8.2 Magical papyri and necromantic spells
4 min read•august 15, 2024
were ancient Egyptian texts containing spells and rituals, including necromancy. These writings, dating from 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE, provide a window into the magical practices and beliefs of the ancient world.
in these papyri involved communicating with or summoning spirits of the dead. They included specific ingredients, ritual tools, and actions, often invoking underworld deities. These texts offer valuable insights into ancient attitudes towards death and the afterlife.
Content and Structure of Magical Papyri
Ancient Egyptian Texts and Their Composition
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- Magical papyri ancient Egyptian texts containing spells, rituals, and magical formulas, including necromancy, dating primarily from 2nd century BCE to 5th century CE
- Structure typically includes invocations to deities, detailed ritual instructions, and specific formulas or incantations to be recited
- Physical format varies with long scrolls and smaller, portable texts known as formularies or handbooks
- (magical words of power) enhance efficacy of necromantic spells
- Examples of voces magicae include "ablanathanalba" and "sesengenbarpharanges"
Necromantic Spells and Underworld Deities
- Necromantic spells involve techniques for communicating with or summoning spirits of the dead
- Use specific ingredients (black beans, blood of a hoopoe)
- Employ ritual tools (bronze lamp, linen cloth)
- Perform specific ritual actions (digging a pit, pouring libations)
- Content frequently references underworld deities with authority over the dead
- Egyptian deities (, )
- Greek deities (, )
- Many spells include provisions for protection against malevolent spirits or negative ritual consequences
- Protective circles
- Apotropaic formulas ("I am protected by the great god")
Symbolism and Language in Necromantic Spells
Symbolic Elements and Cosmic Connections
- Symbolism related to death and underworld prevalent
- References to darkness, earth, and specific funerary objects (mummy wrappings, grave dirt)
- Incorporation of syncretic elements blending Egyptian, Greek, and sometimes Jewish or Christian symbolism
- Use of Greco-Egyptian deity names (-Thoth)
- Inclusion of Hebrew divine names (, Adonai)
- References to cosmic alignments or astrological phenomena reflect belief in interconnectedness of celestial and earthly realms
- Invocations timed to specific lunar phases
- Incorporation of zodiacal symbols in ritual designs
Linguistic Features and Magical Power
- Language often includes threats or coercive commands directed at spirits or deities
- "I bind you, spirit of the dead, to answer my questions!"
- ("barbarous names") increase spell potency
- Combine elements from multiple languages
- Use invented words with perceived magical power
- Imagery and language related to binding or constraining spirits common
- "I chain you with unbreakable adamantine bonds"
- Intended purposes of necromantic spells varied
- (seeking knowledge of the future)
- Obtaining information from the dead (locating hidden treasures)
- Influencing afterlife of the deceased (ensuring a favorable judgment)
- Harnessing power of spirits for various magical goals (love spells, curses)
Necromantic Spells: Comparisons Across Papyri
Variations in Complexity and Cultural Influences
- Necromantic spells vary in complexity across different magical papyri
- Elaborate rituals requiring multiple days and complex preparations
- Simple formulas for quick results (single spells)
- Cultural influences evident in necromantic spells differ between papyri
- Stronger Egyptian influences (use of hieroglyphic characters)
- More heavily influenced by Greek magical traditions (invocations to Olympian gods)
- Specific deities invoked vary between papyri
- Regional preferences (Osiris more prominent in Egyptian-focused texts)
- Personal pantheon of spell's creator (inclusion of lesser-known local deities)
Specialized Practices and Ethical Considerations
- Some magical papyri focus on specific types of necromantic practices
- Dream oracles (incubation rituals for receiving messages from the dead)
- Reanimation spells (temporary revival of corpses for interrogation)
- Level of detail in ritual instructions varies significantly between papyri
- Precise step-by-step guides with exact measurements and timings
- General outlines allowing for practitioner interpretation
- Ethical considerations surrounding necromantic practices differ between papyri
- Warnings or moral caveats (admonitions against disturbing peaceful spirits)
- Presentation of spells without ethical concerns
- Intended audience or user of necromantic spells varies between papyri
- Professional magicians (complex rituals requiring specialized knowledge)
- Lay practitioners (simpler spells with readily available ingredients)
Magical Papyri as a Source of Knowledge
Insights into Ancient Magical Practices
- Provide invaluable primary source material for understanding practical application of necromancy in ancient world
- Reveal ritual procedures (use of , or inscribed metal sheets)
- Illuminate beliefs about the nature of spirits and the afterlife
- Preservation offers unique window into secretive world of ancient magic
- Reveal practices often not documented in mainstream literary or religious texts
- Provide details on magical tools and ingredients (use of wormwood in protective )
