Think Egypt Think Magic: The Power of Heka in the Life of King and Commoner – Part I
Ancient Egypt was renowned and respected for her wisdom, art and architecture by all those who came into contact with her. What also caught the attention of these admirers was the practice of magic that was hailed as a life-giver and sustainer; and also vilified in some quarters as a dark art. Regardless of the varied assessments by the outside world, the lives of devout Egyptians were inextricably intertwined with magic.
An eye made of glass and obsidian from a coffin belonging to the Late Period (724 - 333 BC). As an amulet, the popular Wedjat eye symbolized health and protection. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Heralding the Power of Heka
Titus Flavius Clemens, better known as Clement of Alexandria declared in the early third century AD that: “Egypt was the mother of magicians”. Spanning several millennia, magic in ancient Egypt was a potent and inalienable force that operated in every strata of social life and dictated the daily lives of its citizens - embracing religion, politics, birth and death.
