Description
Book SynopsisThe ancient Egyptians were firmly convinced of the importance of magic, which was both a source of supernatural wisdom and a means of affecting one’s own fate. The gods themselves used it for creating the world, granting mankind magical powers as an aid to the struggle for existence. Magic formed a link between human beings, gods, and the dead. Magicians were the indispensable guardians of the god-given cosmic order, learned scholars who were always searching for the Magic Book of Thoth, which could explain the wonders of nature. Egyptian Magic, illustrated with wonderful and mysterious objects from European museum collections, describes how Egyptian sorcerers used their craft to protect the weakest members of society, to support the gods in their fight against evil, and to imbue the dead with immortality, and explores the arcane systems and traditions of the occult that governed this well-organized universe of ancient Egypt.
Trade Review"This volume is very richly illustrated . . . .The described Egyptian practices and objects are introduced and presented in an excellent way."—
Bibliotheca OrientalisTable of ContentsA present of the gods From wisdom to the black arts The battle of good and evil Principal parts The magicians of Egypt Witches and sorcerers High school for magicians The premier league Surfing through the cosmos Cosmic internet Search for the laws of nature Knowledge is power Sacred writing The practice of magic Showing one’s colors Knowledge of commodities The right time and place Knotty points Books of magic A magical toolbox Tracking down Khaemwas An end and a new beginning The Egyptian insurance system Women and children first Doctor for invisible ailments Home insurance Foul and fair The vigilant authorities Battle at the temple gate Sports and leisure Spontaneous generation Sex and violence A magical funerary policy Troublesome deceased Going out by day The body as a microcomos The daily bread Eternal life Fighting evil Free travel At the weightwatchers’ The quest for enlightenment Changing world Eastern wisdom A Christian varnish Jinns and buried pearls European Enlightenment From witchcraft to Egyptomania Moses and the sting-fish Good chemistry The rediscovery of Thoth’s book of magic
