All of the Names of Netjer are part of one Divine Power too vast for us to understand. They also all represent different functions or parts of the Whole. Among the Names, there are some that are so closely related to each other that They are like two sides of the same coin. Sekhmet and Het-Hert have this relationship.
Sekhmet appears as a lion-headed woman or a full lioness. She is associated with Divine Vengeance, and She restores Ma'at when things get out of balance. She cuts away what is not useful and no longer serves a purpose. The sekhem, a scepter which means "power" or "might," is the first hieroglyph in Her Name shown below.
Hieroglyphs for Sekhmet's Name
There is a myth in which Ra wanted to punish humans who were rebelling against Him. He called His Eye, Het-hert, and asked Her to seek vengeance upon the evil-doers. She was then transformed into Sekhmet, "the Powerful One," in order to carry out His command. Some of Sekhmet's other titles are "Flaming One," "Protectress of the Divine Order," and "Lady of Plague."
Sekhmet the Destroyer is paired with Ptah the Creator, and Their son is Nefertem the Healer. They were worshipped as a Divine Triad (a group of three related deities) in Mennefer (Memphis) and other centers throughout Kemet.
[picture of Sekhmet]
Sekhmet can be direct and harsh, violent and destructive, but Her actions are always correct and proper. She is the lioness who defends Her cubs and the Powerful One who defends the weak. She is also very much associated with compassion and healing and is known as the "Lady of Life." Her priests are concerned with healing, and in ancient times they were surgeons and doctors. Here is a prayer written by Imakhu NiankhSekhmet, the physician-priest for our Nisut(AUS) today:
[insert prayer written by Kai-Imakhu NiankhSekhmet]
