The "Seven Gates of Set" (Part I)

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates

The "Merak Key"
(from "the Seven Gates of Set")

Merak (“The Loins”) is the farthest of the two “pointer” stars, residing in the Great Bear’s genitals. This gate refers to “being of Set”—whether this means being an F5 tornado, a donkey, or even just a person with red hair. People, creatures and things of Set are His manifestations in nature. By extension, Setians are not just His worshipers; we are also “little Sets” right here on earth. We are neither “slaves” nor “playthings” to ANY deity, and we endeavor to love ourselves at least as much as we love our Namesake.

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates #incantations #theology

The "Phecda Key"
(from "the Seven Gates of Set")

Phecda (“The Thigh”) is the lowermost star on the “handle” side of the Big Dipper, or the “hind leg” of the Great Bear. This gate refers to Set’s role in the Osirian drama, in which He resembles a gardener trimming a rosebush. Trimming is disturbing and painful to the plant, but it also rejuvenates the plant and makes it bloom fresh roses. This speaks to experiencing a life-changing crisis, then processing and healing from that experience over time to become a healthier, stronger person. The unpleasant nature of this particular cycle is what leads most non-Setians to assume that Set is either “chaotic” or “evil”; and to be honest, even most Setians would probably prefer to avoid this gate (myself included). But Phecda is really not about chaos or evil; it is simply about bringing the regenerative powers of nature and the self into play, whether we like it or not.

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates #incantations #theology

The "Megrez Key"
(from "the Seven Gates of Set")

Megrez (“The Insertion Point of the Bear’s Tail”) is the star on the Great Bear’s backside, forming the “bowl” of the Dipper. I believe this star is best associated with the contentious duality of Horus and Set. Their conflict and reconciliation manifests in how the days grow long, then short again; in the waxing and waning of the moon; and in the twists and turns of various human political tides. In this last context especially, I view Set as a progressive god who wants greater freedom and equality for marginalized people—an agenda that theocratic regimes and privileged elites have always found intolerable.

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates #incantations #theology

The "Mizar & Alcor Key"
(from "the Seven Gates of Set")

Mizar and Alcor (“Loincloth” and “Orphan,” or “Horse and Rider”) are the middle stars in the “handle” of the Big Dipper. I count them as one here because Alcor is so dim that most people in urban areas do not even know it is there, leading to the popular assumption that there are only seven stars in the Big Dipper (when there are actually eight). If you go camping in the woods at night, and if your eyesight is sharp enough, you can actually see Alcor beside Mizar; you just have to stare long enough to discern between them. Ancient hunters often used Alcor as a kind of “vision test” for this very reason.

I think Mizar and Alcor best relate to Set’s role as the Savior and Defender of Ra. In some accounts, the isfet serpent has a glare that can paralyze most of the gods with existential dread, but to which Set is completely impervious; He just stares that snake in the eye and remains unfazed. Every execration a Setian works to ward off negative energy in their life refers back to Mizar and Alcor, which relate to discernment and the ability to appreciate nuance. While fighting the isfet serpent in our day-to-day lives, Setians must always work to remember that things are seldom ever “black or white.”

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates #incantations #theology

First Church of the Holy Jackass
Episode 7: "Gates (and Keys)"
Originally broadcast 10/2/2022

A discussion about a system of theological correspondences I call “the Seven Gates of Set.” Includes a series of incantations or “Keys” I have written for “opening” these gates, which are linked to the stars in the Big Dipper or Khepesh (the Thigh of Set).

https://youtu.be/MqM8NZWNIhY

#setianism #sutekh #kemetic #egyptian #pagan #polytheist #gates #keys #bigdipper #greatbear #ursamajor #khepesh #thighofset #sevengates #incantations #theology