Ancient Egyptian Spell for Separation

This is a ritual instruction preserved in the Egyptian Ritual Manual PDM XII, 62-75 (PDM = Papyri Demoticae Magicae – Demotic Magical Papyri), dated to mid to late 2nd century

The depicted figure that has to be drawn on a potsherd is described as a donkey in the instruction. The name „Seth“ is inscribed on his chest. You can see that the papyrus and the writing are badly damaged. Whenever a text cannot be read anymore, this is indicated with square brackets in academic publications.

“Another (spell for separation): You bring in a [sherd], and you write the names on it, and you bury [it] in the road of [your target]. Recitation:

Brag Grab Bragh Hôsperthnaks Bryenhegh Baspheth Ôy Asthrouph Patathnag Ap Ô PseYô Beth Yô Bolghôseth Yô Pagerbeth: Separate NN, born of NN, from NN, born of NN! 2x

You bring a sherd […] of beer of […] which is burnt and you write [on] it a donkey in this way:

Separate NN, born of NN, from NN, born of NN!”

And you say this name to it again 7x, and you lift the sherd, and you [bury it] in the house in which they are. You do it […]

Papyrus AMS 75 (PDM/PGM XII), Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden © Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden, the Netherlands

The Archaeology of Ancient Magic - Ancient Egyptian Ritual Instruction for Separation - AMS 75 (PDM/PGM XII), Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden © Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden, the Netherlands


Become a patron for more infographics, research and videos: https://www.patreon.com/ancientmagic