January 8, 2025 • 19 mins
Hello gentle listeners, I hope you enjoyed this weeks episode on Thoth as much I did writing and recording it. If you did then share it with your friends and family as it really helps the podcast grow, If you have any suggestions for future episodes then send them to whispersofthepastreviews@gmail.com
Written and recorded by your host Josh
Sound designed by Charles Wade
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hello gentle listeners and welcome back to Whispers of the Past. I'm your host, Josh,
(00:10):
and today we're diving into the ancient sands of Egypt to explore the life and legacy of
one of its most intriguing gods, Thoth. Revered as the god of wisdom, writing and magic, Thoth
is a figure whose influence stretches far beyond the borders of ancient Egypt, touching
the worlds of philosophy, mysticism and even modern day culture. So, settle in as we unfold
(00:36):
the feathers of the ibis, the sacred bird so closely associated with this enigmatic
deity, and embark on a journey through time to discover the tales and teachings of Thoth.
But first, I have a story for you. Long ago, before the heavens and earth came
into being, there existed only the boundless, swirling darkness of nun, the primordial
(01:00):
waters of chaos. From this endless void, creation began to emerge, not solely through the wisdom
of one god, but through the harmonious interplay of many divine forces, each contributing their
essence to shape the world. Among these gods stood Thoth, the brilliant and wise scribe
of the divine. His role was pivotal in recording the plans of creation and ensuring the universe's
(01:27):
balance. As Ra, the great sun god, emerged to bring
light to the cosmos, it was Thoth who carefully measured the heavens and set the stars in
their courses. His calculations laid the foundation for the movement of celestial bodies and the
cycles of time. The earth, formed by Geb, and the sky, lifted by Nut, came into being
(01:49):
under the principles of Ma at, truth, balance and justice, that Thoth helped to establish.
These principles became the invisible threads holding the universe together, ensuring harmony
in all things. When the time came for the gods to create
humanity, their efforts were deliberate and collaborative, from the fertile mud along
(02:11):
the banks of the Nile, shaped by the hands of Khunum, and given life by the breath of
the moon, humanity was born. Yet, their creation was incomplete, without guidance, knowledge
and the means to thrive. It was here that Thoth stepped forward, not as the sole creator,
but as the divine teacher and keeper of wisdom who would shape humanity's destiny.
(02:37):
Thoth observed the first humans as they wandered the new world, awestruck, yet unsure of their
place within it. He saw their potential, but also their vulnerability. To aid them, Toth
gifted humanity with writing, the sacred art that would allow them to record their thoughts,
preserve their histories and communicate with one another across time.
(03:01):
Inspired by the ibis birds that traced patterns in the mud of Nile, Thoth invented hieroglyphs,
symbols that could carry the power of words and ideas. Beyond writing, Thoth taught humanity
the secrets of mathematics, astronomy and medicine, equipping them with the tools to
measure, understand and heal their world. Under his guidance, the first calendars were
(03:25):
created, allowing humans to track the cycles of the moon and the seasons, ensuring their
survival in harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth.
Through Thoth's teachings, the principle of the Ma at became woven into their lives, guiding
them to live with integrity, fairness and balance.
Thoth's wisdom extended beyond practical knowledge. He imparted the sacred truths of the cosmos,
(03:52):
teaching humanity to revere the gods and honour the delicate balance that sustained all existence.
He served as a bridge between mortals and the divine, ensuring that the prayers of humanity
reached the heavens and that the will of the gods was understood.
As humanity grew and thrived, they built temples and cities that reflected the divine order
(04:13):
Thoth had instilled in the cosmos. They inscribed his hieroglyphs upon their monuments and offered
prayers to him as the divine scribe, the keeper of knowledge and the mediator of the gods.
Thoth's presence was felt in every aspect of their lives, from the gentle waxing of
the moon to the rustle of the Nile's waters, a constant reminder of the wisdom and harmony
(04:35):
that he had brought to their world.
In this way, Thoth's legacy endured, not as a solitary creator, but as a guide, a teacher
and a guardian of balance. His gifts to humanity, writing, knowledge and the principles of Ma at
ensured their place in the vast and intricate tapestry of creation, and so, through his
(05:00):
wisdom, humanity found their purpose, flourishing in a world born from the harmony of the gods.
So who is Thoth?
