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Sacred Mysticism of Egypt, by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi

Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation, by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi
O-Books,  978-1803417127, 296 pages, August 2025

“What happens when we consciously enter the vortex of etheric energy placed deliberately by the ancients? We might find that we are never the same. This book takes us on a journey through time and space, through dimensions and different realities, through self-acceptance and self-love, to lead us back into our infinite spirit, where the source of magic exists.”1

The quote above summarizes the intention of Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation by Fotoula Foteini Adrimi. This book stirs within the reader a longing for return to what is inherently known in all of our being–that we are more than our corporeal form defined by self-imposed limitations and continually seeking its true nature as a being of light and citizen of the cosmos. This book calls the reader back to that true nature and provides the tools and understanding that stimulate a deeper memory that we have done this work before. 

“Eons ago, a great civilization existed on Earth, in which human beings were aware of their spiritual nature. This civilization exists as soul memory and initiates deep longing towards harmonious spiritual living in a supportive community. The foundations of this extraordinary civilization were built on the spirituality of the Living Light, which provided the fundamentals for the Golden Times of ancient Egypt, described with the term Zep Tepi, “The Initial Time”2

This book is organized into twenty-one chapters and contained within three sections.  A page of references and an always helpful glossary conclude the book. The introduction provides insight into the way in which the book is organized and the “why” behind this choice:

“The ancient Egyptians loved the number three..the most famous of these trinities is Osiris as the Father, Isis as the Mother and Horus as the Child….. Ausir (Osiris) is the first king, The heart is the foundation of the Living Light teachings….In the first part of the book I talk about Creation and Un-Creation , the journey of incarnation into a physical self and ascension into the infinite spirit… In the second part, we meet the Teacher of the Living Light, the ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis or Iset… Finally, Horan (Horus) is the spiritual warrior, who meets and overcomes the forces of chaos that keep him stuck. In Part 3, we encounter Horan as the falcon who has mastered its flight in the physical and spiritual realms.”3

“Part 1: The Golden Times Foundation Teachings” takes the reader on a journey of the Egyptian cosmology and consciousness of their spiritual workings. The palpability of energy and self-awareness flows through the writing, each chapter embedded with the author’s channeled information, the Egyptian subtle parts/bodies of self and opportunities to explore through personal engagement the teachings. We learn that an important part of Egyptian spirituality was in cultivating the Sahu (body of spiritual light, we all are in our true form), embodying that Living Light and thus, becoming one with all of the cosmos and living in harmony. This section, in particular, lays a suitable foundation for the teachings moving forward through the text and does a nice job of coalescing the intention that Ancient Egypt was seeded by the wisdom of Atlantean adepts and the further connection back to the mysteries of the star system of Sirius. 

“Part 2: Initiation as a Channel of Heka” offers three chapters discussing three specific initiations: “Chapter 12: The Seven Gates of Awareness”, “Chapter 13: The Light of Atum”, and “Chapter 14: The Wisdom of Thoth”. In this section, the reader is introduced to the Egyptian concept of magic–HEKA.

“”the Living Light” energy that I and my guides refer to was known as HEKA, translated as “The Divine Invisible Power that rules all”. Another translation is “The mystical Divine power that creates the manifested world.””4

The chapters contained within this section provide the reader with examples of how the principles of awakening the Sahu (Living Light) are activated through initiatory practices. The rituals are gifted from the author and enable the reader to use them as a means of self-initiation on their path. The author’s own experiences are shared, laying the seeds for curiosity and deeper exploration for the reader. 

“Part 3: Mystical Esoteric Practices of Ancient Egyptian Spirituality” completes the journey of awakening the Living Light. The ethics of the work are called forth in the teachings of Ma’at (both as Goddess and principle of ORDER) and the importance of the time within the Duat (the Egyptian underworld) needed to emerge as the Living Light are some of the highlights.

“We embark on a journey of spiritual resurrection and rebirth. We follow Iset inside the Great Pyramid and meet our Divine spirit. We Astro-travel to the world of the dead and walk a journey of self-renewal. This spiritual work parallels what happens when we die, enter the spirit realms, and reincarnate. Like Ausir (Osiris), we reincarnate as Horan (Horus), the one who becomes aware of being the spirit in the body.”5

This section is filled with deep wisdom as well as rituals and spiritual practices that enhance and have built one upon the other in the reading of Sacred Mysticism of Egypt.

Would I Recommend?

If you are drawn to the mythos and practices of Ancient Egypt and are curious about the spiritual practices of this unparalleled civilization, Sacred Mysticism of Egypt: The Ancient Path of Heka Initiation is definitely a read you will not be disappointed in.  Adrimi has taken very complex practices and ideologies and managed to write in a form that is both coherent and usable, creating imagery and energy flowing from page to page that is nothing less than divinely inspired. 

