Product Description
The Ancient Egyptians taught a highly complex philosophy which rivals the magickal doctine taught today. A major element of the system has been clearly documented - the Magickal Universe, the invisible realm that exists around us but is hidden from the physical senses. This book reveals the rituals through which the Egyptian magician would enter his auric body and shift his consciousness, in order to see and converse with the gods, goddesses and other beings found in these regions. It provides modern translations of "The Book of the Dead" and shows that its rituals can still be performed by living magicians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

100% and MORE!
THIS FIRM IS ACE.THE BOOK CAME AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT AND WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION.I WOULD ORDER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE FROM THIS FIRM.THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Temples in the Mind are HARD to find
I have been a Pagan for over 12 years now, but I was mainly concerned with Low or Sympathetic Magics. I wanted to 'upgrade' my studies, and since I work with the Egyptian Neter, I thought this book would help. Since I believe all books have some use, and there was a lot of information about the Gods themselves in here, I gave the book 3 stars. However, it is not a book for the novice, and there was a strong undertone of Golden Dawn Teachings, which I was not looking for. I suggest that a person looking for an introductry book for Egyptian Magic, not pick this up. It is far to advancedfor even me! and Ive been practicing for a decade. Most of the Rituals are completed in the Astral Plane Temple... If you have no idea what im talking about, like I said, dont buy this book! The Schulersrequire the reader to have extensive knowledge of Astral Projection , and if you dont, then your lost.Because they dont teach any techinques (which is ok, since ther are countless books on the subject out there)Still,the Astral Heavy work should have been hinted at on the dust cover at least! I would reccomend this book however, if you want a few outlines for Iniaition and Amulet Creation Rituals. The book is well written, however it does lean towards Quabalist Teachings, and since the authors teach Golden Dawn Magick, this should not come as a total shock. On the whole, if you need help farmilirazing yourself with Egyptian Magick, seek elsewere.Ellen Cannon Reed's Invocation of the Gods, is a good Primer.It issadlyout of print, but still, check used book stores, its worth it!

Not what I expected...
Well, I had purchased this book thinking that is was a beginners book and would explain all the essentials of Egyptian Magick, and to my suprise it was not. It was a very good book though, I would recomend a different bookfor beginners.

An OK book
It was a bit hard to follow at parts and the rituals we're hard to perform (you needed to memorize alot). It also seemed a bit to new age for anything actualy "Egytpian Magick" It was more "Egytpain AstralTravel" All together it was a pretty good book and very interesting. Irecomend it for soemone who is exsperianced in magick. It could be veryhard for a beginer or novice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good introduction to Egyptian Religion
This book covers Egyptian religion from pre-historic times to Christianity. It covers the gods and the basic myths, the Horus-Isis-Osiris myths, the cult of the Pharoahs, spells and amulets of protection and healing and fertility, beliefs about the afterlife, and the spread of Egyptian religion in classical times. The illustrations are very helpful, and I feel I have learned from this book the basic elements of Egyptian iconography. I have also learned the basic significance of the main Egyptian gods and goddesses. Quirke is very good at identifying common misperceptions and correcting them. I recommend this book to people who are curious about the basics of Egyptian religion as well as to people who are travelling to Egypt and want to prepare themselves for the sights and museums. Unfortunately, it doesn't cover history or archaeology very well--i.e. it moves thematically rather than chronologically, and doesn't describe the main temples or ruins--and it can get a little dense in the middle. If you're more interested in history or archaeology than in fertility amulets, maybe there's a better book.

I haven't read "The Search for God in Ancient Egypt" by Jan Assmann, but I hear it's important for people who want to understand Egyptian religion.

a useful overview of Ancient Egypt's religion and gods
The multiple gods and goddesses, the temple rituals, the burial practicesand the religious rules of Ancient Egypt seem very mysterious to us. Theauthor places these mysteries in the context of Ancient Egyptian life. Heexplains them as a response to normal human needs and fears. Divided in 5chapters, this book talks about all the gods - both the lesser known andthe important ones - and their influence in the Ancient Near East andGreece. Well illustrated in black and white, this proves to be quite usefulfor travelers and students of Egyptology. ... Read more

Product Description
The ancient Egyptians created stories, or myths, to explain their perception of universal principles such as space, time, life and death. These stories both entertained and educated and were passed down from generation to generation like treasured heirlooms. The deeper meaning of these "myths" was often deliberately camouflaged in subtle symbolism accessible only to the sincere seeker of wisdom. Within this context, the ancient Egyptians present an orderly and extensive body of knowledge that encompasses a wide range of topics such as art, music, architecture, agriculture, medicine, astronomy, astrology, geometry, physics and more.

