Summer Solstice Goddess Festival
June 19-21, 2009
This was the first time that we had 2 full days of a spiritual program. We considered it a small retreat as it began early in the morning and ended at night. It was a significant step for the Kemetic Yoga Association, providing a program that is more aligned to the ways of our ancient Kemetic Temple system.
The program consisted of spiritual teachings, meditations, selfless service duties, devotional chanting, contemplation and relaxation. Sehu Khepera gave a total of about 7 hours of spiritual lectures over the course of the weekend. Because he incorporated the use of a projector, the spiritual transmission was highly augmented, giving the initiates greater visual depth which helped to feed the spiritual images into the mind in a way that an ordinary monitor could not. This year’s focus was on the Goddess Tradition and the Priest and Priestesshood of Ancient Kemet. There were also more mystical lectures that will not be discussed here.
Also, for the first time in a few years, initiations were given. This honor was offered to those who committed to attending well in advance of the program and was a special addition since some of the spiritual teachings given were on the priest and priestesshood.
This year’s Summer Solstice was an auspicious event that allowed the students to bond with their teacher, having spent 12 hours straight with him only to come back the following day for 12 more hours. This intensive structure affords the initiates ample question and answer time, impromptu discussions, as well as an opportunity to observe the teacher and imbibe his spiritual energy. It was a joyous occasion that bonded those that were here as spiritual brothers and sisters, making everyone more akin to a spiritual family. Our little piece of Kemet here on St. Croix.
It would be good if you could join us at the Winter Solstice Program at the end of this year. If it is something you are seriously considering, please begin to make the necessary arrangements and contact us if you have any concerns or questions.
Adorations Amun
Adorations Mut
Adorations Khonsu
Adorations Sehu Khepera
Infinite Peace,
Sekhmet Net Ankh
Teachings of Heru Bhedet Part 2
Winter Solstice Program December 21-24, 2008
The Heru Bhedet Winter Solstice Program commenced on Sunday December 21st with a Power Point presentation on the Teacher-Disciple Relationship. The presentation included pictures and iconography of the ancient Egyptian Temples as they were in ancient times compared with their current condition. In ancient times this is where the spiritual teachings were held and where the teacher/disciple relationship was formed and bonded. Sehu Khepera explained how one should comport oneself with the spiritual teacher and that the relationship should be upheld with the utmost respect, humility and moral ethical excellence as it is akin to a marriage, but a marriage of souls, a spiritual marriage.
The Heru Bhedet Winter Solstice Program was a continuation of our Summer Solstice Program. Following the introductory lecture on the teacher/disciple relationship was a brief overview of the Summer Solstice teachings. Thereafter began the fifth lecture on the Myth of Heru Bhedet. Each of the four nights, Sehu Khepera read a portion of the myth and explained in vivid detail what the mystical, spiritual meaning behind the story was. There were nightly meditations, chanting and homework assignments for further understanding. On the last day of the program, we performed the Arit Setep Sa Khesu Ritual which culminated the retreat and led the Shemsu (followers) on the right path with expanded consciousness and peacefulness.
The knowledge and spiritual insight that was gained during the retreat is that spiritual life is a constant, daily conflict between the higher (spirit/HERU) self and the lower (ego/SET) self. This conflict is a never ending struggle that continues throughout all realms of existence. Set cannot be destroyed or eradicated, but purified, becoming a force for good and helping to harmonize the personality. There is no relaxing in the fight; one must always be tenacious and hawkish.
The spiritual warrior (HERU BHEDET) must become a master fighter and transcend into the infinite where duality no longer exists. This is accomplished by associating oneself with higher spiritual beings; the SEHU (spiritual teacher) and the NETERU (Gods and Goddesses). Once an association with higher energy forms becomes established within one's spiritual life, certain powers and strengths are gained that allow one to overcome the ego, transforming it into a purified force that assists in battling the forces of chaos.
This battle is a metaphor for the life of the spiritual aspirant. The Neteru are aspects of your own self, and you are Heru Bhedet. The powers of the Neteru are gained as you proceed in spiritual life. The spiritual teacher is there to guide you along the way, giving you the tools and weapons necessary to be successful in the fight. Some of these tools are the Shedy disciplines of wisdom (Rekh Shedy), right action (Ari Shedy), devotion (Uashu Shedy), and meditation (Uaa Shedy). A balance in the Shedy Disciplines allows one to harmonize certain aspects of the personality including the intellect, actions, emotions and will power. When these tools are wielded correctly, victory is certain.
An important point that was brought out in the lectures was that humility and silence are keys to becoming triumphant. Without these, one might as well hand in your weapons and accept defeat. The secret, he stated, is to realize that all victories are the blessings of the Divine Self and the glory should be given unto Her/Him. Although you have won the battles, the Supreme Being has allowed it to happen.
Sehu Khepera explained that there are many battles, some of which may be lost, many of which will be won, but ultimately one is sure to emerge victorious because you are none other than Heru Bhedet, you are the light, the glorious shining spirit. This must be realized.
There were other, more subtle teachings that Sehu Khepera brought to light in the program that are beyond the scope of this little writing, but those that attended were basked in the light of the Divine Self through the vessel of Sehu Khepera Ankh. We are humbled and gracious for the wisdom, spiritual energy and strengths passed down to us. DUA DUA DUA.
