Understanding the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 248
Illustrations: 30 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781399055383
Published: 4th October 2024
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In the days of Egyptian antiquity, many of the gods were abstract concepts rather than the actual anthropomorphic god-pictures familiar to us today. Many of the later fully-morphed deities were originally theological concepts represented by a distinctive hieroglyph, very similar to the correspondences used in modern ritual magic. As the need for a controlling religion grew, so did the spiritual need for more tangible forms on which to focus the common people’s devotions. The common man’s mind dwelt on the concrete, not the abstract, and so the gods took on those strange but easily recognisable animal-human shapes to satisfy the religious-teaching-by-pictures demands of less scholarly folk. The images recorded in tomb paintings, bas-relief and statuary were intended to represent living forms of the gods themselves, or Pharaoh as a god. There was a simple reason behind this. Egyptian life, magic and religion were inextricably intertwined, one could not, and did not exist, without the other. God, or a male/female/multiple concept of that god, was manifest in everything animate and inanimate.
The authentic Egyptian religion developed over thousands of years, with each deity assuming many forms under the influence of various religious movements and/or foreign invasions. Each form also developed its own positive and negative aspects, which responded in various ways to different people, and so it is now impossible to be dogmatic about how the gods of those different theologies relate and blend. It is also important to realise that the original religion was never an earth-bound concept since the priesthood explored mysticism on a cosmic scale: their spirituality extending to the stars and beyond. The Egyptian civilisation took over 3000 years to evolve fully and a further 2000 years to decay, which is why the Egyptian Mystery Tradition cannot be encapsulated into convenient modern packaging.
A wonderful nonfiction book that goes deep into Egyptian mythology and theology and gives you a nuanced perspective. I loved how each section focused a specific god/myth and then went onto elaborate it. This is a beautiful work and deserves all the accolades.
NetGalley, Ruhika Bhattacharjee
Understanding the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses is a really interesting overview of an incredibly vast topic. Mèlusine Draco is able to condense a rather overwhelming subject matter and make it much more accessible to the average reader. It cannot be understated how challenging a task this truly was and to provide adequate context to keep readers engaged is impressive. I always love the quote from Dolnick, that was also included in this text, “…the reign of Cleopatra is closer to the year 2022 than it is to when the pyramids were built.”
NetGalley, Róisín M
...
I think this is a great summary of an incredibly important time in history and learning how Ancient Egyptian culture still influences art, design and much more is very exciting. I would highly recommend this to lovers of history or those wanting to explore more about our ancient world.
Just a wonderful a read. The story telling was expertly done. I felt immersed in the delivery of this history.
NetGalley, Kristine Daniels
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Megan (booksoddsends)
This is a well-researched, easy-to-understand, and fascinating read. If you're interested in Gods and Goddesses from any ancient society, you would love this book!
This was a 4 star book from me - full of well researched and informative writing that explore the history of archaeological discover into ancient Egyptian history, culture and ethos on life. The detail of cultural insights was amazing and found new things that I didn't know about a culture I have studies since childhood. A great read for anyone who loves non-fiction, history and discover more about our world.
NetGalley, Mae Scotland
About Mélusine Draco
Mélusine Draco, the Principal of Temple of Khem is an Initiate of the Khemetic Mysteries, has been a magical and spiritual instructor for over 20 years, and writer of several popular books on the Egyptian Mystery Tradition including Liber Ægyptius: the Book of Egyptian magic; The Egyptian Book of Days; The Egyptian Book of Nights, Thrice Great Thoth, The Atum-Re Revival, and Starchild - a rediscovery of the ancient Egyptian stellar worship. Her highly individualistic teaching methods and writing draw on ancient sources, supported by academic texts and current archaeological findings.
How to Survive in Ancient Egypt (Hardback)
Imagine you were transported back in time to Ancient Egypt and you had to start a new life there. How would you fit in? Where would you live? What would you eat? Where would you go to have your hair done? Who would you go to if you got ill, or if you were mugged in the street? All these questions, and many more, will be answered in this new how-to guide for time travellers. Part self-help guide, part survival guide, this lively and engaging book will help the reader deal with the many problems and new experiences that they will face, and also help them to thrive in this strange new environment.
By Charlotte BoothClick here to buy both titles for £39.99
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