This beautifully illustrated full-color guidebook follows a series of 50 panels reproduced from Egyptian temple and tomb wall paintings and friezes as displayed in the Reading Etc. retail stores and available for purchase. The symbolism of each is described as well as the potential benefit of displaying them. The Ancient Egyptians themselves painted and sculpted these scenes in the belief that they would create not only beautiful works of art but serve as tools or talismans to effect happiness and well-being. The result is a legacy left by the ancient Egyptians for future generations to reflect upon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Egyptian Book of Life
Melissa Applegate has written an inspired clear, concise, and very accessible book about the art, symbolism, and metaphysics of the Ancient Egyptians. Not only is this work informational but it is also experiential. The attentive reader can find secrets placed skillfully between the lines of each page revealing little known processes and dynamics of the spiritual practices of the ancients. Many books on this subject are often superficial, too erudite, or fundametnally flawed in their interpretation of the spiritual world of the ancient Egyptians. Not so with this book. It contains all the depth and insight one could hope for in a form that is accessible and easy to read for even the beginner into Egyptian spirituality. Beginners and long time students of the Egyptian Book of Life will find this book a true treasure. Kudos Melissa! ... Read more

Product Description
An illustrated anthology of ancient Eyptian mythology and lore captures an evocative and mysterious world of spirits, nature and animal gods, and gods of the living and the dead. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good start for stories of the egyptian gods
It's well put together, the only problems I had with the book were the author putting in mythology from other countries in.Studying mythology is hard enough without gettin them confused with other ancient religions as well. But it's a great start for learning the myths, not as many stories as you'd think by the title, there are short versions of stories (and mainly the popular ones which I already knew of), but it left me craving more stories and more of the stories that the author told and left out. ... Read more

Product Description
An Egyptian legend in which twin sisters who lived 2000 years ago were changed forever when they participated in a temple ritual reenacting the lives of Isis and Osiris. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Another perspective
The Editorial Reviews and the one by another reader tell well what is in the book and the readership it may reach.I would add another reason some may find valuable.I have marked 15 passages that the author has provided in hieroglyphic text as well as in translation.I find these passages useful exercises for a student of Middle Egyptian, as they are moderate in length (mostly 6 to 10 lines in English translation).They are portions of hymns, coffin texts and the like.

A stimulating read, indeed!
I recommend this highly to anyone out there who is looking for a really stimulating conjunction of Kemetic thought and postmodern philosophy.

Now, a word of warning, inasmuch as this is no book for the beginner, intwo senses. It would help if the Egyptological reader had some familiaritywith thinkers like Jacques Derrida and Judith Butler. And by the sametoken, the reader of critical theory would want some Egyptology under theirbelt. But the book is well worth the effort for both, and could open theeyes of either significantly.

This book represents a truly unusualconvergence, inasmuch as it is in my opinion a valuable contribution bothto Egyptology as well as to critical theory. While the author is nothimself an Egyptologist, he has steeped himself in the best of contemporarywork in the field (especially Erik Hornung and Jan Assman). And there issome virtue in his distance from the field, inasmuch as Hare is able toturn a critical eye on some of the prejudices and presuppositions which areso endemic in interpretations of Kemetic thought.

An extremely rich book,which demonstrates as well that the intellectual tools provided bypost-structuralist theory can make a positive and rigorous contribution toresearch in particular fields. ... Read more

Product Description
In these fictional accounts, Ancient Egypt is made accessible, revealed through the eyes of young Her-Bak, candidate for initiation into the Inner Temple. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Isha Schwaller's Magnum Opus
This is a book to be studied en enjoyed carefully, despite the seemingly light-hearted approach induced by the narrative style.It is the work R.A. Schwaller, her husband, could not write because he is a he.This is Her legacy to future generations, Her Magnum Opus, and the perfect and utterly necessarily companion to all René Schwaller's work.

