Mystery Cults of Egypt

Image

Source: Traunecker, Claude., and David Lorton. The Gods of Egypt. Ithaca, N.Y. ; London: Cornell UP, 2001. Print.

Mystery cults in Late Egypt – met in crypts beneath temple of Khonsu- on the cusp of Corpus Hermetica & PGM, it’s practical side. An example of their mysteries – the ten souls of Amun

1. The Sun  (right eye)
2. The Moon (left eye)
3. Breath & space
4. Water
5. Fire
6. Humanity (the Royal Ka)
7. Large & Small Cattle
8. Flying Creatures
9. Aquatic creatures
10. Forces of plant growth (the serpent provider of kas) 

Some may find the image provokes nervous laughter  and is disturbing. This sketch is based on special photographic imaging, of otherwise now invisible images. The intention is that they look something like the image of the androgrynous Nile god:

Image result for nile god egypt

Unsettling because these are hidden aspects of Egyptian magical-religion, suppressed by previous commentators, the #tantrik #tankhem. An important part of my own research, viz “Egyptian Magick, a spirited guide”. I’ve always been interesting in this theme – the sketch is from the Opet shrine adjoining temple of Khonsu at Karnak. Which can be difficult to visit, I managed to photograph some of it, but the crypt itself is off limits.

I wrote about the theme of initiation in “Isis in India” with the pictures I have. There is also theme of “Sexuality and Religion” in a chapter in the new one “Egyptian Magick” – keep finding more data – so often comes up … one day might have to do a compilation.

But it seems to be intentional, sexuality is key component of images for meditational in the ancient mystery cult. There are lots more. Imagine what those candidates for initiation took from it before entering trance for the night journey?

Since writing this I’ve been in touch with Claude Traunecker and have a copy of his long article on the crypt – together with more photographs to share.