Sekhmet

[Summerhawk]

Sekhmet was the lioness-headed goddess of war and destruction. She was created by the fire of Ra's eye. Ra created her as a weapon of vengence to destroy men for their wicked ways and disobedience to him (see The Story of Ra & Sekhmet).

Having once unleashed her powers for the destruction of mankind, the Egyptians feared a repeat performance by Sekhmet. The Egyptian people developed an elaborate ritual in hopes she could be appeased. This ritual revolved around more than 700 statues of the goddess. The ancient Egyptian priests were required to perform a ritual before a different one of these statues each morning and each afternoon of every single day of every single year. Only by the strictest adherence to this never-ending ritual could the ancient Egyptians be assured of their ability to placate Sekhmet.

Her Name is derived from the Egyptian word 'Sekhem', which means "power" or
"might". As a destroying element, and in texts of all periods she plays the part of a
power which protects the good and annihilates the wicked.

Mid Summer and Mid Autumn are the Sekhmet's ritual times.
There was feasting, drinking, and merry making in the fields during her
rituals to celebrate the harvest. She is a Sun Goddess as well as the Goddess
of destruction, rebirth, and healing. She is called the Lady of the "Place of
the Beginning of Time". One who was before the Gods were. She holds an Ankh in
one hand and a Lotus Wand in the other, and She wears a red dress. The God Ptah is
her husband and Nefertem is their son who is also closely associated with
healers and healing.

The rise of Sirius just before dawn was an extremely important event
for the ancient Egyptians. This coincided with the flooding of the Nile which
fertilized the land. The occasion was seen as the birthday of the gods and the
Egyptian New Year.

[Summerhawk]

I would like to add my own personal feelings, and knowledge of Sekhmet.

She is the true Goddess of the Underdog. She will take any and all actions necessary to right wrongs, and avenge the innocent, oppressed or downtrodden. Trust & believe She does not play, and She does not waste time. I have only called on Her for assistance, and intervention twice. And within days, the evil ones were stopped, & given their due. She always performs just actions - never "overkill", nor a slap on the wrist.

She is also a healer - mostly of the emotional kind. She will destroy the wicked, and in the same wave of her hand, will nurture the injured. She is the epitome of the perfect mother - She knows what her "children" need, how much, and when they need it.

This is who Sekhmet is to me, and why I love Her so much. And this is why I will defend Her as quickly as She will defend me.