Why?Because it is, intelligible, digestible, contrary to most of R.A. Schwaller's work; more so, it potentiates her husband's work: without it, R.A. Schwaller's work is doomed to stay where it is today: brilliant, but unintelligible for most readers, because it flies over most people's heads.This work is down-to-earth, technical, dense, fascinating.

sorry i must be lost
i tried to read this book....maybe i am not a genius but this can only be described as arty-farty claptrap...mine is an ex-library book that was taken out 5 times in 14 years...say no more.....save your pennies

What is a Neter?
I read this book about 7 years ago. I have purchased it several times. As I have recomended it to my friends, and of course I loaned my copy to them. I should have started my own library card system. The Author has spent his life, studying Kemet (Egypt) with his wife by his side. There are metaphysical things that he did not innerstand, but his attempt at understanding is excellant. I recommend this work for everyone that is seeking Maat, externally. As a start to understanding, what went on in Kemet (Egypt). ... Read more

Product Description
Although a belief in magic predated a belief in God in ancient Egypt, study of the religious texts has revealed that for the Egyptians, religion and magic were inseparable. Throughout their development into one of the most highly intellectual peoples, the Egyptians had a widespread belief in spells, magical names, amuletes and enchantments that gave them the reputation of being at once the most religious and the most superstitious of races. In this study, the author examines the close connection between magic and religion in ancient Egypt and describes many of the religious-magical ceremonies and practices, including details of spells, formulae and so on. This book covers all aspects of magic - dreams, ghosts, lucky and unlucky days, horoscopes and a great deal more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Basic knowledge
COmparing to other books about ancient egyptain magick, this one is just okay.It does have it good qualities, but there are better one out there.

A good introduction to the Egyptian mysteries.
Unlike most of Budge's other works, this is written for the layman to understand. Though he still cannot resist showing off his skills as a scholar, one doesn't need a vast knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, Coptic, and Arabic alphabets to gain the book's full value (I often wonder if at some point in his career Budge didn't "sell out," writing books that people outside Oxford and Cambridge would want to read.). Virtually every amulet and talisman is covered, along with their proper use and materials they were made from. As always, the introduction and stories Budge gives are fascinating as well, giving tales not generally told in modern times and the various mechanics of how the Egyptian priests and magicians performed their magic. One can see why Budge's work is still in print, as he offers the reader a maximum of research and scholarship with none of the new-age BS that is so common in such books written today.

interesting
Obviously this book is not a complete record of the uses, and sources. When taken in the context that the author is writing at the end of the Victorian era(source of all the thees an thous in the translation) and thatthe English, at least at that time, had most of the artifacts, the book isreally good for giving a feeling of how Egyptian "stuff" fit intothe world structure at that point in time. (remember the writer is a"Sir" an part of the citadel gang). Sometimes the errors inearlier works provide greater insight than facts. (most religions) Asidefrom the "stiff upper lip" the reader found the book fun. And ifyou wanted to get Jungian how the four sons of Horus coincide with thepsyco analytic stuff and the 4 goveners in Mayan mythology provide andinteresting comparison.

Outdated but Interesting
This book was originality published in 1901 in a series called "Books on Egypt and Chaldaea". Needless to say, the information in this book is quit outdated. There are numerous errors in the text and some quiteobvious. With that said, I think the book was interesting, and especiallylike the explanation of some of the spells in the "Egyptian Book ofthe Dead".

To be read with its companion
To get complete satisfaction from this book you need to read it along with its companion book Egyptian Religion. These two books together go a lot further in explaining the myths, the reasons for and the usage of Egyptian artefacts than many other books which would cost you twice as much for half the pleasure. ... Read more

Product Description
Students of archaeology, travelers, visitors to museums and all those interested in mythology will value this comprehensive handbook. It details the major gods and goddesses and presents a broad survey of others, giving a vivid picture of the complexity and richness of the imagery of Egyptian mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Basic Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses
If the only thing you are looking for is a Dictionary, this is it. It gives you all the known and lesser known gods. Pretty Handy

egyptian religion
I do enjoy this book. Its a collectors item for any person who admires the ancient Egyptians.

