Korshi Dosoo on the Papyri Græcæ Magicæ and Western Esotericism
Nov 28, 2019
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Papyrologist Korshi Dosoo discusses the Greek Magical Papyri, exploring its history, translation, and cultural context in ancient Egypt. The podcast covers topics like abracadabra words, magical signs, invocations, binding spells, and the linguistic situation in ancient Egypt. It also touches upon the influence of magical papyri on modern society and popular culture, as well as the connection between the Book of Abraham and the Joseph Smith Papyrus.
The Greek magical papyri represent a hybrid tradition where both Egyptian and Greek influences can be seen in the combination of deities and rituals.
The Greek magical papyri showcase similarities with other magical traditions across the Mediterranean region, suggesting a larger interconnected magical tradition.
The podcast explores the impact of Egyptian magic on Western esotericism, including its influence on modern culture, psychology, sociology, and the Mormon faith.
Deep dives
The Corpus of Greek Magical Papyri
The Greek magical papyri (PGM) is a collection of approximately 100 texts, put together by Karl Preisendanz in the 1920s and 1930s. These texts were found in Egypt and are part of the larger history of papyrology and the discovery of artifacts in the region. The texts include various types of magical rituals, divination practices, healing spells, and the creation of amulets. They show a combination of Egyptian and Greek elements, with references to both Egyptian and Greek deities. The PGMs were likely not widely available in the marketplace, and their use and circulation were mostly among practitioners and collectors.
The Relationship Between Greek and Egyptian Elements
The Greek magical papyri show a blending of Greek and Egyptian elements. While references to Egyptian deities and practices are present, there are also Greek deities and influences. The texts often invoke the sun god and moon goddess, which have deep Egyptian origins. However, there are also some non-Egyptian elements, such as the use of threats against the gods, which have strong Greek influence. The magical papyri represent a hybrid tradition where both cultures have influenced each other.
Similarities with Other Magical Traditions
The Greek magical papyri share similarities with other magical traditions across the Mediterranean region. Practices found in the PGM texts, such as curse tablets and divination spells, have parallels in other regions, including North Africa, the Near East, and parts of Europe. There is evidence of exchange and adoption of ideas among practitioners. These similarities suggest a larger Mediterranean magical tradition that was not limited to Egypt alone.
The Role of Greece and Egypt in Magical Practices
Both Greece and Egypt played significant roles in magical practices during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Greek magical papyri showcase a combination of Greek and Egyptian magical traditions. While the influence of Egypt is present with its deities and rituals, the texts also demonstrate Greek conceptions and practices. The cult of Isis, while influential, might not be the sole reason for the spread of magical practices. The availability and circulation of written texts, as well as the involvement of practitioners from different cultures, likely contributed to the adoption and adaptation of magical practices across the Mediterranean region.
Influence of Egyptian Magic in Western Esotericism
The podcast episode explores the influence of Egyptian magic on Western esotericism and Western thought. It discusses how the Egyptian magical papyri have had a profound impact on various aspects of modern culture, such as literature, art, and even popular games. One example is the connection between the ancient Egyptian magical text PGM 7 and the concept of the Ouroboros. This text contains the original depiction of the Ouroboros, and its influence can be traced to Carl Jung's work, who popularized the concept of the Ouroboros in modern psychology. Another example is the impact of Egyptian magic on modern sociology, particularly through the work 'General Theory of Magic' by Marcel Mauss and Henri Hubert. They drew upon Greek and Roman magical material and demonstrated the relationship between magic and religion. This work influenced subsequent scholars and even popular culture with the concept of mana as a source of magical power.
The Influence of Egyptian Magic in the Church of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
The podcast episode delves into the influence of Egyptian magic in the Church of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. It discusses how Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith, claimed to have translated Egyptian hieroglyphs and ancient texts, including the Book of Abraham. The translation of these texts and their incorporation into Mormon theology created controversies and debates among scholars and within the Mormon community. The connection between the Book of Abraham and the Greek magical papyri was examined, suggesting a possible influence on Joseph Smith's ideas and interpretations. However, scholars and ex-Mormons offered differing perspectives on the authenticity and appropriateness of these translations, highlighting how ancient texts can be interpreted and used in different ways by religious and esoteric movements.
We speak with papyrologist Korshi Dosoo about the history, interpretation, and makeup of the body of documents known nowadays as the Greek Magical Papyri. It all starts in ancient Egypt, but it doesn't stop until Aleister Crowley and the Mormons have made an appearance.
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