Table 1. Principles and Functions of the Forty-Two Neteru

dividuals involve themselves in imaginative ways with creative or contemplative endeavors-through art, historical reenactment, and the re-creation of cultural rites and religious ceremonies.

The ancient Egyptians recognized this sense, and found meaningful ways to channel it through everyday life. Temple ritual, drama, and ceremonial events employed nearly all the talents of the culture's artisans, teachers, tradesmen, and intellectuals. Without a strict division between secular and spiritual life, there were few limits on the involvement of all members of society with some aspect of the religious domain. As a result, the ancient temples became spiritual theaters, where creation was reenacted and the subsequent rhythms of nature-procreation, birth, and death-were commemorated. These events took place each year at the gods' great feasts, and each month at the ancestral tombs. And on an hourly basis, the circuit of Solar and Stellar light through the sky was marked by the hour priests to ensure the orderly passage of divine vitality. Thus, the powerful forces evoked by natural and divine acts were solemnized continuously in the temple, either through public festivals or priestly seclusion in the sanctuaries.

Many of the details of Egyptian spirituality were explored in the predecessor to this work, The Sacred Tradition in Ancient Egypt: The Esoteric Wisdom Revealed. But a sacred tradition must be lived to realize the benefit and vital power it possesses. This book is a guide to living that tradition in the Egyptian spirit.

Blessed is the day of homecoming, When the doors of the Great House are open once more.