Who Was the Egyptian Goddess Sekhmet?

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Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess often depicted as a lion-headed woman crowned with the solar disk, is one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in ancient mythology. Her name is derived from “sekhem’ and it means power or might. Sekhmet is often translated as the "Powerful One." She embodies both the ferocity of war and the tenderness of healing, carrying the dual essence of destruction and restoration within her sacred being.

In Egyptian lore, Sekhmet was created by the sun god Ra from the fire of his eye, sent to Earth to destroy the enemies of Ma'at — the cosmic order. Yet, when her rage grew uncontrollable, Ra had to intervene to calm her, transforming her wildness into a force of protection and ultimately, healing. A plan was devised to create a special drink that would quench the thirst of the Goddess, one that looked like blood, but would put her to sleep… beer was combined with a red earth clay (ochre) to look like blood.  The streets were flooded, in hopes of quenching the thirst of the Wild Goddess.

And it worked. The Goddess drank so much of this that she fell asleep for 3 days (this is also considered to be the time of the new moon) and the Earth was brought back to stability. 

Upon awakening she had been transformed and realized what she had done. She realized her power and also how her rage was sacred, but could be expressed in more healthy ways rather than killing. She then dedicated her life to healing.

In this myth, we see the heart of Sekhmet’s medicine: the balance between sacred wrath and sacred compassion.

Sekhmet’s main symbols include the lioness, the solar disk, and the ankh — the symbol of eternal life. In temples, especially the grand Karnak Temple complex where her statues still stand among the ruins, she was honored through offerings of red beer (symbolizing blood and life force), incense, hymns, and rituals seeking her favor for both protection and healing.

Sekhmet teaches us that true power is not about unchecked force but about the mastery of energy — when to roar, when to strike, when to heal, and when to hold.

Today, many modern seekers feel called to connect with Sekhmet’s fire — to awaken the parts of themselves that have been silenced, shamed, or suppressed.

Working with Sekhmet is not for the faint of heart. It requires courage, humility, and a willingness to transform.

Here are 12 Ways to Work with Sekhmet, ways to activate her presence into living practices:

1. Activate Your Courage

Sekhmet calls us to meet our fears head-on. Begin small: speak truth in a difficult conversation, take the first step toward a soul-calling. Courage isn't the absence of fear — it's moving with the heart wide open, even when fear is present.

2. Express Anger in Healthy Ways

Sekhmet shows us that anger is sacred when expressed consciously. Dance, scream into a pillow, punch the air — let the energy move through you without harming yourself or others. Anger, when honored, becomes pure power.

3. Be Incredibly Compassionate

True compassion arises when we have faced our own inner lions. Working with Sekhmet teaches us to hold fierce love for ourselves first, and from there, extend deep, authentic compassion to others.

4. Take Action

The solar plexus is your power center — your place of divine will. Activating it through breathwork, core-strengthening practices, or simply making decisive moves in your life aligns you with Sekhmet’s radiant fire.

5. Speak When Something Needs to Be Said

Sekhmet does not stay silent when truth is required. Channel her energy by speaking clearly, directly, and without apology when your soul knows it must.

6. Set Boundaries

Boundaries are an act of self-respect. Invoke Sekhmet’s energy when you need to say "no," walk away, or protect your sacred space — without guilt or fear.

7. Embody Your Worth

Sekhmet reminds us we are divine beings. Stand tall. Walk like a queen across your own life. Wear what makes you feel powerful. Claim your right to be here, exactly as you are.

8. Selectively Choose How To Spend Your Time

Sekhmet was invoked with purpose — not for trivial matters. Choose how you spend your time and energy as if it were a sacred offering to the temple of your own life.

9. Let Go of Worrying What Other People Think

The lioness doesn’t look over her shoulder to see who approves. Work with Sekhmet to dissolve the chains of people-pleasing and stand proudly in your authority.

10. Own Your Desires

Sekhmet shows us that desire is divine fuel. Instead of envying others, bless their abundance and claim your own deep longings. Trust that there is space for all.

11. Take Up Space

Sekhmet’s presence fills a room without apology. Practice expanding your energy — through breath, posture, and intention — until you feel yourself owning the space you are in.

12. Don’t Apologize for Shining in Your Beauty and Power

Let your light shine, sister. This is a reminder that you are not too much, and you are not too bright. Sekhmet roars through you, inviting you to stand in your full radiance and let it bless the world.

Working with Sekhmet is not about becoming hard or bitter. It's about becoming whole — embracing the wild, the fierce, the tender, and the radiant parts of ourselves. In a world that often demands we stay small, Sekhmet reminds us to share our roar of no more.

May the lioness awaken in you. May you walk in your beauty, your strength, your sacred fire…

With love,

Meredith

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