Within the Rainbow Serpent cosmology, Khepera embodies the dynamics of change, transformation, rebirth, and utilizing the discarded or overlooked to fuel personal and communal growth.

Khepera, whose name means “to evolve” and “to become,” evokes the essence of transformation and creation, is closely associated with the dung beetle, an emblem of not only physical but also spiritual rebirth. This deity underscores the process of transformation that occurs in states of trance, dreams, or meditation, highlighting the necessity of inner work to effectuate external change. Just as the dung beetle crafts life from waste, Khepera inspires individuals to convert their challenges, failures, and the metaphorical waste in their lives into foundations for new growth and creation. Khepera personifies the capacity to repurpose and transform negative experiences into the foundation for new life. This reflects a powerful message about resilience, creativity, and the ability to forge a positive future from the remnants of the past.

There are many different types of dung beetles. Rollers roll dung into round balls, which are used as a food source or breeding chamber. Tunnelers bury the dung wherever they find it. Dwellers simply live in dung. The rollers’ action of rolling dung into balls, wherein new life is born, serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the continuous opportunity for renewal and rebirth. Rolling the dung ball can also be likened to the gathering of physical energy through breath and ritual in trance states, which emphasizes the importance of subconscious engagement in the process of change. The tunnelers symbolize deep internal work and the nurturing of new ideas, and the dwellers symbolize resilience and the ability to find sustenance and strength in even the most disparaged aspects of oneself or one’s circumstances.

Khepera’s connection to the stars and celestial navigation highlights a unique aspect of the spirituality of gatekeepers. The dung beetle’s ability to use the Milky Way for orientation symbolizes the gatekeeper’s alignment with cosmic forces and their role in maintaining the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. This celestial attunement speaks to the broader shamanic abilities of gatekeepers to navigate between different realms of existence, drawing on the power of the cosmos to guide and influence their journey.

Moreover, Khepera’s association with the dung beetle’s strength—its ability to move objects fifty times its weight—serves as a metaphor for the influence and power held by gatekeepers within society. Despite their often small numbers, gatekeepers possess a profound capacity to effect change, guide spiritual growth, and open pathways between worlds, underscoring their indispensable role in the fabric of the community.

Through Khepera, Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers celebrates the potential for renewal and the promise of turning the overlooked into the foundational pillars of a renewed life and community.