About the Author: Fotoula Foteini Adrimi 

Fotoula Foteini Adrimi, BA(Hons), MSc, is the director of the ISIS School of Holistic Health, an international school of healing arts, spiritual development, and inner transformation through vibrational energy work, enlightened teachings, shamanism, and meditation. She is part of the global network of Shamanic Teachers under Sandra Ingerman. Fotoula lives and works in Glasgow, Scotland, has taught in Germany and the Netherlands, and has led spiritual pilgrimages to Egypt. Her first book, The Golden Book of Wisdom: Ancient Spirituality and Shamanism for Modern Times, is an Amazon UK bestseller. You can learn more on her website.

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John

The Egyptian Tarot, by Oliver St. John
Crossed Crow Books, 978-1964537078, 154 pages, 78 cards, August 2025

The Egyptian Tarot by Oliver St. John is an excellent addition to any tarot collection. The cards feature a matte finish and traditional size which makes handling them easy. There’s a feeling of substantive tactile energy as you lay out the spread. Each card also holds the schematics of the Golden Dawn system of magick, inclusive of Qabalistic correspondences and elemental assignations, all the while processed through the imagery of Ancient Egypt and its Neteru (Gods/esses).

The back of each card is imprinted with a simplified image of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’s Rose Cross Lamen, a key symbol containing attributes for the classical elements, classical planets, zodiac, Hebrew alphabet, alchemical principles, the hexagram and pentagram, the sefirot of the Tree of Life, and the formula of INRI.

Unlike more traditional tarot decks, the imagery is embedded with multiple Hermetic disciplines and can be interpreted from a variety of esoteric and magickal perspectives. Each card has a planetary and astrological glyph and the addition of the associated Hebrew letter, alchemical sigil, and hieroglyph on specific cards. And, even the background color of the suits of the Minor Arcana and Major Arcana cards is subtle using similar tones and correspondences as those of the Qabalistic sephiroth and some overt and latent elemental energies.

The accompanying guidebook is a full-sized 154 page paperback that serves as an excellent resource for the user in attuning to the departures in the naming of the Major Arcana and Court and Ace cards to align with the focus of the Egyptian pantheon and energy. The interpretations provided in the guidebook align the cards of the Major Arcana with the associated paths on the Hermetic Qabalistic Tree. In this way the reader is offered a course in Qabalistic principles as well as the practice of translating these energies into applied and practical use as in the form of a tool of divination. The guidebook also provides those less familiar with the Egyptian deities enough information to make the information user friendly regardless of previous experience.

The guidebook is organized into five sections including a group of appendices that could easily stand alone as teachings of Hermetic Qabalah, astrology, and Egyptian magick. The preface lays the groundwork of expectation and the promise that this is not “just another Tarot deck”6, but something more deeply intrinsic to the complexities and nuances of ancient magickal systems:

“The purpose of our Egyptian Tarot designs is to preserve the traditional elementals so far as possible, while at the same time presenting a unique perspective through the careful and knowledgeable use of ancient Egyptian symbolism. It is not within the scope of this book to explain the science of magick, astrology or Qabalah, although the Tarot correspondences utilize all of this. The reader must be referred to our other works for such things and indeed is encouraged to do so in order to gain the fullest comprehension of the Egyptian Tarot.”7

“Chapter One: The Egyptian Tarot” takes the reader on a journey through the basics of the Hermetic Tree of Life, the import of its correspondences on the cards and the astrological associations overlaid on the cards of the Minor Arcana. Additionally, a breakdown of the Major Arcana is a nice touch in giving the reader the more traditional assignment of each of the Keys as a reference point for how that card has been renamed and the broader way in which these associations are used:

“The Hermit is renamed Isis IX. The esoteric title is Prophet of the Eternal: Magus of the Voice of Power. This card portrays two sisters, Isis and Nepthys, performing an act of resurrection on the soul.”8

Having laid thorough and in-depth foundations for a shift in perspective for the cards’ broader interpretations, each card of the Major Arcana is dutifully given several pages of fuller explanation of its workings through the lens of Egyptian magick and how these may be applied to the disciplines of divination.

The subsequent section of The Egyptian Tarot guidebook, entitled “Tarot Divination”, provides an overview of the mechanics of using tarot as a tool for obtaining information and samples of card layouts, their interactions and potential interpretations of their collective energies. A grid of divinatory meanings for the Major Arcana cards provides a great starting point for deeper understanding and interpretations.

The final section, “Methods of Divination”, offers a variety of spreads that hold the symbology of the Qabalistic Tree of Life as the dominant underpinnings both in the layout, number of cards as well as the imagery and meanings of the cards themselves. I was intrigued by the many layers of each card and did a simple three card draw that produced Key XIX RA, Key XVIII Khonsu and the Four of Wands (completion):

Card 1 – Key XIX RA – The Lord of the Fire of the World. He is the holder of Light and renewable growth and regeneration. Just as the Sun rises and sets each day to be reborn the next, this card is a reminder about the power and limitless source we have as bearers of our own cycles of the Sun .

Card 2 – Key XVIII Khnonsu – Ruler of Flux and Reflux. This card calls to the acknowledgement of our inner cycles, our deep connection to the Lunar tides – Khnonsu is the Deity of the Moon – and the ability to remain in the twilight and become the reflection of the Light.

Card 3 – Four of Wands – The Lord of Completion. The cards of the Minor Arcana are each assigned a Decan (degree of placement) within the Zodiac. These are directly connected to astrological energies and in this case planetary Venus in astrological Taurus. This indicates the ability to bring what is most desired and holds the potential for creation (Venus) into manifestation with stability and strength (Taurus).

The appendices are a training manual in and of themselves, and are ripe with information about each aspect of what is depicted on the cards, alternate correspondences and Qabalistic wisdom. “Appendix I: Sephorotic Tree” provides the visual of the tree with path, name, Hebrew letter, and Tarot correspondences in one quick look.

“Appendix II: Tarot Paeans”, is a list of invocations specific to each of the cards of the Major Arcana that may be used as contemplative tools in calling in the energies of their wisdom. And “Appendix III: Key – Scale Correspondences” is an 18-page compendium of all the ways you can make connections to the specifics of the cards. Deity, plants, animals, Hebrew Letter, Gematria, and more fill these pages-each, clearly outlined in table form and useful in so many applications beyond divination.

Would I Recommend?

At first glance The Egyptian Tarot is not something that will immediately draw me in with its imagery, colors, or dynamic appeal, but rather from the treasure chest of wisdom held within each card and its potential are priceless. St. John has managed to draw into synthesis aeons of magick and craft it into a tool for divination and much, much more.

It is not a beginner deck, nor is it for those who want a quick and easy route to becoming paid readers, but it will, for those willing to put in the effort and open themselves to the greater teachings become a tool of vision and manifestation of the latent potential for deeper magick we all contain.

About the Author: Oliver St. John

Oliver St. John has dedicated his whole life to the theory and practice of magick and the occult, including related sciences of tarot, Qabalah, ritual, astrology, and divination; he is an acknowledged expert in these fields. He has written more than twenty books on these subjects and is the director of studies of Ordo Astri, Hermetic Order of the Star and Snake. He is also a musician, creates his own podcasts, and writes and edits the monthly journal Metamorphosis.

His background includes training and working with Mary Long, author and student of Dion Fortune; the late Gareth Knight; and Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki, cofounder of Servants of the Light. St. John was one of the very few people to complete a five-year course in Applied Qabalah then delivered by the latter group. He was also at one time active in the neo-Pagan Fellowship of Isis, enjoying a voluminous correspondence with Olivia Robertson, the cofounder. He has been a member of the Typhonian Order for over twenty years and has contributed articles, including a short story within the Lovecraft genre, to Starfire journal. He continues to teach students around the world and is working on several new book projects.

Anubis, by Charlie Larson

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection, by Charlie Larson
Weiser Books,  978-1578638413, 224 pages, November 2024

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection by Charlie Larson is a timely addition in bringing forward the jackal-headed God and his energetic signature of protection, death, and healing. As we move into 2025 with the increasing challenges of war, unrest, and uncertainty, the Ancient Ones are here to guide, strengthen, and create more stable foundations. Anubis is at the ready.

This book is organized into two parts with eighteen chapters, each aligned with the goal of bringing the diverse nature and powerful energy of Anubis into the lives of those seeking his wisdom. It is quite apparent that this author “knows” Anubis and has a deeply personal relationship with this Deity. The Dedication page is an offering to Anubis, and even in the reading of it, the reader begins a journey into the many epithets and titles that Anubis has offered. These include:

“Anubis-Anpu, Navigator Through the Chaos, Obsidian Lord, Keeper of Keys, Lord of Shadows, Cosmic Balancer, Healer of Souls.”7

Each of the chapters concludes with a specific, to-the-focus prayer, followed by a selection of journal prompts. This offers the reader an opportunity to gather a selection of prayers to Anubis as example and journal drawing from their own experiences arising from the reading of the chapter’s information. Here’s a sample prayer extract:

“Hail Anubis Psychopompos! He who protects, He who leads the souls of the departed to the afterlife, He who walks the path of the weary traveler.”9

And this is an example journal prompt:

“What other psychopomp figures can you name? How are they similar or different from Anubis?”10

The Introduction provides the reader with a reminder about what approach should be taken in setting course to connect with the Ancient Gods:

“It is important to remember while reading this book that we live in a modern world., and we need to see deities through a modern lens. Many, or dare I say most, of those who follow any of the ancient Egyptian deities have no direct connection to the Egypt of old. . . Our world is vastly different from a world of 2,000 or 3,000 years ago, and so it is not always relevant to simply try to recreate what was.”11

Larson continues this recommendation to say:

“Myths can inform and inspire us, but we must be able to translate them into a context that makes them applicable today if they are to have any meaning for us. Myths can be incredibly interesting and they can serve as a foundational understanding of a deity, but we must not view them as “scripture” that must be closely followed. The most important thing about connecting with deities is the experiences you have with them.12

These statements set the tone for how to gain the most from the information that follows and set the reader to approaching this read with deliberate and effective intentions. 

“Part One: Discovering Anubis” provides the reader with a thorough and in-depth introduction to Anubis, covering the traditional assignations as well as those not so commonly parsed out. Each chapter contained within separates out the many faces of Anubis and underscores the vast and powerful influence this deity had and still has today. I especially liked “Chapter 7: The Great Watcher” and how this epithet may be applied as a protector of those marginalized. This feels particularly relevant today; it is a definite space of calling to this aspect of Anubis that the modern practitioner can empower within themselves and subsequent relationship with Anubis.

“Part Two: Working with Anubis” offers the means to connect more deeply with Anubis and the tools of practical application for cultivating a relationship. If the reader has done their due diligence in actively engaging on the material offered in “Part One”, they are suitably prepared to begin the task of personal work with this multifaceted Ancient God.

“Chapter 11: Communicating with Anubis” takes the reader through the basics of meditation, journeying, divination with some notable oracle decks and the caution of respect and humility when approaching a deity of this magnitude. The chapter concludes with a beautifully written pathworking, “Journey to Meet Anubis”, that is both simple and rich in nuances that enables the reader to begin first explorations of the potential for a relationship. 

In keeping with the necessary approach to establish relationship with the ancient Gods, the next chapters discuss ways of creating a daily devotional practice and appropriate offerings for Anubis. The following chapters, focusing on sacred space, magick, and celebrations, provide useable and simple recommendations for begin the next level of work with Anubis, including spells for protection and other magicks, blessings for amulets, and calling to Anubis for spiritual guidance through divinatory techniques and charms. Finally, “Chapter 17: Shadow Work of Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection” dives right into the core of Anubis’ gifts for coming to know all parts of self: light, dark, and shadow. 

The culminating engagement for the reader is in the form of “Chapter 18: Formal Dedication”. As with any dedication to a deity this is not something to be taken lightly. If it is so desired by the reader, the information and steps contained are both sound and complex in the aftereffects.

“Walk with me , dearest child, and I will lead you down the path that leads to the secrets and the mysteries of the world-seen and unseen. On this journey, you will shed what no longer serves you and grow into the best version of yourself that you  can be. Painful as it may be at times, take my hand, and I will guide you. Shielding and protecting you from harm.”13

The book rounds out nicely with three appendices, including a “Historical Timeline of Ancient Egypt” (A), “List of Correspondences” (B), and a most useful quick-find Index of “Prayers and Practices” (C). A four page bibliography provides the reader with an abundance of resources to explore and three pages of art credits support the highly visual aspects of spiritual practice employed by the ancient Egyptians.

Would I Recommend?

Anubis―Ancient Egypt’s Lord of Death and Protection is a refreshing and informative read about a deity who is most often written only as part of the broader collection of known Egyptian Deities. And, for anyone who works with this pantheon, this title is something to be savored.

I would also give due diligence in recognizing the beautifully powerful artwork that graces the cover. That in and of itself, draws the attention of the reader and is commanding in its presence. This book is ripe with black and white illustrations and photos of museum pieces throughout, adding to the layers of visual, intellectual and practical.

The psychopomp energy of Anubis is precisely what will speak to those who are death doulas. Ancestor veneration  is guided by Anubis and informs all manner of honoring and working with the Ancestors. Those seeking balance in the midst of a chaotic world are enhanced by Anubis’ gifts and knowledge of Ma’at’s order.  Larson’s closing words aptly express one of the goals of his title:

“Anubis is a complex and powerful deity who resides in more spaces than you can imagine. . . No matter how you see Anubis or how you approach him, I wish you all the best in building your relationship with him. Don’t forget that, when life gets hard, he will always be there , watching from the shadows, ready to bring light into the darkness.”14

About the Author: Charlie Larson 

Charlie Larson has been a practicing witch and eclectic Pagan for over two decades. Charlie is passionate about nature, ancestral magick, energy healing, and shadow work. He is a priest of Anubis and works closely with Hekate and other deities. A leader in his coven since the 2000s, he has written and taught in various online communities since 2016. He currently resides in California. You can connect with him at anubislightandshadow.com.

