Kemetic Execration Ritual Outline

In the interest of keeping most of my more formal workings here on this blog, especially if they serve the folk, which is the end goal of Serendipities, I have decided to copy here a ritual outline I originally posted to my pagan tumblr.

About a month ago, I led a Kemetic revivalist styled (flavored?) public rite using the sanctuary of the ADF Grove where I a member.  It was done as a “moon rite” because Kemetic rituals aren’t ADF-kosher for the 8 yearly High Rites, and honestly, that suited me just fine – it was a more intimate rite and I got to use my own outline, instead of the ADF Core Order of Ritual.  I started with Per Sebek’s outline here, and then altered it to fit a group, and to more closely resemble the sort of ritual my attendees were used to (ie, ADF-style), and as we were holding this rite outside, after sunset, in October, I tried to make sure it would be short, too.

My general intention for the ritual was to help us let go of things that no longer served us, in preparation for Samhain (I led the rite the week before) and the introspection of winter months.

So here is the ritual outline, complete with prayers written by me:

I. PREPARATION

In days/weeks leading up to the rite, we gathered and created all supplies! Day of, we set up sanctuary with chairs, set up inside with potluck, and staged the altar stuff and offerings and music outside next to the altar on a small table under a cloth. Made natron water, and set outside in bowl next to Anubis statue at the entrance to the sanctuary. Started bonfire. Explained to attendees what we’re doing, and asked them to bring a cup with them to the sanctuary!

II. PURIFICATION AND ENTRANCE

Invoked Anubis as Gatekeeper, in ADF fashion. Ritually washed hands, sprinkled selves, etc, with natron water as we processed past bowl and Anubis into sanctuary. Single file.

Anubis, Opener of the Ways!

Anubis, Protector of Sacred Spaces,

Watch over us as we enter this sacred sanctuary

And hold space for us as we do the work of the Gods.

With this water we purify ourselves before entering

So that we may be closer to the Gods in spirit.

Anubis, guide us!

III. OPENING

I gave a few opening remarks, about why we were there and the purpose of the rite. Then I played music as a member of my Ritual Team anointed attendees with a special oil blend meant to invoke purifying flame and attune them to the purpose of the ritual. While he anointed them, I unveiled and set up the altar – similar to opening of the shrine.

IV. INVOCATIONS

First, an invocation of Ra, to ask for him to intercede so that we may work with Bast and Sekhmet as the Eyes of Ra. Then an invocation of Bast, and of Sekhmet.

Of Ra:

Ra, Lord of the Sun!

Guardian of the Heavens, Ruler of the Netjeru!

Ra, Lord of the Horizon!

We call upon you,

Mighty in your glory as the sun sets!

Magnificent in your splendor as the sky fills with fire!

Each evening you descend to do battle with the forces of isfet,

And each morning you rise again, triumphant!

Teach us to conquer our own enemies!

Teach us to surmount our own obstacles!

Ra, your powerful Daughters,

Sun-cats, Lionesses,

Your Avenging, Protecting Eyes,

We need their help to prevail!

We cannot do the work alone,

We need your guiding light, and their deft paws: 

Gentle to those they protect,

And deadly to the forces of isfet!

Ra, with this offering, I ask you,

Bless the work we do this evening

And send us your Mighty Daughters – 

The two known as Bast and Sekhmet!

Ra, send us your Daughters!

Of Bast:

Bast, Lady of the East,
We give you praise!

You walk with us in the sunlight,
You guide us through the shadows,
And we are blessed.

Lady of Ointments, Lady of Perfumes, Lady of the Flame,
We make offerings to you!

We light candles in your name,
We offer sweet smelling incense to you,
That you may be pleased with us.

Eye of Ra, Devourer, Avenger, Protector,
Watch over us!

May we be protected from harm,
and may we live in good health,
and may our paths provide abundance.

Lady of Cats, Lioness, Invisible Paw,
We delight in your emissaries!

Unseen, they surround us,
They walk beside us and guide our steps,
They share our homes and hearths.

You call us to serve you,
and willingly we respond.
Dua Bast!

Of Sekhmet:

Sekhmet, Lady of the West,
We give you praise!

We light candles and incense for you
And we pour out red drink
In your honor.

Lady of Slaughter, Mistress of Dread, Furious One,
Evil trembles before you!

You bring justice to the deserving,
And destruction to those
Who seek to do harm.

Eye of Ra, Mighty One, Lady who Dances in Blood,
You are our Protector!

You walk before us
You stand beside us
and we are defended.

Bright Flame, Gracious One, Golden One,
You protect us even from ourselves!

The terror and awe you inspire
Keeps our inner demons at bay
So that we may better serve you.

Mistress of Life, Lady of Enchantments, Great One of Healing,
There is no plague unknown to you!

You know both sickness and cure,
Both poison and antidote,
and there is nothing you cannot ease.

You call us to serve you,
And willingly we respond.

Dua Sekhmet!

V. OFFERINGS

Our main offering was the food, the potluck, that the gods might eat of it first, before we ate it that night, and thus pass blessings on to us through the food we made. A member of my ritual team then used fire scrying in our bonfire to see if the offerings were accepted, and she saw that there were perhaps some people still holding back, so more offerings and focus was needed. Time, then, for pyrotechnics, in true Druidy form! So I brought forward a liqueur I made from grain alcohol, simple syrup, and coffee – homemade kahlua, basically, and probably like 70 proof or more. Four pours into the fire, for a thing complete. WHOOSH. Attendees focused, offerings accepted!

VI. EXECRATION

At this point, it was time for the execration proper. We’d written/drawn/otherwise imprinted sheets of red copy paper with the things we needed to be rid of (and I had a few from those who would have liked to make it but did not) and I began, placing the red papers (folded small) into the fire, saying “BE DESTROYED!” which was echoed by the attendees. Everyone else came up in their time, depositing red papers with the things they wished to be rid of. At the end of it, a final echoing call to each Bast, Sekhmet, and Ra, for the forces of isfet to be destroyed, along with a closing offering of homemade incense, made by the same fabulous Ritual Team member who made the anointing oil, so that the smoke might speed them on their way.

VII. CONTINUING THE WORK

Then I lit a taper candle in the fire, and passed the flame to small red votives, which were passed out to the attendees so that they might continue to do this work at home, because, as I explained, an execration is not a one-time thing, especially not when it’s being used for shadow work. The work is ongoing. This way they could have a focus for their continued work on their own.

VIII. CLOSING AND FEAST

We closed the ritual by beginning the festivities with a pour of wine – as in the ADF Waters of Life at the close of a ritual. Then, food! And talk, and more food, and a ridiculous game. Fun!

 

…Feel free to use this ritual outline or these prayers in your own work, but please let me know if you do, and attribute them properly!

 

~Réaltán~