To begin, let's paint a picture of Thoth. Known to ancient Egyptians as Jehuti, Thoth
is often depicted as a man with a head of an ibis, or occasionally as a baboon, two
(05:22):
sacred animals closely associated with his divine attributes. The ibis, with its curved
beak and graceful movements, reflects Toth's precision, intellect and connection to the
moon. The baboon, on the other hand, symbolises his analytical mind and vigilance, often depicted
sitting in contemplation or raising its arms in reverence to the moon.
(05:46):
Toth's influence stretched across numerous domains. He was revered as the god of wisdom,
writing and knowledge, and he held the role of divine scribe, recording the deeds of the
gods and the fates of the mortals. His wisdom was seen as unparalleled, and he was often
called upon to mediate disputes among the gods. For instance, in the famous mythological
(06:09):
cycle surrounding Osiris, it was Toth who assisted Isis with spells and counsel, ensuring
her son Horus could rise to challenge Set for the throne of Egypt. Toth was also instrumental
in the concept of the afterlife. He presided over the Hall of Mayat, where the hearts of
the deceased were weighed against the feather of Mayat, symbolising truth and justice. It
(06:33):
was Toth's duty to record the outcome of this judgement, ensuring the cosmic balance
was maintained. This pivotal role made him a guardian of both life and death, a figure
deeply entwined with the Egyptian understanding of the universe.
But Toth's contributions didn't stop at his divine duties. He was credited with the
(06:54):
invention of hieroglyphic writing, which the Egyptians believed held magical power. These
sacred inscriptions were seen not merely as a means of communication, but as a way to
invoke divine forces and preserve the eternal. Toth also imparted the knowledge of mathematics
and astronomy, teaching humanity to measure time, map the stars, and understand the natural
(07:18):
rhythms of the world. Through these gifts, Toth became not only a god to be worshipped,
but also a symbol of the human pursuit of knowledge, a divine embodiment of the mind's
endless capacity for discovery and understanding.
Toth's presence in Egyptian mythology is vast, and each tale captures a facet of his
(07:38):
immense wisdom and magic. Among the most celebrated is the story of the Eye of Horus. After Set
murdered Osiris and claimed the throne, Horus, Osiris' son, rose to challenge him in a protracted
battle. During one of their fierce confrontations, Set tore out Horus' left eye and shattered
(07:59):
it into fragments. This was no ordinary wound. The Eye of Horus symbolized divine sight,
protection, and authority, and without it, Horus' strength waned.
Toth, witnessing the imbalance caused by Set's actions, intervened. With his unparalleled
mastery of healing and magic, Toth meticulously gathered the shattered fragments of the Eye,
(08:23):
and using sacred spells and divine tools, he restored it to its original form, imbuing
it with renewed power. This restored eye became the wajet, a symbol of wholeness, healing,
and protection. More than just a myth, the wajet came to represent
the mathematical concept of fractions in Egyptian culture and served as a potent amulet for
(08:45):
safety and health. Another tale of Toth's ingenuity is the creation
of the 365-day calendar. In the early days of the cosmos, the year was believed to have
only 360 days, a floor that left no time for the births of the gods. Recognizing the need
for divine harmony, Toth challenged the moon to a game of senet, wagering his intellect
(09:09):
against his light. Through clever strategy and patience, Toth won the game, gaining enough
moonlight to craft five additional days. These epigomenal days became sacred, marking the
births of Osiris, Isis, Set, Nepsis, and Horus. Beyond myth, the story underscores Toth's
(09:30):
association with celestial cycles and his role as a regulator of time and balance. Toth's
character also shines in tales of compassion and protection. When Isis fled from Set, seeking
refuge to protect her infant son Horus, it was Toth who stood by her side. He provided
powerful spells to shield her from harm and offered guidance on how to navigate the dangerous
(09:54):
world while evading Set's wrath. This nurturing aspect of Toth shows his role as a guardian
of Mai'at, the universal principle of balance, truth, and justice. His care ensured the survival
of the rightful lineage and the continuation of cosmic order. Another fascinating myth
(10:15):
ties Toth to the underworld. As the god who presided over the hall of Mai'at, Toth recorded
the judgement of souls. The deceased heart was weighed against the feather of Mai'at,
a test to their adherence to the truth and justice in life. If a heart balanced with
a feather, the soul could enter the afterlife. If not, it was devoured by a myth, the fearsome
(10:37):
creature of judgement. Toth's role in this process was critical. He was the arbiter of
truth, ensuring fairness in the afterlife. This dual responsibility as a judge and a
protector further highlights his central place in Egyptian cosmology. Toth's reach extended
far beyond Egypt, influencing other cultures, spiritual traditions, and even modern philosophies.
