Em hotep everyone,

Since my Beginner’s course wrapped up a few months ago (and truly, for quite some time before and during said course) I’ve been grappling with the idea of undergoing the RPD. In the past month or so I’ve definitely begun to feel not only “comfortable with” but legitimately “drawn to” and “excited about” the process, and thus while I recognize that this is a highly personal decision, and that my own thoughts, feelings, and interactions with Netjer must be my guide in the final say, I admit I’ve been rather curious--

For those of you who have either undergone the Rite or have already decided to do so in the future, how did you know you were ready? Was there anything in particular that occurred that helped you know it was time? Were there any concerns that might have led you to delay?

Any personal experiences or stories would be most appreciated.

Senebty,
Ekunyi

When I started poking around the HoN and hearing about the RPD, I was kind of intimidated, myself. I felt like doing the RPD would make me feel "stuck" with the results. I though it would restrain me and hold me back, or limit me from my worship.
During the Beginner's course, I kept my Senut perfectly neutral. But I felt as I did this, I became anxious to find out Who I could devote my naked shrine to. I really wanted a Name to call Mom, to give my offerings to specifically. I really felt that I wanted to get my RPD done.
I was pretty set in my decision to sign up for a divination as soon as possible after learning about Senut in the Beginner's course. I can't say I regretted it at all!

I think when you feel ready to dedicate your Shrine to your Parent(s), you should consider RPD. Now, after the RPd, you don't necessarily have to accept the results. The choice is always yours. (Though it seems that many people aren't surprised or disappointed with their results~)

Em hotep

There are also several threads discussing Rite of Parent Divination also amongst the members' forum areas and the Ask the Nisut forum as well.

Em hotep, Ekunyi!

As for me, when I discovered the House if Netjer and Kemetic Orthodoxy I just knew that I had 'arrived' - after many, many years of seeking... There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted and needed the RPD as soon as I could... It must be different for each one of us.

I was into Asatru when I discovered Kemetic Orthodoxy. I immediately felt 'drawn' even though I had never previously felt attracted to ancient Egyptian mythology! My then girlfriend was a priestess of Asatru and I felt somewhat conflicted. As an alchemy student, I was pulled to Djehuty and became interested in Kemet - but I put Kemetic Orthodoxy on the 'back burner'. My relationship fizzled out and I then felt 'free' to explore this faith. As soon as I did, I KNEW I was home - and the RPD was a natural consequence of that realisation.

Of course, there is no compulsion to ever have the RPD and many of our most devout members may never have it done. Hemet (AUS) even reminded me at the beginning of the RPD that we didn't HAVE to proceed! For me, it was a recognition of having arrived - and my inner certainty that my parent was Djehuty needed to be confirmed ( though, if the RPD had said differently I would've embraced that result anyway - and I 'knew' Wepwawet was my beloved too! ). I'm one of those who 'knew' the result of my RPD - but was ready to be wrong...

Sorry, this is a bit of a ramble ( it's late! ) - I suppose I'm saying that it was part of my certainty of finding my faith - and the RPD was a natural consequence and confirmation of that...

Hope this helps! :S

Hotep, Ekunyi

It has took me a long time to get to where I am now. Firstly with the Beginners class, It took me a while to decide and commit to that, because I knew when I wanted to take it, I wanted to commit fully and that did mean putting temporarily a few gods to the side and be open to any others. (Which was difficult) But when I did, I grew so much more and realised some I were and werent close to. When I first heard about the RPD I was skeptical and thought that was a huge commitment, I mean dedicating yourself to them gods and only putting them first? That's only when you accept the results. But since being through the beginners class, and growing so much more myself. I see Netjer as the big picture. I feel I love all the Netjeru now. And I want to know who my parents and beloveds are, who I can dedicate my time and love to. In the end, you don't have to accept the RPD results if you don't agree with them and it doesn't feel right. I have read on various other topics here, that people went in making a sort of "deal" with them selves. e.g If y or x doesn't show up then i'm not accepting the results.

I guess my answer is, You know deep down inside when you are ready.. I'm nervous and excited all in one for my RPD but I am open to the results. Yeah there are a few certain Netjer I want to show up, But I've said to myself that wont stop me from having a relationship with them, or make them less valid. I hope this helps somewhat..

I'm going to be putting in for my RPD soon. It feels like I'm home and knocking on the door to come in. It's a natural progression for me. The most difficult part for me was getting to grips with Senut, but I've grown so much and learnt so much about myself.

Yay! Nekhtet, Linda!

I think the key for me was knowing that I would not be totally destroyed if the results didn't match my expectations. I knew I loved the House of Netjer community, I loved Ma'at, and wanted a way to devote myself to Netjer. When I reached the end of my Beginners course and was comfortable enough with the RPD to be calm if the results went differently than I expected, I knew I was okay to go through with the divination. But as long as I was feeling anxious that certain Names might not appear, I didn't feel ready.

Hotep!

At first I wanted the RPD out of curiosity, which I didn't think was really a good enough reason, so I put it off for quite a while. Later, when I felt I was ready to take Shemsu vows and dedicate myself well and good, I decided it was time to undergo the RPD.

I knew from the moment I heard about RPD that I would be doing it. I also knew that Heru already owned me and if one of him didn't show up, I'd probably lose interest in the House. It wasn't that I'd ragequit or anything, it was simply an understanding of how I am. I'd probably try to politely get along despite a different reading, but I knew I'd drift eventually anyway.

I was nervous that he wouldn't show, but he seemed to think that my fear was a dumb reason to get cold feet. I got mine done as soon as possible. Some people talk about waiting until that nervousness passes. With me, I knew it wasn't going to, so I went with the "rip it off fast like a band-aid" method. I wasn't disappointed. I think the ones who showed up are the ones who were supposed to show up.

There really are no rules about when you should do the RPD other than simply what feels right to you. Different people are different. Though I do think people should wait until they are sure that they really are Kemetic and not just trying it out. The RPD only shows Kemetic gods. If you happen to be better aligned with other gods, then I doubt that the RPD will mesh as well with you.