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What is Kemetic Religion?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 33,095
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Kemetic religion is a family of related religions and religious practices which are all based on perceptions of the religious beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians. There are a number of main religious groups that all describe themselves as Kemetic in nature, and other groups integrate Kemetic beliefs and practices, without being specifically Kemetic. The “Kemetic” is a reference to “Kemet,” the ancient name for Egypt.

Kemetic religion is a form of neopaganism, meaning that it is a modern interpretation of an ancient religious practice which became extinct. This is in contrast with religions like Christianity, which have been practiced continuously since their inception. Like other neopagan religions, it relies heavily upon interpretation, and it may in fact be significantly different from the religious practices it is based on.

Ancient Egyptian religion was practiced for thousands of years by very diverse individuals, and it undoubtedly changed radically over the course of Egyptian history. This makes it difficult to pin down any one set of beliefs or practices as “authentic,” especially since so many records have been lost.

The development of Kemetic religion started in the United States in the 1970s, around the same time that many other neopagan and New Age religions got their start. This period was marked by great interest in religious exploration, and a desire to learn more about ancient religions. From the United States, the religion spread outward into other regions of the world, including Egypt, where several Kemetic sects practice today.

In Kemetic Revivalism, also known as Traditional Kemetic Religion, people strive to stay as true as possible to the religious practices and beliefs of Ancient Egypt. Practitioners of Kemetic revivalism use Egyptian texts and works of art to research religious practices and to attempt to replicate them, rather than interpreting them and developing related practices. Kemetic Orthodoxy is very similar to Kemetic Revivalism, except that practitioners of Kemetic Orthodoxy treat their faith as a living religion, meaning that it is constantly changing, rather than static and true to the original.

Kemetic Wiccans combine the neopagan beliefs of Wicca and Kemetic religion. This form of religion is also sometimes known as Tameran Wicca. Practitioners of Ausar Auset, another branch of Kemetic religion, integrate beliefs from other African faiths into their religious observances. Ausar Auset is most commonly seen among members of the African diaspora, reflecting a desire to integrate African heritage and beliefs into families which may have been separated from Africa for multiple generations.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon258291 — On Mar 31, 2012

I find the Kemetic religion fascinating. I also think that it's wonderful that people are bringing back the ancient gods. I'm an Egyptian pagan and that's how I feel about the gods that I worship.

By anon212388 — On Sep 06, 2011

I would disagree with the author that christianity stayed the same since inception. Early christianity was a threat to the roman empire and to caesar. Around 300 AD he "invented" popedom and designated his own, in effect, co-opting a religion that would've destroyed rome. Christianity as we know it today bears little resemblance to the expansive, wise, all-inclusive teachings of Jesus Christ.

By calabama71 — On Sep 30, 2010

They believe in an afterlife. They believe that the afterlife is a parallel of the life they have on Earth. A slave would still be a slave, a pharaoh still a pharaoh. The land will be perfect with excellent farming conditions. There will be no pests, no plagues, no warfare and no famine.

In the afterlife, the working conditions for slaves, farmers, and landowners would be happy, light and prosperous. Food and drink would be plentiful.

By BoatHugger — On Sep 30, 2010

In my religion class, we spent a couple of weeks studying kemetic religion. It was very interesting.

Kemetic religion was originally developed from deities of nature. Each city was known to have its patron deity. Kemet rites were full of dance, songs, chanting, offerings, and incense. The temples had rites in the morning, noon, and night. Said correctly, the rites were believed to ensure divine favor.

They have yearly holidays, festivals, and holy days. They have a celebration on August 1st. That is when the Nile brought her waters to the land and the Sirius star rises just before dawn. People flock to the shores to see these great dramas unfold with actors portraying the parts.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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