Magic of Egypt (Classic Reprint)

The belief in magic, encompassing the power of magical names, spells, enchantments, formulae, pictures, figures, amulets, and the performance of ceremonies accompanied by the utterance of words of power to produce supernatural results, formed a large and important part of the ancient Egyptian religion. This is revealed by a study of the remains of the native religious literature that have been passed down to us from ancient Egypt.

Despite the continuous progress the Egyptians made in civilization and the high intellectual development they eventually attained, this belief in magic influenced their minds and shaped their views concerning both temporal and spiritual matters, from the earliest to the latest period of their history. At this stage in the world's history, this is a concept that is very difficult to understand.

The Egyptian religion was deeply rooted in the conviction that the proper use of magical names, spells, and rituals could significantly impact the natural and supernatural worlds. This belief was so pervasive that it permeated every aspect of their society, from the daily lives of the common people to the complex rituals and practices of the priestly class.

The Egyptians believed that the spoken word possessed a inherent power that could be harnessed and directed through the precise recitation of magical formulae. These verbal incantations were thought to have the ability to compel the gods, spirits, and the forces of nature to obey the will of the practitioner. The written word was also imbued with magical significance, as evidenced by the widespread use of hieroglyphic inscriptions, papyrus scrolls, and amulets adorned with mystical symbols and figures.

The performance of elaborate ceremonies, often involving the manipulation of physical objects such as statues, figurines, and ritual implements, was another crucial component of Egyptian magical practices. These rituals were believed to harness the supernatural powers of the divine realm, allowing the practitioner to influence the course of events, heal the sick, protect against evil, and even alter the fundamental laws of nature.

The pervasive influence of magic in ancient Egyptian society is a testament to the deep-rooted human desire to exert control over the unpredictable forces of the natural and spiritual worlds. Despite the Egyptians' remarkable achievements in fields such as architecture, engineering, and astronomy, their worldview remained firmly grounded in a belief in the efficacy of magic to shape the course of human events and the natural order.

product information: