I performed the first part of this holiday just before the Solstice, and if you didn’t see the other post you may want to look at it now. This is the second part of the holiday, which was timed to the new crescent after the solstice (which would have been January 3rd or so, but once again weather and health and life things I couldn’t avoid it reschedule have pushed this blog back a little: my apologies.
As I said before, this two-part holiday references a myth where the Eye of Ra (often Sekhmet, but potentially any of the Goddesses known as Eyes), in feline or leonine form, leaves Him to go wander in the desert, and eventually Ra sends another Deity (often Djehuty) to persuade Her to return to Him, and She is then joyfully welcomed back. Although there is some debate amongst scholars, in my personal practice this cycle is linked to the winter solstice, and it includes both Bast and Sekhmet leaving at the same time.
Image description: The welcoming back feast at my shrine! Read more below.
In the image of the shrine above, there is cool filtered water in Their red cup which I will drink after I post this, a lit red votive candle and the two still foil-wrapped chocolates on Their red platter (which I will offered when they left), plus one additional chocolate for the return, the two statues on Their red and black box, the unlit oil lamp (since I’ll be using the votive tonight and the feast nights after they get back), the red origami boat, and assorted other shrine decorations. For those who are unaware, it is common practice in modern Kemetic Polytheism to “revert”, or consume (usually food and drink) after it has been offered to the Netjeru, in order to receive Their blessings!
Exultation for the Return of The Eye Goddesses
The sun is dawning over the horizon.
And the longest night has already passed.
I look to the horizon for the return of the Eye Goddesses
And as the sun blazes, they are visible!
The Eye Goddess are visible on the horizon!
They have returned from the desert!
They have been led back to their shrines.
I throw flowers at the feet of the returning Eye Goddesses,
I present bread to the thrones of the seated Eye Goddesses,
I pour wine in the cups of the Eye Goddesses,
I give them the best parts of my meal.
I weep with joy, for I am no longer bereft!
I weep with joy, for they have returned to me!
The shrine is no longer empty: it is filled with delights.
The shrine is no longer empty: my Goddesses have returned!
I am reunited with my Goddesses, and my heart overflows with joy!
The above is an original prayer I wrote in 2020, to use for this holiday cycle of The Eye Wanders/She Is Led Back. Since my shrine is to two Eyes, it’s plural. Feel free to use this in your own rituals and celebrations (with proper attribution), and use the singular if that makes more sense for you. Please do not use this for any commercial purpose, however. And if you appreciate my work, consider supporting the shrine with a donation.