(11:03):
The Greeks identified him with Hermes, the messenger god of wisdom, communication, and
commerce. This merging gave rise to Hermes Trismegatus, Thrice Great Hermes, a figure
revered for his esoteric knowledge. This fusion led to the development of Hermeticism, a spiritual
(11:23):
tradition that explored the relationship between the material and divine realms. At the heart
of the Hermeticism are the Emerald Tablets, mystical text attributed to Hermes Trismegatus,
but deeply inspired by the essence of Toth. These tablets are said to hold the secrets
of alchemy, the mysteries of the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all existence.
(11:50):
One of the most famous axioms from the Emerald Tablets is As Above, So Below, a principle
that underscores the harmony between the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of human
life. This idea resonated with medieval alchemists who sought to transmute base metals into gold,
(12:11):
interpreting it not only as a physical transformation, but as a spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
Toth's influence is not confined to ancient texts and traditions. His archetype as a divine
scribe and master of knowledge has inspired countless works of art, literature, and philosophy.
(12:32):
His connection to the moon and its cycles of waxing and waning continues to evoke themes
of intuition, renewal, and transformation in modern spirituality. Writers and mystics
often turn to Toth as a symbol of the quest for wisdom and understanding, bridging the
ancient and contemporary worlds. Even in science fiction and pop culture,
(12:55):
echoes of Toth appears. Stories of advanced civilizations, lost knowledge, and sacred
geometry often draw from the mythology surrounding him. The enduring fascination with the Emerald
Tablets and Hermetic Wisdoms reveals a persistent yearning to uncover the mysteries of existence,
a quest that Toth embodies. Toth's legacy reminds us that the pursuit
(13:20):
of knowledge is timeless. His tales speak to the human desire to understand the universe,
harmonize with its rhythms, and seek the balance that Mayat represents. Through the hieroglyphics
he inspired, the myths he shaped, and the philosophies he influenced, Toth's voice
continues to resonate, guiding humanity in its eternal search for truth.
(13:43):
I now have a quote from a Hermetic text, Mrs. Hermes, or Toth, talking to Asclepius, who
is the Greek and Roman god of medicine and healing. I hope you enjoy and find it as fascinating
as I do. Do you not know, Asclepius, that Egypt is
(14:05):
an image of heaven? Or, to speak more exactly, in Egypt all the operations of the powers
which rule and work in heaven have been transferred to earth below? Nay, it should rather be said
that the whole cosmos dwells and miss our land as in its sanctuary. And yet, since it
is fitting that wise men should have knowledge of all events before they come to pass, you
(14:28):
must not be left in ignorance of this. There will come a time when it will be seen that
in vain have the Egyptians honoured the deity with heartfelt piety and assiduous service,
and all our holy worship will be found fruitless and ineffectual. For the gods will return
from earth to heaven, Egypt will be forsaken, and the land which was once the home of religion
(14:50):
will be left desolate, bereft of the presence of its deities.
O Egypt, Egypt, of thy religion nothing will remain but an empty tale, which thine own
children in time to come will not believe. Nothing will be left but graven words, and
only the stones will tell of thy piety. And in that day men will be weary of life, and
(15:13):
they will cease to think the universe worthy of reverent wonder and worship. They will
no longer love this world around us, this incomparable work of God, this glorious structure
which he has built, this sum of good made up of things of many diverse forms, this instrument
whereby the will of God operates in that which he has made, ungrudgingly favouring man's
(15:36):
welfare, this combination and accumulation of all the manifold things that can call forth
the veneration, praise, and love of the beholder. Darkness will be preferred to light, and death
will be thought more profitable than life. No one will raise his eyes to heaven, the
pious will be deemed insane, and the impious wise. The madman will be thought a brave man,
(16:00):
and the wicked will be esteemed as good. As to the soul and the belief that is immortal
by nature, or may hope to attain immortality, as I have taught you, all this they will mock,
and will even persuade themselves that it is false. No word of reverence or piety, no
utterance worthy of heaven, and of gods of heaven will be heard or believed. And so,
(16:24):
the gods will depart from mankind, a grievous thing, and only evil angels will remain, who
will mingle with men and drive the poor wretches by main force into all manner of reckless
crime, into wars and robberies and frauds, and all things hostile to the nature of the
soul. Then will the earth no longer stand unshaken, and the sea will bear no ships.
