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The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation


Synopsis


"The Greek magical papyri" is a collection of magical spells and formulas, hymns, and rituals from Greco-Roman Egypt, dating from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. Containing a fresh translation of the Greek papyri, as well as Coptic and Demotic texts, this new translation has been brought up to date and is now the most comprehensive collection of this literature, and the first ever in English.

The Greek Magical Papyri in Transition is an invaluable resource for scholars in a wide variety of fields, from the history of religions to the classical languages and literatures, and it will fascinate those with a general interest in the occult and the history of magic.

"One of the major achievements of classical and related scholarship over the last decade."-Ioan P. Culianu, Journal for the Study of Judaism

"The enormous value of this new volume lies in the fact that these texts will now be available to a much wider audience of readers, including historians or religion, anthropologists, and psychologists."-John G. Gager, Journal of Religion

"[This book] shows care, skill and zest. . . . Any worker in the field will welcome this sterling performance."-Peter Parsons, Times Literary Supplement

Hans Dieter Betz

Summary

Chapter 1: Demotic and Greek Magical Papyri

* Summary: Introduces the history of magical papyri in Egypt, from their origins in Demotic (a later form of the Egyptian language) to their translation into Greek.
* Example: Papyrus London and Leiden (pg. 1-4), a Demotic text containing spells and incantations for healing and protection.

Chapter 2: The Magical Papyrus of Paris (PGM)

* Summary: Discusses the contents, structure, and significance of the PGM, the largest and most comprehensive collection of Greek magical texts.
* Example: PGM IV. 924-944 (pg. 35-37), a spell for inducing love, involving the use of a figurine and a magical formula.

Chapter 3: Rituals of Invocation

* Summary: Examines the various methods used in magical papyri to invoke divine powers, including prayers, hymns, and incantations.
* Example: PGM IV. 189-200 (pg. 48-51), a hymn to the sun god Helios, invoking his help in casting out demons.

Chapter 4: Healing Rituals

* Summary: Describes the wide range of healing practices found in magical papyri, including prescriptions, amulets, and apotropaic rituals.
* Example: PGM IV. 1023-1030 (pg. 91-93), a prescription for a headache remedy, using a combination of herbs and incantations.

Chapter 5: Erotic Magic

* Summary: Explores the use of magic to attract lovers, prevent infidelity, and promote sexual pleasure.
* Example: PGM IV. 2659-2680 (pg. 144-147), a spell for seducing a woman, involving the use of a charm and a potion.

Chapter 6: Curses and Binding Spells

* Summary: Discusses the prevalence of curses in magical papyri, as well as the countermeasures used to protect against them.
* Example: PGM IV. 2887-2908 (pg. 159-161), a curse against an enemy, involving the use of a lead tablet inscribed with magical symbols.

Chapter 7: Magical Amulets and Talismans

* Summary: Examines the use of amulets and talismans in magical practice, as protective devices and as a means of summoning divine powers.
* Example: PGM XII. 5-14 (pg. 195-197), the description of an amulet containing the names and images of seven gods, used for protection against demons.

Chapter 8: Astronomical and Astrological Magic

* Summary: Discusses the role of astrology and astronomy in magical practices, including spells that utilize the movements of planets and stars.
* Example: PGM IV. 1413-1456 (pg. 106-109), a spell for divining the future by observing the flight of birds.

Chapter 9: Demonology and Exorcism

* Summary: Examines the beliefs about demons in magical papyri, as well as the rituals and incantations used to exorcise them.
* Example: PGM IV. 760-783 (pg. 69-72), a spell for exorcising a demon that possesses a child, involving the use of prayers, incantations, and the consumption of a special potion.