My 1st Q. – ‘What Magic were Egyptian Wands used to perform?’
AI – ‘Egyptian wands were used for apotropaic magic to ward off evil spirits, and in ritual ceremonies, with different types of wands serving various magical functions. Ivory wands, also called birth tusks, were used to protect women and children from evil, particularly during childbirth and early childhood. Other ceremonial wands were used in more powerful operations, like invoking deities, charging magical objects, or performing general magical operations. Apotropaic wands (or birth tusks)
- Purpose: Primarily for protection from evil spirits.
- Usage: Worn by or placed with women and children for protection during vulnerable times, like birth and early life. Also placed in tombs to protect the deceased during their rebirth.
- Appearance: Often made from hippopotamus ivory and carved with protective deities like Taweret, or other figures such as lions, snakes, and sphinxes.
Ceremonial wands
- Purpose: To perform more powerful magical operations.
- Usage: Used in rituals for invoking and banishing forces, charging magical items, and bringing into action the powers of life.
- Examples: The was sceptre, a type of ceremonial staff with a bird-like head, is associated with powerful magic. Some metal wands represented goddesses like the “Great of Magic” and were used to summon and control spirits.’
My 2nd Q. – ‘Why were some Egyptian Maigic Wands made out of Hippopotamus ivory?
AI – ‘Because the hippopotamus was associated with powerful deities like Taweret, the goddess of childbirth and protection. The use of the hippo’s tusk was believed to harness the animal’s protective qualities against evil, especially for safeguarding mothers and children, and for the deceased in the afterlife.
Association with Taweret: The goddess Taweret, a hippopotamus who was a fearsome protector of mothers and children, was a powerful symbol of protection. Using her tusk was a way to invoke her power.
Hippopotamus strength: Hippos are dangerous and protective animals, and this dual nature of power and maternal care made their ivory a potent material for magical wands.
Protection against evil: The wands were apotropaic, meaning they were used to ward off evil spirits. The carvings on the wands often included protective deities, such as Taweret and Bes, who were depicted holding knives to fight evil.
Protection in life and death: These wands were believed to provide protection during childbirth and childhood, and were commonly placed in tombs to protect the deceased in their journey to the afterlife.’
My 3rd Q. – ‘What do the inscriptions carved on Egyptian Magic Wands signify?’
AI – ‘Inscriptions on ancient Egyptian magic wands signify magical protection against evil forces, especially for infants. Texts often include phrases like “protection by day” and “protection by night” or spell fragments to ward off malevolent beings, while images of protective deities like the hippopotamus goddess Taweret and the lion-dwarf god Bes fight evil spirits on the wands. These objects served a vital protective function during life and were placed in tombs to continue safeguarding the deceased.
Significance of inscriptions and images
Protection against evil: The primary purpose of the wands was to create a protective magical barrier. The inscriptions and carvings were designed to actively fight and ward off harmful spirits.
Specific protection spells: Phrases such as “protection by day” and “protection by night” or commands like “Cut off the head of the enemy when he enters the chamber of the children” were common inscriptions, say Facts and Details and Facebook users and Egypt Centre.
Depictions of deities: The wands were engraved with protective deities, such as the goddess Taweret and the god Bes, as well as other supernatural fighters. These figures were often shown in the act of stabbing, strangling, or biting evil forces, such as snakes and foreigners, according to the BBC and Blogger.com.
Protection for the vulnerable: While the wands were used in various rituals, many were specifically designed to protect infants from illness and evil spirits during birth and in their early years.
Continuity in the afterlife: The magical power of the wands was not limited to life. They were placed in tombs to ensure the continued protection of the deceased in the afterlife.’
My 4th Q. – ‘Why did the Egyptians believe in Magic?‘
AI – ‘Ancient Egyptians believed in magic because they saw it as a way to interact with the divine, control their world, and ensure safety in both life and death. Magic, or Heka, was not separate from religion but was a fundamental, divine force that they believed sustained the universe and could be used by humans to influence events through rituals, spells, and amulets. This belief provided a sense of control, offered protection against misfortune, and helped them navigate the dangers of the physical world and the afterlife. Why they believed in magic
- A force to interact with the divine: Egyptians believed Heka was a cosmic force that the gods used to create and control the universe. They saw magic as a way to tap into and manipulate this power to get help from the gods.
- A tool for daily life: Magic was used to solve practical problems and ensure a harmonious existence. This included protection from illness, accidents, and even hostile demons through protective rituals, spells, and amulets.
- An integral part of religion: Magic and religion were deeply intertwined and seen as two sides of the same coin. Temple rituals, for example, were considered magical acts to maintain the cosmic order.
- A guide for the afterlife: Egyptians believed magic was essential for navigating the afterlife. Spells from texts like the Book of the Dead were written on tomb walls and sarcophagi to help the deceased overcome the dangers of the underworld and achieve rebirth.
