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Domestic Cult and Magic Priests

Many Domestic Cult and Magic Priests, aimed  in large part on protecting the home and its inhabitants from harm,  required  literate  or  learned  individuals  to  perform  the  appropriate  rites. Hence, priests were often called upon to serve in this capacity.  Lector-priests, with their specialized knowledge of religious texts,  were  the  principal  practitioners  of apotropaic magic.  They  also  appear to have been consulted in times of medical emergencies, as  the Old Kingdom biography of Wash-ptah attests. A group of men  identified  as  hkyw  ("magicians")  appears  in  association  with  the  House of Life. Both lector-priests and physicians (swnw) also held  specialized  titles  associated  with  specific  types  of  magic,  such  as  "Scorpion Charmer." Along with written and spoken prayers, these  Domestic Cult and Magic Priests were familiar with, and able to produce, the correct amulets  for protection and talismans for blessing.  
 
In the end, the Domestic Cult and Magic Priests played an important role in protecting homes and individuals.

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