One of the most studied pyramids in the world is the Great Pyramid of Giza, built in the 26th century BC. This largest of pyramids was the burial place of the pharaoh Khufu (Cheops). The pyramid has always been shrouded in mystery, which is why new theories about its purpose keep appearing.
The facts about the pyramid are astonishing. Using ropes and ramps, its builders managed to haul around 2.3 million stone blocks into place, each weighing about 2.5 tonnes. The pyramid covers an area of over 5 hectares and rose to a height of 146.7 metres.
The construction itself took roughly 20 years.
Inside the pyramid is the pharaoh’s burial chamber, along with two narrow shafts representing the pharaoh’s two possible paths. He could join the “imperishable ones” – the star Alpha Draconis – or travel across the sky with Orion. Every 24 hours, the three stars of this constellation pass in front of the southern shaft, which is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees.
Each shaft gave the pharaoh access to one of the stars to which he departs.
Today, interest in the mystical properties of pyramids has led to claims that they have healing powers and that the pyramid shape in general conceals great power.
Inside a pyramid, it is said, plants grow faster, food keeps longer and meditation nearby produces extraordinary effects.
Research has shown that the burial chamber is made of naturally radioactive granite, with a higher level of gamma radiation. It is believed that this may affect your state of mind and have healing properties.
In Egypt, magic always permeated both life and death. Its influence can be seen in the amulets meant to protect the living and the dead.
The paintings in tombs were not decoration but a message. The Egyptians believed that whatever was written or painted would come true. They believed that showing how the tomb’s owner enjoyed life on Earth would guarantee him earthly pleasures after death.
The Egyptians cared deeply for the soul. The oldest entity associated with the soul is the ka, the life force, which appears at the moment of birth and endures after death. The ka was often regarded as a person’s double or twin. Its well-being depended on how the body was buried and how it looked after death. Tombs were filled with food and household goods.
Another concept of the soul was known as the ba. This was an indestructible spirit that could separate from the body after death, leave the burial chamber, roam the world by day and return to the chamber at night. The ba was usually depicted as a bird with a human head.
At the heart of ancient Egyptian religion was a belief in the power of dreams, which were carefully recorded. Prayers, hymns and spells were written down and placed in tombs to free the souls of the dead and guarantee them safe passage to the next world.
During the Middle Kingdom (2030–1640 BC), spells for important people were written on the sides of wooden coffins; these are known as the Coffin Texts. When the New Kingdom arrived (1550–1079 BC), they were collected in the Book of the Dead.
Scrolls of spells were buried with the dead to protect and guide the soul of the deceased in the other world.
First published (Polish original): 16 May 2010. Written by astrologers and esoteric specialists working with our editorial team; edited and translated for HOROSCOP.SPACE. © All rights reserved.
