Kemetic Cosmology 101 Lesson 3 The African Ntcheru (God) Concept - Many Ntcher (i.e. Ntcheru) one Creator
Among the five to six types of Ntcheru there are three primary types creator, elements and principals. There is one creator responsible for the creation of life. This Ntcher sets things in motion through ideas and ideals. It is the creator whom we refer to when we say: "Ntcher {God} has a master plan".
Another type of Ntcheru is the elements. These Ntcheru sustain life. They we depend upon for our day-to-day survival - Ra (sun), Shu (air), Nu (water), Nut (atmosphere), and Geb (earth, by extension food). These Ntcheru, especially Ra, were once thought of as creators.
Another type of Ntcheru is the Principals. These Ntcheru govern behavior and are the standards of truth which is equal to life; a sort of duality of life. These Ntcheru are often referred to as the children of the elements and at times as independent of the elements depending on the religiousphilosophical school of thought (i.e. Tehuti, the Greek Thoth).
In Kemet / Egypt, as in all African societies, Ntcheru (God) is considered to be ever present and each and every individual communes with the Ntcheru and is responsible for respecting them and being them (especially the principals) everyday. Hence, during the period of judgment that follows transition from this life the individual is queried by the Ntcheru as to whether he of she was as they are everyday. If yes, you would gain immortality, if no, your life ends.
Amen / Atum
Amen / Atum is the creator and is the sum-total of the Ntcheru.
Amen / Atum is both seen and unseen - i.e. manifest as the Elements and as creation, and is abstract, as are the Principals.
Amen / Atum is the source of life, its idea and ideals.
Ntcheru (Gods) Manifest - The Ever Present These Ntcheru, the Elements are ever present; they sustain life, they are not creators.
Supplications and prayers to these Ntcher thank them for their sustenance and that they not leave. These Ntcheru govern elements based science and knowledge - architecture, energy (solar, wind, hydro), agriculture, etc.
Ra - light, heat, solar energy, warmth
Nu - water (bodies), rain, and purity
Shu - air, wind-energy, climate, flexibility
Geb - Earth, land, flora, fauna, resources, abundance
Nut - Sky, atmosphere, environment, openness
These are the primary Element Ntcheru, there are others.
Ntcheru Manifest through Humans - The Principals
The Principal Ntcheru governs behavior, however they manifest thought human action. They govern, among other facets, abstract thinking, abstract science and knowledge. Each Principal Ntcher is an aspect of the truth and governs that aspect.
Ausar - The Living Word /Heart/WILL/ Food - the seat of government.
The command of Ausar is "Speak Truth and Do Good" - one of the basis of civilization; the other is food; hence, his second command is "Love beyond emotion".
Auset - Compassion and Union / Food - the seat of government. Auset is the example of nurturing and reciprocity in action. She along with Ausar teaches civilization, provides (is divine) food, and governs society.
Maat - Order, Balance - governs institutions of law and justice. Maat represents the manifestation of truth, and the aspiration and intent of the society and the individual.
Heru- Force, Courage - governs institutions of force (e.g. military). Heru establishes truth in the face of opposition and chaos; Heru restores Ausar the living word.
Tehuti - Speech, Knowledge - governs institutions of learning. Tehuti provides the foundation for responsibility and the foundation upon which the society may grow and develop.
These are the primary Principal Ntcheru, there are others. The term "Kemetic Religious Philosophy and Spirituality" is somewhat of a misnomer and is better described as the "Way of Life"; as such, the Kemetic 'Way of Life' was/is a systematic approach to engendering 'optimal life' providing food, resources and comfort - for everyone and everything. The 'Way of Life' had/has as its primary objective creating and sharing abundance and prosperity, and perpetuating creation, civilization and community by maintaining and adhering to 'cosmic order' and 'moral order'.
