| From: | Martin Steffens <chimerae@***.IE> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Egyptian Magic |
| Date: | Tue, 1 Sep 1998 23:49:45 +0000 |
attention span :) here's what I could find about Egyptian magic. My
source is Lewis Spence, an historian specialized in mythology from
the turn of the century. So do take this with some reservations,
since there has been some advancement in Egyptology. Alas none of my
more recent sources had any information about magic. But since this
writer has been fairly complete and correct in his analysis of the
gods (according to current knowledge) and more comprehensive than
most of the modern sources I have, I give him the benefit of the
doubt. Plus I just like the style those old writers used, but I'm
hopelessly archaic :).
Spellcasting:
There exists various scrolls with actual formulas of Egyptian spells.
To cast them the user either invoked the god who was most closely
associated with the type of spell, or temporary assumed the identity
of the god. So for SR purposes they use the shamanic way of
spellcasting, in which they get the power to cast a spell from their
totem. The assumption of the gods identity can be seen as either a
different way of implementing the shamanic mask, or you could use
the Voudoun loa's (more about that later).
Different from the shamanic ways is the way the spells were cast.
Once a magician found that a certain formula was effective, he was
careful to repeat it when next he desired to say it, in an exactly
similar tone and similar circumstances. This was called "Ma-a
kheru" or "right speaking".
This right speaking was practised by nearly every one in Egypt since
in the next world a correct knowledge of magic words and formulae was
absolutely essential. Each doorway to the underworld had it's own
title and wouldn't open to a new-comer unless invoked correctly. Same
principle for nearly everything, from getting food in the underworld
to receiving object. The number of formulae was great, and the
nobility and priesthood (often the same) would learn more formulae in
order to command more power in the after life.
Everyone knew these formulae, but not everyone could use magic in
daily life as well. The persons that come closest to the full
magicians in SR are the Kheri-heb priests caste, often filled by the
family of the ruling class (although upward mobility was far more
common than it seems from this). Common people or the less scholarly
inclined used just small cantrips, charms and amulets.
Spells were also used in the preparation of the mummy, together with
perfumes, amulets and oils. These were supposed to keep the Ka
(spirit) in the afterlife. In this world the Ka could visit the body
again in re-inhabit it (thus creating the myth of the walking
mummies)
Spirits:
The Egyptian mage used lesser gods when he wanted to summon a spirit
to do his bidding. Very close to the spellcasting he would ask the
god to act in his behalf. In principle is this very close to the
shamanic ways of summoning spirits, with the exception that while
a shaman sees a heart spirit as a spirit, the Egyptian would see
it as a local small deity who protects houses. Also capturing spirits
in inanimate objects was not unknown to them, although these were
usually wandering souls. Once tricked into the object, the spirit
would help the magician in any way he could.
Alchemy:
Egyptians believed that certain alloys and fluxes contained magical
powers, and were very advanced in metal working. According to Greek
writers they employed quicksilver to separate gold and silver from
their native ore. The detritus from these processes formed a black
powder (khemeia - the preparation of the black ore, is probably the
basis for the Arabic word al khemeia), which was supposed to contain
the the individualities of the metals and be the source of light and
power.
Names:
This came up recently in the "who is MC23" discussion. The Egyptians
held the same believe as many ancient cultures that a name is part of
your soul, or Ba as the Egyptians called it. So knowing someone's
name would give you power over him. Therefore every Egyptian received
two names at birth: a "true" or "great" name, which was the secret
name, and a "good" or "little" name, which was used in public. The
true name was carefully concealed and only known to the giver and the
bearer. the giver was usually the local priest, which gave the
priesthood an additional power over the people.
BTW, there was a distinction between spirit and soul (Ka and Ba). Your
soul would look like a version of yourself with wings and would
depart upon death to the afterworld, the Ka would be a ghostly image
of yourself which would starve if offers would stop for it, therefore
the food and drink in the tombs. The Ka would depart the body too,
but could return to the body and would remain on earth as a spirit.
Voudoun vs Egyptian magic:
I was suprised to discover many similarities between these two forms
of magic use. Egyptians knew of the use of wax dolls, had a form of
magic use that comes close to, or is Loa based plus they're heavy
into potions, amulets, charms, etc. Pity I do not have Awakenings
any more (and not yet, since I did order it), so anyone who want so go
more into that direction is on his own.
Vampires:
Egyptians had no tales of shape shifters, strangely enough, but do
have something similar to a vampire: a spiteful or wicked ghost who
slew the sleeping child by sucking it's breath (now this got into
almost every mythology and is probably an explanation of crib-death).
The charm against these ghosts were (suprise, suprise) garlic
wreaths.
Dreams:
Dreams were also greatly relied upon in the affairs of life. There
were professional interpreters, and people seeking the guidance of
the gods would sleep in the temple famous for an oracle.
That completes it from my side, if anyone wants more information
about this, mail me.
Martin Steffens
chimerae@***.ie