Confessions of an Egyptologist, by Erich von Daniken

Confessions of an Egyptologist: Lost Libraries, Vanished Labyrinths & the Astonishing Truth Under the Saqqara Pyramids, by Erich von Daniken
New Page Books, 1632651912, 208 pages, September 2021

Doesn’t it sometimes seem like Egypt holds all the secrets to the Universe? It’s easy to get lost in the ancient history of such a vast, expansive empire. I had previously read Erich von Daniken’s book Chariots of the Gods, and was curious what other hidden history might be revealed in Confessions of an Egyptologist: Lost Libraries, Vanished Labyrinths, & the Astonishing Truth Under the Saqqara Pyramids.

The book starts off with a very violent act of terrorism, but this sets the stage for the story of Adel H. to unfold, who was tragically murdered in the rampage. When the company Adel was working for needed a guide for von Daniken’s group, Adel volunteered, despite von Daniken’s notoriety for asserting his own information. Adel had read von Daniken’s work and was eager to have the opportunity to speak with him, sparking a decade-long friendship.

Throughout their relationship, Adel shares tons of insider information, having come from a family of grave robbers, with von Daniken. Confession of an Egyptologist‘s  primary focus is on one particular experience that Adel had in the Saqqara Pyramids, which changed his life forever and reveals fascinating information about what might still be hidden beneath the pyramids.

Adel had claimed that his family knew of underground structures that dated back even further than we could comprehend – tens of thousands of years at least. This sparked von Daniken’s interest, as he had written about books written longer than 2,000 years ago hidden in underground labyrinths. His own knowledge, plus what Adel shared sparked von Daniken’s curiosity.

“And I could help but wonder under which deserts, settlements, or sanctuaries these labyrinths must be hidden. Where were these lost, underground worlds from distant times? Had they been excavated and then covered up again? If so, by whom? Had these long-forgotten structures become inaccessible due to natural disasters?

And where are the millions of books that were written in the distant past? Were they burned? Damaged? Deliberately destroyed? And if so, again, why? Is the little that we see today all that there is? Or do secret libraries exist, accessible only to hooded guards or members of obscured orders? Who actually had an interest in writing, hoarding, and then hiding books for millenia? Who wanted to make these books disappear again?”10

Suddenly, I became curious about these questions, right along with von Daniken, and this made me eager to continue reading. It is of von Daniken’s opinion that the Egyptians hid these books because they feared a flood. However, humanity has also proven to be just as destructive of knowledge, from Caesar trying to burn down the Great Library of Alexandria to Pope Gregory IX burning Jewish books in the Talmud burning. (For more on the topic of book burning, I highly recommend Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge by Richard Ovenden, which I’ve been reading this week too.)

As the different theories of why books would be hidden and where they might be, different theories come up between Adel and von Daniken based on their cumulative knowledge. One that was especially interesting was the concept of books being inscribed in precious stones hidden in the artwork on the underground walls. Von Daniken brought up the ancient text The Life of Adam and Eve, which describes how Adam learned how to communicate with a sapphire stone and learned all about astronomy and the earthly calendar.12 Adel had his own experience related to this:

“I saw a sculpture of the goddess Hathor carved into the wall in addition to the strange, tubular objects I described before. Between her eyes, in the middle of her forehead, was something like a precious stone. I clearly remember the indescribable awe I felt that prevented me from prying out the stone.”15

Is it possible that precious stones can communicate knowledge spanning millennia? If so, this would point to an advanced technology of the Egyptians, which might be hard to explain for some, but not for von Daniken. He asserts time is relative, and in both the past and present Earth has had visitors from the skies. Citing multiple witnesses of UFOs, von Dankien ultimately concludes the extraterrestrial intelligence that has come before is now present again on earth. 

To be honest, this felt like a stretch to me, but it was an intriguing concept nevertheless. I just wish it had been substantiated a little better than the assortment of testimonies von Daniken put together, leading to a kind of smorgasbord of ideas trying to pass as a credible theory. So while I wasn’t sold on the ultimately conclusion about alien life present on Earth, I did enjoy another focus of the book: the search for historical labyrinths and the experience Adel confided in von Daniken.