- A means of protection: Magic provided a defensive system against various threats, including disease, infertility, and dangers during childbirth. Protective amulets and spells were used to ward off evil forces, especially for vulnerable people like children and pregnant women.
How magic was practiced
- Rituals and ceremonies: Daily rituals and larger festivals were considered magical, as were individual practices.
- Spells and incantations: The spoken or written word held power, and spells were used to invoke divine powers or effect change.
- Amulets and symbolic objects: Amulets, like those depicting the god Bes, were worn for protection. Magical wands and other objects were also used in rituals.’
My 5th Q. – ‘Is there any evidence that any Egyptians beliefs and practices about Magic were believed and practised by any other ancient civilization?
AI
– ‘Yes, other ancient civilizations, particularly those in the Greco-Roman
world and ancient Israel, adopted and adapted Egyptian magical beliefs and
practices, often through shared cultural interactions. Evidence includes
the use of similar symbols, amulets, and techniques like scrying (using a
reflective surface), though their magical practices often had unique national
or cultural characteristics.
Shared practices and influences
The use of
protective amulets and potent symbols was widespread, with Egyptian and
Egyptianized versions appearing in other cultures. These were used for
protection against evil and to ensure well-being in both life and the
afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians
used polished metal mirrors for divination, a practice similar to scrying,
which was also found in other cultures, notes Egypt Tours Portal.
Across cultures
like Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, practitioners used symbolic words, images,
and rituals to achieve desired supernatural outcomes.
- Integration into private and public life:
Magic in the
Greco-Roman world was a private practice distinct from official cults, while in
Egypt, magic (Heka) was deeply intertwined with religious practices and daily
life, as explained by Wikipedia and Egypt Tours Portal.
The distinction
between magic and religion blurred in many ancient societies, including Egypt,
Israel, Greece, and Rome. Practices included spells, rituals, and
incantations meant to influence supernatural forces for protection, healing, or
other goals.
Differences and cultural nuances
While ancient
Israel had its own magical practices, Egyptian influence can be seen in the use
of Egyptian and Egyptianized symbols and amulets in both royal iconography and
folk religion.
The Greco-Roman
world combined influences from various cultures, including Egypt, creating its
own magical traditions. Examples can be found in the Greek Magical Papyri,
which include spells and rituals with specific instructions and promised results,
notes Wikipedia.
Each civilization
adapted magical practices to its own belief system. For example, the
Egyptian concept of Heka, or magic as a divine power, was integrated into a
different cultural context in other lands.
My 6th Q. – ‘Is there any evidence that any Egyptians beliefs and practices about Magic were believed and practised by any ancient civilization in South America, India and China?’
AI
– ‘There is no evidence that ancient Egyptian magic was believed or
practiced by ancient civilizations in South America, India, or
China; these regions developed their own unique magical, religious, and
philosophical traditions. While a universal human interest in magic
existed, ancient Egyptian practices like heka were distinct, though there were some
limited shared influences, particularly through trade routes like the silk road
with a shared belief in powerful spiritual forces.
South America
- Ancient Egyptian magic and practices were separate from those of South American civilizations, which developed their own systems of belief and rituals that were indigenous to the Americas.
- For example, the Inca had beliefs surrounding huaca, or sacred places and objects, and used rituals involving sacrifices and hallucinogenic drugs, which were distinct from Egyptian practices.
India
- Ancient Indian civilizations had their own rich traditions of magic, such as the Vedic and Tantric traditions.
- These traditions involved practices like chanting, yoga, and meditation, which were different from Egyptian magic.
- While some limited cultural exchange may have occurred through trade routes, there is no evidence of Egyptian magical practices being adopted by Indian civilizations.
China
- Ancient Chinese civilizations developed their own magical and spiritual systems, such as Taoism, which includes practices like alchemy, fortune-telling, and the use of amulets.
- Chinese magic was often integrated with philosophical concepts like qi (vital energy) and the principles of yin and yang.
- These practices were distinct from ancient Egyptian heka and were developed independently.
My 7th Q. – ‘Why in Antiquity did a universal human interest in magic exist?’
AI – ‘In Antiquity, a universal human interest in
magic existed because it provided a way to manage vulnerability and uncertainty
by seeking to influence events beyond the perceived laws of cause and
effect. Magic was used to address fundamental human needs and fears, such
as for healing, protection from harm, love, and success in endeavors like
hunting or business. It was a means of seeking control in a world where
many events, including disease, death, and natural disasters, were
unpredictable and frightening.
Reasons for the widespread interest in magic
Magic was seen as a
way to actively influence the world rather than being passive victims of
fate. Rituals and spells were believed to achieve real goals and provide a
sense of agency.
