‘What Magic were Egyptian Wands used to perform?’

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

Amulets and symbols:

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.

Scrying:

Ancient Egyptians used polished metal mirrors for divination, a practice similar to scrying, which was also found in other cultures, notes Egypt Tours Portal.

Supernatural goals:

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.

Magic and religion:

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

Egyptian influence on Israel:

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.

Greco-Roman context:

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.

Cultural adaptation:

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

Seeking control:

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.

Managing vulnerability:

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.

Protection:

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.

Health and well-being:

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

Deeply involved:

Newton devoted many years to alchemy, filling notebooks with more than a million words on the subject and conducting numerous experiments.

Goal:

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.

Scientific approach:

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.

Secret work:

Newton kept his alchemical studies private, likely due to its controversial nature and potential risks, both legal and scientific.

Alchemy in his worldview

Connection to science:

Newton believed that alchemy provided a philosophical framework for understanding the non-material forces that influenced the physical world, such as gravity.

Mystical beliefs:

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.

Legacy:

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 9^th 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.

Symbolic carvings:

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.

Curse tablets:

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.

Protection:

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 10^th 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.

Oral traditions:

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 11^th 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.

Mainstream theory:

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.

Alternative theories:

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?’

Carl's Mediation Blog

by Carl Islam, LLM (Exon)(International Business Legal Studies), Diploma in Art Law (Institute of Art & Law) (London), Barrister & CMC Registered Mediator – Contentious Probate and Cultural Heritage Disputes – 1 EC Barristers, Temple, London.

‘What Magic were Egyptian Wands used to perform?’