A Practical Introduction to the Ma'at By Phillberte Gatteux

[Freydaelyn]

[Following her lecture given at the university assistant curator Phillberte Gatteux is seen about the presses. Shortly their after a new book begins to circulate

A Practical introduction to the Akiri Ma'at By Phillberte Gatteux

Introduction:
Har’Akir is a fascinating and unique location within the mists. With the multitude of temples, crypts and other ruins located within the sands many would be archeologists and graverobbers flock there.Often individuals assume that the Ma’at is simply a code of laws. This is not the case, but why is understanding it important to an archeologist? What could an enlightened society like the serene republique gain from understanding it? During my time within Har’Akir I have both spoken with natives and studied their ancient culture. This has brought me to a conclusion that to truly understand Akiri culture, one must have an understanding of the Ma’at as it is essentially the foundation of the study.


Part 1: A brief history of Har’Akir
Understanding why the Akiri hold the Ma’at so highly in their culture involves understanding their past and how that has shaped the present. According to Akiri legend the Ma’at existed from before the isolation of Muhar caused by the phenomena known as the “Wall of Ra”. In the past Har’Akir was a much more prosperous land ruled by pharaohs that is shown by a variety of precious coins I have found within the ruined temples. Ma’at practice existed then, a code of life striving to bring the populace closer to the gods. It was during the rule of the last pharaoh, Anhktepot, that ruin came to the Akiri people. Anhktepot lusted for more than his station and defied the gods cursing the akiri sun god Ra. For his defiance Anhktepot was cursed and created an army of the dead. Those close to the pharaoh struck against him for his arrogance, mummifying him while he was still alive but it was too late. The servants of the god Set began to gain traction in the land and corrupted the temples of the other gods as well as the Wall of Ra phenomena appearing and cutting off the settlement of Muhar from the outside world. As time passed Muhar fell more and more into ruin until it reached the state it is in today.

Part 2: The Ma’at
Ma’at translates roughly into harmony in the common tongue. There are seven principles that consist of the modern Ma’at all with the intention of bringing the Akri closer to their gods. In Akiri mythology the god of death, Anubis, weighs someone’s heart against the weight of a feather. If they weigh less than the feather they pass forward. By following the principles of the Ma’at the Akiri believe that their heart will reach this. Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Reciprocity and Propriety. The current version of the Ma’at is less religious than the ancient version from before the formation of the wall of Ra; serving more as a constant state of redemption in hopes the desert may flourish again rather than supplication to the divines. The Akiri believe that adherence to it avoids the “wrath of the gods”.  The Ma’at is more a philosophy and way of life than anything as wholly strict as a rule of law may be elsewhere. It is also worth considering that these principles apply to many other aspects of Akiri life including Law, Morality and Spirituality. As its name translates the Ma’at is a harmony.

Part 3: The Seven Principles
   Truth: Truth in how the individual goes about their day. Honoring your dealing with those you interact with and the divine. It also can be the ability to understand the difference between real and unreal. What is, what has been, what will be and what may be decided.
   Justice: Justice is the concept of equality. One birth is not above others. In the golden era of Akiri culture even the Pharaoh was chosen by the divine to serve a role. Through understanding one’s role in life one is able to contribute to society’s advancement.
   Harmony: The state of being in which different expressions of Divine Spirit, humans, animals, plants, and others move together in ways that create alignment and beauty.  Each expression must be authentic and express fully all that it is created to be. It is only through authenticity that harmony can truly be achieved, and occur naturally when each entity is being true to it’s spiritual reality.
   Balance: A state in which the internal and external environments of an individual, or group are aligned with the Divine, nature, one another and the rest of creation. It is the experience of existing in the place where opposites meet, the creation point, where new life is generated and new possibilities come into being.
   Order: A state of being in which things are arranged in ways that are uncluttered, free of excess, clear.
   Reciprocity: The belief of what comes around goes around. There is motion, rhythm of cause and effect that moves forward and backwards. Similar to the concept of divine karma. The actions of individuals affects what is to come.
   Propriety: The circular way life must be. It teaches to not do harm on to another, that the truth is every living thing deserves to exist including the self.

Part 4: The Cultural Value
Why does the Ma’at matter for the study of Akiri culture? It is a belief and mindset that permeates every aspect of akiri life, not only today but also in the golden era of their culture. The tenets of the Ma’at are relatable to an enlightened society such as our own. Order, Balance, Justice, Harmony and Truth are all ideals we should strive for as a people. It is not these ideals themselves that cause the atrocities of Akiri culture to justify slavery rather that they are twisted by barbaric men and women TO justify them. Though some of the Akiri Traditions are barbaric to those of us in the republique from the outside,they are based on ideals that when not taken to the extremes or distorted can only help make a greater land to live and thrive in.