So, a few thoughts out loud - because the public has formed a certain stereotype of what a modern pagan priest or “sorcerer” or the same ordinary pagan usually does - he raises his hands up and, as a rule, loudly calls out to the gods at the same time.

It is sad that all sorts of our contemporaries - priests and sorcerers (unconsciously?) strive to build their rituals in accordance with this stereotype, I have now watched a sufficient number of relevant videos of Rodnovery to say this - yes, they are almost all the time while the rite lasts, one way or another they appeal to the Heavenly World, raising up either the staff, or the cup-brother, or simply (but invariably with pathos) both hands.

Do not misunderstand me, we ourselves wrote about this - the prayerful gesture of “adoration” ( https://vk.com/wall-119055965_2865), but it’s bad when this way of interacting with the supernatural (throw up your hands with a prayer-request) becomes an absolute template.
IMHO, this is because modern man looks at religion too in a modern, too “adult” way: we can still ask the “Higher Powers” ​​for something for ourselves, but we are no longer able to feel ourselves - the conductor of this Higher Power. Because we don't believe. We ask and ask, everyone is waiting for something, but maybe we have received IT a long time ago and just do not notice?

To correct this (and not very useful, yes, yes) mental imbalance, we should try to give more than ask. If we believe that it makes sense to turn to the Higher Forces with any request, we may well believe that the Forces can use us as a tool for answering.
God has no other hands but yours.

As applied specifically to the practice of the pagan priesthood, this, of course, is a ritual BEATING.
From the detailed quote below, it is clear that “beating” can be carried out on the most different levels(Note about the koan and aporia near the end of the text as a kind of verbal strike):

“Beating is a ritual magical action that has a predominantly producing function. Provokes fertility (the appearance of children, the offspring of livestock), fertility (causing rain, ensuring the harvest), growth, health and well-being. Beating tools - a stick, rods or branches of willow, birch, hazel, dogwood, nettle, broom, badnyak, belt, bread shovel, reel, necklace, etc. The ritual was performed on the threshold, at the gate, on the wedding bed, in the meadow, near the temple and in other places.
…
During the wedding ritual, pots and other utensils were beaten against the door of the house where they were preparing for the wedding. Among the Lusatian Serbs, at the entrance of the young to the groom's house, it was customary to throw an earthen pot at the door, and only then the newlyweds were brought into the house. The door of the house, like the house as a whole, in folk beliefs was comprehended in the anatomical code, becoming like a mouth or a female reproductive organ. In the myths of many peoples, the house was also interpreted cosmically: house = space. In the Rigveda, the creation of the world is associated with the idea of ​​opening doors: “And open the heavenly delights for us, open the streams, like doors - O experts of times” (VIII.5.21), while the actual creation of the world in the Rigveda is associated with the blow of Indra’s vajra to the original hill. Indra pierced the "mountain", which contained the rudiments of all life. Indra - the god of thunder and lightning; the root of this word denoted strength and fertility (cf. Slav. jedrъ, “vigorous”, “possessing the power of a special property”, related to Indra. - V.N. Toporov)

In the ideas of the Slavs, God competes with all evil spirit in worldly affairs and fights with it in various ways, including a lightning strike (thunder). Beating could accompany well-wishes, and in this case it was tantamount to sprinkling grain, for example, in a marriage or funeral ritual. On the first day of Easter, the icon of the Mother of God was placed in flax and a handful of oats was poured into her eyes (a direct connection between the cult of the Mother of God and the motif of birth, fruiting and abundance). In agricultural rites, beating could be accompanied by ritual abuse, despite the fact that abuse could also be perceived as an insult-blow (“swearing offends the mother-cheese earth, the Mother of God and mother man”) and as a ritual blessing associated with paganism.

A Buddhist teacher could give a student an unexpected blow with a stick. It was, of course, a punishment - for the wrong answer or act - but the element of surprise is important here, which fundamentally distinguishes this blow from the blows practiced in European educational institutions. In the Zen Buddhist tradition, there is a koan - one of the two most important practices that helps to achieve "awakening" (satori). This is also a blow, but a blow on a verbal level.
…
In the European tradition, one of the analogues of the koan is the Greek aporia (απορία - “hopelessness, predicament; impassable place; doubt, bewilderment”). Aporia in ancient Greek philosophy meant a seemingly insurmountable logical contradiction. The most famous are the aporias that go back to Zeno; in the aporia “Achilles”, in contradiction to sensory experience, fleet-footed Achilles cannot catch up with the tortoise, because while he runs the distance separating them, she still manages to crawl a certain segment, while he runs this segment, she crawls a little more, etc.

