Mafdet, recognized as the lunar goddess, held the title of the Piercer of Darkness.
Historically, our ancestors referred to cheetahs as “flying cats” due to their remarkable speed, which gave them an almost airborne appearance during high-speed chases. With the capability to accelerate to 75 km/h almost instantly, these agile predators can reach maximum speeds of 110 km/h. Taller than leopards, they skillfully utilize their tails as rudders when making sharp turns while pursuing their prey.
During the inception of the First Dynasty, the ancient Egyptians revered the feline goddess Mafdet, who was often depicted as a cheetah. Known as “the runner,” she epitomized swift death and her spotted coat was reminiscent of a starry night, reflecting the vastness of the cosmos.
In places such as Deir el-Bahari in northern Africa, cheetahs often appeared adorned with collars and leashes, indicating their revered status within the royal family. In certain respects, these magnificent creatures replaced hunting dogs in ancient Egyptian society; while they were rarely used for procuring food, they played a role in coursing.
Despite their extraordinary hunting prowess, cheetahs were not seen as threats to humans. When raised from cubs, they displayed strong instincts to protect, leading to the belief that they could escort the spirits of deceased pharaohs to the afterlife. When stalking their prey, cheetahs are said to wear a “death mask,” instilling a clear understanding in their quarry regarding their deadly intentions. Therefore, the cheetah stands as a true symbol of doom, representing a primal connection to this regal predator, whose stride measures up to six meters.
As symbols of passion, power, and presence, cheetahs were closely linked to Mafdet, who evolved into Sekhmet, the Lady of the House of Life. Although she possessed destructive attributes, Sekhmet was integral to the cycle of rebirth. Her ferocity mirrored nature’s cycle, as she cleared away the old, making way for new growth, paralleling the nurturing traits associated with Isis, the goddess of renewal.
Sekhmet’s role as a guardian of conflict and healing involved the dismantling of outdated structures within individuals, thereby paving the way for rebuilding and transformation. Ancient artistic representations frequently illustrated Sekhmet with a rosetta pattern across her chest, a motif that connects back to the lioness’s distinct shoulder-knot hair.
Historically, Sekhmet was known as the patron of Sekhem, a revered healing practice that influenced human evolution. Equating with concepts like Chi, Ki, and Prana, Sekhem views all life as an energetic being surrounded by a field that contains vital information about its physical form. Healers practicing Sekhem can tap into this energy and facilitate healing by directing Sekhem energy into the patient’s field, thereby supporting their healing journey.
Within the Sekhem framework, individuals are perceived as energetic systems, with the physical body serving as the focal point. Healers specifically operate in the energetic realm, targeting the blockages where illnesses originate. Healing is viewed as a collaborative process, allowing individuals to engage deeply with their higher selves.
Sekhem incorporates elements of sacred geometry linked to the ancient science of the pyramids, representing a pure form of healing energy. In practice, the healer channels Sekhem energy to the recipient by placing their hands either on the body or in close proximity, bridging spiritual realms and creating a profound connection between the earthly and the divine. The experience is often marked by inspiration and a sense of spirituality.
This powerful form of healing reduces stress, accelerates recovery, and addresses various conditions non-invasively. Ultimately, Sekhmet’s legacy was immortalized in the imposing figure of the Sphinx.
