The Book of Thoth is a legendary book of spells that some have called the ancient world's most important book. But is there any truth to this magical ancient Egyptian tome?
Ancient Wisdom and Power
-
The Book of Thoth, a legendary 5,000-year-old Egyptian text, allegedly contains esoteric wisdom enabling communication with gods, animals, and access to the afterlife.
-
Greek occupiers in 3rd century BC Egypt adopted the god Thoth, equating him with their god Hermes, leading to the creation of the Corpus Hermeticum.
Renaissance and Occult Influence
-
The Masons incorporated Egyptian imagery and rituals, focusing on symbolic rebirth, a central concept in the Book of Thoth and Corpus Hermeticum.
-
French occultist Antoine Caban in the 18th century linked tarot cards to Hermetic philosophy, claiming they were based on the Book of Thoth.
Modern Interpretations and Impact
-
Occultist Aleister Crowley claimed to receive the Book of Thoth from ancient Egyptian gods in 1904, publishing it as the Book of Law with tenets like "do as thou wilt shall be the whole law".
-
The Book of Thoth's concepts influenced 1960s counterculture and rock music, with Crowley's face appearing on The Beatles' Sergeant Pepper album.