Mafdet, renowned as the lunar goddess, held the title of Piercer of Darkness.
Historically, ancient civilizations referred to cheetahs as “flying cats,” as their remarkable speed gave the illusion of soaring above the ground. These agile predators could reach an amazing acceleration of 75 km/hr and maximum velocities of up to 110 km/hr. Comparable to leopards in stature, cheetahs skillfully utilized their tails for making sharp turns in pursuit of prey.
During the era of the First Dynasty, the Egyptians embraced the feline deity Mafdet, often depicted as a cheetah. She was regarded as “the runner,” symbolizing swift demise, with her spotted coat reminiscent of a starry sky—a powerful image that resonated with ancient peoples.
In places like Deir el-Bahari in northern Africa, artworks frequently illustrated cheetahs adorned with collars and leashes, indicating their role within the royal household. Consequently, these magnificent creatures somewhat supplanted hunting dogs in ancient Egypt; while they weren’t typically used for actual hunting, they were sought after for coursing sports.
Despite their exceptional hunting prowess, cheetahs were never seen as man-eaters. When raised from cubs, they exhibited protective behaviors, which led to the belief that cheetahs assisted in guiding the souls of pharaohs to the afterlife. When stalking their prey, cheetahs manifest a “death mask,” conveying to their targets the inevitability of their intentions, thus transforming into agents of fate. Tragically, modern perspectives have moved away from recognizing the profound connection between humans and this majestic predator, known for its remarkable six-meter sprint.
As symbols of passion, strength, and presence, cheetahs played a significant role in ancient culture. Over time, the goddess Mafdet transitioned to become Sekhmet. Although she possessed destructive influences, Sekhmet was an integral part of the cycle of rebirth. Similar to a wildfire in a forest, she removed decaying trees, allowing new life to flourish. In this aspect, her attributes paralleled those of Isis, the goddess of renewal.
Sekhmet was revered as the guardian of conflict and healing, facilitating the dismantling of old structures in our lives to foster new, healthier foundations. She aided individuals in transformative experiences, helping them break free from outdated patterns. In ancient art, Sekhmet was often adorned with a distinctive rosette pattern covering each breast, a design that has its origins in the fur patterns of lions.
In the past, Sekhmet was also linked to Sekhem, the “Power of Powers,” an ancient healing practice that contributed to human development. This spiritual essence is akin to concepts like Chi, Ki, and Prana. The energy field surrounding all living beings contains vital information about their physical forms. Healers practicing Sekhem are capable of tuning into these fields to extract information and channel healing energy back to the individual.
In the Sekhem tradition, individuals are viewed as energetic systems, with the physical self at the center. Healers focus on the energetic aspect where ailments typically emerge as blockages. The healing process in Sekhem is reciprocal and supportive, guiding individuals on their personal wellness journeys while allowing them to engage with the Sekhem energy at the level of their higher selves.
This healing method integrates sacred geometry, drawing connections to the scientific principles underlying the pyramids. Ultimately, Sekhem reflects the pure essence of healing power. During healing sessions, practitioners may gently place their hands on or near clients, transmitting Sekhem energy. While this healing approach operates at elevated levels, it remains grounded, forming links between the metaphysical and the earthly realms. The experience is often profound, inspirational, and spiritual in nature. Sekhem is known for alleviating stress, enhancing the healing process, and addressing an array of conditions alongside the transformative image of Sekhmet, who continues to be enshrined within the figure of the Sphinx.
