The Greek Magical Papyri, also known as the Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (abbreviated as PGM), is a collection of ancient Greek texts containing magical spells, rituals, and incantations. These papyri were written on sheets of papyrus, a material made from the pith of the papyrus plant, and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (2nd century BCE to 5th century CE). The Greek Magical Papyri provide valuable insight into the practice of magic in the ancient Greek and Roman world. The texts cover a wide range of magical practices, including divination, love spells, curses, healing rituals, and even instructions for summoning and communicating with supernatural beings such as gods, demons, and spirits. One of the most well-known and influential texts within the Greek Magical Papyri is the PGM IV, also known as the "Papyri Graecae Magicae." This text consists of several parts, including the "Liturgy of Mithras," a ritual dedicated to the Persian god Mithras; the "Steles of Seth," which involve protective spells and invocations against evil spirits; and the "Mummy Spells," which are aimed at driving away evil forces and obtaining protection.
“To cause a fight at the banquet: Throw a dog-bitten stone into the middle.”
To make men who have been drinking at the symposium appear to have donkey snouts to outsiders, from afar In the dark take a wick from a lamp and dip it in donkey s blood; make a new lamp with the new wick and touch the drinkers. Detail from one of the Greek magical papyri in the British Museum, which includes a spell to grant prosperity and victory and another requesting a visit from a dream oracle.
" This text consists of several parts, including the "Liturgy of Mithras," a ritual dedicated to the Persian god Mithras; the "Steles of Seth," which involve protective spells and invocations against evil spirits; and the "Mummy Spells," which are aimed at driving away evil forces and obtaining protection. The Greek Magical Papyri also include practical instructions and recipes for performing various magical spells and rituals. For example, there are instructions on how to create amulets or talismans with protective properties, as well as recipes for making magical potions, ointments, and incense.
Curious and Unusual Spells from the Greek Magical Papyri
The Greek magical papyri, as it is commonly known, is an extensive collection of ancient Greco-Roman Egypt magical spells, rituals, remedies, hymns, and myth. Scholars have placed its origin between the second and fifth century BC during Roman occupation. The papyri, a great deal of which was first acquired by a diplomat who went by the name of Jean d’Anastasi sometime in the very early 19th century, was predominantly sourced from a single collector out of Thebes. Due to the suppression and destruction of pagan texts brought on by Christianity, it wasn’t until much later that the papyri were to be examined, and over the course of more than a century thereafter to be fully translated.
The contents of this extraordinary collection are a unique combination of Egyptian Demotic and Greek text, with a heavy Hellenistic influence. Further, there is some late Egyptian Coptic text, hints of Babylonian, along with an early form of Judaism. The diversity in texts indicates several centuries worth of accumulated magic, written by a variety of magical practitioners. Among its pages are a plethora of love spells , divination spells, protection spells, victory charms, invocations of the gods, revenge spells, and so much more.
The Greek Magical Papyri is an incredible source of texts for learning about Greco-Roman Egypt magical spells, rituals, remedies, hymns, myths, and love potions. The Love Potion, by Evelyn De Morgan. ( Public domain )
These texts indicate that magic was seen as a practical and accessible means of influencing the world and achieving one's desires. It is important to note that the Greek Magical Papyri were largely associated with the Egyptian city of Thebes and the surrounding region. Scholars believe that they were used by both professional magicians and individuals seeking to harness supernatural powers for personal gain or protection. The papyri were often buried with the deceased or placed in tombs, suggesting that they were considered important and powerful tools for the afterlife. In conclusion, the Greek Magical Papyri provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Greek and Roman magic. These texts reveal the beliefs, practices, and rituals of individuals in the ancient world who sought to harness supernatural forces for various purposes. The Greek Magical Papyri continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars today, shedding light on the rich and complex history of magic in the ancient Mediterranean world..
Reviews for "Exploring the Role of Dreams in the Greek Magical Papyri"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "The Greek Magical Papyri" to be quite disappointing. While it promises to offer a deep dive into ancient Greek magical practices, I felt that the actual content was lacking. The translations were often confusing, and the explanations provided were not sufficient to fully understand the rituals and spells. Additionally, the book assumes prior knowledge of Greek mythology and religious practices, which made it difficult for someone like me who is not well-versed in those areas. Overall, I did not find this book to be an enjoyable or informative read.
2. Emily - 3 stars
I was excited to read "The Greek Magical Papyri" as I am interested in ancient history and occult practices. However, I found the book to be quite dense and challenging to follow. The author's writing style was overly academic, making it hard for a non-expert to fully grasp the content. Furthermore, I wish there were more illustrations or explanatory images to accompany the text, as it would have helped visualize some of the rituals and spells. Ultimately, I found myself skimming through parts of the book due to the difficulty in comprehending the material.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"The Greek Magical Papyri" fell short of my expectations. The translations provided were often awkward and did not capture the true essence of the original texts. As someone interested in ancient magic, I was hoping for a more engaging and immersive experience. Additionally, the book lacked a coherent structure, with the information presented in a disjointed manner. I would not recommend this book for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of ancient Greek magical practices.