Both the koan and the aporia resemble riddles, and at the same time testify to the ritual roots of this folklore genre.
…
Everything that has to do with figures of speech, tropes (Greek τρόπος - lit. “turn; turn of speech”) can be called a verbal “blow”. The word paradox in Greek- "unexpected, unusual, strange."
…
On Trinity, in some places, the custom was observed of whipping the graves with birch branches, which was called a pair of old ones, to wake up the dead. At Christmas, Easter and some other holidays, people were ritually awakened. In Moravian Wallachia, on Easter Monday morning, the boys woke up the girls with blows of birch or willow branches; on Ignatov's Day, mothers woke up children with light blows of fruit branches. On the New Year girls whip a stolen harrow so that matchmakers come to them (the harrow had marriage, phallic and erotic symbols - it had teeth in combination with cells) ...
”
article “ROZGA” on “ex-déjà vu” (however, the basis of this text is SD.ES “beating”)

Story ancient world- the history of pagan culture, within the framework of which such a part of the population as priests stood out in society. Chosen to mediate...

By Masterweb

The history of the Ancient World is the history of pagan culture, within the framework of which such a part of the population as priests stood out in society. Chosen as an intermediary between people and gods, the priests eventually turned into a privileged class. And the role of priests began to be reduced to deceit and money-grubbing, to manipulating people's minds. If you are asked: "Explain the meaning of the word priest," what would you say?

Who are the priests?

If you turn to explanatory dictionary, then the priests are clergymen who were engaged in the administration of religious rites, for example, sacrifices, prayers, conspiracies. The history of the priesthood goes back many millennia. This phenomenon originated in the era of primitive society in the Neolithic period. The meaning of the word "priest" is connected with its cognate word "sacrifice", and this is not accidental. After all, not a single ancient pagan rite was performed without a sacrifice: from flowers to a person. And actually the meaning of the word "priest" means nothing more than "offering sacrifice."

Priests in primitive society

Tribal relations in primitive society were regulated by the general meeting of the entire male part of the community, the tribe. Leaders, elders and priests were elected at the assembly. Initially, priests had no additional benefits. They, like other tribesmen, worked for the team. The power of the priests was determined by the respect of his fellow tribesmen for him, trust, his merits and authority. Primitive priests are "accumulators" of the experience, skills and abilities of the tribe, as well as the peculiarities of the worldview and faith of their fellow tribesmen. They passed on the accumulated information from generation to generation.

Priesthood of Ancient Egypt

Priests in ancient Egypt played important role in the spiritual and moral life of society. The priesthood as an important component of the life of the Egyptians was legalized by the state. The priests were the official representatives of the pharaohs - the children of the sun god Amon-Ra, and performed religious rites in sanctuaries where no one else had access except them and the pharaoh. In all the temples, the pharaoh could not perform the sacraments at the same time, therefore he was replaced by the priests appointed by him for this.

There were also priestesses in ancient Egypt, who were revered as servants of God. They usually served in the temples of the goddesses, who were revered as the foremothers of all things - Hathor and Neith. Most often, women were priestesses in the temples of goddesses, but there were exceptions to the rule: priestesses could also be found in the temple of Min, Ptah, Amun, Horus. Often the priestesses were the daughters of the priests or the Egyptians who wanted to become them.

The priestesses led a reclusive, immaculate life. At the same time, they looked very impressive: they wore expensive clothes and jewels, wigs and headdresses that distinguished them from ordinary Egyptians, even noble ones. They possessed singing, dancing abilities, knew how to play musical instruments. Very often, images of priestesses with sisters in their hands are found on ancient Egyptian frescoes.

Ancient priests and their role in society

Priests in Ancient Greece played no less important role than in the culture ancient egypt. Initially, any Greek could perform rituals, since everything around him was deified. The Greeks communicated directly with the living spirits of nature.

The history of such a phenomenon as priesthood is associated with a change in the beliefs of the ancient Greeks - from the time when they began to perceive their gods as anthropomorphic creatures, create special temples for them and decorate them with sculptural images that act as idols. In these temples, ministers were required, which became the priests. At first, temples were considered only a "home" for God, and not a place for prayer. ordinary people. The place for sacrifices and prayers of the population was located in the squares where the altars were installed. In the temples of the gods, the intermediaries between people and the god were male priests, and in the temples of the goddesses - women.

The function of the priests in the temple of Apollo at Delphi was not only to offer sacrifices and perform religious rites, but also to interpret the prophecies that the Pythians broadcast from their golden tripod throne, installed above the crevice. In fact, the Pythians themselves were priestesses of the god of sunlight. They were under prolonged narcotic influence from the fumes of the crevice (according to ancient myth emanating from the decaying serpent Python, killed by Apollo and walled up in a rock), the evaporation of a sacred spring and water, with which they quenched their thirst and performed ablutions, and a laurel, on which they slept and whose leaves were chewed instead of food for three days before the ceremony. Sitting under a golden conical cap, under which vapors were concentrated and which strengthened and distorted the sound of the voice of the priestesses, they spoke incoherent texts that were interpreted - "translated" by the nearby priests of the sun god. Gradually, the "prophecies" of Pythia began to be used by those in power and well-known military leaders for political purposes.

