the Nisut. Practitioners of the faith are known as "Shemsu".

Kemetic Orthodoxy has attracted attention from sociologists and Egyptologists for its size, prominence on the internet, and its influence on Kemeticism as a whole. Many other Kemetic groups have emerged from or defined themselves in relation to it. The presence of a central authority and emphasis on tradition within Kemetic Orthodoxy sets it apart from other predominantly online-organized religions. It also challenges early theories about the nature of religion on the internet.

Main beliefs

Kemetic Orthodoxy is based on the religious practices of Ancient Egypt, although it is not strictly a reconstructionist religion. While it draws from primary Egyptian sources, it also incorporates additional rites developed by Siuda and incorporates elements from other modern African Traditional Religions and African diaspora religions.

The belief system of Kemetic Orthodoxy centers around five principal tenets, often described as four main tenets unified by a fundamental commitment to upholding ma'at. These tenets are not considered dogma by the organization. Instead, they serve as a foundation for the beliefs of most Kemetic Orthodoxy members, but individual beliefs may vary. The religion does not mandate uniformity in practice, and differing viewpoints are seen as different ways of understanding God, or Netjer.

Belief in upholding Ma'at

In Ancient Egyptian religion, Ma'at represents the principles of truth, justice, and balance, as well as the goddess embodying these ideals. Upholding Ma'at is of great importance in Kemetic Orthodox practice. The rituals and prayers performed by members are considered to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ma'at. Additionally, members are encouraged to take tangible steps in addressing social justice matters. The House of Netjer has publicly denounced police violence and anti-immigration policies in the USA.

Belief in Netjer (the supreme being)

Kemetic Orthodoxy holds the belief that the Ancient Egyptian gods are manifestations of a supreme being known as Netjer, which can be translated as "divine power". These manifestations are referred to as the "Names" of Netjer. While the House of Netjer's website may describe this belief as monolatry, it is more accurately characterized as inclusive monotheism. The Names are understood to encompass personal deities, impersonal forces, and metaphorical concepts simultaneously. It is also recognized that Names can merge and identify with one another, resulting in historically documented syncretizations, such as Sekhmet-Hathor. Siuda believes that the gods manifest in this way to allow for human comprehension.

Members of Kemetic Orthodoxy report receiving communication from Netjer through dreams, omens, divination, and sensing its presence in natural phenomena.

Akhu (Ancestor) veneration

Members of Kemetic Orthodoxy believe that their ancestors reside in the Duat as Akhu. As Akhu have already experienced human life, it is believed that they can offer valuable guidance and support to their descendants in matters related to daily life. Honoring the Akhu is seen as a way to ensure their happiness and contentment in the Duat.

There are various ways in which members believe they can honor their Akhu. These practices range from maintaining household ancestor shrines where offerings can be made, to writing letters addressed to the Akhu and posting them on a dedicated website, similar to the tradition of writing letters to the deceased in Ancient Egypt.

Within Kemetic Orthodoxy, Akhu are generally classified into three categories: Family, National, and Associational.

Family Akhu encompass deceased family members such as parents, siblings, and children.

National Akhu are associated with the Kemetic Orthodoxy organization. This can be compared to the veneration of pharaohs or other individuals in Ancient Egypt.

Associational Akhu include any other Akhu connected to an individual, whether through direct contact with the Akhu, shared interests, or other reasons for forming a bond. Examples may include celebrities or political leaders.

Participation in and respect for the community

Members are encouraged to view Kemetic Orthodoxy as an extended spiritual community. The House of Netjer provides resources such as spiritual counseling, discussion groups, and fellowship chats over IRC and on their forum to foster a sense of belonging and connection among members. Kemetic Orthodoxy also places importance on the role of family in the personal lives of adherents, promoting the cultivation of strong relationships and understanding with family members. This concept is closely tied to the principle of Akhu veneration, highlighting the value placed on honoring and maintaining bonds with one's ancestors.

Acknowledgment of Siuda as the Nisut

During her tenure, the recognition of Tamara L. Siuda as the spiritual leader, or Nisut-Bity, held significant importance within Kemetic Orthodoxy. The teachings and guidance provided by Siuda form the foundation of the religion. Additionally, adherents believe that the Nisut embodies the current manifestation of the "kingly ka" or invested spirit of Heru. Upon her coronation in 1996, Siuda's followers believed she became the 196th Pharaoh of the Ancient Egyptian religion. In Ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh held both political and religious authority, serving as the direct link between the people and Netjer (God). However, within Kemetic Orthodoxy, Siuda's role primarily focused on the religious aspect of this position. As the Nisut, Siuda fulfilled various responsibilities, including performing daily rituals to uphold ma'at (truth, justice, and balance) and counter isfet (chaos), offering regular prayers for the members of the faith, and providing guidance on religious matters to her followers. Adherents do not worship Siuda as a deity but attribute to her a semi-divine status.

Siuda publicly announced her abdication from the position of Nisut on August 1, 2023, stating that the role placed too much responsibility and authority on one person. She additionally expressed that she had been hesitant to take on the role to begin with, but believed that Netjer deemed it necessary at the time. The organizational structure that Kemetic Orthodoxy will now take has not yet been determined.

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