This elaborate, gilt and silvered brass compendium has two outer leaves around a central box and contains numerous types of dials, time telling devices, tables,…
View More Astronomical Compendium, 1596Category: Infographics
Unusual Use of Frankincense in Ancient Magic
From a divination ritual in PGM II, 1-64 “Phoibos, Helper through your oracles, Come joyous, Son of Lêtô, Far-shooter, Averter, hither come, hither, come hither!…
View More Unusual Use of Frankincense in Ancient MagicBook of the Dead – Hall of Judgment
From the papyrus of Ani Centrally placed is a balance, holding in its two pans Ani’s heart on the left and a feather on the…
View More Book of the Dead – Hall of JudgmentThe Power of the Secret Name in Ancient Magic
An example for the power of secret names in ancient magic and their translatability, contradicting Iamblichus’ claim that translated names of higher powers wouldn’t keep…
View More The Power of the Secret Name in Ancient MagicThe Egyptian-Greek Magical Papyrus PDM XII / PGM XII
A Brief Introduction Papyrus scroll (ritual manual), inscribed in Greek and Egyptian-Demotic, re-used 4th century, Egypt, ca. 360x 22 cm, 19 columns, 659 lines: 495…
View More The Egyptian-Greek Magical Papyrus PDM XII / PGM XIIEarliest known attestation of a deity’s secret name
Secret names are a core element in ancient magic, their knowledge granted the magician the power to invoke higher powers and to adopt their powers.…
View More Earliest known attestation of a deity’s secret nameHeart Scarab Amulet
Heart scarabs were popular amulets for the deceased. Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart was not only the center of life, but also the place…
View More Heart Scarab AmuletAstral Religion in Egypt
Stars played an important role in ancient Egyptian belief. In the Pyramid Texts the soul of the deceased pharaoh ascends to the celestial realm of…
View More Astral Religion in EgyptAncient Egyptian Decans in Coptic Magic
From a Coptic spell to obtain a good singing voice, ca. 7th century, Egypt London Oriental Manuscript 6794 British Library Yak, Meiak, Semiak,the three decans…
View More Ancient Egyptian Decans in Coptic MagicDeities of the Week & Their Incenses
Greek Deities of the week and their Roman and Egyptian pendants Selêne – Luna – Chons Arês – Mars – Month Hermês – Merkur –…
View More Deities of the Week & Their Incenses