The priests of this temple, which was also in charge of a huge amount of gold brought as a gift to Apollo by visitors and stored in special buildings-taxaries on the way to the temple, were also God's treasurers. They gradually acquired a special weight, like the priests of the temple of Asclepius.

Brahminism as a manifestation of the priesthood in ancient India

In culture ancient india special place occupied the varna of the Brahmins - the priests of the god Brahma, born from his mouth. Therefore, it was believed that they possessed a special gift for making prayers - mediating appeal to God from people. To become a brahmin, it is not enough to be born inside a varna. It took a long time to study. The life of a Brahmin went through three main stages: teaching, service, and hermitage.

At the first stage, boys from the age of 7 go to the brahmin's house, where they not only study, but also live, and in exchange for education and accommodation, they do the necessary homework in the teacher's house. In addition, the student of the Brahmin mastered the "code" of communication with the Brahmin teacher. When a student turned 18 and the training ended, his parents gave the Teacher a cow as a token of gratitude.

There are also women among the Brahmins. Unlike male Brahmins, who are prohibited from doing ordinary work, Brahmin women can do light housework and work in the fields. It was the Brahmins who were the collectors of the most ancient knowledge of the Indian tribes. It was from this knowledge that the sacred book of the Indians, the Vedas, or rather its oldest part, the Rig Veda, was formed.

It doesn't matter what culture certain priests belonged to. All of them mediated between people and gods and had access to people with power and wealth. With such power, they skillfully manipulated people both for personal and political purposes.

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Almost everyone at the mention of Ancient Egypt represents, of course, first of all the pyramids. Little historical information about the time of the pharaohs has survived to this day. The first of them belong to the period of the Old Kingdom. In general, they were built according to a single model.

There were so-called solar temples, the plans of which were close in their main features to residential buildings of the times of the Middle and New Kingdoms. This was natural, because they were considered the dwellings of God.

general information

The people who served these temples belonged to a special class in Egyptian society. For example, in the time of Ramesses, they owned ten percent of the cultivated land and almost the same amount of the population. Ancient Egypt, whose priests were considered to be in the royal service, had no divisions into secular and ecclesiastical authority. The positions were well paid. Soon the ancient Egyptian priests began to transfer their positions by inheritance.

Temple servants

Studying this country, experts came to the conclusion that it was this class that played the main role in the process of the formation and prosperity of the state, in the development of spiritual health and the preservation of historical and cultural values. Ancient Egypt, whose priests were considered the keepers of sacred traditions, according to Herodotus, was the most God-fearing and religious in the Ancient World. Previously, it was believed that the control of these clergy had a negative impact on life. common people and development of the state. In fact, the priests in ancient Egypt, being the guardians of sacred traditions, played huge role in the history and culture of this ancient nation. And this is evidenced by the fact that this civilization lasted longer than all the others.

Who are the priests

In ancient Egypt, this was a special clan. They possessed truly enormous power, were the legislators of etiquette. Moreover, whose priests were considered interpreters of the divine will, lived according to their rules. And it wasn't just ordinary people. Even the pharaohs unconditionally listened to their opinion.

Characteristics

Egyptian temples were quite rich, even more than the rulers. Nevertheless, the priests of Ancient Egypt, whose photos of rock carvings are proof of this, dressed surprisingly simply. They wore only aprons and, on especially solemn occasions, these priests are depicted in white robes. In many films that tell about how Ancient Egypt existed and developed, the priests are presented with heads shaved to a shine, so rubbed with oil that reflections from their skulls Sun rays. Such appearance servants of the temples contrasted sharply with the attire of the local nobility, striving for luxury.

Role

Nevertheless, many still have no idea who the priests were in ancient Egypt. This is a special caste of servants higher powers which performed many functions in the country. They had to follow the respectful attitude towards as well as the observance of rituals and rituals.

But their role in the life of the country was not limited to this. What knowledge the Egyptian priests possessed still amazes historians and many other scientists. They were the bearers of the most versatile mental baggage, which was passed down from generation to generation, starting from the deepest antiquity. All their knowledge and experience was kept as the strictest secret.

Today, scientists are making numerous discoveries by studying ancient Egypt. The priests knew how not only to heal, they taught children, bred the best breeds of livestock, received new varieties of plants. They are even credited with the ability to correct human mores. It was these servants of the gods who chose the most favorable time for sowing or harvesting, they determined the exact timing of the flood of the Nile.