Cosmic Order - includes all of creation - was established by Atum (Ptah, Amen) the creator, and maintained by the 'Elements' Ntcheru - Ra, Nu, Shu, Nut, Geb, Maat, Neb-Het, Ausar, and Auset. Our essential responsibility to the Creator and the Elements Ntcheru is to respect the Cosmic Order and its 'Way of Life', and make no offense against it - therefore, we should not pollute air or water, destroy by fire or burning, extinguish any life form engendered by the Creator, nor seek to engender a life-form other than by the Creator.
'Moral Order' includes the Earth Domain - was established by Ntcher Ausar the 'Earth Sovereign'. His creed is that we collectively generate and share abundance, speak and do truth, and elevate the lives of each other.
In short, the Way of Life has as its primary objective the Perpetuation of Life - by way of relationships that elevate life.
Creation
Upon initiating creation Ntcher Atum created Ntcheru Shu (eternity) and Neb-Het (everlastingness), in so doing the creator intended for 'Life' and 'Cosmic Order' to continue forever. It is in this light that we have an obligation to not offend either. We have the responsibility to engender lifecreating and life-sustaining relationships with all living things; in short our responsibility it to 'Optimal Living'. In such a world 'Life' is the yardstick by which all relationships are measured: The question is asked: Is this relationship life creating and life-sustaining?
If the relationship it is we embrace it, if it is not we reject it. Furthermore, it is for us to understand that all life emanates from Atum and is therefore related - either as a progenitor, sibling, or descendent; nevertheless, we are responsible to care for our relatives to the highest degree - be it an Ant or a Deer, a Whale or a Human Being.
We are responsible to adhere to the Cosmic Order, which engenders life. Therefore the extermination of life is an abomination against creation. Additionally, the threat of extermination of life by way of genocide, pogroms, bombs, nuclear weapons, poisons, or other means is an offense against Life and Cosmic Order and is therefore, an offense against Atum and Creation. As adherents to Cosmic and Moral Order we are compelled take neutralizing action those who engender and perpetuate such an offense (see below).
Civilization
Ntcher Ausar is the Earth Sovereign to whom we are obligated; he governs the Earth Domain and has set it laws. Ntcher Ausar introduced agriculture (i.e. food in abundance) and the elements of civilization - including science, arts, writing, building, commerce, etc. In doing so we were given the instruction to share abundance and prosperity.
Prior to agriculture the majority of people were Hunter-Gathers with close to an impoverished lifestyle, except for those in pastoral and fishing communities. With Ntcher Ausar becoming the Earth Sovereign and introducing agriculture and a new faith, he introduced the foundation by which the world was able advance to prosperity.
With the admonition to share abundance and prosperity, the Ausarian Faith was diffused worldwide via the introduction of agriculture (abundant food), and the elements of civilization; hence, all of the major ancient societies, including Sumer, Hatti, Indus, Shang, Olmec, Ugarit, Canaan, among others were engendered from the embrace of the Ausarian Faith.
The Faith was introduced to each population via the gift of food, unity, and knowledge. The Ausarian Faith was diffused through peaceful means and with the only obligation being that of adhering to the Cosmic and Moral Order and that of 'sharing abundance and prosperity'.
The Ntcheru - The Life Forces of Creation
The Creator, Elements Ntcheru, Principals Ntcheru, Ntcher-Incarnate (deified leader), Deified Ancestors, and Ancestors govern the Way of Life. The Creator Atum (or Ptah) created itself, therefore initiating the process of creation.
The Elements Ntcheru, the life-forces that sustain creation followed - Shu (air), Neb-Het (atmosphere), Nu (water), Nut (Sky), Geb (earth), Ra (sun), Ausar (flora and fauna [food]), Auset (flora and fauna [food]), Het-Heru (minerals), and Set (metals). The Creator and the Elements Ntcheru, also known collectively as the 'Higher Ennead', govern the Cosmic Order. The Cosmic Order is what we observe as the universe - its cycles, expansions (unfolding), generated forms, etc.
