Calling Upon the Neteru - The Gods and Spirits of Egyptian Magick
Part II: The Gods and Spirits of Egyptian Magick in Ancient Egypt
Calling Upon the Neteru: The Gods of Egypt in Ritual Work
In ancient Egyptian spirituality, the Neteru (singular: Neter) represent a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, each embodying distinct aspects of life, nature, and cosmic order. The practice of invoking these deities during rituals was fundamental to Egyptian religion, as it facilitated communication between the divine and the mortal realms. This chapter explores the significance of the Neteru in ritual work, the methods of invocation, and the underlying beliefs that shaped these practices.
1. The Neteru: An Overview of the Divine Powers
Definition and Importance
The term Neteru translates roughly to "gods" or "divine powers." The Neteru were integral to the ancient Egyptians' understanding of the universe, each representing specific forces or concepts such as creation, destruction, fertility, and the afterlife.
Key Neteru and Their Attributes
• Ra (Re): The sun god and creator deity, symbolizing light, order, and growth. Ra's daily journey across the sky represented the cycle of life.
• Osiris: The god of the afterlife and resurrection, embodying themes of death and rebirth. He was a protector of the dead and ruler of the underworld.
• Isis: The goddess of magic, motherhood, and healing, revered for her nurturing qualities and protective powers. She played a vital role in various myths, including the resurrection of Osiris.
• Horus: The sky god associated with kingship and protection. He is often depicted as a falcon and is linked to the pharaoh, symbolizing divine authority.
• Anubis: The god of mummification and the afterlife, overseeing funerary practices and the judgment of souls.
Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Representations
The Neteru were often depicted in anthropomorphic forms, combining human characteristics with animal features. This symbolism emphasized their divine nature and connection to the natural world. For instance, Hathor is often shown as a woman with cow horns, representing fertility and motherhood.
2. Ritual Work: Purpose and Significance
The Role of Rituals
Rituals served multiple purposes in ancient Egyptian society:
• Communication with the Divine: Rituals facilitated direct communication between humans and the Neteru, allowing worshippers to seek guidance, protection, and favor from the gods.
• Maintaining Ma’at: Rituals were essential for upholding Ma’at, the principle of cosmic order, truth, and balance. By honoring the Neteru, the Egyptians believed they could ensure harmony in their lives and the world around them.
Types of Rituals
1. Daily Offerings: These rituals were performed in temples where priests offered food, incense, and prayers to the Neteru. Daily offerings maintained the favor of the gods and were believed to ensure the continued prosperity of the community.
2. Funerary Rituals: Funerary practices involved invoking the Neteru to assist the deceased in their journey through the Duat (the afterlife). These rituals included the recitation of spells, offerings, and the guidance of deities like Anubis and Osiris.
3. Festivals and Ceremonies: Seasonal festivals honored specific Neteru and involved elaborate public rituals, music, dance, and processions. These celebrations strengthened community ties and reinforced the connection between the divine and the human realms.
3. Methods of Invoking the Neteru
Preparation for Rituals
Before invoking the Neteru, specific preparations were necessary to create a sacred space and align the intentions of the practitioners:
• Purification: Participants would undergo purification rituals, such as washing and anointing with oils, to prepare themselves spiritually.
• Creating Sacred Space: Ritual spaces were adorned with symbols, offerings, and images of the Neteru to invite their presence and establish an atmosphere conducive to divine interaction.
Invocation Techniques
1. Prayers and Spells: Ritual practitioners recited specific prayers and spells, often derived from sacred texts like the Book of the Dead, to invoke the desired Neter. These incantations were believed to carry power and resonance, allowing the practitioners to communicate directly with the gods.
2. Offering Rituals: Presenting offerings was a central aspect of invoking the Neteru. Food, incense, flowers, and symbolic objects were offered to appease and honor the deities, showing gratitude and respect.
3. Sacred Symbols and Objects: Ritual tools such as wands, scepters, and amulets bearing symbols associated with the Neteru were employed to channel divine energy and facilitate communication.
4. Visualizations and Meditation: Practitioners often engaged in meditative practices to visualize the presence of the Neteru and connect with their divine qualities. This introspective approach allowed for deeper spiritual experiences.
4. The Power of Divine Names
Names of the Neteru
In ancient Egyptian belief, the names of the Neteru held immense power. Knowing the true name of a god was believed to grant the practitioner access to the deity's essence and influence. Invoking the name of a Neter during rituals was a way to establish a connection and call forth their presence.
The Importance of Correct Pronunciation
The precise pronunciation of divine names was crucial in ritual work. It was believed that incorrect pronunciation could lead to misunderstandings or failures in communication with the gods. This attention to detail emphasized the significance of language in ancient Egyptian spirituality.
5. The Relationship Between Humans and the Neteru
Reciprocal Nature of Worship
The relationship between humans and the Neteru was reciprocal. While humans sought protection, guidance, and blessings from the gods, the Neteru expected devotion, respect, and offerings in return. This mutual interaction fostered a sense of balance and harmony within the community.
Role of Priests and Priestesses
Priests and priestesses acted as intermediaries between the people and the Neteru, conducting rituals, maintaining temples, and ensuring that offerings were properly presented. Their training included extensive knowledge of rituals, sacred texts, and the attributes of various deities.
6. Legacy of Neteru Invocation in Modern Spirituality
Contemporary Practices
The reverence for the Neteru and their invocation continues in modern spiritual practices inspired by ancient Egyptian traditions. Contemporary practitioners of Egyptian spirituality may incorporate rituals, prayers, and offerings into their spiritual lives, emphasizing a connection to the divine.
Influence on Modern Esoteric Traditions
The concepts of invoking deities and working with divine energies from the ancient Egyptian pantheon have influenced various esoteric traditions and practices, such as Wicca, Neopaganism, and other forms of spirituality that emphasize the interplay between the human and divine realms.
Calling upon the Neteru in ritual work is a profound aspect of ancient Egyptian spirituality. It reflects a deeply ingrained understanding of the interconnectedness of life, death, and the divine. Through the invocation of the Neteru, practitioners sought not only to communicate with the gods but also to align themselves with the cosmic order and ensure the well-being of their communities.
The enduring legacy of these practices continues to inspire modern spiritual seekers, emphasizing the timeless quest for understanding, connection, and the divine. The Neteru remain a vital part of the ancient Egyptian spiritual landscape, embodying the complexities of existence and the human experience.