Moreover, when drawing up their forecasts, the ancient Greek priests used data from temple libraries, which contained very detailed observations of many astronomical phenomena. This is evidenced by numerous artifacts found during excavations.

Knowledge

Many experts are engaged in the study of Ancient Egypt. But no one can say that he knows this civilization to the end, and in particular, has a relatively full view about this supreme caste of hers.

The question of what knowledge the Egyptian priests possessed is still open. But one thing can be said for sure: the vast majority of scientists do not deny the version that humanity today uses their discoveries, their technologies.

In ancient Egypt, astronomy was very developed, which closely intersected with astrology. However, it was not "prophetic", but agrarian and medical. The priests studied the influence of stars and other celestial bodies on the nature and well-being of people.

But there is another opinion: our civilization owes the acquisition of the most secret knowledge to representatives of extraterrestrial civilizations. And this statement is connected precisely with such a state as Ancient Egypt, the priests of which are all way of life of their people and their religious rituals were measured in accordance with the laws by which they moved

Surprisingly, this is the name of the main god of the Egyptians. Osiris... In this name one can clearly hear the admiration and admiration for Sirius.

Responsibilities

The priests, as many believe, did not aim to suppress the will of the Egyptians by religion. They did not intimidate the common people with it. Moreover, religion for this civilization was a guarantee community development and personal improvement.

In ancient Egypt, the priests were divided into separate groups that performed certain duties. They acted as guardians sacred secrets and religious administrators. To obtain even the lowest rank, one had to study a lot, and this process was serious and difficult. If, for example, we talk about the career of Bakenkhons, the high priest during the reign of Ramesses the Great, then his training began when the future priest was only four years old, and it ended by the age of twenty.

Magic

It was considered their most powerful weapon. They used magic in almost every area of ​​life. For example, to cure a sick person, an Egyptian priest would first put him into a trance. During the patient's oblivion, he coded his consciousness for the desired result: for a speedy and complete recovery.

Magic was used by them in all areas of life, however, in the medical and preventive sphere, closely related to medicine, the trance culture reached its maximum development.

Any use of drugs in ancient Egypt had to be accompanied by the introduction of the patient into this state, and then coding, carried out with the help of spells and invocations to the most authoritative gods.

Remote influence

The priests perfectly mastered the ability to influence hostilely not only their opponents, but also the enemies of the state through trance. To do this, they used the secret mystical psychotechnics of various spells, for example, conjuration over the wax figures of enemies, as well as over their magical images. For remote exposure, they themselves needed to enter a trance in order to be able to influence the mind and body of opponents.

Some experts believe that it is the Egyptian priests who are the founders of human knowledge about such a phenomenon as hypnosis.

funeral magic

It is known that these priests of the temples were primarily engaged in servicing the cults of the gods. But not only. The priests were fluent in the technique of ritual - funeral - magic, since there were a lot of necropolises and tombs in Ancient Egypt. It is believed that they were able to influence the “ka” - existence after death with mystical secret spells, and were able to mummify the dead. The priests put in the sarcophagi next to them specially made magical items for this occasion. "Ushabti", as they were called, according to the Egyptians, protected the "ka" of the deceased in the afterlife.

Customs and rituals

Many assume that in this way they showed their respect for the gods and never turned their backs on them. Another custom, when the priests dressed in costumes on the day of the Osiris uprising or on New Year's Day and then went out into the city and walked along the streets, is very reminiscent of today's carnivals. The only difference is that for them they took place only on the new moon and were considered a special sacred rite, while for modern people this is an ordinary entertainment show. Nevertheless, the priests had their magic as the most powerful “weapon”. There was even a whole trance culture with amulets, potions, images and conspiracies that protected, among other things, from various diseases: even from insect and snake bites, as well as scorpions and predators. In addition, there were special customs among this caste that still amaze researchers. For example, why the ancient Egyptian priests, leaving the temple, backed away.

The priesthood in ancient Egypt is one of the most influential estates. They played an important role in the political life of society, as they were right hand pharaoh and knew more than the pharaoh himself.

It used to be considered that the priests had a bad influence on the development in the state and brought only harm to it. In fact, the priests - the keepers of sacred traditions - played a positive role in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This is evidenced by the fact that no civilization existed for such a long period as the ancient Egyptian.

In ancient Egypt, the priests were not a separate caste, as in other cultures. Although, it would be more accurate to say that they combined religious and secular functions - the priest sent a cult, but concurrently could work as a clerk of secular positions. These were officials of a special kind, performing certain ritual actions instead of the king, who was the son of a god. In Egypt, the priests did not suppress the will of the people with religion, they did not intimidate - religion in ancient Egypt was the key to social development and improvement. Herodotus called the Egyptians the most God-fearing and religious people of the Ancient World. Maybe that's why the position of the priest was highly revered and respected by other estates of Ancient Egypt.

