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Outline of Egyptian Temple Ritual

Adapted by CES, 1997

Here is a way to open modern Egyptian rituals based on historical references.

The Egyptian temples appear to have three basic rituals that were practiced every day.

These rituals revolved around the position of the sun –sunrise –noon – sunset.

The midday ritual was brief, while the morning and evening rituals being longer.

Both the evening and morning rituals contain many of the steps listed below with a few deviations.

The steps listed below are not necessary in the same order as practiced in ancient times. For more information on how these rites were performed consult Serge Sauneron’s book, the Priests of Ancient Egypt.

Also there is a great book entitled “Eternal Egypt” by Richard Reidy that has a complete morning temple ritual that was used by the ancient Egyptians.

Purification of the Body:

Before the ritual, take a purification bath.

Meditation:

One may wish to perform a small meditation in order to calm the nerves.

Four cardinal points:

Then recite the following formula four times at the four cardinal points. The high priest, arms hanging at his sides in an attitude of respectful humility. The priest then prayed reciting his formula four times, once to each cardinal direction, so that it would reach the limits of the world. This procedure was probably Greek in origin (?)

Purification of the temple:

Purify the area with incense and setup the altar. Purify any offerings with holy water and by censing them with incense. The statue of the deity should also be covered with a cloth.

Anointment:

You also may wish to anoint the statue at this time, or sprinkle it with holy water. This was to ensure an increase of physical purity.

Invoking the Deity:

Light the candle which is next to the statue then uncover the statue. Recite the morning/midday/evening song.

I adore your majesty with choice expressions and prayers that magnify your prestige in all your great name. And in all the holy forms of manifestations in which you revealed yourself in the first moment of the world.

Ritual:

Perform any ritual workings, spells, etc.

Offering:

Present any offerings to the deity/statue. If the offering is food, consume the offering after you have presented it by doing a reversion of offering rite. (you might also want to say a prayer to the god/dess)

Purification and End of the Temple ritual:

After the ritual is done fumigate the area once again as you disassemble the altar and cover the statue. In ancient times the priest walked out the temple backwards, while using a broom to sweep their footprints from the sand.