Do You Believe in Thoth? My Life With an Amiable Ancient Egyptian God

Richard Jasnow, Professor of Egyptology; Chair, Department of Near Eastern Studies, Johns Hopkins University joins us for an Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Members Lecture.
While he does not profess to be a historian of religion, Richard Jasnow has been engaged with Thoth, the Egyptian "god of wisdom" for the past thirty years. Thoth has an immense range of responsibilities: writing, magic, astronomy, time itself. As is the case with all Egyptian deities, Thoth can be difficult, if not impossible to pin down, a true shape-shifter. In this talk, Jasnow explores in image and text various aspects of this divine being. Thoth is a profoundly approachable god, and the Ancient Egyptians often turned to him in times of need. Jasnow is especially interested in the relationship between us humans and this powerful deity.
c. ISAC, 2023

[@konst80hum]

This is a rare thing, a place of higher learning making its lectures available to the public. Thank you.

[@kyrrekausrud5960]

That's surprisingly not rare, at least outside the US

[@floridianman]

Definitely not rare lol

[@TomiTapio]

See Gresham College and The Royal Institution.

[@TJtheDJonWMCN]

The talk about Thoth begins about 19 minutes in.

[@sluggo562]

Thanks, the intro was a bit much. I was getting flashbacks to my undergrad days.

[@zenosAnalytic]

I love the opening of this; The history of the history. I love how clearly Dr. Jasnow's love and memory comes through. Thank you so much ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

[@MC-ze4dh]

Just found this tonight. Going to listen in the morning so excited.

[@terryhughes7349]

Enjoy this content. Keep going.

[@onechild31]

What a great story, and wedding gift! Wow.

[@martinlee6694]

Maya what is the connection! Lee1❤

[@TheDreamtimezzz]

Positive Algorithm Comment

[@scrollofthoth8788]

I welcome the name change of this prestigious institution. Thank you for this talk on my most beloved of the Egyptian gods. Mind you, the speaker may have given a warning that this is a very much a Late Kingdom conception of Thoth, and may not apply to all of the long history of this important deity.

[@kricketflyd111]

So if you don't believe in Thoth do you still learn from his geometry?

[@StarboiFloyd]

18:56

[@ron1313]

Are there any other academic or unpublished manuscripts on ancient Egyptian magical practices? (Besides Ritner) Robert K. Ritner The Mechanics of Ancient Egyptian Magical Practice (Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization

[@scrollofthoth8788]

I have not found another broad overview of Egyptian magic better than Ritner. But there are certainly many good books and egyptologists working on specific subjects. I highly recommend the work of Rita Lucarelli who has a great perspective on the subject and specializes in the myriad of lesser known Egyptian spirits (demons).

[@ron1313]

​@@scrollofthoth8788 How was your trip to Egypt? I visited about 12 years ago, I didn't have the knowledge I have now. I would have loved to seek out Baladi's, to ask them about Heka" wands, & how to make amulets/talisman. "The heka wands were used for protective purposes, as indicated by the depictions of protective deities and inscriptions related to protection against evil forces. The use of hippopotamus ivory." "The truth is that the ancient traditions never died, and they continue to survive within the silent majority, who are called (and they call themselves) Baladi, meaning natives. The loud minority of Egyptians (high governmental officials, academicians, journalists, and the self-proclaimed intellectuals) are described by the silent majority as Afrangi, meaning foreigners. The Afrangi are the Egyptian people who compromised the Egyptian heritage to gain high positions and approval of the foreign invaders of Egypt. As a tool of foreign forces, like Arabs, the Afrangi rule and dominate the Baladi-the natives. The Afrangi are, like their foreign masters, arrogant, cruel, and vain." The Ancient Egyptian Culture Revealed by MOUSTAFA GADALLA

[@ron1313]

​@@scrollofthoth8788 Maybe another on the level of Ritner is J.F Borghouts? I haven't read it yet "The late J. F. Borghouts was a prominent Dutch Egyptologist known for his extensive work in the field of ancient Egyptian literature and language. Among his notable contributions is the study of ancient Egyptian magical texts, particularly through his publication "Ancient Egyptian Magical Texts." This work has been influential in shedding light on the magical practices, religious beliefs, and ritualistic aspects of ancient Egyptian culture. In "Ancient Egyptian Magical Texts," Borghouts examined a wide range of magical texts and spells from ancient Egypt, providing translations, analyses, and commentary on their content and significance. The book delves into the magical rituals, spells, and incantations found in ancient Egyptian literature and inscriptions, offering valuable insights into the religious and supernatural beliefs of the ancient Egyptians."

[@eyeofthoth2003]

Hi Richard!

[@framemaker52]

To the video maker: please don't place the inset where it will obscure the power point slides (as you did starting at 5:30 in this one).

[@alfredhardin5431]

Yeah I believe the word of the most high and that is a child of the fallen pan aka Hermes he goes by a lot other names as well

[@3.6ix9ine]

Thank for this lecture .we forgot that thoth is yahood in atlantean time .as a smart boy in the garden they started to teach u abt exictence yahood or thoth will enter ur life .not as a god. As a sample wisdom and how we can reach immortality like him. And how we can become even BETTER or destroy our future. So thoth is around now doing what he have to do to awaken each of us .But from now we are preparing to take responsibilities bcoz are given powerful tech of ancient world and all eyes on us.. and everyone is here for a purpose not by coencidence if thoth was not in ur heart and mind together. .he has came into our thoughts all before seeing this video . Sorry if its long sir but apperciate such work when seeing scientist dealing with subconscious in a wise way and this is the way it should be for all scientists and researchers.

[@panaceiasuberes6464]

Wasn't this called The Oriental Institute?

[@tonykundid2339]

Yes

[@Piccolo_Sun]

i am Thoth

[@Piccolo_Sun]

that not the book of Thoth😁

[@kricketflyd111]

Which Deity of the Hindu Deities is Thoth?

[@ZoroastrianFlame]

I want to watch and listen. But that person with the weird smile is staring at me and freaking me out!

[@3zan6bel9]

they talk a lot about themselves

[@kricketflyd111]

Is Osiris Jesus?

[@horsepower33]

turn your question around(is Jesus Osiris) the answer is yes

[@richardlopez4318]

@@horsepower33 and Horus as well, it seems.

[@clevertaco328]

@@horsepower33 if correct, wouldn't it be correct either way? Why the need to "turn it around", as you say?

[@kricketflyd111]

I would like more info on the pedals. 📐👀

[@TLDaGreat100]

H.O.T.E.P: Have Others Thinking Eternal Peace, I Am T.H.O.T.H: The Healer Of The Heart. I Am The W.O.R.D: Way Our Reality Derived, I Am T.R.U.T.H: To Really Understand The Heart, I Am The L.I.G.H.T: Love Is Gods Highest Truth. Will You Follow M.E: Manifested Excellence? I Have Returned To Bring Judgement And Balance.🫀⚖️🪶