Magic in ancient Egypt

Egypt is the Land of magic and mystery. Magic was not a delusion or trick to the Ancient Egyptians, magic was an integral part of this world the world had been created through magic. Egyptians translated magic as Heka. Magic was used to heal the people when they were sick, gave when the man had nothing, and assured them of eternal life after death. Magic was used by the gods, magician-priests, some special people such as the kings, dwarfs, or those who were believed to inhabit the Netherworld.

The God of magic

Heka was the God of magic as well as medicine. For magic and medicine were inseparable to ancient Egyptians. Heka is the oldest God in ancient Egypt. As old as creation, he is this secret power holding the Universe together and driving the Gods. Heka can be seen living on in Greek culture under the term logos. He is the most important God in ancient Egypt. He was represented in human form and sometimes as a child. In the funerary texts he is seen leading the soul of the deceased. He is often depicted as surmounted by the "Ka" sign (more on that later).

Egyptian God Heka
Heka, God of magic and medicine

There was also goddess Weret Hekau "Great of magic" or "Great Enchantress". Many of the great goddesses took this title including Isis, Hathor, Sakhmet as well as others. This has caused a lot of controversy among scholars concerning the identity of this goddess. There had been some doubt if Weret Hekau was ever an independent goddess! 

But recently, Ahmed Mekawy Ouda of Cairo University managed to uncover the presence of an 18th dynasty priesthood as well as textual evidence of dedicated temples and offerings.

Finally, we have evidence that the ancient Egyptian magic is as old as about 4 and a half thousand years; magical texts from late third millennium BC, written spells and amulets go back to early fourth millennium BC.


Sources

Magic in ancient Egypt by Geraldine Pinch

The Ancient history encyclopedia.

Between Men and Gods: Demons in ancient Egypt by Rita Lucarelli.


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