SEKHMET

Sekhmet (Ancient Egyptian: Sḫmt) is the warrior goddess of healing and divine retribution. Her name comes from the root word sekhem, which means "Power" or "Might." She is literally "The Powerful One."

Ancient Egyptian Name	𓌂𓐍𓏏 (Sḫmt)
Phonetic Pronunciation	Sekh-met
Literal Meaning	“The Powerful Female”
Cosmic Role	War, Solar Heat, Plague, Healing

She represents the scorching heat of the sun that can burn enemies but also cauterize wounds.

Sekhmet embodies the necessary violence of the cosmos. She defends Ma'at (Order) by ruthlessly destroying Isfet (Chaos). Yet, this destructive power is inextricably linked to healing.

• Goddess of War: She accompanied the Pharaoh into battle, breathing fire against his enemies.
• Mistress of Plague: She controlled the "Seven Arrows," demons that brought disease.
• Patron of Physicians: Because she caused plague, she alone could cure it. Her priests were the oldest guild of surgeons and doctors in Egypt.

In the myth of the "Destruction of Mankind," Ra sent his Eye (Hathor) to punish humanity for their rebellion. Hathor transformed into the bloodthirsty lioness Sekhmet and began slaughtering humans uncontrollably. To stop her from wiping out the entire race, Ra dyed 7,000 jars of beer red with pomegranate juice. Thinking it was blood, Sekhmet drank it all, became drunk, and fell asleep, waking up as the gentle Hathor (or Bastet).

In Memphis, Sekhmet was the wife of Ptah (the creator god of craftsmen) and the mother of Nefertum (the god of the lotus and perfume). This triad represented Creation (Ptah), Destruction/Protection (Sekhmet), and Healing/Renewal (Nefertum).

Sekhmet commanded the Seven Arrows, a band of terrifying emissaries or demons responsible for spreading epidemics and bad luck. The last days of the year (the Epagomenal Days) were considered particularly dangerous because these arrows were unleashed. People wore amulets of Sekhmet during this time to ward off her own emissaries.

Sekhmet is depicted with regal and terrifying imagery:

• Lioness Head: Representing ferocity and the apex predator.
• Solar Disk & Uraeus: She wears the sun disk on her head with the cobra, marking her as the daughter of Ra.
• Red Linen: Often called "Mistress of the Red Linen," referring to blood or the red garments worn by her priests.
• Ankh & Papyrus Scepter: Symbols of life and authority held in her hands.

Worship of Sekhmet focused on appeasement. Rituals were performed twice daily before her statues to keep her calm and prevent her from destroying the world. The "Festival of Intoxication" was celebrated in her honor (similar to Bastet and Hathor) to mimic the beer-drinking myth that saved humanity.

Sekhmet completes the spectrum of the Egyptian Divine Feminine. She represents the extreme, aggressive pole, while Bastet represents the domestic, protective pole, and Hathor represents the joyful, loving pole.

Goddess	Aspect	Nature
Sekhmet	The Destroyer	War, Plague, Solar Heat
Bastet	The Protector	Home, Joy, Gentle Warmth
Hathor	The Lover	Music, Dance, Fertility

Primary Role	Goddess of War & Healing
Sacred Animal	Lioness
Key Myth	Destruction of Mankind
Consort	Ptah (Memphis)
Title	The One Before Whom Evil Trembles