It should be noted that the priestly service was well paid, and little by little a tradition is being established in priestly families to transfer their positions to children by inheritance. Studying for the priesthood was serious and difficult. The dignity of a priest was inherited and was always considered sacred and respected. Training with priests could begin when the future priest was four years old, and end by the age of twenty.

The priests constituted a certain collective, which is traditionally called the clergy, the main purpose of which was the "service" of a particular deity. The number, influence and wealth of each clergy depended on the quotation of a particular deity. Unfortunately, there is no exact information about the exact number of priesthoods of this or that god. It is known that during the time of the New Kingdom, the clergy of the Theban Amon - Ra was a powerful, richest corporation, while the clerics of other deities, for example, the Memphite Ptah and the Heliopolis Ra, were far inferior to him, not to mention the clergy of the provincial deities.

As we noted above, in ancient Egypt, separate groups of priests performed certain duties, and in addition to being the keepers of sacred secrets, they were also secular administrators. There was also a hierarchy among the priests. The system of regalia was strictly ordered, since each cult had a corresponding clergy, who was led by a high priest appointed by the king. The head of each clergy had a special status and title, the name of which depended on the name of the idol. The influence and power of the clergy depended on the cult. For example, the priest of Amon-Ra was considered the most powerful, since he occupied the highest position in the hierarchical ladder. Let's try to consider the hierarchy of the priests of Ancient Egypt in more detail.

Priests in ancient Egypt were trained in several separate specializations. Each such group had its own name and performed the duties inherent only to it. In addition, in each of the specializations, the ancient Egyptian priests were divided into several ranks.

Priests of the highest ranks were awarded the title of Ur. So, for example, the chief priest-healer of the city of Sais, mentioned in ancient papyri, was called Ur Senu; the high priestess in the city of Iunu was called Ur-t Tekhent, and the priest was Ur Maa.

A separate group of priests were the attendants of Per Neter. This is a very large group of ancient Egyptian priests, which ensured the functioning sacred places. Among them, several specialties could be distinguished.

The head of the property of the temple was the priest Mer, whose duties included: accounting for the temple property, control over the cultivation of the temple fields, supplying food, and preparing everything necessary for the temple service.

A special position was occupied by the priests of Kher Cheb - they performed the duties of temple scribes and were the keepers of sacred books. They were responsible for copying and preserving the scrolls of the temple library. Kher Cheb were also revered as guardians of the words of power and their correct pronunciation.

The priest Uab was responsible for the cleansing of the temple. While working in the temple, he could not be married. Uab monitored the cleanliness of the premises, clothing and timely supply of water to the temple. Uab's duties also included sprinkling water on those entering the temple. As Herodotus notes, purity played an important role for the ancient Egyptians - not only the purity of the soul, but also the body. “To serve God, you need to be clean” - they said in the time of the pharaohs. According to the traditions, all the servants of the temple were required to perform four ablutions a day - in the morning, at noon, in the evening and at midnight.

The functions of the priest and preacher were performed by Khem Neter - "Servant of God" or "Prophet of God". He held temple services and read sermons, reminding believers of religious commandments and divine laws. From Khem Neter, the citizens of Egypt learned the knowledge of the divine "Mekh Neter". It can also be noted that in the ancient Egyptian temple, during the temple prayer, a chant called Kai sounded. Prayer among the Egyptians was called Kekh, and meditation on the spiritual was called Waa.

In addition to the dedicated priests, the attendants of Per Neter were lay citizens whose work was highly valued by the priests. For example, Khem Ankkhiu, “priests of the living,” resolved litigation at the temple and gave worldly advice to the laity. Among those serving the priests, a special role was occupied by Thai Shebet - "carriers of wands" and Ahai-t - "carriers of the Sisters", who were present at the temple services and helped to conduct them. A separate class of lay servants of the temple were Sau - "caretakers", who played the role of temple guards. Standing on duty, they were required to read the sacred texts - thus, the temple was guarded not only by physical strength, but also spiritually.

The Egyptians were very attentive to signs, believing that through signs and dreams God conveys His will to people. The priest Maa was the interpreter of events and celestial omens. He wore a leopard skin over his clothes, black spots on which symbolized the stars. Maa had to begin his work with a certain prayer. The words of the priest Maa were necessarily recorded by the scribe Heri Sesheta - "the chronicler of the sacraments." It should also be noted that the most famous of Maa, the highest seer Ur Maa was Imhotep, who became famous for erecting the step pyramid of Djoser.