- Syncretic nature demonstrates cultural exchange and magical innovation in Hellenistic and Roman periods
- Blending of Egyptian, Greek, and Near Eastern magical traditions
- Creation of new deities or magical entities (, Iao)
Historical and Linguistic Contributions
- Serve as evidence for persistence and evolution of necromantic practices over time
- Allow scholars to trace changes in magical beliefs and techniques
- Demonstrate adaptation of older practices to new cultural contexts
- Reveal concerns and desires of ancient practitioners
- Provide insights into social aspects of necromancy (use of the dead for revenge or justice)
- Illuminate psychological aspects (desire for knowledge or power over death)
- Language and formulas contribute significantly to understanding of ancient magical terminology
- Preservation of specialized magical vocabulary (charaktêres for magical signs)
- Insight into development of esoteric traditions (early forms of Hermetic texts)
- Interpretation requires careful consideration of context
- May represent idealized or theoretical practices rather than widespread actual usage
- Necessity of cross-referencing with archaeological and literary evidence for comprehensive understanding
Key Terms to Review (24)
Abrasax: Abrasax is a mystical and powerful name associated with Gnostic traditions, often represented as a deity embodying both good and evil forces. In magical texts, particularly in the context of necromancy, Abrasax is invoked for protection and to harness spiritual power. The name has been linked to various symbols and rituals found in magical papyri, making it an important figure in Greco-Roman magic.
Amulets: Amulets are objects, often worn or carried, that are believed to possess protective or magical properties, warding off evil, misfortune, or illness. In ancient cultures, these items were not only personal talismans but also played significant roles in various magical practices and beliefs related to the divine, the underworld, and healing.
Anubis: Anubis is the ancient Egyptian god associated with mummification, the afterlife, and the protection of the dead. Known for his jackal-headed appearance, Anubis plays a significant role in funerary practices and the guidance of souls through the process of judgment after death, connecting deeply to necromantic spells and magical practices found in ancient texts.
Apotropaic magic: Apotropaic magic refers to practices and rituals designed to ward off evil, misfortune, and malevolent forces. This type of magic was commonly employed in the Greco-Roman world through various means such as symbols, spells, and protective objects to ensure safety and well-being against harmful influences.
Divination: Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through supernatural means. It plays a crucial role in various rituals and beliefs in the ancient world, connecting people with the divine and the mysteries of existence.
Egyptian Influence: Egyptian influence refers to the cultural, religious, and magical practices that originated in ancient Egypt and spread throughout the Greco-Roman world. This influence is particularly evident in the magical papyri and necromantic spells, which incorporate Egyptian deities, rituals, and mystical concepts into their frameworks. As a result, the fusion of Egyptian and Hellenistic elements led to a rich tradition of magic that was both practical and spiritual.
Hecate: Hecate is a goddess in ancient Greek mythology associated with magic, witchcraft, and the night. She embodies the powerful and often mysterious aspects of the magical arts, connecting her to various figures and practices in the realm of magic, particularly those involving the dead, transitions, and protection against evil.
Hellenistic Period: The Hellenistic Period refers to the era in ancient history that followed the conquests of Alexander the Great, lasting from approximately 323 BCE to 31 BCE. This period is characterized by the spread of Greek culture and influence across a vast territory, which transformed various aspects of life, including magic practices, literature, and societal norms.
Hermes: Hermes is a multifaceted deity in Greco-Roman mythology, known primarily as the messenger of the gods, a guide for souls to the underworld, and a god of trade, communication, and cunning. His role as a psychopomp connects him to afterlife beliefs and the practice of magic, particularly in relation to necromancy and rituals intended to influence fate.
Iao: Iao is a mystical term used in Greco-Roman magical practices, often associated with divine names and incantations. It is primarily recognized as a powerful vocalization or invocation that connects practitioners with spiritual entities, particularly in the context of necromancy and the summoning of divine or demonic forces. This term reflects the deep interrelation between magical practices, the invocation of divine presence, and the manipulation of supernatural powers.
Incantation bowls: Incantation bowls are ancient artifacts, typically made of clay or pottery, inscribed with magical spells or protective incantations, often intended to ward off evil spirits or bring good fortune. These bowls are significant in the study of magical practices in the Greco-Roman world, as they illustrate the connection between material culture and the belief systems surrounding magic and necromancy.
