Ancient Egyptian Magic
Ancient Egyptian Magic
The Ancient Egyptians were surrounded by magic. From the
mysterious rituals conducted by the priest to the strange incantations
of the doctors. Their preoccupation with death, the supernatural, magic
charms and magic spells permeated to all levels of society. Magicians
chanted spells to cure ailments and ward off danger, illness and evil
spirits.
Ancient Egyptian Magic
- the Priest Magicians
The Ancient Egyptian priests were
the main magicians and practitioners of magic in Egypt. The Ancient Egyptians
believed that magic was closely associated with writing. Most magician
priests were believed to have gained magical knowledge by studying
ancient scriptures The priest
magicians were surrounded in mystery. Priests were seen to be in
possession of a secret knowledge which had been given to them by the
gods. The death rituals and the spells known by the magician priests
made them powerful.
Ancient Egyptian Magic
and Spells
The Book of the Dead contained nearly 200 Magic Spells designed to help with
overcoming the
dangers of the underworld such as defeating
fearful beasts, avoiding various traps and demons. These spells
included transformation the ability to change into different beings such
as a mythical phoenix or a honed snake.
The correct
magic spells would
need to be recited to pass various tests to guarantee safe passage through the
terrifying trials of the Underworld which
led to the Hall of Two Truths where their actions in their mortal lives
would be examined - the Egyptian Magic Spells were essential for the Day
of Judgement. The priest magicians had the spells which could help an
Ancient Egyptian to become immortal. Is it any wonder that people
believed they could work magic miracles like bringing figures of animal
to life and turning people into animals?
Ancient Egyptian Magic
and Prophecies
The statues of the gods were believed to be
a living embodiment of the god. The familiar 'sitting position' of many
of the great statues was believed to allow the living soul (the Ba) to
stand erect and "go out into the day." The statues were usually housed
in the temples but on great occasions and festivals the statues were
paraded in front of the people. The people then sought magical
prophecies regarding their lives - The questions were put in such a way
that they only required a 'yes' or 'no' answer. If the divine spirit of
the statue moved the bearers forward the answer was 'yes'.
Ancient Egyptian Magic
Each section of this Egyptian website addresses all topics and
provides interesting facts and information about the Golden Age of
Egypt. The Sitemap provides full details
of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of Egypt, the Ancient Egyptians and of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun, King Tut.
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