Babylonian Magic and Sorcery: Being "the Prayers of the Lifting of the Hand," the Cuneiform Texts of a Group of Babylonian and Assyrian Incantations and Magical Formulæ

Unlock ancient Mesopotamian ritual and belief through translated prayers and ceremonial rites. This volume presents a scholarly edition of cuneiform texts from Babylonian magic and sorcery, offering direct access to prayers, invocations, and accompanying ceremonies dedicated to gods like Ramman, Marduk, and Nabu. The material is organized to reveal how these rites were performed and the language used to invoke divine help. In this edition, you’ll encounter translated prayers and instructions for ceremonies that accompany recitation. The pages show how the texts were structured across tablets, with notes on how fragments are joined and how the prayers were meant to be read aloud in specific states or conditions. The volume also includes remarks on the historical context and the liturgical purpose behind the chants and supplications. What you’ll experience - Translated prayers and ritual instructions that illuminate Mesopotamian beliefs about mercy, protection, and prosperity - Explanations of how ceremonies accompany the recitation of prayers and the role of offerings - Insight into the tablet format, textual arrangement, and scholarly notes that help guide study - A view into the language and phrasing used in ancient invocations to gods such as Ramman and Marduk Ideal for readers of ancient religion, cuneiform studies, and classic texts on magic and ritual. Read more