Thoth, an ancient Egyptian deity known for his connection to the Moon, wisdom, writing, and magick has been revered and worshipped for centuries. With a complex and diverse mythological origin in Egyptian culture, Thoth encompasses a multitude of roles and functions, wielding considerable influence over various aspects of life, such as art, literature, history, and religion. This research article delves into the evolution, mythology, and magickal practices associated with Thoth, exploring his significance and impact on the development of Egyptian culture and beyond.
Mythological Origin and Roles
According to Egyptian mythology, Thoth served as the scribe of the gods and is credited with the invention of writing and Egyptian hieroglyphs. In the underworld, Duat, Thoth assumed the form of an ape (Aani) – the god of equilibrium – who reported when the scale weighing a deceased’s heart against the feather of Maat (representing truth and order) was perfectly balanced.
Thoth is regarded as One, self-begotten, and self-produced. He was considered the master of both physical and moral (i.e., divine) law, ensuring the proper utilization of Ma’at. Thoth is attributed with calculating the establishment of the heavens, stars, Earth, and all within them.
The Egyptians credited Thoth as the author of scientific, religious, philosophical, and magical works. The Greeks further declared him the inventor of multiple fields of knowledge, including astronomy, astrology, mathematics, geometry, medicine, botany, theology, civilized government, the alphabet, reading, writing, and oratory. They also claimed Thoth to be the true author of every work of human and divine knowledge.
Symbolism and Associations
Thoth is typically represented as a man with the head of an ibis or baboon, both animals sacred to him. His feminine counterpart was Seshat, while his wife was Ma’at. Being the god of the Moon allowed Thoth to oversee wisdom, knowledge, writing, hieroglyphs, science, magic, art, and judgment.
Thoth’s primary temple was situated in the city of Hermopolis (Khemenu in ancient Egyptian). Unfortunately, much of the Temple of Thoth was destroyed before the beginning of the Christian era. In the later history of ancient Egypt, Thoth became increasingly associated with the arbitration of godly disputes, magical arts, writing systems, and judgment of the dead. Thoth’s symbols include the ibis, moon disk, papyrus scroll, reed pen, writing palette, stylus, baboon, and scales.
Thoth’s Connection to the Moon and Society
Thoth’s association with the Moon granted him significant importance in early astrology and astronomy. The Moon’s phases and perceived cycles organized numerous Egyptian societal rituals and events, both civil and religious. As a result, Thoth evolved into a god of wisdom, magic, and the measurement and regulation of events and time. Thoth was subsequently described as the secretary and counselor of the Sun god Ra, standing next to Ra with Ma’at on their nightly voyage across the sky.
Thoth became acknowledged as the inventor of writing (hieroglyphs) by the ancient Egyptians and was also deemed the underworld’s scribe. Consequently, scribes universally worshipped Thoth, and many chose to display a painting or image of Thoth within their homes. The ancient Egyptians’ writing system was intricate and complicated, with hundreds of hieroglyphs and symbols representing words, ideas, objects, sounds, or syllables. Writing was used for keeping track of religious offerings to the gods, recording historical events and battles, documenting the lives of pharaohs and their deeds.
Magickal Practices Associated with Thoth
Thoth’s role as the god of writing and language extended into the realm of magick. Amulets bearing Thoth’s name have been found in tombs, and spells invoking Thoth were used to protect against illness, harm, and evil spirits. Thoth was also believed to possess knowledge of powerful incantations that could be used for protection, healing, divination, and other magickal purposes.
In addition to writing, Thoth was also associated with the practice of alchemy and the transformation of lead into gold. This is believed to have symbolic significance, representing the transformation of the soul from its imperfect state to a perfected state through spiritual practices and wisdom gained from Thoth.
The Ritual of Thoth’s Wisdom: An Invocation for Power Words
Ritual Implements
A consecrated pen
Consecrated paper or papyrus
A consecrated stylus and clay tablet
A blue candle
Astral Portal of Thoth
Before beginning the ritual, ensure you have a quiet, sacred space free from distractions and interruptions. You will need a comfortable chair, a table, a new notebook dedicated to this practice, a quill pen, and ink.
- Purification: At the start of the ritual, cleanse and purify your body and your sacred space with sage or frankincense. This act symbolizes the removal of negative energies and distractions.
- Invocation of Thoth: Sit comfortably at the table and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Now, invoke Thoth, the god of writing and wisdom, by reciting the following or the Hymn of Thoth while gazing upon the Astral Portal of Thoth.
“Hail Thoth, the great god, the son of Ra,
The moon’s lord, the master of words.
I call upon your wisdom and power,
Guide my hand as I seek words of power.”
- Automatic Writing: With your invocation still ringing in the air, take your quill in hand, and place it on the first page of your notebook. Keep your mind relaxed and open, allowing Thoth’s divine influence to guide you. For more on how automatic writing works in magickal practice.
- Recording the Words of Power: As your hand moves across the page, record any words, phrases, or images that come to mind. Don’t judge or analyze; simply let the wisdom of Thoth flow through you, manifesting as written symbols on the page. Whatever they are, these words need to be tested in magical practice. Whatever inclination you have as you record them jot it down but do your best not to attach profound meaning to them. Meaning will manifest itself with practice later. The idea is to attempt to capture vital vibrations that can be used as an inscription or a vocalized sound.
- Closing the Ritual: Once you feel the flow of words stop, gently put down your quill and thank Thoth for his wisdom and guidance:
“I thank you, Thoth, for your divine wisdom.
May these words of power serve me well in my magickal works.
As you return to the celestial sphere, leave these words as my guide.”
- Integration and Use of the Words of Power: Review the words or symbols that came forth during the automatic writing process. These are your words of power. Use them in your magickal practices, as they carry the potent wisdom and energy of Thoth.
Remember, the effectiveness of this ritual lies in your faith, intent, and consistent practice. Thoth is a god of wisdom and knowledge, and he rewards those who seek with a sincere heart and open mind.
