SEKHMET: TRANSFORMATION IN THE BELLY OF THE GODDESS

Sekhmet: Transformation in the Belly of the Goddess, Nicki Scully, Bear Co., Rochester, VT, 2017, 240pp, $18.00.

Sekhmet, daughter of the sun god Ra, lion-headed goddess of ancient Egypt. Her other names include Eye of Ra, the Lady of Flame, the Feared One, the Great one of Magic, Great One of Healing, Protectress of the Divine Order. Sekhmet is the protector of truth and balance. She generates sekhem, the ancient Egyptian word for “the universal life force”, represented by the cobra she wears as a diadem, signifying the kundalini energy.

Photo from Ms. Scully’s website.

        As Hank Wasselman, PhD., explains in the Forward, “In Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet represents the warrior as slayer in the negative polarity, the goddess of plagues and pestilence and all sorts of nasty stuff (directed at the enemies of Egypt in days gone by, of course). Yet, in the positive polarity, this leonine female is the warrior as healer—an archetypal force that expresses fierce compassion—a quality that comes through Sekhmet’s willingness to stand with us while we embodied mortals are in the fires of transformation.” Sekhmet is known as “Power”, “Mighty One” and “She Who Comes in Times of Chaos”, and we are welcome to ask for her help in transforming ourselves.

        Sekhmet helps us rid ourselves of negative patterns of behavior, and Ms. Scully presents us with a shamanic ritual to transform us to a “more purified state of consciousness.” This involves a guided meditation that utilizes beautiful color photographs. In the meditation, you will go to the Temple of Karnak in Egypt, where the only “living” statue of Sekhmet can be found. Through the meditation, Sekhmet will devour your offerings of self-sabotage, fear, pain and rage. You don’t need them, nor do you want them. Let Sekhmet devour them and heal you.

        Ms. Scully notes that “we are in urgent need of radical change, now.” An obvious statement if ever there was one. The way to begin is with the self. As each of us changes—sacrifices our negativity—we transform those around us, and the transformation moves in ripples across the world.

        In 2017—rapidly moving into 2018—we are impatient. We want things now. Immediately. There is no time to wait. But… Listen to Ms. Scully when she tells us to “take as long as you need to prepare … wait until you feel ready, safe, and secure in the knowledge that Sekhmet is your true mother in this alchemy before you give her the offering you have prepared.” Don’t rush headlong. If, once you begin your journey, you decide you need to stop or postpone it, “be straightforward in your communications with Sekhmet, and you and she can work out a graceful exit or postponement until such time as you are more prepared for the required trust and surrender.”

       Ms. Scully introduces you to Sekhmet and teaches the steps you’ll need to complete your journey. You’ll learn how to construct an altar and how alchemy works. You’ll learn how to make sacrifices to Sekhmet for self-transformation. The instructions are easy to understand, easy to use, and calming. No need to fear. The strong, beautiful, lion-headed goddess will walk beside you, help you, heal you.

        Sekhmet: Transformation in the Belly of the Goddess is a book of healing—on every level. You don’t need to be a student of ancient Egypt. Each person experiences Sekhmet in a personal way. Find your way. One last word: Understand that every shamanic journey has its warnings. As Ms. Scully writes: “Anyone who chooses to do this work must take responsibility for their own experience.” Be sure to read the Special Notice to the Reader for more on this.

-          Corey Saunders