KRT: Patron Deity 101

Here are the questions for this week’s Kemetic Round Table project.

Do I need a main deity to practice Kemeticism? If so, how do I get a main deity?

No. Many people do fine without it. I’m really deity-focused in my practice so I’m not sure how, but some people do. I’ve seen shrines with ankhs or Ma’at symbols instead of specific Gods and Goddesses before. So it can be done.

You could also honor certain deities associated with certain things in your life. Honor Taweret and Bes as Household Gods. Bast or Hetharu may fill this role as well along with Aset in some cases. Do you have a profession? People who work with computers may want to call upon Djehuty, librarians or construction workers may want to call upon Seshat, students or magicians may want to call upon Aset or Djehuty, athletes or people who have an exercise routine may want to call upon Set or Heru Wer or Sekhmet to bless them in their activities.

Am I able to say no to a deity that shows up at my shrine?

Yes, you can say no. But do so politely. And also be ready to accept the consequences of saying no. Sometimes that deity will pester you more to get your attention. Most deities show up for a reason. I’d ask for that reason or more information first (I’d suggest a diviner for this).

Am I obligated to learn everything I can about my main deity?

Why would you honor a deity you know nothing about? Why are you honoring that deity?

My patron or my Spiritual Mother is Aset. I have a patron Goddess. I’ve been enamored with Her since grade school so I knew who mine was. Others may not. I have spent the past 10 years researching Her. I love it. It is part of my Work for Her. It took me a few years to realize that the Kemetic Aset and the Classical Isis–while They can be connected as one came from the other, but there is an Aset without Isis. The Kemetic Aset is a solar deity, an Eye of Ra and a cunning, ruthless, powerful Goddess. Isis is a lunar deity, a goddess of the sea, ships and is more motherly.

You don’t have to get a PhD in your Patron Deity, but at least know who He or She is before you start to honor Him/Her. If you start to honor Aset and you don’t know that She has high standards and She will push you to face yourself to be the best you can be. Then that’s going to be a rude wake-up call for you when She starts to push you to better yourself.

Knowing who you are calling upon helps tremendously. Read about your deity. Ask others who honor that deity about their experiences.

Here is the Master List for this topic: KRT: Patron Gods