Great Starter Reference Or Quick Info Source
This book is fantastic for the beginner student of Ancient Egyptian deities, as well as for the individual who has more knowledge and needs an occasional reference source to point them in the right direction.

While it does have information on more obscure deities, this is not the book to look to for in-depth details or background information. It does perfectly serve its purpose in giving you the information you need in order to get to the correct in-depth resource, however. I have found it to be an excellent aid to my studies.

Also a great gift for trivia buffs, history lovers, and lifelong world faith tradition students. A very good read that I highly recommend.

Good overview of ancient egyptian pantheon
Although I used this book for learning english terms of egyptology it was quite entertainig too. For a dictionary the author applies a quite polemical view, take the damnation of plutarch and his made-up Osiris legend for example. Although the drawings are nice and clear the reader should use a picture book of epytian gods and goddesses on the side.

omg
this is the best book in the world
it helped me soooooooooooooooo much with my social studies project
it also helped me get an A+ ... Read more

Product Description
The secrets of the Pharoahs come to life in this extraordinary package--a masterpiece of paper engineering that takes us on a fascinating tour through the world of ancient Egypt. For anyone young or old who wants to explore the mysteries of ancient Egypt, The Ancient Egypt Pack is a uniquely accessible guide. Full-color illustrations. ... Read more

Product Description
From the Angels and Djinn to the secrets of the Underworld, over 150 gods, animals and mythical stories from Ancient Egypt, Persia, Asia Minor, Sumer and Babylon are described. ... Read more

Product Description
An authoritative A-Z guide to the mythologies and legends of Egypt, Persia, Sumer, Asia Minor and Babylon. ... Read more

Product Description
Bring the sacred rites and rituals of ancient Egypt into your Pagan practice today. This beautifully written guide, by noted scholars Jocelyn Almond and Keith Seddon, presents a compelling overview of ancient Egyptian religious and magical beliefs.

Egyptian Paganism for Beginners is unique in its focus on specific rituals for individual gods and goddesses. For solitary practitioners who want to perform daily devotions, it offers genuine invocations and prayers for each of the main Egyptian deities. There are translations of authentic religious texts, along with insightful commentary on relevant Egyptian history, myth, and lore.

Also included in this comprehensive guidebook are practical instructions on how to cast a circle, make a shrine, consecrate statues, and channel oracles. The reader will learn how to safely evoke entities, invoke deities, and "assume the Godform"-a major tenet of ancient Egyptian religion.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great book, but...
The single handedly the best book I have ever read. But why has the cost been so inflated over retail? I have visited Amazon to replace mine which has signs of heavy use, but I am not paying double and triple the retail price. I will buy directly from Llewellyn or at a local book store. Dont pay over $29.95!!!

Good, but Misleading
After reading this book, I was left a little confused. It is a good book, but the names are hellenized, the practices greatly altered, and it is just about the gods and goddesses, it does not contain a lot of the information that someone looking for a genuine egyptian spiritual practice is looking for. This does not contain a great deal of the medu neter of the egyptian spiritual practice, not to mention anything about the nome spirits, the cosmological resonance, the difference between egyptian and wiccan elemental/directional correspondences. If you are looking to worship the egyptian pantheon with a wiccan devotional system, this is an exce;;ent book, is you are interested in the actual beliefs of the egyptians and how to authentically recreate their spiritual practices, I would highly recommend The Sacred Magic of Ancient Egypt, and The Esoteric Wisdom of Ancient Egypt, both by Rosemary Clark, when I received these 2 books, and read them, I was bowled over by how interesting and informative they are.

Great Informative Work
In all this book was very well researched and written.The only complaint I have is that not many rituals were included.

Egyptian Paganism for Beginners
I found this work to be very easy to understand. It holds a wealth of information
on the Egyptian religion, their gods and their rites and rituals. The authors have made
the information accessible to all who want to follow the pagan rites of the Egyptians.I found the work easy to understand and filled with sharp insight into the heart of
Egyptian paganism and magic. I recommend this book to anyone starting out on the Egyptian path
as well as any general student of the occult as this work makes an excellent addition to the
occult library.