(16:47):
Heaven will not support the stars in their orbits, nor will the stars pursue their constant
course in heaven. All voices of the gods will of necessity be silenced and dumb, the fruits
of the earth will rot, the soil will turn barren, and the very air will sicken in sullen
stagnation. After this manner will old age come upon the world, religion will be no more,
(17:09):
all things will be disordered and awry, all good will disappear. But when all this has
befallen, Asclepius, then the master and father, god, the first before all, the maker of that
god who first came into being, will look on that that has come to pass, and will stay
the disorder by the counter-working of his will, which is the good. He will call back
(17:31):
to the right path those who have gone astray, he will cleanse the world from evil, now washing
it away with water floods, now burning it out with the fiercest fire, or again expelling
it by war and pestilence. And thus, he will bring back his world to its former aspect,
so that the cosmos will once more be deemed worthy of worship and wandering reverence.
(17:53):
And god, the maker and restorer of the mighty fabric, will be adored by the men of that
day with unceasing hymns of praise and blessing. Such is the new birth of the cosmos. It is
a making again of all things good, a holy and awe-striking restoration of all nature,
and it is wrought in the process of time by the eternal will of god. For god's will has
(18:14):
no beginning, it is ever the same, and as it is now, even so it has ever been, without
beginning, for it is the very being of god to purpose good.
As we wrap up today's episode, we are left with a profound appreciation for Toth, a god
whose stories remind us of the power of knowledge, the necessity of balance, and the beauty of
(18:37):
creation. From the hieroglyphics etched into ancient temples, to the mystical philosophies
that echo through the ages, Toth's legacy endures, offering wisdom to those who seek
it.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the myths and mysteries of ancient Egypt.
If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, or send me
(18:59):
a review or suggestions to whispersofthepastreviews at gmail.com. Until next time, keep seeking
the stories of the past, for they hold the keys to understanding our presence. Farewell
gentle listeners.
Hello gentle listeners and welcome back to Whispers of the Past. I'm your host, Josh,
(00:10):
and today we're diving into the ancient sands of Egypt to explore the life and legacy of
one of its most intriguing gods, Thoth. Revered as the god of wisdom, writing and magic, Thoth
is a figure whose influence stretches far beyond the borders of ancient Egypt, touching
the worlds of philosophy, mysticism and even modern day culture. So, settle in as we unfold
(00:36):
the feathers of the ibis, the sacred bird so closely associated with this enigmatic
deity, and embark on a journey through time to discover the tales and teachings of Thoth.
But first, I have a story for you. Long ago, before the heavens and earth came
into being, there existed only the boundless, swirling darkness of nun, the primordial
(01:00):
waters of chaos. From this endless void, creation began to emerge, not solely through the wisdom
of one god, but through the harmonious interplay of many divine forces, each contributing their
essence to shape the world. Among these gods stood Thoth, the brilliant and wise scribe
of the divine. His role was pivotal in recording the plans of creation and ensuring the universe's
(01:27):
balance. As Ra, the great sun god, emerged to bring
light to the cosmos, it was Thoth who carefully measured the heavens and set the stars in
their courses. His calculations laid the foundation for the movement of celestial bodies and the
cycles of time. The earth, formed by Geb, and the sky, lifted by Nut, came into being
(01:49):
under the principles of Ma at, truth, balance and justice, that Thoth helped to establish.
These principles became the invisible threads holding the universe together, ensuring harmony
in all things. When the time came for the gods to create
humanity, their efforts were deliberate and collaborative, from the fertile mud along
(02:11):
the banks of the Nile, shaped by the hands of Khunum, and given life by the breath of
the moon, humanity was born. Yet, their creation was incomplete, without guidance, knowledge
and the means to thrive. It was here that Thoth stepped forward, not as the sole creator,
but as the divine teacher and keeper of wisdom who would shape humanity's destiny.
