Ancient Divine Ceremonies in the Temples of Egypt

By EZRA IVANOV

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DTTV PUBLICATIONS
• Release date: Jun 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201783921

Book preview

EZRA IVANOV

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.

Hymn of Hesi

The beginning of every ceremony is marked by an initial greeting evoking the divine feeling and image of the Neter. In addition to the Hesi (hymn), temple instruments such as drums and sistras contribute to setting the ritual tone of the ceremony and alerting the participants to its sacred nature.

Temples and tombs contain hymns, and certain hymns to the Neteru were written on the papyrus rolls that surrounded mummies so the deceased could continue reciting the divine attributes in the afterlife. The Khener (hymnode or chanter) often sang hymns in the Divine House as a procession approached the sanctuary before ceremonies. The modern Temple should also include at least one chanter to lead the ceremony's Opening.

The Litany of Wehem

In ancient Egypt, sound alchemy arose from knowledge of the occult law that sacred names embody a being's essence and that the possession of such names allows access to divine forces.

At both, the Temple and tomb are litanies to the Neteru. Several are lengthy, listing the sacred forms by which the Neteru are known, while others are brief but powerful. Holy names, images, and sayings associated with the god or goddess are included, and when they are spoken together, they serve as powerful invocations. It is possible to include some of the names of the divinity in the Litany (wehem, repeating), which should be spoken aware that the name possesses powers.

During a temple ceremony, the Litany actually marks the beginning and calls the Neter's attention to the event. While the Litany is traditionally recited by the Kher Heb (keeper of the book), other participants are welcomed to participate, especially under the Neter's supervision. The Litany can also be recited by the Kher Heb with participants responding, as in ceremonies such as Heru and Anpu.

According to ancient liturgies, each time the name of a deity was pronounced, a ball of incense was placed in the temple brazier. In a confined or unventilated space, the Invocation is too long for this method to be suitable, but the Litany is the perfect time to begin censing the Temple.

Anointings of Gasu

Individuals undergo individual purifications before a high ceremony using Gasu Ur (the extended Anointing). During the actual ceremony, only temple oil is typically used for Gasu Nedj (brief Anointing). The blessing is an act of unity that has always been considered sacred by all the participants. It