People used magic
to cope with anxieties, fears, and losses by trying to manage the course of
events in areas such as legal disputes, business rivalries, or interpersonal
conflicts.
A primary use of
magic was for protection against unseen threats. In Mesopotamia, for
example, it was a primary defense against demons, evil sorcerers, and the
curses that could result from angering the gods.
Magic was central
to many medical and ritualistic practices aimed at healing the sick and
promoting general well-being.
- Social and political purposes:
Magic was used in
both public and private spheres. In ancient Greece, oracles were consulted
for political or military decisions, while individuals used magic for personal
reasons.
- Influence over the divine:
Magic was a way to
communicate with and influence the gods, seeking their favor for good harvests,
protection, or other benefits through rituals and offerings.
- Integration with daily life:
Magic was not seen
as separate from religion or daily life, but as an integrated part of a system
of belief and practice used to navigate the world.’
My 8th Q. – ‘Did Sir Isaac Newton believe in and practice Magic?’
AI – ‘Yes, Sir Isaac Newton believed in and
practiced forms of what we would now consider magic, primarily through his
extensive, secret work in alchemy, which he saw as a legitimate path to
understanding the universe. He viewed his alchemical research as a
complement to his scientific work, believing that a spiritual force or
“active principles” governed the world and could be understood
through both mystical and mathematical inquiry.
Newton’s practice of alchemy
Newton devoted many
years to alchemy, filling notebooks with more than a million words on the
subject and conducting numerous experiments.
His goal was not
just to transmute metals, but to understand the fundamental forces of nature,
which he saw as connected to both his scientific and religious beliefs.
He approached
alchemy with a methodical and hard-working attitude, much like his other
scientific endeavors, but used a secret, coded language to document his work.
Newton kept his
alchemical studies private, likely due to its controversial nature and
potential risks, both legal and scientific.
Alchemy in his worldview
Newton believed
that alchemy provided a philosophical framework for understanding the
non-material forces that influenced the physical world, such as gravity.
He sought to
integrate his alchemical and mystical intuitions with his scientific
understanding, believing a universal “spirit” or “active
principle” animated creation.
- Rejection of other “magic”:
While he was deeply
invested in alchemy, Newton distinguished it from other forms of magic he
rejected, such as demonic magic, and did not believe in witchcraft or ghosts.
The discovery of his extensive alchemical work after his death revealed a more complex figure, challenging the perception of Newton as solely a rationalist scientist.’
My 9th Q. – ‘Are any Spells and Symbols
of Magic inscribed on any Megalithic Stone anywhere in the world?’
AI – ‘While there is no definitive evidence that
megalithic stones were inscribed with spells or magical symbols, they were
often associated with magic and ritual in folklore, and some ancient stones
bear carvings that are interpreted as having symbolic, magical, or ritualistic
meaning. For example, the spirals at Newgrange are believed to have symbolized
the cycles of life and death, and ancient curse tablets were inscribed on
stone to bring harm upon an enemy.
- Folkloric and spiritual use:
Many ancient sites are linked to mystical properties in
folklore, such as the ability to heal or grant wishes, and some stones were
used in rituals.
Stones sometimes feature symbols that are believed to have deep
meaning. The spirals at Newgrange are thought to symbolize cycles of life,
death, and rebirth, and are linked to solar alignments.
In ancient Greece and Rome, curse tablets were inscribed on
stone, lead, or wax to invoke a curse on an enemy, though these are not
necessarily associated with megalithic sites.
Some ancient artifacts with magical purpose, such as Egyptian
ivory “wands,” were engraved with images of protective deities and
symbols to ward off evil.
My 10th Q. – ‘Does the absence of Spells and Symbols of
Magic inscribed on any Megalithic Stone suggest that those who created these
monuments did not believe in or practice Magic?’
AI – ‘No, the absence of
inscribed magic is not proof that megalith builders didn’t believe in or
practice magic. The lack of inscribed symbols could mean they expressed
magic differently, such as through the monumental architecture itself, oral
traditions, or the use of certain stones believed to have magical
properties. For example, the bluestones at Stonehenge are believed to have
been brought for a reason, and theories suggest they were seen as having
magical or healing properties, even without written spells.
- Symbolism and magic were expressed
differently:
Magic was often intertwined with what is now
called science and was expressed through actions, rituals, and the monuments
themselves, not just written text.
- Magical properties of materials:
Some megaliths, like the bluestones of
Stonehenge, were transported over long distances, suggesting they were
considered significant and possibly magical by the builders, according to National Geographic and Wikipedia.
- Ritualistic and healing purposes:
Monuments like Stonehenge may have been used
for healing and pilgrimage, with the stones themselves being the focus of the
magical or spiritual power, says Wikipedia.