(02:37):
Thoth observed the first humans as they wandered the new world, awestruck, yet unsure of their
place within it. He saw their potential, but also their vulnerability. To aid them, Toth
gifted humanity with writing, the sacred art that would allow them to record their thoughts,
preserve their histories and communicate with one another across time.
(03:01):
Inspired by the ibis birds that traced patterns in the mud of Nile, Thoth invented hieroglyphs,
symbols that could carry the power of words and ideas. Beyond writing, Thoth taught humanity
the secrets of mathematics, astronomy and medicine, equipping them with the tools to
measure, understand and heal their world. Under his guidance, the first calendars were
(03:25):
created, allowing humans to track the cycles of the moon and the seasons, ensuring their
survival in harmony with the natural rhythms of the earth.
Through Thoth's teachings, the principle of the Ma at became woven into their lives, guiding
them to live with integrity, fairness and balance.
Thoth's wisdom extended beyond practical knowledge. He imparted the sacred truths of the cosmos,
(03:52):
teaching humanity to revere the gods and honour the delicate balance that sustained all existence.
He served as a bridge between mortals and the divine, ensuring that the prayers of humanity
reached the heavens and that the will of the gods was understood.
As humanity grew and thrived, they built temples and cities that reflected the divine order
(04:13):
Thoth had instilled in the cosmos. They inscribed his hieroglyphs upon their monuments and offered
prayers to him as the divine scribe, the keeper of knowledge and the mediator of the gods.
Thoth's presence was felt in every aspect of their lives, from the gentle waxing of
the moon to the rustle of the Nile's waters, a constant reminder of the wisdom and harmony
(04:35):
that he had brought to their world.
In this way, Thoth's legacy endured, not as a solitary creator, but as a guide, a teacher
and a guardian of balance. His gifts to humanity, writing, knowledge and the principles of Ma at
ensured their place in the vast and intricate tapestry of creation, and so, through his
(05:00):
wisdom, humanity found their purpose, flourishing in a world born from the harmony of the gods.
So who is Thoth?
To begin, let's paint a picture of Thoth. Known to ancient Egyptians as Jehuti, Thoth
is often depicted as a man with a head of an ibis, or occasionally as a baboon, two
(05:22):
sacred animals closely associated with his divine attributes. The ibis, with its curved
beak and graceful movements, reflects Toth's precision, intellect and connection to the
moon. The baboon, on the other hand, symbolises his analytical mind and vigilance, often depicted
sitting in contemplation or raising its arms in reverence to the moon.
(05:46):
Toth's influence stretched across numerous domains. He was revered as the god of wisdom,
writing and knowledge, and he held the role of divine scribe, recording the deeds of the
gods and the fates of the mortals. His wisdom was seen as unparalleled, and he was often
called upon to mediate disputes among the gods. For instance, in the famous mythological
(06:09):
cycle surrounding Osiris, it was Toth who assisted Isis with spells and counsel, ensuring
her son Horus could rise to challenge Set for the throne of Egypt. Toth was also instrumental
in the concept of the afterlife. He presided over the Hall of Mayat, where the hearts of
the deceased were weighed against the feather of Mayat, symbolising truth and justice. It
(06:33):
was Toth's duty to record the outcome of this judgement, ensuring the cosmic balance
was maintained. This pivotal role made him a guardian of both life and death, a figure
deeply entwined with the Egyptian understanding of the universe.
But Toth's contributions didn't stop at his divine duties. He was credited with the
(06:54):
invention of hieroglyphic writing, which the Egyptians believed held magical power. These
sacred inscriptions were seen not merely as a means of communication, but as a way to
invoke divine forces and preserve the eternal. Toth also imparted the knowledge of mathematics
and astronomy, teaching humanity to measure time, map the stars, and understand the natural
(07:18):
rhythms of the world. Through these gifts, Toth became not only a god to be worshipped,
but also a symbol of the human pursuit of knowledge, a divine embodiment of the mind's
endless capacity for discovery and understanding.
Toth's presence in Egyptian mythology is vast, and each tale captures a facet of his
(07:38):
immense wisdom and magic. Among the most celebrated is the story of the Eye of Horus. After Set
murdered Osiris and claimed the throne, Horus, Osiris' son, rose to challenge him in a protracted
battle. During one of their fierce confrontations, Set tore out Horus' left eye and shattered
(07:59):
it into fragments. This was no ordinary wound. The Eye of Horus symbolized divine sight,
protection, and authority, and without it, Horus' strength waned.
