Heka: The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Ritual and Magic [Paperback]

David Rankine (Author)

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Product Details

Paperback: 196 pages
Publisher: Avalonia (Jan 1 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1905297076
ISBN-13: 978-1905297078
Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm
Shipping Weight: 259 g
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #135,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13 in Books > History > Ancient > Africa
- #14 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > African
- #36 in Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Egyptian

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Product Description

The religious and magical practices of the ancient Egyptians have had a profound and lasting effect on the world. Egypt has been described as the "mother of magicians". To appreciate the Egyptian view of magic, we need to accept that to the Egyptians magic was not considered strange or eccentric, but was a part of daily life, to which everyone resorted. Magic blended seamlessly with religion and medicine, being seen as part of a holistic worldview. In this volume these magical and religious practices are explored, from both a historical and practical perspective. The practices are explored from an ancient Egyptian worldview, taking into consideration that the Egyptian culture spread over a period of more than 3000 years. The Egyptians saw the universe as being made of four worlds - the everyday world we live in, the underworld, the sky and the heavens. Subject covered in this book include: -What is Heka? -Ancient Egyptian Worldviews -The Gods and Goddesses of Magic -Symbolism - Colours & Sacred Numbers -The Tools Used -Sacred Words & Gestures -Statues & Masks -Crystals & Other Materials used in Heka -Incenses & Perfumes -Food & Wine used in Offerings & at Feasts -The Ancient Egyptian Magical Calendar -Purification, Sacred Space & Rituals David Rankine is based in London (UK) and is a respected authority on spiritual & magical practices. He is the author of many books, including Climbing the Tree of Life, Circle of Fire & The Guises of the Morrígan. This book, HEKA - The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Magic, is the result of careful research & practical work and is highly recommended to students wishing to pursue practical work within this system.

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Amazon.com: 3.3 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Facts first thank you, May 21 2009

By Edward - Published on Amazon.com

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Heka: The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Ritual and Magic (Paperback)

Mr Rankine's
book is a non frill and
bare boned
book covering
what is presently known about Egyptian magic and is certainly a workable tool.

33 of 52 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not really worth it - A Priestess Of Isis, Oct 7 2006

By A. M. Mellenthin "Itachi Hime" - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Heka: The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Ritual and Magic (Paperback)

I was really excited about ordering this book, but when it came i was dissapointed before i opened it. It was this tiny, skinny little package. I opened it and read it in about an hour. It has bits and pieces of useful and NON-redundant information but not worth the almost thirty dollars. What a rip off.

The author also was severly biased toward the goddess Maat, and he was rather incorrect with his descriptions about the god/desses. I dont think he had his facts straight either. He gives a slight feeling that Maat is more important than any other god (and also provides more ritual for her), and he also portrays Isis as a conniving, tricking, she-devil. And anyone who knows Her knows it is quite the opposite. (Not to get off subject, but i highly recommend the book "Isis Magic" by M. Isidora Forrest. It talks about the real egyptian magic and a lot of hard work was done so she could get accurate historical information. It has alot about Ancient Egypt in it.)

All in all, the book had very slim pickins. It had small tidbits here and there of good info. The only thing i found to be of great value was the tables he has about the correspondances of the god/desses. Like colors and vegetables. But there werent that many god/desses he had in his book. He has very little rituals (i think 3) and doesnt go into spells really. I recommend "Ancient Egyptian Magic and Divination", "Egyptian Paganism for beginners", and Rosemary Clarks "Sacred Magic Of Ancient Egypt." And if you care "Circle Of Isis", because the info isn't really Isis-y that much at all. It has INVALUABLE information about most of the panthenon.

Dont buy this book. Rent it from the library. I would have returned it, but thats a hassle and I'm a book pack-rat. Seriously not worth more than $10.00. All of the info you could EASILY find on the internet.

I hope this review will help you, and i know its a contrast to the first one, but i didnt think it was fair of that review. (I seriously think that Daivd Rankine or one of his pals wrote it) Because of the first good review i thought this would be an awesome book. (if you dont know anything about Ancient Egypt, i guess it'd be okay. But take it with a grain of salt) And its nowhere near awesome. Take my word for it. Spend your money on better books. You can email me if you'd like at vampirefamine@comcast.net. Thanks, Happy Amazoning.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction to the subject, but nothing new, Dec 16 2008

By Michael G. Smith "Book Snob" - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Heka: The Practices of Ancient Egyptian Ritual and Magic (Paperback)

I purchased this book based on some other recommendations outside of Amazon. I am often called upon to recommend or give an opinion on books on a variety of subjects, and I will only speak to books I have read. Several people had asked my opinion on this book, and so I bought it.

I found the book well written, but very basic. It is, in some ways, an accumulation of summaries of several excellent books, with tables, references and pertinent guidance. It does not, however, present any new information nor does it present any new ideas as to synthesis of existing knowledge.

That said, if one is looking for a basic introduction to ancient Egyptian ritual and magic, or looking to get started quickly without a large monetary or time investment, it is a good book. I would recommend it as a jumping-off point, and if you still interested and intrigued, move on to more complicated and complete books. If you are already a practitioner or have a wide experience, you are probably going to be disappointed.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews 3.3 out of 5 stars