Pagan Values Month: Discipline.

During June, many Pagan bloggers take on the challenge of writing about the ethics and values they believe comprise a significant part of their lives as pagans. The concept of the immoral pagan, propagated by Christians who see themselves as taking a moral high ground, can be overwhelmingly dismissed. Ask any Pagan whether their path provides them with an ethical and/or moral code, and you will get a hugely positive response.

For my part, I plan to blog primarily about Discipline this month. According to dictionary.com, discipline means:

noun
1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline.
2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.
3. punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.

I want to focus on the first two points,  it will probably touch the last one as well. Discipline in paganism can mean adherence to a daily practice, observance of taboos or oaths, constant work toward self-improvement — any number of things. I am not the most disciplined person, but I value self-discipline highly; I hope that in sharing my meditations on discipline this month I will be able to bring my own actions more in line with where I’d like them to be.

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Sekhmet’s Myths – A Difficult Story.

One of Sekhmet’s most popular myths, the Destruction of Mankind, can be a really difficult narrative to process. In this story, Ra is challenged by mankind, and is advised by the rest of the Gods to send “His Eye” (that is, Hethert) against them. In doing this, Hethert becomes Sekhmet, and begins killing people. Her spree doesn’t stop with the men plotting against Ra; She murders without thought or reservation. She is overcome and totally lost in Her bloodshed.

How can a goddess become lost in destroying Her followers? What can we learn from Her story? The myth depicts Her as a being out-of-control, lost in Her actions. As a deity Her role is given as a righter of wrongs and champion of justice, but the story that associates Her with this role really portrays Her as violent and dangerous. She begins by killing for justice, but quickly loses Herself to killing recklessly.

I get a sense that this is what She had to be: to show that God is not perfect, that mankind cannot be perfect, and that forgiveness and absolution can be given for anyone. When I ask Her about it, the response is complicated. She does not seem ashamed, though I think it would be arrogant to assign things like shame or guilt to a deity. Instead, She seems quietly accepting of Her role. In fact, I get the same sense regarding this myth as I do from Set and the death of Wesir. With quiet resolve, the Gods undertake a difficult and painful act, knowing what They will become.

What does this mean for us, as Their followers? It’s hard to say. I don’t like to make the Gods too human, but maybe those Who have been a part of Their uniquely agonizing stories are more accessible to us in some way. When we lose control, They offer solace and tell us, “We have been there too, and are no less divine than other Gods; why should you be less human than other men and women?”

Budding polytheism?

You know – lately, a few of my friends have stumbled into the captivating world of polytheism. Not “Kemetic-flavored”, but I’m still incredibly excited for them. I love the kind of experiences I have as a polytheist. It can be exhilarating to “run into” your Gods in unexpected places, or to feel Them supporting you in a difficult moment. It’s also fascinating to get to know the different personalities of the different spirits you’re dealing with, and to network and get to know those Who will become a huge part of your life. Part of me is giddy that people I’m already friendly with are opening themselves to these experiences, and part of me is excited at the possibility of having friends close by who I can relate to. It’s all very good .

Made up a song for my Mom today!

Tonight I led my first ever band concert as MC and director. Normally, I let one of my other teachers do the talking and conducting, and I just support my band. I was very nervous, but I decided to refine a song I had been working on for my Mother on the way there, and found that I was not so nervous at all.

O Lady Who Illuminates our Lands,
You are both merciful and kind.
Shining in the East, Shining in the West,
O Lady Who Illuminates our Lands.

O Queen of Heaven, Sekhmet on Her Throne,
You are both beautiful and strong.
Shining in the East, Shining in the West,
O Queen of Heaven, Sekhmet on Her Throne.

O Mother of Gods, Daughter of the Sun,
You are both powerful and wise.
Shining in the East, Shining in the West,
O Mother of Gods, Daughter of the Sun.

In honor of Wingfest…

I am wearing this fantastic brooch in honor of Wingfest this week. It’s a hoot!

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