Toth, witnessing the imbalance caused by Set's actions, intervened. With his unparalleled
mastery of healing and magic, Toth meticulously gathered the shattered fragments of the Eye,
(08:23):
and using sacred spells and divine tools, he restored it to its original form, imbuing
it with renewed power. This restored eye became the wajet, a symbol of wholeness, healing,
and protection. More than just a myth, the wajet came to represent
the mathematical concept of fractions in Egyptian culture and served as a potent amulet for
(08:45):
safety and health. Another tale of Toth's ingenuity is the creation
of the 365-day calendar. In the early days of the cosmos, the year was believed to have
only 360 days, a floor that left no time for the births of the gods. Recognizing the need
for divine harmony, Toth challenged the moon to a game of senet, wagering his intellect
(09:09):
against his light. Through clever strategy and patience, Toth won the game, gaining enough
moonlight to craft five additional days. These epigomenal days became sacred, marking the
births of Osiris, Isis, Set, Nepsis, and Horus. Beyond myth, the story underscores Toth's
(09:30):
association with celestial cycles and his role as a regulator of time and balance. Toth's
character also shines in tales of compassion and protection. When Isis fled from Set, seeking
refuge to protect her infant son Horus, it was Toth who stood by her side. He provided
powerful spells to shield her from harm and offered guidance on how to navigate the dangerous
(09:54):
world while evading Set's wrath. This nurturing aspect of Toth shows his role as a guardian
of Mai'at, the universal principle of balance, truth, and justice. His care ensured the survival
of the rightful lineage and the continuation of cosmic order. Another fascinating myth
(10:15):
ties Toth to the underworld. As the god who presided over the hall of Mai'at, Toth recorded
the judgement of souls. The deceased heart was weighed against the feather of Mai'at,
a test to their adherence to the truth and justice in life. If a heart balanced with
a feather, the soul could enter the afterlife. If not, it was devoured by a myth, the fearsome
(10:37):
creature of judgement. Toth's role in this process was critical. He was the arbiter of
truth, ensuring fairness in the afterlife. This dual responsibility as a judge and a
protector further highlights his central place in Egyptian cosmology. Toth's reach extended
far beyond Egypt, influencing other cultures, spiritual traditions, and even modern philosophies.
(11:03):
The Greeks identified him with Hermes, the messenger god of wisdom, communication, and
commerce. This merging gave rise to Hermes Trismegatus, Thrice Great Hermes, a figure
revered for his esoteric knowledge. This fusion led to the development of Hermeticism, a spiritual
(11:23):
tradition that explored the relationship between the material and divine realms. At the heart
of the Hermeticism are the Emerald Tablets, mystical text attributed to Hermes Trismegatus,
but deeply inspired by the essence of Toth. These tablets are said to hold the secrets
of alchemy, the mysteries of the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all existence.
(11:50):
One of the most famous axioms from the Emerald Tablets is As Above, So Below, a principle
that underscores the harmony between the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of human
life. This idea resonated with medieval alchemists who sought to transmute base metals into gold,
(12:11):
interpreting it not only as a physical transformation, but as a spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
Toth's influence is not confined to ancient texts and traditions. His archetype as a divine
scribe and master of knowledge has inspired countless works of art, literature, and philosophy.
(12:32):
His connection to the moon and its cycles of waxing and waning continues to evoke themes
of intuition, renewal, and transformation in modern spirituality. Writers and mystics
often turn to Toth as a symbol of the quest for wisdom and understanding, bridging the
ancient and contemporary worlds. Even in science fiction and pop culture,
(12:55):
echoes of Toth appears. Stories of advanced civilizations, lost knowledge, and sacred
geometry often draw from the mythology surrounding him. The enduring fascination with the Emerald
Tablets and Hermetic Wisdoms reveals a persistent yearning to uncover the mysteries of existence,
a quest that Toth embodies. Toth's legacy reminds us that the pursuit
(13:20):
of knowledge is timeless. His tales speak to the human desire to understand the universe,
harmonize with its rhythms, and seek the balance that Mayat represents. Through the hieroglyphics
he inspired, the myths he shaped, and the philosophies he influenced, Toth's voice
continues to resonate, guiding humanity in its eternal search for truth.
