Kemets

Kemets are adherents or practitioners of Kemeticism, a modern reconstruction and revival of the religious beliefs and practices attributed to ancient Egypt. The term derives from Kemet, the ancient Egyptian name for the “black land,” and is used by some to refer to both the culture and its people in historical or religious contexts. In contemporary usage, Kemetics may practice individually or within organized groups, temples, or study circles.

Beliefs and practices in Kemeticism are broadly polytheistic and lineage-based, focusing on reverence for a pantheon of deities such as Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Hathor, and minority local or regional deities. Core themes often include ma’at (cosmic order and justice), ritual purity, the afterlife, and the seeking of harmony with nature and the divine. Rituals typically involve prayers, offerings, preserving iconography and symbols from ancient Egypt, and the study of ancient texts and inscriptions. Many practitioners incorporate the Egyptian language elements, ritual tools, and calendar practices to varying degrees, depending on tradition and interpretation.

Modern Kemeticism emerged in the 20th century as part of broader Egyptianist and neopagan movements. It comprises a diversity of approaches, ranging from scholarly reconstruction based on ancient sources to more eclectic spiritual paths. There is no single centralized authority, and communities may differ in theology, ritual emphasis, and historical emphasis. Global in reach, Kemetics participate in conferences, online forums, and local gatherings, contributing to a contemporary dialogue about ancient Egypt and its religious heritage.