The Roar and the Radiance: Journeying with Sekhmet-Hethert

It's a journey I embark on often, not with a passport and plane ticket, but with intention, reverence, and an open heart – a journey into the powerful and multifaceted presence of Sekhmet-Hethert.

For those new to the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities, Sekhmet is often introduced as the fierce lioness goddess of war, plague, and healing. Her name itself means "She Who Is Powerful." Hethert (Hathor), on the other hand, is the serene, benevolent cow goddess of love, beauty, music, and joy. At first glance, they appear to be polar opposites. Yet, in the rich tapestry of Egyptian mythology, they are not only deeply intertwined but often seen as two aspects of the same divine being. This duality, this dance between destructive might and life-affirming grace, is at the very core of what it means to journey with Sekhmet-Hethert.

Embracing the Full Spectrum

When we begin to explore working with Sekhmet-Hethert, it's natural to be drawn to one aspect more than the other initially. Perhaps it's the fiery roar of Sekhmet that calls to you – the need for protection, for courage to face difficult truths, or for the cutting away of what no longer serves. She is the fierce guardian, the one who cleanses with an intense heat, burning away impurities and stagnation. Many find solace in her formidable presence when navigating personal crises, seeking justice, or reclaiming their power.

But to truly journey with Sekhmet-Hethert means to also embrace the radiant calm of Hethert. This is where the healing truly takes root, where the harshness of the cleanse gives way to fertile ground for growth. Hethert offers comfort, joy, and the gentle nourishment required for recovery and flourishing. She reminds us of our inherent beauty, the sweetness of life, and the importance of connection – to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. It is in her embrace that the wounds Sekhmet helps us identify begin to mend.

The Sacred Balance

So, how do we navigate this incredible duality in our spiritual practice? It’s not about choosing one over the other, but understanding that both are essential, both are divine, and both are present within us and the world around us.

• Honouring the Roar: This might involve facing your shadows, setting firm boundaries, or speaking your truth even when it's uncomfortable. It's the moment you decide to stop tolerating what diminishes you. Sekhmet's energy gives us the strength to make those difficult, yet ultimately liberating, choices.

• Embracing the Radiance: This could manifest as moments of profound self-care, engaging in creative pursuits, spending time in nature, or simply allowing yourself to experience pure, unadulterated joy. It's the gentle balm that follows the intensity, reminding us of the sweetness of existence. Hethert reminds us that true strength also lies in vulnerability and compassion.

My own journey with Sekhmet-Hethert has been one of profound transformation. There have been moments where her fiery presence has demanded I confront aspects of myself I'd rather ignore, forcing me to shed old skins. And equally, there have been times when Hethert's gentle hand has guided me to stillness, to find beauty in the mundane, and to remember the deep well of love that resides within.

This is not a path for the faint of heart, but it is one of immense reward. Working with Sekhmet-Hethert invites us to become whole, to recognise that our strength and our gentleness are not opposing forces, but two sides of the same sacred coin. It encourages us to embody both the fierce protector and the compassionate healer, allowing us to navigate life with courage, wisdom, and an ever-deepening sense of self.

As the sun climbs higher over Dunfermline, casting long shadows, I am reminded that even here, far from the deserts of Egypt, the roar and the radiance of Sekhmet-Hethert are ever-present, ready to guide those who seek their profound wisdom.