What can I expect from the beginning course? Is there any kind of specific material I should read or study before hand? What sorts of topics are covered in the beginning course?
Em hotep! -henu- <3
The Beginners Class is an introduction to the Kemetic Orthodox religion. It is a prerequisite to membership consisting of a series of lessons in a flexible email-slash-IRC format that runs for approximately 4 months at a time. In the Beginners Class, you will learn about Kemetic practice and beliefs as they are understood by Kemetic Orthodoxy. You will also learn about terms and concepts unique to Kemetic Orthodoxy that are not found in other Kemetic groups, including the meanings of our membership ranks (Beginners, Remetj, Divined Remetj, Shemsu, Shemsu-Ankh, and W’abu [Priests]); the role of the Nisut, our spiritual leader; the meanings of commonly-used words like Em hotep, henu, heka, dua, nekhtet, and senebty, among others; the Ritual of Senut, a ritual that is unique to Kemetic Orthodoxy; the role of our Akhu and how to honor them; and what holidays we celebrate/how we celebrate them. Finally, you will learn how to participate in our online simulcasts and fellowship. At the end of the Beginners Course, you may choose to continue with the religion and become Remetj, or choose not to continue if you feel the religion does not work with your personal practice. Remetj are full members with access to the member side of the forums, the Discord, and our online simulcasts. If you chose to become Remetj, at any time you may choose to leave the religion. You may also choose to return to the religion after leaving, or choose to become a Remetj after initially choosing not to.
Because the Beginners Class is an introduction to the Kemetic Orthodox religion specifically, there is no required or suggested reading to be done before the class. The Ancient Egyptian Prayerbook by Dr. Tamara L. Siuda (our own Nisut!) may be a worthy accompaniment, as it too echoes some of what is taught in the Beginners Class, including the Ritual of Senut. The Ancient Egyptian Daybook, also by Dr. Tamara L. Siuda and illustrated by Megan Zane (Rev. Ma’atnofret), may be especially helpful to those looking for information about holidays and how one might honor the gods throughout the year. Books on Ancient Egypt and/or Egyptian Gods are useful for learning about Kemeticism, but are not required and will not teach specifically about our religion, which is a modern creation.
Thank you so much for this.
Happy to help <3