For more than 2,000 years, between 1500 BCE and 600 CE, the Egyptian processional oracle was one of the main points of contact between temple-based religion and the general population. In a public ceremony, a god would indicate its will or answer questions through the movements of a portable cult statue borne by priests or important members of the community. The Egyptian Oracle Project is an interactive performance that adapts this ceremony to serve as the basis for a mixed-reality educational experience for children and young adults, using both virtual reality and live performance. The scene is set in a virtual Egyptian temple projected onto a wall. An oracle led by a high priest avatar (controlled by a live human puppeteer) is brought into the presence of a live audience, who act in the role of the Egyptian populace. Through the mediation of an actress, the audience interacts with the avatar, recreating the event. The series of carefully focused essays in this book provides vital background to this path-breaking project in three sections. After a brief introduction to educational theatre and virtual reality, the first section describes the ancient ceremony and its development, along with cross-cultural connections. Then the development of the script and its performance in the context of mixed-reality and educational theatre are examined. The final set of essays describes the virtual temple setting in more detail and explores the wider implications of this project for virtual heritage.
Draw on the divine guidance of the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt The ankh, the pyramid, the obelisk: each Egyptian symbol has a powerful and historical meaning. Now these images are captured in The Egyptian Pyramid Oracle, a new system of fortunetelling that is much easier to learn than the Tarot. Using the deck in a reading is simple: six cards are spread for the reader, and each card position has a specific message. The twenty-five cards are divided into five houses: Power, Temptation, Inspiration, Wisdom, and Change. The instruction book describes each card, its meaning in a reading, and its reversed meaning. A glossary of ancient Egyptian terms is included at the back of the book. Accurately portrays the mystical and powerful deities of ancient EgyptFeatures the traditional Egyptian color schemes of rich lapis, turquoise, carnelian, and goldEasier to learn than the TarotThe 25 intricately illustrated cards appeal to a wide audience and make a wonderful gift or collector''s set
Barrett's accompanying book to his 78-card tarot deck gives seekers background information on each card, as well as how to use the cards for divination and to develop clairvoyant powers.
In The Sacred Magic of Ancient Egypt, Rosemary Clark presents a comprehensive guide to a modern practice of ancient Egyptian theurgy. Included are daily rituals, annual ceremonies, and the founding of a temple tradition for either the sole practitioner or a gathering of celebrants. The dimensions of Sacred Science-esoteric architecture, cosmic resonance, and magical practice-are outlined in detail and demonstrated in a program for practical, everyday use. Authentic and richly detailed, this guidebook also: - Presents beautiful rituals patterned on ancient Egyptian texts for modern initiates - Serves as an excellent reference on many aspects of the Egyptian mysteries that have not been accessible elsewhere - Contains a complete repertoire of ancient hymns, litanies, spells, and ceremonies that allows for reading in the ancient tongue Enter the timeless realm of Egyptian sacred ritual. Experience for yourself the ultimate realization of ancient Egyptian spirituality-the assumption of divine knowledge and grace.
"Robert Armour's classic text, long cherished by a generation of readers, is now complemented with more than 50 new photographs by Egyptologist Edwin Brock and drawings by Elizabeth Rodenbeck that show the gods in their characteristic forms." "Armour maintains a strong narrative thread with illuminating commentary in his lively retelling of stories from Egyptian mythology, including those of the sun god Ra, the tragic tale of Isis and Osiris, the burlesque of Horus' battle with the evil Seth, and the "gods of the intellect" Thoth and Maat. Now with an updated bibliography and new appendices, this book is sure to inform and enchant a new generation of readers."--Jacket.
Simple and easy for the beginner, this carefully researched system develops in richness as you gain experience with the ancient mysteries. Awaken to the sacred Egyptian principles of living in harmony and balance with ourselves, the land, and the divine--concepts as alive and relevant today as they were 3,000 years ago.
"This book centers on The Gospel of the Lots of Mary, a previously unknown text preserved in a fifth- or sixth-century Coptic miniature codex. It presents the first critical edition and translation of this new text. My book is also a project about religious praxis and authority, as I situate the manuscript within the context of practices of and debates around divination in the ancient Mediterranean world."--Preface, p. [vii].