Before proceeding to discuss my thoughts on that content, it’s worth noting that the greatest flaw in the book is the lack of organization and skipping from one subject to the next without any clarity about how they are related. It feels like there could be some loose, easily broken thread connecting the different topics covered, but the book lacked a strong thesis, which made it hard for me to follow along with how one part of the book led to another. It felt like a mis-mash of information, which is often what makes me dubious of the veracity of the content.

As mentioned, the highlight of the book was Adel’s personal story of being stuck in the underground labyrinth of the Saqqara pyramids. While accompanying his father and uncle in a grave robbing expedition, he ended up getting stuck in the pyramid when a rock blocked his path back out.

Noticing a stairway that led downward led to mystical experience for him, filled with intimate relationships with a beautiful young woman and discovery of a mechanical throne, possibly linked to King Solomon’s. He was able to survive and escape with the help of a falcon that guided him to an exit. This is a quick summary, and his experience is recounted in much more detail by von Daniken, but it sounds incredible. It makes one wonder about what’s hidden in the unexplored tunnels underneath the pyramids.

Overall, I got some entertainment from reading Confessions of an Egyptologist. It was interesting to imagine the scenery and experiences of Adel, and I did learn some new information about Egypt from von Daniken. Just like many “conspiracy theory”-esque or outlandish ideas, the book has enough factual information to make it seem plausible, but it is simultaneously riddled with loopholes of confusion and inconsistency. So while I am not full subscribing to the tenets of the book, I am at least glad that I read it for consideration.

Egyptian Magick, by Mogg Morgan

Egyptian Magick: A Spirited Guide, by Mogg Morgan
Mandrake of Oxford, 1906958992, 432 pages, November 2020

The influence of ancient Egypt has remained strong in the imagination of Western magic through the Hebrew and Greek traditions and was popularized again in its revival during the Enlightenment. While this energy is still potent centuries later, it is often molded into the one-size-fits-all, easy-to-digest books that make this type of magickal practice easily accessible to the reader. This is wonderful for those who do not intend to delve into a full practice, but it often leaves those who seek to deepen their magick wanting. Cue Egyptian Magick: A Spirited Guide by Mogg Morgan, which is just the book for those who truly wish to expand their practice into a working system.

Morgan is both a practitioner and scholar of the occult. The level of detail described in Egyptian Magick duly reflects this combination, which clearly showcases the relationship between scholarship to inform practice and practice contextualizing scholarship. He has authored quite a few other titles, the most notable being Isis: Goddess of Egypt & India, Supernatural Assault in Ancient Egypt: Seth, Renpet & Moon Magick, The Ritual Year in Ancient Egypt: Lunar and Solar Calendars and Liturgy, and Seth & The Two Ways: Ways of Seeing the Demon God of Egypt. His area of focus is “the connections between the popular magick of ancient Egypt and its continuation/crossover with the living magical traditions of the middle East, and the Kaula/witchcraft of south Asia and beyond.”16

Egyptian Magick is Morgan’s compilation of the core ideas from his previous books all brought together to create one authoritative guide. And let me tell you, it is PACKED with information. I will admit, I was a bit intimidated when I began reading this book. With only a novice level of knowledge about Egyptian Magick, I instantly felt like I was in over my head. At first I did my best to find my footing in the book by dutifully going through it page by page, but quickly I realized I could jump around a bit within each chapter and slowly weave together the tapestry of information. This method helped me to not feel overwhelmed and discover my own method of working with the book rather than becoming inundated (and stuck!).

There are eight chapters in the book that are all filled with sub-sections and even more small headers with information. At times this can feel a bit choppy, but I also believe this style offers as much information as possible within the framework of the book. The book begins with an invocation and then delves into Heka & Hekau. This section really stands out because it describes all types of Egyptian magick: sleep magick, image magick, human sacrifice, funeral rites, and more! So often, scholarship wants to overlook these gruesome details within occult practices, but Morgan does not shy away from topics such as decapitation and reversals or cannibalism. It’s a bit gruesome, but at the same time enlightening, and almost liberating, to be able to delve into such taboo topics.

Reading on, Morgan expands on his reasoning for the basis for this work with contextual references to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and Aliester Crowley. He writes, “I have come to believe that the real ‘Golden Dawn’ is an experience rather than an organization.”17. He then encourages the reader to “try to put aside what you know and approach the surviving records of ancient Egyptian magick with a fresh mind.”18 This sentiment really stuck with me, as many of the techniques and practices I’ve learned thus far have stemmed from the Golden Dawn. Some of the fascinating topics that resonated with me most were the correspondences of Greek vowels with elements, secret languages of magicians, the relationship between sigils and hieroglyphs, Egyptian numerology, and an impressive array of seals.