It should be noted separately that the work of the priest of Maa should not be confused with magical predictions as such. Maa never tried to know what was not yet. He only sought to find an accurate interpretation of the past event in order to understand the will of God, because all the prosperity of Egypt and its people depended on this.

The priests concentrated in their hands the pursuit of science. Being the most educated class of the population, the priests taught in schools, teaching the children of wealthy families to write, count, and other sciences. Astronomy among the Egyptians was very successful. And although it intersected with astrology, the astrology of that time had nothing in common with divination. It was used for medical and agricultural purposes, exploring the impact of celestial bodies on nature and people's well-being. As such, horoscopes and astrological predictions appeared in Ancient Egypt only in the 1st century BC. It was work in this area that singled out the priests in a separate group, which we will consider further.

Mer Unnut were observers. Amu Unnut were engaged in the interpretation of the movement of heavenly bodies. They picked a good time for sowing and harvesting and told the laity the exact dates of the flood of the Nile. In the libraries of the priestly temples one could find detailed records of astronomical phenomena for many years. Amu Unnut were able to calculate not only the day, but even the minute of the upcoming solar eclipse.

They developed a system of numerical predictions when certain qualities of a person corresponded to a certain figure. So they could know the fate of a person from birth. Later Persian magicians adopted them secret knowledge bondage, and then they appeared in Europe, having received the general name "magic". It was from Amu Unnut that Pythagoras studied at one time, and in his further scientific research he used their numerological teaching. Historical facts confirm that just after returning from Egypt, Pythagoras made many mathematical discoveries, although he probably only reproduced the Egyptian experience.

Herodotus noted the observation of the Egyptians, who were able to identify patterns in natural phenomena and learned to predict events based on this. There was no magic in this case, just logical conclusions based on empirical data.

Also, Herodotus tells us that the Ancient Egyptians were skilled physicians and the most healthy people of the Ancient World. The priests of Senu played a special role in this - this is the category of doctors of Ancient Egypt. Medicine was not just a profession for them, but a sacred science. It is important to understand that, despite the fact that these priests were considered very skilled doctors, not a single treatment was complete without prayer. Healing was interpreted by the will of the Gods, and if a person recovered, then he without fail brought offerings to them in the temple.

In addition, the priests clearly distinguished between divine mysticism based on prayers, worship of the Gods and sacred traditions, and witchcraft, which was practiced by some lay people and exiles. Witchcraft often harmed people, so in ancient Egypt, witchcraft was forbidden. The priest Uab Sekhmet cleansed people from the influence of such sorcerers. He expelled witchcraft forces from houses, areas and restored mental strength person.

You should also pay attention to the temple staff itself, how it was arranged, and how duties were delimited between the priests of Ancient Egypt.

From sources dating back to the era of the Old Kingdom, we learn that the entire temple staff in the schedule of services was divided into two large groups: “hemu netcher” and “khentiu she”. The “hemu nether” included those who were directly involved in the worship, which means that these are actually the priests themselves, and accordingly this group occupied a more significant position among the temple staff. The “khentiu she” team included those whose duties were to supply the temple. The title “khentiu she” extended to temple peasants, gardeners, that is, to everyone who belonged to this temple household. Sometimes representatives of this group were allowed into the sacred premises of the temple, but only in order to clean, clean and strengthen the temple and the statues of the king located in it.

Both priests and ministers who performed their duties were grouped into special "commands" or "detachments", which performed their functions according to temple schedule services and works. At the head of each such unit was a "caretaker of the priests", who had a personal assistant.

At the head of any temple collective was the high priest, but at the same time, each large temple of a particular deity had its own characteristics, expressed both in the specifics of the cult of the deity, and in the priestly charter and titles of the high priests.

It should also be taken into account that only the clergy of the highest rank spent the whole day in sacred labors. People of other professions and junior priests living on the lands of the temple were required to be in the temple to perform religious duties only one month out of four. During their stay in the temple, they led an ascetic life, performed the rite of ablution and gave an abstinence dinner. After this period, they returned home to their daily duties for the next three months. Professional singers and musicians in general lived permanently in their families, because their presence in the temple was required only in certain days, and even then for several hours. The bearers of the highest priestly, male and female, titles had to be constantly in the temple to ensure the daily cult.

Talking about the priestly class, we will also mention how they became priests, what kind of education they received. Unfortunately, on the basis of sources that have come down to us, it is difficult to recreate a complete picture of obtaining the “profession of a priest”, but it can be argued that there were special “schools” at the temples in which future clergymen were trained. In the temples there were even special priests (it nether), who were "teachers" in the priestly school at their temple. There was also a special school in which the future priestesses of Karnak and Luxor were taught writing and music, sacred dance, the rules of worship, and sometimes medicine. A similar educational institution for priestesses operated in Memphis, at the temple of the god Ptah. The students of this school were known for their piety and education, both in Egypt itself and beyond its borders. There were also schools that trained professional priestesses-singers. Apparently, a woman who had a strong beautiful voice chose the temple in which she became a singer. There she received the necessary musical education, learned to play musical instruments, the most popular of which was the harp.

