| Lesson 2; Ancient Magicians and Magical Techniques | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 25 2005, 05:20 PM (116 Views) | |
| Dark Mistress | Feb 25 2005, 05:20 PM Post #1 |
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HoM Professor/DE Leader
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Lesson 2 Great Magicians of Ancient Egypt, and Magical Techniques used. Entering the classroom the students encounter darkness with only a few small torches lit upon the walls. Casting an eerie glow you can see ancient Egyptian pottery, statues, ancient spells written upon the walls, and what appears to be a thrown made of stone. Incense is burning making you fell relaxed, as you take your seats in what appears to be the inside of a Pharaoh’s tomb. You hear that sound of stone moving and notice that a passage is opening. A woman appears dressed in gold with a crown upon her head, in the shape of a serpent. With the head of the serpent resting upon her forehead you notice a large green gemstone. Walking slowly towards the thrown, she turns and slowly sits down. Welcome all to our second lesson and today we will study some of the most famous magicians of the ancient Egypt, and some of the techniques use to perform magic. I thought it would be a nice change since we cannot visit the tombs of the Pharaohs, I decided to try and bring them to you. Our first topic of discussion will be” Thoth” the wisest of the Egyptian Gods. He is always portrayed with the head of an Ibis. He wrote the story of creation, placed it into grids for us to experience and learn from. The name Thoth means “Truth” and “Time”. Originally he was thought to be the God of Creation, but later was seen as a civilized man, teaching civics and religion, writing, medicine, music, and magic. In Egyptian mythology Thoth was a big supporter of Horus during the young gods deadly battle with his uncle Set, helping Horus to increase his wisdom, and strengthen his magical ability. Ra (the sun god), proclaimed Thoth the ruler of the after-life, to sit in judgment of the dead in the “Halls of the Double Ma’at”. As the dead arrived he would give help to the deceased or punish those who deserved it. The magical powers of Thoth were so great that Egyptians told tales of the “Book of Thoth”, allowing anyone who could read the book to become the most powerful magician in the world. The book written in his own hand was a deadly book that brought about nothing but pain and tragedy to those who read it. Those who chose to disregard the warnings, and read its passages received the secrets of the gods, and discovered the secrets hidden within the stars. He was also said to be the author of the “Book of the Dead”, since it was he who would sit in judgment of the deceased. Another famous magician is Isis who was said to be the greatest female Egyptian magician. She was also known as the “Goddess of Life and Rebirth”. Isis was the first daughter of Geb (God of the Earth), and spent most of her time among the people teaching the art of grinding corn, making bread, spinning flax and waving clothes. She served the people as a midwife, physician, teacher, and befriended them all. She became the most powerful of the Gods and Goddesses in the ancient world, not only because of her powerful magic, but also from being loved by all her people. Ra (The Sun God) originally had the greatest power, but he was uncaring and his people suffered under his reign. Isis tricked Ra by mixing saliva with mud to create a poisonous snake that bit him. He suffered greatly, for which Isis then offered him an antidote. He eventually agreed to her terms, and received the antidote. Isis told Ra that for the cure to work she would have to speak his secret name. Ra’s secret name was the source of all power over life and death. He did eventually tell her. Isis spoke his name while performing her magic, and RA was healed. She then possessed his power of life and death, quickly becoming the most powerful Goddess, using her powers to benefit her people. Now that we have discussed two of the most powerful magicians of ancient Egypt, we shall learn a little about the techniques used to perform magic. The dawn was the most important time chosen by the Egyptians to perform magic spells, but in order to do so they would have to be in a “state of purity”. Purity meaning staying clear of people who were deemed impure, such as embalmers. Ideally the magician would bathe and then dress in new or clean clothes before casting spells. Dark places were used to perform the spells. Magician usually found clean dark cells, recesses, chambers, or a secret dark place. Spells required food, wands, figurines, talismans, amulets, and wands (knives). Incense of myrrh and frankincense were usually burned with turpentine, styrax (a gum). Metal wands were used with a representation of Medfat, the “Goddess of Snakes and Scorpions” upon them. Ivory wands decorated with fearsome deities were also used. The wand was a symbol of the authority of the magician used to summon powerful beings, and make those around them obey their commands. Magic Knives or Apotropaic Wands made of carved hippo tusk were decorated with animal descriptions. Some carried the words “ Cut off the head of the enemy when he enters the chamber of children”. These spells were used to repel snakes, scorpions, and any other danger that maybe encountered. The hippo figurines were a very powerful talisman among the Egyptians, and were found around the tombs of the dead. Hippos are very protective of their young, and dangerous to man. The final resting place of the dead would have these figurines placed around them with one leg broken off, so that they would not attack the owner of the tomb. Only a small amount of Egyptians could read. Written magic was the most prestigious of all. Families had private collections that were handed down threw generations. Protective and healing spells were written on papyrus, folded up, and worn on the body. Spells usually consisted of two parts. 