Your Journey into Power

Inspired Image Created for the Purpose of Protection

Artwork Creation Story & Symbology of "Sekhmet Eclipsed"

It was 12 years ago when this artwork came into being. While driving back home in mid-June in 2008, a black cat jumped in front of the car. If brakes were not applied immediately, the cat would have been killed. Not two miles down the road, my husband had to brake hard again. This time it was for a black snake crossing the road.

A visual for a painting visited me during the rest of the drive home. Once back, I launched into the creative process. I penciled in the basic design on a canvas, intending to paint a black Sekhmet with a black snake on her brow, during an eclipse.

The Symbology. The knives are ankh-knives used to cut away negativity. The knives are crossed, held by hands, also crossed over the heart. This position is known as "Osiris Risen," the pose of triumph.

When the light is obstructed, a silence descends — all is in readiness. Only the strongest can maintain and "hold the energy" during the full cycle of the solar eclipse. Sekhmet is that deity.

The Belt Sekhmet wears is tied with the Knot of Isis. Also known as "The Blood of Isis," this is worn like a protective amulet. Sekhmet and Isis have a beneficient relationship, though Sekhmet is known more as the Cosmic Protector of Ma'at (Truth). Sekhmet's sacred duty is righteous. Being a Cosmological neter, no evil force on Earth can withstand Her.

FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE: A PRAYER OF PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT

I do not dread the solar eclipse

that darkens the day-lit sky,

nor fear I the evils where

in the growing shadows lie.

For Powerful Sekhmet is with me,

when Malevolence is on the rise,

and aids me thru the dark times,

when Light of compassion dies.

Sekhmet is my stalwart Protector

She's never far from my side.

Thru negativity, she cuts a path

and before me walks as guide.

To perceive the gift of the eclipse,

Face the stages of dark without fear:

what has been hidden in the brightness

the darkness will make clear.

A potent opportunity will be revealed

to stretch you beyond your comfort zone,

against crushing waves of anxiety

forcing you closer to your unknown.

Make space for new beginnings.

Release old patterns of the past.

A cosmic restructuring of energy

will bring changes that will last.

I shall heed the words of the Goddess

when I feel eclipsed or full of fright.

and learn to roll with the punches

so as to embrace challenges with delight.

Printed on 100% cotton canvas, manually stretched on a warp-resistant, 1.25” deep wooden frame, with a wall mount attached. Size is 8" x 12" Unframed. Ships in 1 - 2 weeks.