Ancient Divine Ceremonies in the Temples of Egypt
About this audiobook
As every growth of seed from seed is followed by destruction, so every birth of living flesh is followed by its death, and all that decays is regenerated by the measured courses of the gods circling in the heavens.
-Hermetica: Libellus III, 4
Spiritual practices are founded upon a liturgy that articulates their cosmology, philosophy, and metaphysical goals. The spiritual tradition of Egypt provides us with hundreds of examples of prayers, invocations, and litanies that were carefully recorded to be used in the Temple and tomb. In addition to these writings, the rubrics (instructions or rules) also explain how the liturgy should be used.
In the extended history of ancient Egypt, liturgical programs rarely changed. They were honored for their veracity, correctness, and power, as the ceremonial acts performed in temples and tombs were said to date back to antiquity. According to this belief, the walls of each temple record the liturgies, the daily, and seasonal festivals, and the historical antecedents or founding events of each individual Neter's sanctuary.
At Edfu, the legendary Imhotep, a sage and healer in Dynasty 3, presided over the founding ceremony of the Temple. A morning litany is also inscribed in the hall of appearances, sung by the kheneru each day to open the Temple. Holy days are recorded on calendars at Karnak, Esna, and Abydos to be observed. Overall, the timing, location, and acts responsible for spiritually maintaining the Temple determined its activity throughout the ages.
Using the solar calendar in conjunction with the following liturgy can create an annual cycle of twelve ceremonies (lru). The monthly observances are based on an orderly solar cosmogony of Heliopolis. Each Neter comprises twelve different rites (Khesu) that reflect the ancient Temple's proper protocol. Consequently, they contribute to developing a conscious, vital interface among the human, divine, and natural realms. Each of the Iru ceremonies includes the standard Khesu rites.
In addition, each ceremony includes a festival to honor the specific powers of the Neter of the season (Hebu). Depending on the time and resources available to the modern Temple, these observances may be tailored to fit the occasion.
Indeed, It is possible to elaborate on the Iru ceremonies if they occur in conjunction with several cosmic events, for example a New Moon that coincides with the Sun's entry into a new zodiac sign. In addition to the regular offerings and activities for the temple family, special observances may include the production of temple oil and amulets or a communal meal instead of the reversion of offerings.
About the author
Ezra Ivanov is from a prominent Bulgarian Jewish family. Most of his family is involved in archaeology and anthropology in Bulgaria or Poland. His first archaeological discovery was made with a metal detector on a beach holiday as a child. He often visits his extended family in Radom and Lublin to discuss history and archaeology.
He received his prestigious degrees in archaeology from universities in Poland and Germany. A total of 27 publications were written about his research. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.
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