Cyclona
KOL
Reged: 05/21/04
Posts: 5
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My understanding is that the AEs used natron because it was the best cleaning agent they had and not because natron held some sort of special significance to them. The point was to be clean.
If this is indeed the case, what is the point of using it in our rites? If the point was to be clean, wouldn't I be just as clean using the soaps, shampoos, etc that modern day has to offer?
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Cyclona
KOL
Reged: 05/21/04
Posts: 5
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Nevermind. Been asking around and I think I understand now.
Senebty
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Sanura
KOL
Reged: 12/11/05
Posts: 1
Loc: Australia
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I know this is an old post, but I'd like to bring it up again, as I have the same question as Cyclona.
Could anyone help clear this up for me?
-------------------- Mine is a heart of carnelian, blood red as the crest of a phoenix.
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WabJenSoko
Wab Priest / KOL Newsletter Editor / Central Regio
Reged: 08/22/01
Posts: 850
Loc: Lost in Middle America
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Em hotep *bow*
Natron is a type of salt, and salt is one of the most ancient cleaning agents around. In many, many magical traditions, salt is a purifying agent (as it is in other aspects of life as well). It's also a preservative. Natron is only found in Wadi Natrun in Egypt.
We use natron (or rather, poor man's natron, as it is illegal to export natron from Egypt at this time) in the purification portion of our rite because to approach the Netjeru in an impure state would be an insult. Washing your mouth out (at least) with natron and water purifies the energies you bring forth in congress with Netjer in rite.
Zep Tepi, or "the First Time" is an important concept in Kemeticism. Zep Tepi represents that first, perfect moment of creation that the universe, and ourselves in it, always strive to re-create. Purifying with natron is one way to ensure that at the Beginning of your rite, you start off with a Clean Slate.
Please post if you have any more questions!
senebty, Wabet Jen
-------------------- senebty,
Jen Sokoloski, Wab Priest of Ptah
Per AnkhThe Traditional Religion of Ancient Egypt
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