Reply To: Teachings of Temple of Aset Lesson 6 Discussion Forum



The hieroglyphic terminology that most resonated with me in this portion of the scripture comes from verse 28 with the term “chet ankh,” meaning “fire of life.” Firstly, the specific tats themselves visually seemed to leap out of the page, with the symbols for “fire” (chet) and “life” (ankh) being readily recognizable. In this context it was referring to Ra’s fire of life which was flowing out. Thus, this is the same “chet ankh” that animates all life as we know it in Creation.

When reflecting upon this, it is not enough have “life”without the “fire.” Therefore when we bestow a blessing of Ankh, Udja, Seneb (life, vitality and health) we are enforcing chet ankh, the fire of life. Related terms are “sekhem” (life force) and even “arat sekhem” (serpent power)–all necessary to fashion the taffy shepsy, or as it is referred to in verse 28 “Djedfty shepsy” (sacred serpent).

Fire is also symbolic, in the higher sense, for purification which one must attain to successfully achieve higher consciousness. In this sense “fire” is related to “light” or “akhu” (Enlightenment). Thus, life without chet ankh is not living in its highest potential—a zombie-like existence. Interestingly, in verse 29, it is written that Ra’s fire of life was actually “flowing into He Himself as He was overpowered by it”–”it” being the taffy shepsy serpent. Thus we can conclude that when one builds chet ankh to fashion a taffy shepsy “fire” serpent it will overpower the illusion of Ra by drawing on Ra’s chet ankh. Perhaps this is where the saying “fight fire with fire” truly comes from.

Shem Heryt