The Principal Ntcheru, the life-forces that govern 'Moral Order' (including human behavior), followed the Elements Ntcheru - they include Ausar (the embodiment of government and the 'Living Word' - i.e. Moral Law), Auset (the 'seat' [embodiment] of government, unity, obligation, bonding), Heru (the force of truth - persuasion and coercion), Maat (Cosmic and Moral order and balance), Tehuti (communication and knowledge), Het-Heru (embodiment and protector of the society/state).
The Principal Ntcheru, known collectively as the 'Lower Ennead' govern the 'Earth Domain' lead by Ntcher Ausar who is the 'Earth Sovereign'. Ntcher Ausar and the Lower Ennead set the laws and standards - 'Moral Order' that we are to adhere to; by doing so we are shown the way to abundance and prosperity in this lifetime, and immortality in the next lifetime. It we do not adhere to the 'Moral Order' we are doomed to impoverishment and ultimate death.
Next is the Nsut Bity (the Leader, Deity Incarnate), the 'earthly' embodiment of Cosmic Leadership as the 'Son-of-the-Sun', and as Moral Leadership the embodiment of Ntcher Ausar. In his/her capacity the Nsut Bity (Leader) is an Ntcher who has the responsibility to guide the society in generating abundance and prosperity, and guides the society in maintaining Cosmic and Moral Order. The Nsut Bity is party to the 'Lower Ennead'.
Next are the Deified Ancestors - these are individuals whose contribution to society, in the areas of abundance and prosperity and moral and cosmic responsibility, have been so profound that they are elevated to the status of a Ntcher (Neter, Nature). Deified Ancestors, have authority and capabilities in there respective areas for which they have contributed and can be propitiated for their beneficence.
The Neters, 'those worthy of living forever', perpetuate the 'breath of life' that emanates from Atum (the Creator); it is through them that we inherit civilization and community (including family). Neters are honored for their contribution to the perpetuation of creation; they have the capacity to impact the affairs of human beings in the way of good. Following are 'Those Being Present' - that is you and I (addressed below).
Following us is the 'Future Born'. To the 'Future Born' we have the obligation to provide a world of abundance, prosperity, and cosmic and moral order. To the 'Future Born' we may inform them of what is needed to improve the human condition that they may come with the capacity to affect what is needed.
The Cosmic and Moral Leadership in summary: Creator (Atum, Ptah, Amen) > Elements Ntcheru: Ra (sun), Nu (water), Shu (air), Nut (sky), Neb-Het (atmosphere), Geb (earth) > Principal Ntcheru: Ausar (government, law),
Auset (government, unity, organization), Heru (force of truth), Maat (Cosmic and Moral Order), Tehuti (communication and knowledge) > Nsut Bit (Deified Leader) > Deified Ancestors > Ancestors > Those Present > Those Future.
Kemet Society and the World
Under this new order, governed by Ausar and Auset, greater individual responsibility and action in the celebration of life resulted in the reward of abundance and access to the Ntcheru; even to the point of becoming a Ntcher. Under the guidance of Ausar and Auset Kemet (Egypt) society flourished.
The society even took on the mission to spread abundance to others beyond their borders to throughout the then known world. Hence, agriculture and its benefits were taken under the banner of Ausar and Auset to other populations. As a consequence Kemet-Centered agricultural societies flourished in Mesopotamia - Ausar (Assur), Sumer, Elam, Babylon; in Africa Monomatapa, Zimbabwe and Nok; in India - Dravida and Mundu; in China Chou; and in the Americas - Olmec, Inca, Aztec to name a few.
Kemet became the global center of that development and the repository of the 'knowledge, rituals and beliefs' articulating the 'way of life' that engendered and informed African Societies on the continent of Africa and beyond.
It was the 'way of life' and its resultant benefits that were admired and envied by Aryans (European, Arabs and Asians) who subsequently invaded, debilitated and destroyed the societies that lived the 'way of life'. And it is they who today threaten the very existence of the 'way of life' itself.