In general, those who were preparing to devote their lives to the service of the gods and goddesses were required to be able to read, write, recognize the images of the gods, know their epithets and attributes, all the myths associated with them and all the rituals related to them. At the end of their training, candidates for priests took an exam. The one who was recognized as worthy to enter the priestly team took off his worldly clothes, he was washed, shaved bald, anointed with incense, and only then, in the sacred priestly robe, he entered the "heavenly horizon", where he approached God in his holy of holies.

Thus, we see that the temple team had a rather complex organization, which included both those who performed purely economic functions - provided the temple with food, monitored cleanliness, and those who directly performed religious rites. Each member of the team had a certain title, which determined the scope of his duties, over the entire priesthood of the temple was the high priest, who could only be appointed by the pharaoh.

However, in addition to these duties, aimed mainly at observing the cult of a particular deity, the priests were also part of the temple courts, which were at all large temples Ancient Egypt. The combination of such essentially different procedures as worship and legal proceedings can be explained, first of all, by the fact that throughout the history of the Ancient East, law was inextricably linked with religion and religious morality. And this means that any legal norm had a religious justification, while any offense was at the same time a violation of the norms of morality and religion.

It should also be taken into account that throughout the history of Ancient Egypt it happened more than once that the priests played a much larger role than just senders of divine rituals. So, some high priests were destined to become the founders of new dynasties of pharaohs.

For example, during the reign of Ramesses IX, a new religious idea was born among the highest Theban priesthood, supported by the high priest of Amun in Thebes - Herihor. According to this view, only those who were really close to God, not only as his "son", but as his high priest, had the right to earthly dominion in Egypt. At this time, the pharaohs practically ceased to perform priestly duties, completely transferring their sacred powers to the high priests who headed the temples.

According to Herihor's view, a pharaoh is simply a human without any special advantage over the gods. Therefore, Herihor, as the high priest, opposes himself to the pharaoh. The extent to which such an ideology took root in the priestly environment is evidenced by the fact that the descendants of Herihor inherited only the priestly title from him, but they did not claim royal dignity. Although Herihor himself, whose official title was "King of Upper and Lower Egypt, the high priest of Amon, the son of Amon - Herihor", endowed himself with the royal title. Here we trace the priesthood as the most influential class of Ancient Egypt, which were able not only to worship and perform certain rituals, but also to influence directly the minds of the main population of Ancient Egypt and the pharaoh in particular.

However, largely due to the high priesthood in Egypt, certain dogmas were spread or, conversely, refuted, on the basis of which the religious ideas of the ancient Egyptians were then formed. It was in the priestly environment at one time that the thesis was born that the pharaoh was the son and protege of God on earth. And later, in the same environment, an ideology was formed, according to which it was not the pharaoh who was closest to God, but the high priest, who supported his cult on earth and therefore had the right to take the royal throne.

Having considered a certain hierarchy of priests, as well as their duties and position in the temple service, their certain mystery in Egyptian society is revealed. They were the center of not only the spiritual component of Ancient Egypt, but also constituted a certain social class, influenced political life society.

In ancient Egypt, the priests were not only the keepers of sacred secrets, but also secular administrators. Studying for the priesthood was serious and difficult. The priests constituted a clearly defined group, the main duty of which was the "service" of one or another deity. The number, influence and wealth of each clergy depended on the degree of influence and power of a particular deity.

As we can see, serving the gods was a rather complex and painstaking task, requiring a large number of people.

The history of the Ancient World is the history of pagan culture, within the framework of which such a part of the population as priests stood out in society. Chosen as an intermediary between people and gods, the priests eventually turned into a privileged class. And the role of priests began to be reduced to deceit and money-grubbing, to manipulating people's minds. If you are asked: "Explain the meaning of the word priest," what would you say?

Who are the priests?

If we turn to the explanatory dictionary, then the priests are clergymen who were engaged in the performance of religious rites, for example, sacrifices, prayers, conspiracies. The history of the priesthood goes back many millennia. This phenomenon originated in the era of primitive society in the Neolithic period. The meaning of the word "priest" is connected with its cognate word "sacrifice", and this is not accidental. After all, not a single ancient pagan rite was performed without a sacrifice: from flowers to a person. And actually the meaning of the word "priest" means nothing more than "offering sacrifice."

