First complete translation of crucial 3rd-century A.D. manuscript of Egyptian magic, medicine. 15-foot roll of papyrus reveals spells, incantations, aphrodisiacs, invoking various gods. Probably compilation of practicing Egyptian sorcerer. Transliteration of demotic included.

How to invoke Anubis and release the dead . . . how to divine with a lamp . . . how to conjure up a damned spirit . . . how to have dream visions . . . how to make magic ointments . . . how to blind or kill your enemies . . . how to use the charm of the ring . . . how to invoke Thoth and bring good fortune . . . These are among the many topics of practical magic contained in the so-called Leyden Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian manuscript that dates from around the beginning of the Christian era. Probably the textbook of a practicing sorcerer in Egypt, this remarkable work contains scores of spells which the writer firmly believes will work: sex magic of various sorts, occult information, evoking visions, working evil, healing, removing evil magic--and all the other tasks that a sorcerer might have to undertake. Discovered at Thebes in the middle of the 19th century, assembled from fragments at Leiden and London, this fifteen-foot strip of papyrus is still one of the most important documents for revealing the potions, spells, incantations, and other forms of magic worked in Egypt. In addition to purely native elements involving the gods, the manuscript shows the influence of Gnostic beliefs, Greek magic, and other magical traditions. A transliteration of the demotic script is printed on facing pages with a complete translation, which is copiously supplied with explanatory footnotes. The editors supply an informative introduction and a classification of the types of magic involved. As a result, this publication is of great importance to the Egyptologist, student of magic, and the reader who wishes to judge the efficacy of Egyptian magic for himself.

Takes readers through the fundamentals of Egyptian magic, its techniques, rituals, magical formulas. Ancient Egyptian Magic takes readers step by step through the Egyptian philosophy and practice of magic. The author, Eleanor L. Harris, is a long-time practitioner of Egyptian magic, and she explains the "hows" and "whys" of magical tools, amulets, rituals, ceremony, and spells. Advanced practitioners will find especially useful instruction on actual Egyptian magical script as found in the ancient papyri, such as The Leyden Papyrus, The Papyrus Ani (the Egyptian Book of the Dead), and other important works. You will learn how to: Invoke Egyptian gods and spirits for divination and magic Scry with fire, oil, and water Evoke messengers and spirits of the dead Have dream visions Sound the secret names of the deities Shape-shift into god forms Cast spells for love, protection, and healing Create ritual clothing and magical tools There is a glossary of deities and terms, along with a list of resources for more information on specialty items to outfit the detail-oriented magician.

The admonitions of an Egyptian sage from a hieratic papyrus in LeidenPap (Pap. Leiden 344 recto)

Table of contents

The Leyden Papyrus, or The Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden is basically a book of spells, dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century. It was the key to deciphering the Demotic Ancient Egyptian dialect. Included are spells for curing diseases, obtaining visions, raising the dead and there are also a number of spells for erotic purposes.

This Egyptian book of magic includes powerful spells passed down through the ages. Discovered in the mid-1800s containing includes potions, spells and incantations that claim to bring good fortune and much more. This book is an essential addition to any practicing magician or researcher into the culture and beliefs of ancient Egypt.

Drawing from her own experiences and important works including The Leyden Papyrus and The Papyrus Ani, Harris explores the how's and whys of magical tools, amulets, words of power, divination, and magic of the Ancient Egyptian tradition. She also explains how the ancient temples and priesthoods functioned, and how students today can create their own working environment.

"The Greek magical papyri" is a collection of magical spells and formulas, hymns, and rituals from Greco-Roman Egypt, dating from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. Containing a fresh translation of the Greek papyri, as well as Coptic and Demotic texts, this new translation has been brought up to date and is now the most comprehensive collection of this literature, and the first ever in English. The Greek Magical Papyri in Transition is an invaluable resource for scholars in a wide variety of fields, from the history of religions to the classical languages and literatures, and it will fascinate those with a general interest in the occult and the history of magic. "One of the major achievements of classical and related scholarship over the last decade."—Ioan P. Culianu, Journal for the Study of Judaism "The enormous value of this new volume lies in the fact that these texts will now be available to a much wider audience of readers, including historians or religion, anthropologists, and psychologists."—John G. Gager, Journal of Religion "[This book] shows care, skill and zest. . . . Any worker in the field will welcome this sterling performance."—Peter Parsons, Times Literary Supplement