Not a bad start
It should be noted first off that this is not a book of ancient Egyptian paganism as it would have been practiced, but rather a modern interpretation using Egyptian godforms in a modern neo-pagan setting, helpfully divided into two sections.

In part one, Egyptian concepts of God are related with the authors' understanding that 'each of the major neteru can represent the Supreme Being, each showing a slightly different facet of the One who is unknowable and inconceivable in his or her entirety. The neteru retain their individual identities, so the devotee is able to encounter the One in a very personal and intimate way.' (pg 7) Briefly described are a few Egyptian-specific terms such as the ka, sekhem, and the Heavenly Trine, and fortunately the authors honestly note that one 'cannot be sure that the ancient Egyptian words?mean the exact equivalent of terms we use today for such concepts' (pg 11). Also described are the elements involved in creating a shrine, the opening of the mouth ceremony, and further notes on Egyptian magick; as well as general pagan and magickal concepts such as casting a circle, totem and assumption of godforms.

The second part is dedicated to the various Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. Following various descriptions of their histories throughout the dynasties are invocations, replies, calls, meditations and commentary for many of the major Gods and Goddesses. Though they do state that it is '?not intended to be a dictionary of gods and goddesses the neteru are not presented in alphabetical order, but in the order that we believe is going to be the most helpful for explaining the nature of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices, showing an overall view of the religions' further noting that 'only a small selection of the neteru is featured' (pg 8).

There are, however, a few points of contention. For one, the understanding of chakra and kundalini lore was very simplified, and not really relevant to the text at hand, having no sensible place in Egyptian religion. Also, there did seem to be an overabundance of comparisons to Judeo-Christian mythology, perhaps they're trying to provide a reference point for those coming from such a background, but I found it more of a distraction than useful. There's no need to equate the two, as they come from completely different mythological and ritual backgrounds.

While not an expression of ancient Egyptian religion and ritual as it may have been practiced, it does provide a basic introduction to modern Egyptian paganism, not a bad start to one's exploration of this path. ... Read more

Product Description
The religious & magical practices of Ancient Egypthad a profound & lasting effect on the world. Tothe Ancient Egyptians magic was part of theireveryday life, integral to both religious, social andhealing practices. Magic was not set apart, it wasnot just for a select priesthood, it was used byeveryone.

This volume explores the magical & spiritualpractices from the perspective of the people of thisancient culture, with advice for making modernadaptations for those wishing to continue the practiceof these techniques in today’s modern world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Facts first thank you
Mr Rankine's
book is a non frill and
bare boned
book covering
what is presently known about Egyptian magic and is certainly a workable tool.

Good introduction to the subject, but nothing new
I purchased this book based on some other recommendations outside of Amazon. I am often called upon to recommend or give an opinion on books on a variety of subjects, and I will only speak to books I have read. Several people had asked my opinion on this book, and so I bought it.

I found the book well written, but very basic. It is, in some ways, an accumulation of summaries of several excellent books, with tables, references and pertinent guidance. It does not, however, present any new information nor does it present any new ideas as to synthesis of existing knowledge.

That said, if one is looking for a basic introduction to ancient Egyptian ritual and magic, or looking to get started quickly without a large monetary or time investment, it is a good book. I would recommend it as a jumping-off point, and if you still interested and intrigued, move on to more complicated and complete books. If you are already a practitioner or have a wide experience, you are probably going to be disappointed.

Not really worth it - A Priestess Of Isis
I was really excited about ordering this book, but when it came i was dissapointed before i opened it. It was this tiny, skinny little package. I opened it and read it in about an hour. It has bits and pieces of useful and NON-redundant information but not worth the almost thirty dollars. What a rip off.

