Invite Isis Over for a Beer — Easy Egyptian Prosperity Magic for Booksellers

The incredible King Tut exhibit is traveling the country (and here in St. Paul, MN, for the summer). My son has a newfound fascination with mummies, thanks to the Pharaoh’s Quest Lego series. And then there’s the recent Egyptian revolution. Is it me, or is Egypt undergoing a surge in popularity that hasn’t occurred since “Tut Mania” in the 1970s?

Seems like the perfect time to get acquainted with Egyptian magic. With the right incentive, you can encourage Horus, Thoth, and other deities to smile down on your store and bless your business with financial success. I’ve invited Claudia R. Dillaire, author of Egyptian Prosperity Magic, to share some simple techniques for busy booksellers.


Four Quick and Easy Prosperity Tips
by Claudia R. Dillaire

Prosperity from the ancient Egyptian point of view was definitely tied to abundant crops, healthy herds, and the continued longevity of their beloved king and land. And, the average Egyptian had very little control over the whole process. Though he was responsible to pay his taxes on his harvest or goods, it was not up to him to make the offerings.

As a solitary Pagan, the responsibility for your own prosperity is squarely on your shoulders. Egyptian magic is different from traditional Pagan paths: color associations vary, destructive gods are worshiped, and coercion and curses are acceptable for incantations. So what can a busy bookseller do to invite prosperity into one’s business?

Here are a few tips, that take little time and effort, but will definitely please the ancient gods:

1. Burn the appropriate incense. Trees and their resins were prized by the Egyptians, specifically frankincense and myrrh. These two were burned daily in the temples. And, don’t forget the spice which was used heavily in ancient Egypt, cinnamon. The wafting smoke of the burning incense will please the noses of the gods.

2. Offerings can be set out to the gods, and one of the most pleasing for the ancient Egyptians was beer. Bread and beer were staples of the diet, even used as payment for the tomb and temple builders. So, when inviting prosperity, don’t be afraid to hoist a cold one to the gods; your offering will surely be appreciated. Other appropriate offerings would be cinnamon sticks, plants of any kind, grapes, dates, or pomegranates.

3. Money did not exist in ancient Egypt; all goods and services were obtained through bartering. That can cause a problem on payday, but bartering is still a viable alternative. Ask a printer if you can barter for services in exchange for the flyers they are printing up for you. Offer to host a writers or book group in exchange for their unique talents and word of mouth advertising.

4. Burning candles is a great way to invite in prosperity. But, the Egyptians had a different take on color associations; appropriate colors for prosperity would be black, green, blue, or white. Black and green were associated with the fertile earth and vegetation. Blue was associated with the life giving Nile River, and white was associated with the ultimate fertility god, Osiris.

Candles and incense burning in an independent bookstore add ambiance and a memorable book buying experience. Major bookseller chains may have fire regulations against open flames, but there is no reason a cinnamon scent air freshener can’t be used. Prosperity magic can be as simple, or as ritualistic, as you choose to make it. And, even the simple act of thanking a customer can have a powerful effect on your business and the gods watching over you.

Claudia R. Dillaire is the author of Egyptian Prosperity Magic. She is a practicing Pagan and has been researching Egyptian magic and religion for twelve years. Dillaire is also a freelance writer and the author of two additional books on Egyptian spells.

Claudia R. Dillaire's favorite bookstore:
“A Magickal Moon in Tempe, Arizona. The owner, Heather, is a friend and neighbor and she makes everyone feel welcome in her store. Whenever in the Valley of the Sun, check her out.”