Magic Wand

The Egyptians believed in magic. They had a word for it, heqa. A wand like this would have been part of a magicians kit. He would also have used spells written on papyrus, magical potions and ingredients, and even wax figurines that could be used like voodoo dolls.

The Egyptians used magic for all sorts of things. Some examples are given below. Also click here for a story about a magician that you might recognise...

A real wand

Make a mixture of milk of a woman who has borne a son, gum, and ram's hair. While putting on the patient say:

'Thy son Horus is burnt in the desert. Is there any water there? There is no water. I have water in my mouth and a Nile between my thighs. I have come to extinguish the fire.'

These winds have been given to me by these maidens. Such is the north-wind which circulates about the isles, which opens its arms to the limits of the earth, and which rests when it has brought the things which I desire every day.

Make a figure of a dog eight fingers long out of wax and gum. Write magical words on the figure where the ribs are. On a separate lead tablet, write the names of the demons who are being called upon to assist. Then place the tablet on a tripod and the dog on the tablet.

If the dog snarls the spell will not work.

If the dog barks it will work.