LUMINESCENCE EMBODYING VITALITY AND LIFE: A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF KEMETIC MYTH AND ASTRONOMY

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the ancient Kemetic science known today as astrology and discern its usefulness in benefiting people of African descent in the contemporary era. Based upon documented historical evidence, research material, and theorization apprehended from an Afrocentric standpoint the author is attempting to succinctly present a body of scientific knowledge that can develop and advance the idea of astrology as a wholistic human endeavor conceived in ancient Africa which can be and has been useful to Africa and her people. Astrology has helped humanity to make sense of life, nature, seasons, movements of times, powers and is included within the discipline of astronomy, one the seven liberal arts, including, grammar, rhetoric, philosophy, logic, geometry, mathematics and the arts. These ancient disciplines are a necessary part of each other and are studied holistically, even today. However, Europeanization has created a problem in translating these ancient African ideas, castigating its intrinsic feminine elements, separating its mythological aspects from its astronomical parts, and despiritualizing the science. Using Cheikh Anta Diop’s Two Cradle Theory, that cultures distinguish humans and behavior, it will be argued that cultural orientation is a fundamental reason why Europeans have struggled from antiquity to the present to understand astrology, a science birthed from African culture. Moreover, it is argued that owing to the deep structure of culture, people of African descent can study ancient African episteme to awaken cultural memory to understand values and beliefs and potentially (re)turn (Sankofa) to the past and comprehend and appreciate a science culturally grounded in African episteme. Ultimately, it is hoped that in this translation of astrology, which embraces the significance of Ma’at in all life and existence, it is possible through viewing astrology in its ancient light, to restore Ma’at or balance, harmony, order, righteousness, and truth in the lives of people of African descent. The ultimate goal would be to foster peace, Ma’at among humanity.