The author also was severly biased toward the goddess Maat, and he was rather incorrect with his descriptions about the god/desses. I dont think he had his facts straight either. He gives a slight feeling that Maat is more important than any other god (and also provides more ritual for her), and he also portrays Isis as a conniving, tricking, she-devil. And anyone who knows Her knows it is quite the opposite. (Not to get off subject, but i highly recommend the book "Isis Magic" by M. Isidora Forrest. It talks about the real egyptian magic and a lot of hard work was done so she could get accurate historical information. It has alot about Ancient Egypt in it.)

All in all, the book had very slim pickins. It had small tidbits here and there of good info. The only thing i found to be of great value was the tables he has about the correspondances of the god/desses. Like colors and vegetables. But there werent that many god/desses he had in his book. He has very little rituals (i think 3) and doesnt go into spells really. I recommend "Ancient Egyptian Magic and Divination", "Egyptian Paganism for beginners", and Rosemary Clarks "Sacred Magic Of Ancient Egypt." And if you care "Circle Of Isis", because the info isn't really Isis-y that much at all. It has INVALUABLE information about most of the panthenon.

Dont buy this book. Rent it from the library. I would have returned it, but thats a hassle and I'm a book pack-rat. Seriously not worth more than $10.00. All of the info you could EASILY find on the internet.

I hope this review will help you, and i know its a contrast to the first one, but i didnt think it was fair of that review. (I seriously think that Daivd Rankine or one of his pals wrote it) Because of the first good review i thought this would be an awesome book. (if you dont know anything about Ancient Egypt, i guess it'd be okay. But take it with a grain of salt) And its nowhere near awesome. Take my word for it. Spend your money on better books. You can email me if you'd like at vampirefamine@comcast.net. Thanks, Happy Amazoning. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1904. This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
This book reveals the Ancient Egyptian roots of Christianity, both historically and spiritually. This book consists of three parts to coincide with the terms of trinity. The first part demonstrates that the major biblical ancestors of the biblical Jesus are all Ancient Egyptian prominent characters. The second part demonstrates that the accounts of thehistorical Jesusare based entirely on the life and death of the Egyptian Pharaoh, Twt/Tut-Ankh-Amen. The third part demonstrates that theJesus of Faithand the Christian tenets are all Egyptian in origin such as the essence of the teachings/message, the creation of the universe and man (according to the Book of Genesis), as well as the religious holidays. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I Never Write Reviews...
In fact I rarely read books cover to cover.But I just had to write a review this time.This book was so compelling and fascinating and well supported I literally could not put it down.I read it cover to cover in one sitting.If you want to understand more about this topic, THIS IS A MUST!There are a couple of dry parts that I attribute to the author thoroughly explaining topics with supporting evidence.You will find that devout Christians will bash books like this and rush to offer 1 star reviews never having bought the book or read any part of it.TRUST ME - That is all the more reason to get this book.

The Ancient Egyptian Roots Of Christianity
The book is informative and great for those who which to find the truth about roots of christianity.You have to have an open mind to really understand the Ancient Egyptian roots of Christianity both historically and spiritually.

Read if you dare!
This book will change the way you look at christianity. The roots of all religions come from Africa.

Moustafa Goudalla shows you that christianity is a document that was copied, and stolen from Africans. From TwtAnkhAmen-Jesus to the story of the last supper all the way to the birth of Christ on Dec, 25.

Pretty much nutso
This prolific author, head of his own foundation, writes consistently crazy books that lack support.This one is no exception, but it is highly amusing.You will not be convinced of his argument.You will be entertained.

A welcome and iconoclastic addition to the growing body of Egyptology
In "The Ancient Egyptian Roots Of Christianity", Gadalla connects certain historical and spiritual aspects of Christianity to their roots in Ancient Egypt including the prominent ancestors (Moses, David, and Solomon) of the historical Jesus, Christian tenants of the early church; the names Christ, Mary, Lazarus, and others; the creation story as set down in the Book of Genesis; and such Christian concepts as Christmas, epiphany, Last Supper; Easter, transfiguration, and more. A welcome and iconoclastic addition to the growing body of alternative archaeology and Egyptology, especially recommended to the attention of students in Egyptology, Christianity, Metaphysics, and Archaeology.[...] ... Read more

Product Description
Intent upon letting the reader experience the pleasure and intellectual stimulation in reading classic authors, the How to Read series will facilitate and enrich your understanding of texts vital to the canon.
The ancient Egyptians created a world of supernatural forces so vivid, powerful, and inescapable that controlling their destiny within it was their constant preoccupation. In life, supernatural forces manifested themselves through misfortune and illness, and after death were faced for eternity in the Otherworld, along with the divine gods that controlled the universe.

