Book Review

Hieroglyphic Words of Power

Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwor

by Normandi Ellis

264 Pages

 

 

Let me begin by saying that I may display a bias for this book from the start. I work with the Egyptian pantheon, have read other works by Normandi Ellis and find her works the perfect balance of academia and magick…

… Words are magic. They operate on many levels through both sound and symbol. Egyptian priests understood that language and thought could create the realities if the exact words are uttered at the right time, properly intoned, and filled with intention. They called their magical language of hieroglyphic symbols, medju neter, meaning “the Word of God”…^1.

Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwork by Normandi Ellis is an invitation to step into the mysteries of an ancient tradition and awaken to the power held in speaking, drawing and manifesting through vibration. In this instance the vibrational catalyst is that of Egyptian Hieroglyphs. Normandi speaks of the Hieroglyphs and her personal journey with them in this way…

… For nearly two years I used the hieroglyphic symbols as a focal point in ongoing meditations. To make meditations easier, I drew the images I was seeing onto blank papyrus slips and placed them where I could see them during the meditation. The writing of the oracle notations began after several months of meditations, several dreams, and some encouragement from my spirit guides.

The more you write or copy a hieroglyph in a notebook with your own hand, the more you inscribe the image into your own flesh. The more often you work with these symbols, the more you will expand your consciousness, your understanding of life, and your ability to create a life around yourself through your attention and intention. The magic is inherent in the hieroglyph itself and lives within you. In other words, each word written in hieroglyphs offers a world to be explored…. ^2.

Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwork is a thick and heavy book. 264 pages does not sound like a lot, but the sheer weight of this book I believe holds clue to the weight of the subject matter and the impact of the written word. The book begins with an Introduction to the Hieroglyphs and gives the necessary background and rationale for why one would give such in depth intention to this form. There is much to ruminate on in this short introduction (10pgaes) that sets the tone for what the reader in “in for”. I say that with the utmost respect, knowing the level of detail and insight that Normandi offers in all of her books.

The Unique Magic of the Hieroglyphs prepares the reader for the work at hand. Insight and instruction in ways to begin the process of connection to the symbols through meditation, using them in oracle and dreamwork, ritual and creation of tools and amulets all bring the work to life.

… Meditating with the hieroglyphs can also have a healing effect on the practitioner. Simply saying the word creates within the speaker certain vibrational patterns that carry the energy of the chakra systems. Tonality and musicality of the spoken word all have their affects which is no doubt why the ancients had hidden the vowel sounds from the uninitiated eye…^3.

Each in depth process laying a foundation for moving into deeper work with the symbols and opening the way for a more holistic grasp of these ancient words as tools of application for modern day magick and manifestation. I particularly enjoyed the use of numerology in practice of the Hieroglyphs. Numbers are, of course, another way of “vibrating” so incorporating that knowledge into collaboration with use of Hieroglyphic magick is brilliant.

The central portion of Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwork is devoted to giving attention to sixty(60) Hieroglyphs. These sixty chosen include names of the Deities, principles of belief and Pharaohs and reinforce the understanding we may have of some already, if only through museums, documentaries and primary education. Each is offered in the context of its use, meaning and reference in Egyptian spiritual practices.

Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwork concludes with The Layouts: Tools for Divination and some beautifully unique spreads. Throughout the book the reader is encouraged to create an oracle deck using the symbols and information presented for the sixty(60) Hieroglyphs. These can be used for meditation, sounding and toning or as tools for divination. This final chapter brings that idea into well-constructed spreads and interpretations for the components that will definitely open you to a much broader perspective. Each spread aligns with a facet of Egyptian practice such as The Dendara Zodiac, The Djed Pillar (Tree of Life), The Sphinx Reading, The Ennead (Journey) Reading and others.

As would be expected, the Notes and Bibliography section are robust with recommendations and references that would provide any student of the Egyptian Mysteries with ample material to peruse. The content of this book is such that the Index thoughtfully added is of great help for quick look up.

Would I Recommend:

Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magick, Divination and Dreamwork by Normandi Ellis is a feast of knowledge and inspiration. For those who incorporate Egyptian magic into their practice it is a tome filled with insight and opportunity to explore the complexities of those mysteries as well as honing additional skills in the philosophies of Egyptian practice. For those less familiar with this tradition or new to the craft Hieroglyphic Words of Power lays the foundations that are inherent in all magickal practice and once taken a closer look at can enrich every path.

The thorough research and academic approach works well with the subject matter, giving the all too often left out explanation of the “history and why”, front and center stage in presentation of the concepts. This makes the reader feel more a part of the experience and opens pathways otherwise not trod for those who desire deeper connection. This is a delicious read that you want to savor and sup slowly from to get the most from every morsel.

About Author Normandi Ellis:

 

 

Normandi Ellis is an award-winning writer, workshop facilitator, and director of PenHouse Retreat Center. The author of several books, including Awakening Osiris, and coauthor of Invoking the Scribes of Ancient Egypt, she leads tours to Egypt with “Shamanic Journeys, Ltd” and lives in Frankfort, Kentucky. https://normandiellis.com/

Footnotes:

1. Back Cover
2. p. 15
3. p. 16

 

Hieroglyphic Words of Power: Symbols for Magic, Divination, and Dreamwork on Amazon

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About the Author:

Robin Fennelly is a Third Degree Initiate within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.  

Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.  A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.

Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd and finally 3rd degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of Oak and Willow since Samhain of 2001.

As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she has used Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.

Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.  She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.  She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival this Summer. Her most recent project is hosting an online blogging community entitled The Pagan Experience.

Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings.  She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.

Robin’s Books

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah

The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah

The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe

Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord

The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF

Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions

Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion

A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year

The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings

The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World

For more info: http://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html

Robin’s Website: www.robinfennelly.com

Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org