One of the most frequent questions that I have come across over the years is Where do I start? Some even take it a step further and ask, What books should I read?
So, with this question in mind, I have created a series of posts & infographics of recommended books for people who are interested in becoming a practitioner of the Kemetic Legacy. Understandably, many people will be coming from various religious and spiritual backgrounds, so I have created a system [similar to university] to best categorize and judge where one should/can begin according to their background.
001 - General Introduction to the Kemetic Legacy
These books explain the basic framework/beliefs and philosophy of the spiritual system of Kemet. This body of literature is geared for people who know very little about Ancient Kemet outside of the basic familiarity as introduced in public schooling. This is also for those who have recently decided to leave the spiritual systems of their upbringing and are "searching" for a new spiritual/religious experience. These are books that I personally found helpful when I was first introduced to the Kemetic legacy.
002 - Daily Living Foundations
These books are the only books that not directly about the Kemetic Legacy or perspective. This body of literature is recommended because they work [in my experience] in tandem with laying the foundations to healing oneself mentally, emotionally, and physically and promote a healthy body temple for spiritual understanding, elevation, and growth.
101 - Foundations of the Kemetic Legacy
Builds upon 001 level material/information. These books explain some of the rituals and practices of Kemetic practitioners. Additionally, some of the books give historical spiritual and religious context to the belief system of Kemet within the wider African perspective [versus that of the Abrahamic, Asian perspective ]. This body of literature is geared for people who understand the basic principals of the Kemetic spiritual system and want to explore and potentially become a practitioner and or initiate into a Kemetic Shrine/Temple. These are books that really solidified that I wanted to move forward and truly live, practice or "convert" to the spiritual system of Kemet.
☥ ☥ NOTE ☥ ☥
At this juncture, while I understand that self-knowledge and understanding are very important, I would recommend that any person or family seek out a home Temple or Shrine to connect with for further study, support, and kemmunity. This rationale stems from quotes found in the Husia that emphasize intellectual humility, connection, and service to one's kemmunity.
Be not arrogant because of your knowledge. Take counsel with the ignorant as well as the wise. For the limits of knowledge in any field have never been set and no one has ever reached them. Wisdom is rarer than emeralds... - Book of Ptah Hotep [Husia pg 41]
Serve NTR that [s]he may protect you. Serve your brothers and sisters that you may enjoy a good reputation. Serve a wise person that he or she may serve you. Serve one who serves you. Serve any person so you may benefit from it. And serve your mother and father that you may go forward and prosper. Examine every matter that you may understand it. Do not say I am learning but rather set yourself to become wise. Be gentle and patient, then your character will be beautiful. It is the development of character that instruction succeeds.... -Book of Ankhsheshonqui [The Husia pg 64]
201 - Intermediate Understandings of the Kemetic Legacy.
Builds upon 101 level material/information; expands on foundational knowledge and skills. These books explain some of the rituals and practices of Kemetic practitioners, introduce the system of Ssh Mdw NTR (Pronounced: Sesh Me-dew Ne-tcher, contemporarily known as Hieroglyphics), addresses rebuilding and creating 21st Century Kemmunities and practices. This body of literature is geared for people who have initiated into a Kemetic Shrine/Temple, have consistently practiced for a minimum of two years, and have a thorough grasp of the basic principals of the Kemetic legacy. In my experience, these books helped me to rise to the next level of my spiritual, moral and ethical understandings as well as begin my transition to literacy and understanding of the ancient wisdom texts and papyri rather than totally rely on the interpretations as provided by Egyptologists.
301 - Advanced-Intermediate Understandings of the Kemetic Legacy.
Builds upon 201 level material/information; expands on knowledge and skills. At this juncture, one may have a particular area of study or interest they may wish to pursue. The recommended books on this list are general in scope and aim to go into more depth than those on the 201 level. This body of literature is geared for people who have initiated into a Kemetic Shrine/Temple, have consistently practiced for a minimum of five years, and wish to further understand the practical applications of which 21st Century Kemetic living looks like.
401: Advanced Studies and Priesthood
At this point in one's studies, there are a multitude of directions that one can further research and I would recommend that those who wish to take their education further and are interested in the path of priesthood to get a reading on the matter from a Kemetic priest. The following reputable Temples do offer pathways and training for those interested in priesthood (Note: Most Temples will not offer priesthood training to those who have not already been initiated).
Temple of Anu
☥ ☥ Side Notes ☥ ☥
There are a few prominent bodies of literature and or scholars that have, respectfully, been left out of the recommendations. As to be transparent, I have listed my reasons for these omissions:
The information presented within some texts or by these scholars are heavily influenced by belief systems, traditions, philosophies, and worldviews outside of Kemet [Abrahamic, Asia, Native American, Wicca, etc. ]. Some may critique that "everything comes from Africa" & therefore believe that incorporating other systems is acceptable or in some way reclaiming this knowledge. This is not my pedagogy, nor a framework under which is followed via this blog. While there is some truth to this logic, it allows for too many generalizations and indirectly promotes spiritual gentrification and is therefore isfet and blasphemous to both systems, well-intentioned or otherwise. This blog and subsequent materials aim to place authentic, historically accurate indigenous Kemetic information as the foundation and at the forefront of spiritual living and life. Other systems such as Ifa, Vodun, as well as other traditional African religions are explored and addressed for comparison, critique, and context only. These systems are understood to be a great link in reconstructing and understanding the practices and rituals of the ancient Kemety. However, they are not mutually exclusive as we understand that geography, history, culture, ethnic tradition each play a part in religiosity and therefore viewed as reflections but not direct spiritual replacements.
The text or author is neither an Egyptologists nor a practicing Kemety. This is important as critical inquiry (ie fact-checking) addresses the thoughts beliefs, motivations, biases, and possible agendas of the author. Furthermore their
The text or author is a proponent of conspiracy theories (ancient aliens, slaves built the pyramids, the 'Illuminati' build the pyramids, etc.) that under the guise of high metaphysics and or secret knowledge offer little more than an entertaining distraction to practitioners.
The text or author utilizes only secondary information and or misinterprets the ancient wisdom texts: papyri, stela, walls, etc. due to illiteracy or very low comprehension of Ssh Mdw NTR (hieroglyphics).
Additionally, to uphold and maintain ma'at, I would like to be clear that I am not receiving payment to promote any of the literature in any of these lists. Furthermore, I always recommend supporting your local Black-owned book store when purchasing any books. If by chance, one does not live within proximity to one, or the recommended book is not carried by the establishment, out of convenience, I have added links for each book on Amazon.
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