Before written language, many cultures passed
down their beliefs and practices, including magic, through oral traditions,
which would not be preserved on stone.
- Focus on astronomical alignment:
Some researchers believe the monuments were
used to advance societies through astronomical and agricultural purposes, like
predicting seasons, which was a form of early “science” and magic
combined, notes lylerussell.net.’
My 11th Q. –‘Is there any evidence that the advanced pre-Egyptian civilization who made the Granite Stone Boxes of the Serapeum at Saqqara believed in and practiced magic?’
AI – ‘There is no evidence
that the pre-Egyptian civilization who built the Serapeum boxes believed in or
practiced magic, and this is not the conclusion of mainstream
researchers. The mainstream archaeological theory is that the site was a
burial place for sacred Apis bulls, and that the boxes were sarcophagi for
these bulls. Alternative theories regarding ancient advanced technology or
lost civilizations do not support a magical belief system.
The Serapeum was built as a burial site for
Apis bulls, who were considered sacred in ancient Egypt. The massive
granite boxes were elaborate sarcophagi for these bulls.
Some researchers theorize that the boxes were
part of an ancient energy system or advanced technology, based on their
precision craftsmanship and other mysterious features. However, even these
theories do not suggest the existence of a magic-based belief system.
- Lack of evidence for magic:
The theories about advanced technology, while speculative, focus on scientific or engineering concepts like electricity, pressure, and quartz crystals, not magic. There is no evidence to suggest that the builders of these boxes practiced magic.’
So, paradoxically, it appears that the people who made the Serapeum boxes did not believe in and practice magic.
Coincidentally, there are no Magic Spells inscribed inside the Great Pyramid at Giza or any other hieroglyphic inscriptions inside any of its chambers, which is why it was a puzzle to some.
Unlike later pyramids, it was built over 200 years before this practice began.
So, where did the first Magicians come from, and how did they acquire esoteric knowledge of Magic?
See also my previous blog – ‘Were the massive granite boxes, or Cyclopean Sarcophagi, at the Serapeum of Saqqara designed to be hermetically sealed?’
See
also:
Archaeologists are working at this remote and almost inaccessible site. I am not sure when it was discovered, what it is called, or how old it is. The buildings and monuments include both Inca and Megalithic stones, so buildings and monuments existed on the site before the Incas. I assume that the Spanish Conquistadores must have visited the site, but do not yet know. What I can see from the images in these YouTube programmes are precisely measured stone features, which include stone lids that today would require a mechanical crane in order to move into position because of their weight in tons. However the site is located high-up in the Andes. None of the chambers/boxes below the lids bear any inscriptions or symbols. Some of the stone lids have been removed. The stone out of which the lids is made makes a ‘ringing’ noise. I have come accross this before in relation to Adam’s Calender in South Africa. Apparently this indicates a high crystaline content. That may be the reason why this site was chosen. Why? – remains a mystery. I assume that whoever built these monments was trying to protect something that was vital – possibly from a predicted catastrophe, e.g. a global flood?
I asked AI – ‘Can the
pressure of CO2 gas inside a sealed box made out of stone create electrical
charges if the boxes had quartz crystals.’
AI
– ‘Yes, the pressure of
CO2 gas on quartz crystals inside a sealed box could theoretically create
electrical charges due to the piezoelectric effect. However, a continuous
or significant electrical output is unlikely because the pressure needs to be
dynamic or “changing” (like a sharp impact) rather than a constant,
static force. While a brief, small voltage would be generated, it would
stop once the pressure reaches a steady equilibrium, and the output would be
limited to a high-voltage, low-current static charge.
How it would happen
- The piezoelectric effect:
Certain crystals, including quartz, have an
asymmetrical molecular structure that causes them to generate an electrical
charge when mechanical stress is applied, as explained on Quora.
The CO2 gas would exert pressure on the
internal walls of the stone box and the quartz crystals within it.
This pressure would deform the crystals,
causing a separation of positive and negative charges within their structure,
which creates a voltage.
The key issue is that the gas pressure would
be constant. A static pressure will only generate a charge until it
reaches a point of equilibrium. Once the crystals stop deforming, the
electricity production will cease. To generate continuous electricity,
there would need to be a continuous change in pressure, like a vibration or a
constant mechanical force being applied and released.
Why it’s not a
practical power source
The voltage produced is often accompanied by
very little current, resulting in a weak electrical output with very low power.
A constant, static pressure will create only a
single, brief electrical pulse. It’s not a continuous energy source like a
battery or generator.
- Dynamic vs. static pressure:
This is the fundamental limitation. The
piezoelectric effect is effective for applications where there is a dynamic
force (like a gas lighter’s hammer striking a crystal), not a static one.’
So, it is possible that the boxes carved out of rock on this site with stone lids on top, may have served some other purpose.
