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Author: * Mirjam Nebet -
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Date: Sep 20, 2006 - 04:50
Not really, not in the same sense that we mean today. There were so called "Oracles" which could be approached by anyone during the festivals when the statue of the god was carried out from the temple on a barge. Then it would stop at intervals along the processional route and people could ask "yes" or "no" questions. The answers were obtained by the priests tipping the barge forward for yes and backwards for no. ;)
But so called "magic" that is, heka was practised in ancient Egypt, both in the priesthood and in private life. If you want to, see my article The Power of Heka, which explains the concept. I´ve not learnt that the king had someone at court especially for that, it was more something which depended on the gods and which everyone could do, as an integrated aspect of life. Bethink that in AE there was no word for "religion", for everything was divine, the gods were present everywhere and in everything. It was never separated.
There is a very good book if you are interested: "Magic in Ancient Egypt" by Geraldine Pinch, available at amazon.com .
Hope this helps! :)
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