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Who is Thoth? The Egyptian God of Writing, Magic, the Moon and Fate who Became Hermes Trismegistus

ESOTERICA・24 minutes read

Thoth, an ancient Egyptian deity associated with wisdom and knowledge, played multiple roles in Egyptian theology, from a lunar god to a divine judge. His teachings and legacy merged with Greek mythology, solidifying his reputation as a complex and powerful deity.

Insights

  • Thoth, an ancient Egyptian deity, evolved from a moon god to a multifaceted figure associated with wisdom, writing, magic, and judgment, solidifying his legacy as a powerful and complex entity in Egyptian mythology.
  • Thoth's influence extended to various domains, including time reckoning, social order, language, and healing, showcasing his significance as a divine scribe, legislator, healer, and judge in Egyptian theology, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices.

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  • Who is Thoth in Egyptian mythology?

    Thoth, an ibis-headed God, embodies wisdom, writing, magic, and judgment in Egyptian theology.

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Summary

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Thoth: Egyptian God of Wisdom and Magic

  • Ancient Egypt, with its monumental construction projects and intellectual achievements, has long been admired for its wisdom and influence on Western science, mathematics, and philosophy.
  • Thoth, the ibis-headed God, played various roles in Egyptian theology, evolving from a moon God to a god of wisdom, writing, magic, creation, and judgment.
  • Thoth's teachings formed the core of hermetic philosophy, surviving the decline of classical Egyptian theology and merging with the Greek Hermes to become Hermes Trismegistus.
  • Thoth's name and pronunciation evolved over time, with various depictions reflecting his different roles, such as a lunar deity, divine mediator, and healer god.
  • Thoth's association with the moon tied him to calendrical issues, time reckoning, and fate, with the first month of the Egyptian calendar named after him.
  • Thoth was considered the ruler of time, setting regnal periods, extending the Pharaoh's life through his book of annals, and being the king of eternity.
  • Thoth's role extended to social order and law, being seen as the most ancient legislator and the organizer of religious liturgies and temple architecture.
  • Thoth was revered as the divine scribe, credited with the origin of language, sacred words, and magical power, with scribes having shrines dedicated to him.
  • Thoth's divine words carried sacred dynamism and magical efficiency, although only fragments of ancient religious texts survive.
  • Thoth's complex and decisive role in Egyptian mythology, from assisting Isis in reuniting Osiris to his lunar associations and contributions to social order and language, solidifies his legacy as a powerful and multifaceted deity.

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Thoth: Egyptian deity of knowledge and magic.

  • The book of Thoth from Antiquity is distinct from the modern-day channeled book of Thoth the Atlantean, which lacks historical Egyptian roots.
  • Thoth, an Egyptian deity, is associated with vast knowledge encompassing space, time, language, and wisdom, often linked with the god Sia.
  • Thoth is depicted as a divine perceptive reason, residing in a vast archive of knowledge, extending to arts, sciences, and individual hearts.
  • In the afterlife, Thoth judges the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma'at for eternal fate, emphasizing annihilation over hell for the ancient Egyptians.
  • Thoth's role in Egyptian mythology is intertwined with the Memphis Theology of Batai and the solar Cult of Ra, often depicted as a creator deity and a divine thought.
  • Thoth is revered as a creator deity, closely associated with Ra, depicted on the solar bark and considered a navigator, akin to the Greek concept of the logos.
  • Thoth's domain of heka or magic is significant, with Thoth being referred to as the Lord of heka, associated with repelling demonic attacks and aiding in deification.
  • Thoth's healing powers extend to ritualistic healing, employing magic for various purposes, including defending against snake and scorpion bites.
  • Thoth's role extends to guiding souls in the afterlife, weighing hearts against Ma'at, and acting as a judge and defense attorney in the underworldly trial, emphasizing purification for eternal life.
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