The Book of the Dead, the modern name given to a popular compilation of ancient Egyptian spells, empowered the reader to overcome the dangers lurking in the Otherworld and to become one with the gods that governed. Barry Kemp selects a number of spells to explore who and what the Egyptians feared and the kind of assistance that the book offered them, revealing a relationship between the human individual and the divine quite unlike that found in the major faiths of the modern world.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Short, dense and terrific
A slim book -- 100 pages or so -- but filled with solidly researched information. Barry Kemp is a practicing Egyptologist (working in Amarna), as well as a Cambridge University professor and scholar. I appreciate the fact that he gives not only his own carefully thought out opinions but mentions other scientists' opinions as well. He is a good writer, though he has a dense style. It has taken me a while to get through this book, but well worth the effort. There is more information in this small book than in many large books on Ancient Egypt that I have read. I have learned so much about The Book of the Dead from reading it, including the fact that it was never called that by the Ancient Egyptians, but called The Going Forth by Day. Kemp cites and examines many of the spells that make up the work, and the information he conveys along the way is illuminating. This book is well worth adding to your library of books on Ancient Egypt. ... Read more

Product Description
Meditation may be thought of or defined as the practice of mental exercises and disciplines to enable the aspirant to achieve control over the mind, specifically, to stop the vibrations of the mind due to unwanted thoughts, imaginations, etc. But why is this necessary? Why should one need to control the thoughts and vibrations of the mind?Ordinarily, people profess to believe in something greater than their physical existence but what is this something? If a person on the street is asked, "Who are You?", most likely he or she will point to their body and say "this is me." But is this all there is to life? Many people profess to believe in a soul but do they really understand what it is? If they did why would they mourn at funerals or fear their own death? A human being is not just a physical body with a mind and five senses. In reality there is a deeper existence, a vast ocean of reality of which most people are not aware. This is the realm of the Higher Self which all the teachings of yoga and the various practices of meditation are directed toward discovering. This "hidden" aspect of ourselves which is beyond the thoughts is known as Neter Neteru, Amun, Asar or Amenta in the Ancient Egyptian mystical philosophy system of spirituality, as Brahman, in Indian Vedanta philosophy , as God in Christianity and as The Self. Due to mental distraction and erroneous thoughts and lifestyles, people are unable to discover their true higher nature, and thus they experience a limited existence as ordinary human beings until the time of their death. The Higher Self in a human being is like air. Air is free; moving in an unobstructed manner it circles the earth. However, if a certain volume of air were caught in an airtight bottle, the air would seem to be caught, trapped in the bottle existence. In the same manner, the human soul is part of the cosmos and it is all pervasive. However, as it associates with an individual existence and becomes involved with the desires, thoughts, fears and ignorance of human existence, it loses sight of its all-pervasive and transcendental nature. Thus, the body, mind, senses, thoughts, emotions and ignorance which together constitute the personality of a human being, are in reality like a bottle which closes off the vision of the truth. The soul, which is innately free and boundless, is as if caught by the reality of the individual personality, and the pressure of desires, longings and imaginations from this limited reality as if mesmerizes the Higher Self. This limited existence is known as the ego-consciousness. So from being Universal, the soul begins to believe itself to be individual. However, in reality the soul never stopped being Universal. The personality of a human being is like a transient veil like a magical illusion. At night the stars appear to be minuscule but if you were to get closer you would see that they are massive heavenly bodies. In the same way if you were to get closer to your real Self you would see that it is expansive and limitless. In most people their ego-personality is so prominent that they cannot see beyond its reality. Through the process of Yoga Philosophy and Meditation, a human being has the possibility of breaking through the confinement of individuality in order to discover universality and limitless expansion. So in reality every human being is not limited and finite. There is a greater reality which can and must be discovered. ... Read more

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This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more