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.

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

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.

Papyrus Leiden I 343 + 345 is one of the most extraordinary manuscripts providing a deeper insight into magic and medicine in Ancient Egypt. The main part of the papyrus deals with the ancient Near Eastern disease demon Sāmānu, who is well known from Sumerian and Akkadian incantations and medical texts. In addition, a broad range of other conjurations and spells against any pain and feet swelling are included. The papyrus also contains two curious spells dealing with 'falling water from the sky.' Eight out of fourteen incantations against the demon Sāmānu were incorporated twice in this papyrus. The texts are not only presented as parallel text edition but also with photographs of the papyrus. This re-edition of Papyrus Leiden I 343 + 345 is a revised transliteration, transcription, translation and up-to-date commentary.