1. Words to be spoken. 2. The action they should display. Words were said to activate the power of the amulet, a figurine, or a potion. Music, dance and gestures such as pointing, stamping, spitting or burning, could also be part of conjuring the spells. The stamping comes from the Pharaohs who would have their enemy depicted on the soles of their sandals. They would stamp their feet, in order to show superiority over their enemies. We will end our lesson here for today. Next week we will discuss another great magician, and cover protection and healing spells. References: www.crytalinks.com/thoth.html www.goddessgift.com www.bbc.co.uk Http://netertiti./webland.com/religion/magic.htm Homework assignment: Use complete sentences please, and respond in your own words. Due to the length of your short answer questions this assignment is worth 40 pts and no essay will be offered. I will post an extra credit assignment later for those who would like to gain extra house points. 1. What is the meaning of the name “Thoth”? 2. What was Thoth known as in ancient times? Also in later civilizations he was thought to be what? 3. Since Thoth was a great supporter of Horus, what did Thoth do to help him? 4. Who assigned Thoth the position of Ruler of the After-life, and what was he there to do? 5. What were the “Pros and Cons” of reading the “Book of Thoth”? 6. What secrets were hidden in the “Book of Thoth”? 7. Who was the greatest female magician in ancient times? Why did all her people love her? 8. What did she do to get Ra to give her his secrets? What secrets were revealed? 9. When was the best time of day for magicians to perform their spells? Where did they practice their magic? What did the magicians do in preparation before casting their spells? 10. What was the wand a symbol of in ancient times? 11. What was the purpose of carving depictions of animals on the Apotropaic wands? 12. Where were the hippo figurines most commonly found? Why was the Hippo so important to the ancient Egyptians? Why were the figurines later found to have one leg broken? 13. Spells consist of two things, what are they? 14. Speaking the words to perform a spell may not be enough what other techniques were used along with it? Name three of them? 15. What was the purpose of the ancient Pharaohs for carving pictures of their enemies into the bottom of their sandals? |
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| bookworm92 | Feb 25 2005, 06:38 PM Post #2 |
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S.A.P.E.W./RA
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[size=7]Excellent work Bookworm92 I can see that you studied hard. Your answer for #5 was correct! You will receive full marks! 40 Points to Ravenclaw![/size] |
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| Lexi | Feb 26 2005, 05:42 PM Post #3 |
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Headmistress/Gryffindor Head of House
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Elsbeth Gryffindor [size=7]Once again you've submitted exceptional work! Full Marks! 40pts to Gryffindor[/size] |
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| Ellen Nelle | Feb 28 2005, 04:35 PM Post #4 |
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3rd Year
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[size=7]Great Work Full Marks 40pts to Ravenclaw![/size] |
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| Lisa | Feb 28 2005, 10:29 PM Post #5 |
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CoMC Professor/Quid. Cpt/DA Member
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Lisa Ravenclaw [size=7] I can see you studied hard! Full Marks 40pts to Ravenclaw![/size] |
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| Cottonmouth | Mar 17 2005, 09:35 PM Post #6 |
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Graduated
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Cottonmouth Slytherin [size=7] Full Marks 40pts to Slytherin[/size] |
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| Fang | Mar 18 2005, 12:13 AM Post #7 |
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5th Year
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Fangorn House: Hufflepuff [size=7]Well Done! Full Marks 40pts to Hufflepuff![/size] |
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| Samantha_Malfoy | Mar 28 2005, 12:04 AM Post #8 |
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Graduated
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samantha slytherin [size=7]Excellent JoB! Full marks 40 pts to Slytherin[/size] |
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