Invocation: Invocation refers to the act of calling upon a deity, spirit, or supernatural force for assistance, guidance, or intervention in magical practices. This process often involves rituals, prayers, or specific formulas intended to connect the practitioner with divine entities, making it a crucial component in various magical traditions and practices.
Lamellae: Lamellae are thin plates or layers often inscribed with magical texts or spells, particularly in the context of ancient magical practices. These inscriptions were typically made on metal sheets, which were used in various magical rituals and necromantic spells to invoke or summon divine powers and facilitate communication with the dead. The use of lamellae highlights the material culture surrounding magic in ancient societies, where tangible objects played a crucial role in spiritual beliefs and practices.
Magical papyri: Magical papyri are ancient texts, primarily from Greco-Roman Egypt, that contain spells, rituals, and instructions for magical practices. These writings often combine elements of Greek, Egyptian, and Jewish traditions, showcasing the cultural interactions of the time. They serve as important sources for understanding the beliefs and practices related to magic, including necromancy and other magical techniques.
Magician: In the context of Greco-Roman magic, a magician is a practitioner who engages in the use of spells, rituals, and incantations to influence supernatural forces for various purposes. These individuals were often believed to have specialized knowledge and skills that allowed them to manipulate spiritual entities, heal ailments, or communicate with the dead. The role of a magician was closely tied to the cultural and religious practices of the time, particularly evident in magical papyri and necromantic spells that provided insight into their methods and beliefs.
Necromantic spells: Necromantic spells are a type of magical practice aimed at communicating with the dead or summoning their spirits for various purposes. These spells are often associated with divination, the acquisition of hidden knowledge, or even the manipulation of deceased entities to achieve specific outcomes. In ancient cultures, such practices were often performed by specialists who had a deep understanding of rituals and the spiritual world, often utilizing texts and magical papyri that contained instructions for these powerful rites.
Nomina barbara: Nomina barbara refers to the use of foreign or obscure names in magical practices, often derived from languages such as Greek or Egyptian. These names are believed to possess inherent power and are used in spells and incantations to invoke supernatural forces or deities. The significance of nomina barbara lies in their ability to enhance the efficacy of magical rituals, particularly in the context of necromancy and divine invocation.
Osiris: Osiris is an ancient Egyptian god associated with the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility. He is often depicted as a green-skinned figure, symbolizing regeneration and renewal, which connects him deeply to themes of magic, necromancy, and divine influence in various magical practices. His role as a deity who oversees the dead and the judgment of souls links him to necromantic spells and magical papyri that invoke his powers for guidance or assistance in the afterlife.
Persephone: Persephone is the daughter of Demeter and Zeus, known as the queen of the Underworld in Greek mythology. She represents the cycle of life and death, and her myth is deeply tied to necromantic practices, the afterlife, and agricultural fertility, emphasizing the interconnection between life, death, and rebirth.
Platonic Philosophy: Platonic philosophy is a system of thought based on the ideas of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, emphasizing the existence of abstract Forms or Ideas as the truest reality, distinct from the material world. This philosophical framework encourages a pursuit of knowledge through reason and dialogue, highlighting the importance of the soul and its relationship to the divine and the cosmos. In the context of magical papyri and necromantic spells, Platonic philosophy provides a framework for understanding the metaphysical underpinnings of magic, linking it to concepts of higher realities and the nature of existence.
Roman Empire: The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful political entity that existed from 27 BCE to 476 CE, encompassing much of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and parts of North Africa and the Near East. Its influence on culture, governance, and military strategy shaped the development of Western civilization and the practice of magic within its territories.
Sorcerer: A sorcerer is an individual believed to possess the ability to manipulate supernatural forces through magical practices, often employing spells, rituals, and incantations to achieve specific goals. Sorcerers were seen as practitioners of magic who could invoke the aid of deities or spirits, engaging in both healing and harmful magic within their communities.
Sympathetic Magic: Sympathetic magic is a belief system in which one thing can influence another through a symbolic or physical connection, based on the principle that 'like affects like.' This concept often manifests in various practices, such as rituals and spells, where objects or actions are intended to produce desired effects in reality by mimicking or representing those effects.
Voces magicae: Voces magicae refers to the specific words, phrases, or incantations used in magical practices to invoke supernatural powers or achieve a desired outcome. These magical words often held significant power and were believed to enhance the effectiveness of rituals, spells, and other magical actions.