Kenmu

Kenmu as depicted on the ceiling of the Dendera Temple on the Dendera D Zodiac

Kenmu is the 17th decan of the main decanal stars of Egyptian astrology. The decan has its heliacal rise during the week of II Peret 11-20 in the Egyptian calendar. Its name is translated as "secret stars."

Name

The hieroglyph knmw is composed of four separate characters which combine to create a compound word. The first three characters combine to form the word knm, the closest translation of this is “wrap in,” something that is cloaked or concealed. The final character, N33A, is three dots meaning three pieces of grain, but it can also be used to signify multiples of something, in this case, possibly three stars of the decan. However, N33A is also used in the hieroglyph for carnelian, which is the mineral associated with this decan, so there is obviously some deeper meaning to the name.

Divination meaning

The Egyptian Star Oracle connects this decan with rest and repose. As the final decan of The Boat group, symbolizing the journey through life and spirit, it is fitting that Kenmu stands for the rest and repose that comes with death. This is different from the death and endings found on the Temat Heret card (#7). Kenmu is true rest and an opportunity to recharge your batteries. Each decanal star undergoes a period of rest of approximately 70 days when it no longer appears in the night sky. The star is said to be resting in the Duat until it experiences a glorious rebirth with its heliacal rise.

Characteristics

In ritual work, Kenmu is a powerful avenging and protective force. This week in the Egyptian calendar includes much turmoil in the spiritual realm, including the arrival of Sekhmet's slaughterer demons and the Seven Executioners. These are normally forces to be feared, but their target is the enemies of Ra, and Kenmu's task during this week is to save the gods, the king, and the faithful followers from those who would harm them.

The Dendera D zodiac ceiling depicts this decan as an upright snake with a coiled tail beneath it. The same ceiling gives its minerals as carnelian and gold.

The Decans of Egyptian Astrology
Previous Decan	This Decan	Next Decan
Seshmu	Kenmu	Tepy-a Semed