(13:43):
I now have a quote from a Hermetic text, Mrs. Hermes, or Toth, talking to Asclepius, who
is the Greek and Roman god of medicine and healing. I hope you enjoy and find it as fascinating
as I do. Do you not know, Asclepius, that Egypt is
(14:05):
an image of heaven? Or, to speak more exactly, in Egypt all the operations of the powers
which rule and work in heaven have been transferred to earth below? Nay, it should rather be said
that the whole cosmos dwells and miss our land as in its sanctuary. And yet, since it
is fitting that wise men should have knowledge of all events before they come to pass, you
(14:28):
must not be left in ignorance of this. There will come a time when it will be seen that
in vain have the Egyptians honoured the deity with heartfelt piety and assiduous service,
and all our holy worship will be found fruitless and ineffectual. For the gods will return
from earth to heaven, Egypt will be forsaken, and the land which was once the home of religion
(14:50):
will be left desolate, bereft of the presence of its deities.
O Egypt, Egypt, of thy religion nothing will remain but an empty tale, which thine own
children in time to come will not believe. Nothing will be left but graven words, and
only the stones will tell of thy piety. And in that day men will be weary of life, and
(15:13):
they will cease to think the universe worthy of reverent wonder and worship. They will
no longer love this world around us, this incomparable work of God, this glorious structure
which he has built, this sum of good made up of things of many diverse forms, this instrument
whereby the will of God operates in that which he has made, ungrudgingly favouring man's
(15:36):
welfare, this combination and accumulation of all the manifold things that can call forth
the veneration, praise, and love of the beholder. Darkness will be preferred to light, and death
will be thought more profitable than life. No one will raise his eyes to heaven, the
pious will be deemed insane, and the impious wise. The madman will be thought a brave man,
(16:00):
and the wicked will be esteemed as good. As to the soul and the belief that is immortal
by nature, or may hope to attain immortality, as I have taught you, all this they will mock,
and will even persuade themselves that it is false. No word of reverence or piety, no
utterance worthy of heaven, and of gods of heaven will be heard or believed. And so,
(16:24):
the gods will depart from mankind, a grievous thing, and only evil angels will remain, who
will mingle with men and drive the poor wretches by main force into all manner of reckless
crime, into wars and robberies and frauds, and all things hostile to the nature of the
soul. Then will the earth no longer stand unshaken, and the sea will bear no ships.
(16:47):
Heaven will not support the stars in their orbits, nor will the stars pursue their constant
course in heaven. All voices of the gods will of necessity be silenced and dumb, the fruits
of the earth will rot, the soil will turn barren, and the very air will sicken in sullen
stagnation. After this manner will old age come upon the world, religion will be no more,
(17:09):
all things will be disordered and awry, all good will disappear. But when all this has
befallen, Asclepius, then the master and father, god, the first before all, the maker of that
god who first came into being, will look on that that has come to pass, and will stay
the disorder by the counter-working of his will, which is the good. He will call back
(17:31):
to the right path those who have gone astray, he will cleanse the world from evil, now washing
it away with water floods, now burning it out with the fiercest fire, or again expelling
it by war and pestilence. And thus, he will bring back his world to its former aspect,
so that the cosmos will once more be deemed worthy of worship and wandering reverence.
(17:53):
And god, the maker and restorer of the mighty fabric, will be adored by the men of that
day with unceasing hymns of praise and blessing. Such is the new birth of the cosmos. It is
a making again of all things good, a holy and awe-striking restoration of all nature,
and it is wrought in the process of time by the eternal will of god. For god's will has
(18:14):
no beginning, it is ever the same, and as it is now, even so it has ever been, without
beginning, for it is the very being of god to purpose good.
As we wrap up today's episode, we are left with a profound appreciation for Toth, a god
whose stories remind us of the power of knowledge, the necessity of balance, and the beauty of
(18:37):
creation. From the hieroglyphics etched into ancient temples, to the mystical philosophies
that echo through the ages, Toth's legacy endures, offering wisdom to those who seek
it.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the myths and mysteries of ancient Egypt.
If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, or send me
(18:59):
a review or suggestions to whispersofthepastreviews at gmail.com. Until next time, keep seeking
the stories of the past, for they hold the keys to understanding our presence. Farewell
gentle listeners.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!