Absolution.  Dictionary.com provides this definition:  a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.

What does it mean for us?  Part of healing spiritually and emotionally is self-forgiveness.  Forgiving oneself of any perceived shortcomings, promises broken, or mistakes made is an integral part of the healing journey.  Many of us spend untold hours of grief agonizing over what could have been, things that should have been said or done, even knowing that unforeseen circumstances may have been at play.  Anxiety, distorted perceptions, and anguish hold us back from forgiving ourselves and others.

In Her healing ceremony this year, Sekhmet gave us absolution.  She said we are free from blame, but we are not absolved if we do not forgive ourselves.  Sekhmet, the embodiment of Divine Justice and Vengeance, freed us and remitted punishment from those things we’ve done wrong.  For Catholics that receive absolution from a priest (and they only receive it from priests) forgiveness is inherent.  Forgiveness does not automatically mean punishment will be canceled, but with absolution, forgiveness is given and punishment is gone.  It makes no sense to beat up on yourself (thereby furthering punishment) if you don’t forgive yourself.  Netjer, in the form of Sekhmet, has pardoned us.  Isn’t it time we pardon ourselves?

Two of the Declarations of Innocence can be meditated upon with regard to this topic.  Per The Ancient Egyptian Prayerbook by Tamara Siuda, our Nisut (AUS):

10. Hail Bright-Flame, coming forth from Ptah’s temple in Mennefer, I do not dislike myself.  13.  Hail Bast, coming forth from the shrine, I do not eat my heart.

 It is time to let go of those negative thoughts and feelings that hurt us and hold us back from advancing on our healing journey.  I know it’s hard.  We all do it.  But this is the year of Ptah, the builder.  How can we build something wondrous and grand when our foundation is cracked?  Let us all begin this Zep Tepi with acceptance of Sekhmet’s absolution, let us restore our foundations beginning with ourselves.  I pray we can all find peace and healing.