Chapter four, “The Temple of Imaginarium,” was probably my favorite in the entire book. Ever since I learned about this mind-mapping technique in Masonic Magician by Philipa Faulks and Robert L.D. Cooper, I’ve been fascinated but haven’t been able to learn more. Morgan explains it well in writing:

“What else is a temple but a representation, in material, of the cosmology of the people who built it? The temple represents the archeology of gnosis, the sequences of a journal through the temple represent the initiatory journey to the ‘holy mountain’.19 It can be an imaginarium or House of all Possibilities, a theatre in which to locate one’s magick.”20

Morgan offers a guided visualization to move through this temple to discover your own magical potency. You gain the ability to move through and access the energy of Egyptian deities, performing the role of a priest. I’ve only tried this once, but found it quite impactful. I plan on familiarizing myself with this exercise when I have time to truly dedicate to experimenting with the technique.

The following chapters detail the rites of initiation, lead the reader through the underworld, and then go into the longest chapter about the ritual year of the Egyptians. These chapters are the real key to opening oneself into this working system of Egyptian Magick. The rituals can be performed at the start of each month and help to orient the practitioner to the time of year and energy available. Since I prefer attuning to the spirit of the place where I physically am, I haven’t tried any of the rituals. However, for a reader who wishes to fully work this system, everything that is needed is within this chapter.

What strikes me the most about Egyptian Magick is the level of insight that Morgan has accumulated. I would guess this isn’t his last book, but in many ways it feels like a magnum opus. Without hesitancy, Morgan clearly elucidated occult practices with objectivity, reverence, and awe. The book is clearly shaped by Morgan’s unique perception, but in no way does it feel contrived to push a practice. Rather, it clearly lays it all out for the reader, from the taboo to the mundane aspects of this work, and offers an all-encompassing guide to Egyptian magick.

Overall, Egyptian Magick is a trustworthy source for expanding one’s knowledge of the Egyptian occult and how this magick can be practiced today. It beautifully blends scholarship with experience to offer a compendium of information. I hesitate to recommend it to a novice practitioner, but I do believe that is a must-have for anyone working with Egyptian deities or is interested in learning more about Egyptian practices. Within these pages is a year-round system of Egyptian magick that utilizes techniques that have amply survived the test of time.

As Morgan writes, “Ideally this becomes part of a practical theology by which the practitioner becomes, through ‘dynamic resonance’ the image of the gods or divine forces he or she emulates.”21 I feel putting this book into effect could absolutely achieve these results. It certainly is not for everyone, but Egyptian Magick is a reliable resource for those who are ready to take their practices to the next level.

Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches, by Ellen Canon Reed

Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches: Rituals, Meditations & Magical Tools, by Ellen Canon Reed
Weiser Books, 1578637379, 288 pages, February 2021

..In Wicca, our approach to magic is usually through the Gods. Having done all we are capable of doing on this plane, we turn to magic, and will often ask for the help, guidance, and blessing of specific deities….Egyptian legend says that Ra invented magic. The Gods were too busy to do everything, so Ra gave humankind magical powers, heka, so that we would be able to handle the unseen world ourselves.22

The writings of author, Ellen Canon Reed (1943-2003), have been widely accepted and long used as foundational points of reference within the Craft and practice of Wicca. Her teachings have been noted as holding true to the philosophical approach of the Witch as well as serving as a foundational path towards increasing one’s knowledge beyond the basics of witchcraft, including the Qabalah, Egyptian Magic and more. During her lifetime she was considered to be one of prominent resources regarding the Craft and even after her death her books are used widely within the pagan community.  

Her book Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches: Rituals, Meditations & Magical Tools fills all of the check boxes in creating a read that is both informative and able to be used in practical application. Although it is not as robust as some of the many titles we are finding in more abundance about the spiritual practices and religious philosophies of ancient Egypt, it is true to and in keeping with informing a Wiccan practice. This is one of the things that set this book apart from the others in offering a “way” to the Egyptian deities that is compatible with any system you are already employing, especially that of the  witch.

Something the reader will encounter throughout is the use of the term “Tamerans” in place of Ancient Egyptian. This serves both a pragmatic approach for the author and offers an alternative to the readily used term of Khemtic that we often encounter around writings of Ancient Egyptian magic. And, I believe the statement below illustrates Reed’s very simple and authentic approach in a desire to share the knowledge and offer a point of path for any who seek the wisdom…

…I discovered very early in writing this book that typing “ancient Egyptians” became tedious. If it’s tedious to write, it might well be tedious to read. Here’s how I solved the problem. An ancient name for Egypt was Tamera, which means “Beloved Land”… I will refer to ancient Egypt as Tamera and to its inhabitants as Tameran.23

This book lives up to its title in content. Reed provides the reader with enough information to begin the journey of spiritual connection for more than two dozen Egyptian Deities, and in doing so also expands the baseline of the more traditional gods/goddesses that are more prominently served. At 288 pages there is not nearly enough space to even scratch the surface of the cosmic view embedded in all of ancient Egyptian life, but the structure of the book lends itself well to a satisfying sampling of ways to engage in the profound energies of this pantheon, its culture, and its magic. 

Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches is separated into three parts, beginning with an introduction to the deities that can be called upon. Part 1: Gods and Goddesses of Egypt begins with one of the most well-known goddesses, Nut…

…The ancients portrayed Her stretched across the heavens with her feet to the East and her head to the West. The stars, they said, were jewels on her body, and the Milky Way was milk from her breasts.24

The hieroglyph representing the deity being discussed graces the top of the page and some basic information about the energy offered by that deity follows. I appreciated the image of the hieroglyph(s) because it lent an additional layer of use for connecting with that deity utilizing the strongly visual nature that humans inherently have.

Reed engages the reader with an easily recognizable portrayal of these larger than life deities through the use of personal examples of interaction or the experience of their calling as part of her coven’s ritual workings. This approach is used throughout the book and is a style common to the writings of Reed. She was able to encourage her readers to approach Wicca and the practice of a Witch without fear and/or the need for distancing oneself from the honoring of the divine beings that are our co-creators of this spiritual path. The final section of Part 1: Gods and Goddesses of Egypt provides the reader with an additional snapshot of forty-plus lesser-known Egyptian deities, their hieroglyphs, and just enough information to prompt further exploration.

I especially enjoyed Part II: Meditations, Rituals, and Developing Relationships with Deities. The primary focus of this section is one of practical experience as a tool towards bringing these deities into your life in a meaningful and deeply connected way. Reed states…

…We’ve used these techniques individually and as a group. Those who were involved-students, friends, other covens-almost invariably gained something more than knowledge of the Gods. They gained a relationship with Them. To us, these Gods are not abstract ideas or energies. They are not distant unreachable energies. To us, They are known, and loved…greatly loved.25

This statement sets the tone for what follows as a gift of meditations, mantras, rituals, recipes for food, incense and oils, and songs with lyrics and musical score. Each of these components has been tested for efficacy by Reed’s coven, Sothistar; and its members crafted many of the recipes for incense, food, and drink. I really enjoyed the ritual “Celebration of the Birthdays of the Gods” shared that Reed’s coven enacted annually….

…. For many years Sothistar held a “Birthday of the God/dess” party , to celebrate the birth of the five Egyptian Deities (Asar, Aset, Heru, Nebet Het, Set). … These celebrations were held on the Saturday or Sunday that fell within the five days preceding July 19th, the date of the rising of Sirius.26

Part III: Magic and Magical Tools wraps everything up nicely with suggestions and instructions for creating amulets, pillows, creating a sistrum (the sacred instrument of Hathor), and more. There is a section with images of various basic hieroglyphs that can be inscribed for magical workings, another dedicated to some unique ways of using Divination with the overlay of Egyptian magic, and one about Reed’s process of trial and error. This seems a fitting way to conclude the journey that began with introduction to the Deities you would be working with, putting into more practical use the relationship that developed.

The Appendices add to the resources provided in Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches. Appendix A: Tameran Names is a wonderful addition of recommendation for those wishing to take a magical name that is in keeping with the Tameran language and meanings. We are told that Appendix B: The Calendar is a reflection of information found on the Cairo Papyrus regarding the various dates observed by the Egyptians. This resource is not one that is usually included in other books and provided another layer to be used in deepening our connection to the Ancient Egyptians. The calendar spoke to each day of the year and the trials or joys, festivals of the gods and more… 

…The Tamerans had a calendar of twelve 30-day months, with five “extra” days called the epagogemental days occurring right before the New Year.  The year began the first day Sirius (Sothis) rose at dawn after the rising of the Nile. This took place approximately July 19 on our present day calendar.27

The Glossary at the end of the book and the Bibliography provided serve as additional reference tools and opportunities to explore other writings related to the Ancient Egyptians. 

Ancient Egyptian Magic for Modern Witches is definitely a title worth reading whether you are committed to a path aligned with Egyptian magic or another. In fact, this book is a reminder that many of the religious and spiritual practices of the Egyptians are those that were adapted and refined to mold more easily to the cultures in which they were introduced. By gaining an understanding of these older deities and practices of the Ancient Egyptians, we gain a deeper understanding of those that have followed as Celtic, Greek, and others.