Priests in primitive society

Tribal relations in primitive society were regulated by the general meeting of the entire male part of the community, the tribe. Leaders, elders and priests were elected at the assembly. Initially, priests had no additional benefits. They, like other tribesmen, worked for the team. The power of the priests was determined by the respect of his fellow tribesmen for him, trust, his merits and authority. Primitive priests are "accumulators" of the experience, skills and abilities of the tribe, as well as the peculiarities of the worldview and faith of their fellow tribesmen. They passed on the accumulated information from generation to generation.

Priesthood of Ancient Egypt

Priests in ancient Egypt played an important role in the spiritual and moral life of society. The priesthood as an important component of the life of the Egyptians was legalized by the state. The priests were the official representatives of the pharaohs - the children of the sun god Amon-Ra, and performed religious rites in sanctuaries where no one else had access except them and the pharaoh. In all the temples, the pharaoh could not perform the sacraments at the same time, therefore he was replaced by the priests appointed by him for this.

There were also priestesses in ancient Egypt, who were revered as servants of God. They usually served in the temples of the goddesses, who were revered as the foremothers of all things - Hathor and Neith. Most often, women were priestesses in the temples of goddesses, but there were exceptions to the rule: priestesses could also be found in the temple of Min, Ptah, Amun, Horus. Often the priestesses were the daughters of the priests or the Egyptians who wanted to become them.

The priestesses led a reclusive, immaculate life. At the same time, they looked very impressive: they wore expensive clothes and jewelry, wigs and headdresses that distinguished them from ordinary Egyptians, even noble ones. They possessed singing, dancing abilities, knew how to play musical instruments. Very often, images of priestesses with sisters in their hands are found on ancient Egyptian frescoes.

Ancient priests and their role in society

Priests in Ancient Greece played no less important role than in the culture of Ancient Egypt. Initially, any Greek could perform rituals, since everything around him was deified. The Greeks communicated directly with the living spirits of nature.

The history of such a phenomenon as priesthood is associated with a change in the beliefs of the ancient Greeks - from the time when they began to perceive their gods as anthropomorphic creatures, create special temples for them and decorate them with sculptural images that act as idols. In these temples, ministers were required, which became the priests. At first, temples were considered only a "home" for a god, and not a place for ordinary people to pray. The place for sacrifices and prayers of the population was located in the squares where the altars were installed. In the temples of the gods, the intermediaries between people and the god were male priests, and in the temples of the goddesses - women.

The function of the priests in the temple of Apollo at Delphi was not only to offer sacrifices and perform religious rites, but also to interpret the prophecies that the Pythians broadcast from their golden tripod throne, installed above the crevice. In fact, the Pythians themselves were priestesses of the god of sunlight. They were under a long-term narcotic effect from the fumes of the cleft (according to the ancient myth, coming from the decaying serpent Python, killed by Apollo and walled up in the rock), the fumes of the sacred spring and the water with which they quenched their thirst and performed ablutions, and the laurel, on the bedding from which they also slept. the leaves of which were chewed instead of eating for three days before the ceremony. Sitting under a golden conical cap, under which vapors were concentrated and which strengthened and distorted the sound of the voice of the priestesses, they spoke incoherent texts that were interpreted - "translated" by the nearby priests of the sun god. Gradually, the "prophecies" of Pythia began to be used by those in power and well-known military leaders for political purposes.

The priests of this temple, which was also in charge of a huge amount of gold brought as a gift to Apollo by visitors and stored in special buildings-taxaries on the way to the temple, were also God's treasurers. They gradually acquired a special weight, like the priests of the temple of Asclepius.

Brahminism as a manifestation of the priesthood in ancient India

In the culture of Ancient India, a special place was occupied by the varna of the Brahmins - the priests of the god Brahma, born from his mouth. Therefore, it was believed that they possessed a special gift for making prayers - mediating appeal to God from people. To become a brahmin, it is not enough to be born inside a varna. It took a long time to study. The life of a Brahmin went through three main stages: teaching, service, and hermitage.

At the first stage, boys from the age of 7 go to the brahmin's house, where they not only study, but also live, and in exchange for education and accommodation, they do the necessary homework in the teacher's house. In addition, the student of the Brahmin mastered the "code" of communication with the Brahmin teacher. When a student turned 18 and the training ended, his parents gave the Teacher a cow as a token of gratitude.

There are also women among the Brahmins. Unlike male Brahmins, who are prohibited from doing ordinary work, Brahmin women can do light housework and work in the fields. It was the Brahmins who were the collectors of the most ancient knowledge of the Indian tribes. It was from this knowledge that the sacred book of the Indians, the Vedas, or rather its oldest part, the Rig Veda, was formed.

It doesn't matter what culture certain priests belonged to. All of them mediated between people and gods and had access to people with power and wealth. With such power, they skillfully manipulated people both for personal and political purposes.